Entrepreneur and Author Sean Dowdell Shares Success Secrets Behind Club Tattoo

The tattoo industry has evolved from a niche subculture into a global phenomenon, with artistry and innovation driving its growth. One such story is the premier luxury tattoo studio, Club Tattoo. Founder Sean Dowdell transformed this single tattoo studio into a multi-million-dollar luxury empire, revolutionizing the tattoo and piercing industry.

Dowdell of Club Tattoo, now known by its new name “Inked,” has redefined the definition of a tattoo and piercing studio. Its quality and safety have elevated the experience from “traditional parlours” to high-end “luxury studios.” This has attracted top talent and discerning clients.

Redefining Trust in the Tattoo Industry

Trust is a cornerstone of any successful tattoo experience, and Sean Dowdell believes it begins with the artist-client relationship. He explains that a trusted tattoo studio, artist, or piercer should not just possess technical skills but must also demonstrate a genuine commitment to their client’s vision and well-being. When they are able to deliver confidence to potential clients, it makes their journey more enjoyable, special, and unforgettable.

Club Tattoo’s operations centre on this philosophy. Led by Sean Dowdell, the company’s artists and piercers are skilled in their craft and trained to guide clients through the design process.

From tattoos to piercings, they create beautiful and long-lasting art. This collaborative perspective certifies that clients receive the tattoo they envision, but better. In addition, they carry and sell only the finest high-quality body jewellery from the best companies worldwide, such as BVLA, Industrial Strength, Kiwi Diamond, Buddha, and more.

“As professionals, we offer input for our client’s tattoo design to make sure our client’s experience is the best it can be,” says Dowdell. “We assure them that we know what we are doing – from the design’s compatibility, right colour, size, location, contour, and all potential issues like fading. We include all these aspects in our mission to bring a VIP treatment to the tattoo and piercing experience.”

Innovation Meets Luxury in Tattoo Experience

Club Tattoo has carved out a unique niche by merging luxury with state-of-the-art technology. Its well-designed studios in high-profile venues, such as The Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes in Las Vegas, offer an elevated experience beyond “traditional tattoo parlours.”

However, Sean Dowdell believes Club Tattoo’s unique inked success is not just about creating a luxurious environment. It is also about continuously exploring new ways to bring fresh methods to the body art world.

For instance, Dowdell holds two patents for jewellery and tool design innovations, and invented micro-dermal anchors. He also created interactive tattoo touchscreen software, which allows clients to explore designs and artist portfolios in a modern, engaging way.

Interactive tattoo differentiates Club Tattoo from its competitors by containing not only a photo/video portfolio function for artists, an endless image library with hundreds of thousands of images, a complete virtual text and font editor, video and photo portfolio layout, and in nine languages.

From the technologies used, Club Tattoo also emphasizes high standards in every aspect of its operation. Club Tattoo’s studios use high-quality, implant-grade materials and implement rigorous safety procedures to maintain professional standards. It also prioritizes the client’s aftercare journey.

This comprehensive process gives clients peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their artistic vision without concerns about safety or cleanliness during and after the tattoo process. When combined, these small details result in an elevated tattoo and piercing experience.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate,” Dowdell shares. “Whether through technology, new techniques, or expanding our range of services, we are committed to always improving and growing so our clients will always have something to look forward to.”

An Entrepreneur’s Success Mindset

Sean Dowdell’s success with “Club Tattoo” and now “Inked” is rooted in his entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to embrace change. Starting his first studio in Tempe, Arizona, in 1995, Dowdell has grown Club Tattoo into a multi-million-dollar enterprise that serves over 100,000 clients annually.

Dowdell has partnered with industry icon Mario Barth, whose resume is equally impressive. Barth founded Intenze Ink and has opened tattoo locations around the world. The two are destined to make another positive impact, setting new standards for quality and innovation within the industry.

Together, Dowdell and Barth have rapidly expanded their footprint, now operating twelve locations in major cities such as New York City, Miami, Las Vegas, Rochelle Park in New Jersey, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe in Arizona, and Houston, and still growing.

“I saw a gap in the market for a high-end tattoo experience,” Dowdell explains. “We wanted to elevate the concept of getting a tattoo or piercing, making it accessible and appealing to a broader audience while maintaining the highest standards of artistry and safety.”

In addition to his role as founder and CEO of Club Tattoo, Dowdell has authored two books. “Tattooed Millionaire,” released in 2017, details his life as a self-made entrepreneur, highlighting his ability to work through many failures and how he worked in the music industry, founding the band Grey Daze with Chester Bennington of Linkin Park.

Meanwhile, his second book, “Brand Renegades: Our Fearless Path from Startup to Global Brand,” came out in 2021. It shares the lessons and concepts learned from building Club Tattoo into a global tattoo empire and outlines broad marketing principles that can be applied in communities for small business owners who are trying to find their niche in competing against larger international brands.

All Eyes on Growth and Innovation

With plans to open 50 locations by 2027 and a goal of expanding with global locations, Dowdell and Barth are up for more success in the tattoo and piercing industry. Club Tattoo’s standing demonstrates that with high standards and innovation, one can establish a luxury body art experience even in a competitive industry.

Sean Dowdell shares, “There’s a growing appreciation for body art, more than ever today; it has grown from an underground art expression to a mainstream fashion statement over the last 20 years. I believe “Club Tattoo” and now “Inked” will be the leaders in this movement and partner with many artists, piercers, and clients to bring their artistic vision to life.”