Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Jordan
Hi Josh, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m from a small town in North Carolina, and my journey with Ink Tools began during the pandemic in February 2021. At the time, my wife and I were running a growing yoga studio, and my tattoo artist Alan, who had become one of my best friends, had just invested in our yoga studio to help is with expanding into a brand-new studio space. Things were looking up for both of us—until everything shut down just three months later. That marked the end of our yoga studio venture, and like so many others during that crazy time, I had to pivot.
Alan hired me to help with emails and admin work at his tattoo studio, and it didn’t take long for me to realize just how challenging booking tattoos could be. Managing the high volume of requests meant juggling client needs, artist-specific requirements, and detailed information like reference photos, body placement, and design specifications. On top of that, I had to coordinate approvals, communicate terms and price estimates, collect retainers, and book appointments—all while handling reschedules and questions. It was chaotic, and there was no software tailored specifically for tattoo artists to make the process easier.
I started testing different software platforms, eventually narrowing it down to four that worked well enough together. With this system, Alan and a few other artists at his private studio began trusting me to virtually manage their bookings. Word spread, and by 2022, we had turned this into a business, managing books for artists across the country. Most of our growth came through word of mouth—artists recommending us to their friends.
By 2023, it became clear we needed to create something bigger: an all-in-one platform tailored specifically for tattoo artists. That’s when we began building Ink Tools, combining and refining the tools we’d been using into a streamlined solution. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited to see where this path takes us next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—there were plenty of bumps and unexpected challenges along the way.
When I started managing bookings for tattoo artists, the learning curve was steep. The process is far more complex than most people realize, and finding ways to streamline it without any tailored tools was an uphill battle. Testing and combining different software was time-consuming, and it often felt like we were piecing together a puzzle that was never quite complete.
On top of that, running a business that grew through word of mouth brought its own challenges. Every new client came with unique needs, and we had to build trust and prove our value over and over again. Scaling the business while keeping up with demand was tricky, especially since we were still refining our systems.
The biggest challenge, though, has been building our software. Neither Alan nor I are developers by trade, so turning our vision into a functional platform meant partnering with the right people and navigating a whole new world of product development. It’s been a test of patience, persistence, and problem-solving, but every challenge has pushed us to improve and grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ink Tools?
Ink Tools is a subscription-based platform designed specifically for tattoo artists. We provide an all-in-one suite of management tools to simplify the day-to-day operations of tattoo studios and artists, whether they’re independent or part of a larger shop. From booking appointments and managing client files to sending invoices and handling messaging, our goal is to help artists focus on their craft instead of getting bogged down in admin work.
What sets us apart is that we’ve walked in the shoes of the artists we serve. Ink Tools was born out of real-world experience working behind the scenes in a tattoo studio, solving the exact pain points that artists face. Everything we’ve built is tailored to their needs, right down to the smallest details.
We’re proud of the trust we’ve earned from artists across the country. Our business started as a simple booking management service and grew purely through word of mouth—proof that we’re addressing a real need in the industry.
More than anything, I want readers to know that Ink Tools is here to support artists. Our mission is to empower them by making the business side of tattooing easier and more efficient. Whether they are just starting out or managing a packed calendar months in advance, our tools are designed to help them thrive.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating meaningful impact—both in the lives of the artists we serve and in the community as a whole. Tattooing is such a personal and transformative art form, and I’ve seen firsthand how much work and care goes into it. Artists deserve tools that make their lives easier, so they can focus on their creativity and connecting with their clients.
I’m also deeply driven by the idea of building something that truly solves a problem. Ink Tools started because there wasn’t anything out there that met the unique needs of tattoo artists, and it means the world to me that we’ve been able to fill that gap. Knowing that our platform can save someone time, reduce stress, or help them run their business more smoothly is incredibly rewarding.
Ultimately, what matters most is people—whether it’s supporting the artists who trust us with their business or fostering a culture of care and connection within the tattoo industry. That’s why everything we do at Ink Tools is rooted in service and understanding.
Pricing:
- $50/Month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://inktools.art/
