Inside BlackworkNYC: How Acuity Scheduling Powers a Tattoo Studio Built on Custom Ink
BlackworkNYC is a private tattoo studio in Brooklyn, led by artist Artem Ermochenko, who specializes in fine-line work and microrealism. After a career in architecture and interior design, he shifted his craft to tattooing and built a loyal following for his detailed, custom pieces. For Artem, every client’s idea matters, and so does creating a seamless, professional tattoo booking experience that matches the artistry of his work.
Outgrowing the old-school booking hustle
Tattooing has long carried an open books/closed books mystique, with artists fielding endless direct messages, phone calls, and emails to fill their schedules, and notebooks and cash boxes to manage them. While the exclusivity may spark engagement, it also creates friction for clients.
“A lot of people are still staying on their old experience and not open to new tech, new equipment, and new tips that are very helpful for business nowadays,” Artem reflects.
“I’ve heard stories about artists opening and closing books to create hype, but I don’t prefer that. I have a link and a calendar. Clients can schedule for the next day or next year, and they just choose their date and get on the schedule.”
Running an appointment-only studio, he preferred having a system that simplifies booking, reduces no-shows, and gives clients confidence in his business and his creative vision. That’s what he found in Acuity Scheduling.
The tattoo artist’s booking toolkit
Artem first discovered Acuity while working in other tattoo shops and was drawn to the scheduling software’s ease of use. “We started to use Acuity as a scheduling system,” he says, “but I was familiar with Squarespace and their other products many years before, so it came organically.”
When he opened his own private studio, the choice to continue using Acuity for scheduling was an easy one.
“I think the user experience and user interface works much better than the other platforms. Plus, Acuity’s updating and getting new features time after time. So it’s hooked me, and it’s still doing a good job.”
Today, BlackworkNYC relies on Acuity for:
Scheduling a variety of appointment types that reflect the craft
Tattoo studios need flexible scheduling software that can adapt to different appointment types. Consultations, quick tattoo sessions, half-day sessions, full-day sessions, tattooing with an apprentice… these can all have their own categories with clear timing.
“You can save specific amounts of time for each type of appointment, make breaks between clients, and manage your schedule better,” Artem says. Features like appointment padding and blocked time give him enough space to recharge with his favorite black coffee without running behind. “Scheduling specific breaks between appointments lets me reset or take time between clients.”
Appointment reminders and real-time notifications
Both Artem and his clients get instant updates when appointments are booked, rescheduled, or canceled. “That’s one of the main reasons to stay with Acuity—text, email, and push notifications right away if anything changes. That keeps me up to date.” These automated reminders are a must in any tattoo appointment scheduling software to ensure everyone stays on track.
Deposits and payments built in
Every appointment requires a deposit upfront to book, which helps guarantee client commitment. Artem says this shift alone helps cut down on no-shows. “We take deposits first to secure the spot on the calendar. It also makes clients take the appointment more seriously.” For artists comparing the best tattoo booking software, built-in deposits are often the difference between reliable appointments and lost time.
Custom client intake forms
Intake forms give clients a place to upload their details and share reference images or inspiration before their session, giving Artem the information he needs to design custom work. “It’s helpful to keep clients’ references on file. I create the specific ideas myself, but intake forms give clients ‘homework’ to connect with my art.”
Separate calendars for special occasions
Whether it’s a convention or a guest artist trip, BlackworkNYC can create distinct calendars to keep those bookings separate from day-to-day studio appointments, without losing sight of the big picture. “I use a separate calendar for guest trips or events with specific dates and times. It helps organize everything and avoid mistakes.” This flexibility makes Acuity a powerful tattoo booking app for managing both daily studio sessions and special events.
Standing out in a crowded scene
In a city like New York, where clients have their pick of hundreds of talented tattoo artists, small details matter. Professionalism and clarity can be the deciding factor in whether a client chooses one artist over another.
Artem recalls one experience where Acuity gave him the edge:
“I remember a client I worked with for two or three sessions in a row. When I spoke with him, he explained he had a huge list of preferred tattoo artists. When I sent him the professional website booking system link, it was a huge ‘yes’ for him. That makes you stand out in a much more professional way.”
Acuity also helps Artem protect his time and balance his workload, so he has the freedom to create without distraction:
Break management gives him control and ensures he can reset between long sessions.
Clear pricing and policies reduce the need for back-and-forth conversations.
A streamlined sign-up flow helps clients feel confident and cared for before they even arrive at the studio.
“The whole sign-up process is smooth,” he emphasizes. “Clients see clear pricing and policies. They see all the waivers they need to read and submit, upload references… Everything is custom-made for my business and clients’ needs. It works for everyone.”
Most importantly, Acuity supports his philosophy that booking should feel as seamless and thoughtful as the art itself. “If the product is simple and understandable, it works—and both sides appreciate it.”
Time saved, focus gained
At its core, BlackworkNYC is about experience. From the design process to the final tattoo, Artem strives to make everything as intentional and personal as the art itself. He sees Acuity as a core part of that experience.
“It’s a base with your clientele and your timing. Time is expensive. Clients are priceless. So let’s keep them together.”
Want to give your clients a booking experience that feels as professional as the service you deliver?
Try Acuity Scheduling, the booking software trusted by tattoo artists like BlackworkNYC. It’s free to get started.
