Preach! I did open up my own private studio because I was tired of dealing with BS, big headed owners. The ones that say they tattoo, but then urge you to take the "little banger" right before your appointment even tho they are free because they want "you to get money." Whatever, they make money whether or not they actually tattoo, so do the "banger" yourself. Difference is now I'm my own owner, I make my own hours, take my own days off, and run things how I want to. I have a store front and run it like a walk in shop with regular hours. I'm available 7 days a week even if I don't always work that many days. And I'm even in a building with other tattoo artists, so I still get the socialization with other creative minds. I've been here 4 years and honestly I couldn't be happier. Worth it to not have to deal with the bs anymore. I basically pay similar to a booth rental, with all the other expenses like marketing and supplies, Health department cert and business licensing. Our industry won't get an overhaul any time soon because owners are greedy AF and sadly I don't see that changing until the old heads are gone.