Interview with Christian Co-Owner of Ghost Tattoo Co.

Ghost Tattoo Co develops and manufactures high-performance tattoo equipment, cartridges, and inks. The company prides itself on being artist founded and artist led, with the focus of everything they create being for the benefit of the artist and tattoo community!

We love how their disposable trays, coming in a range of cool shapes, allow artists to show their personality with their set up!

We got to speak to Christian Moore, co-owner of Ghost Tattoo Co, about the story behind the company name, how they’ve come up with the ideas for their insanely cool products, and the company’s future plans.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey into the tattoo industry? What inspired you to start Ghost Tattoo Co?

Honestly, I was tattooing on a tray one day and hated how clunky and cheap it sounded as I was wheeling it around. I felt like I using something cheap in front of the client, especially when all my other tools were of high quality. So, I called up my buddy Tyler, who is a mechanical engineer, and asked if he would be into creating some cool products for the tattoo industry!

How did you come up with the name "Ghost Tattoo Co"? Is there a story behind it?

I love Ghost Pokémon and the name Ghost, so I thought it would be cool. My tattoo shop is named Mimik Tattoo from the Ghost Pokémon Mimikyu.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when establishing Ghost Tattoo Co, and how did you overcome them?

Right away we underestimated the demand for Ghost products. We were easily overwhelmed. Personally, I underestimated Tyler’s ability to evolve as an engineer and make a superior product right after launching one.

That’s why with our newest models, we offered upgrade fees instead of making an artist buy a new model. Luckily, we hit the apex of the Ghost Trays and Armrest models so we will just be doing additions to them!

What sets Ghost Tattoo Co apart from other companies selling tattoo products?

We are two dudes who just want to make cool stuff. There’s nothing that controls how we operate. We listen to what artists want and if there is a demand we will make it.

How would you describe the culture at Ghost Tattoo Co? What values do you prioritise?

We just want to support artists that want to get better and give them the right tools to help them succeed in that journey. Money is a byproduct of you prioritising the artists and this industry.

How did you come up with the idea for the modular mayo tray system, and how does it enhance the tattoo experience for artists and clients?

I think magnets are such a versatile tool. Modular systems help for expenses to not pile up on the artists. With the modular system, if your tray top breaks, you just have to replace a top and not the whole system. If your arm pad is damaged, you are just buying a new pad and not a whole new arm rest.

Also, it’s great for cleaning/ keeping things ordered and hygienic as you can pick up your tray by itself and wipe down or wrap and put back on the magnets.

How did you choose the specific tray top shapes available, such as the heart, cloud, and coffin?

I’m a gigantic dude who loves hearts and cute things. I express that with my tattoos and want to express that with my working products. I feel like tattoo artists love to express themselves too. Some love dark things, some glittery things. We listen and we make, that is our motto.

What improvements have you made upon the previous build of the Demon Armrest?

The new Demon Arm is a beast. We quickly realise the V1 model was good but not great. We don’t like that, so we added thumbscrews instead of magnets for a sturdier feel, tripod style legs for all flooring environments, and a new, bigger thicker pad.

The best part is the swivel tech which allows artists to move their pad on the fly instead of changing out their gloves and checking each notch to see if it works.

How do you incorporate the feedback you receive into the creation of new products?

It’s 100% on how we build our next products. We have tons of ideas, but I want to know what artists want to make their lives easier. I don’t just want to make a cool product. We want to make the most practical products.

What process do you follow to ensure the quality of your products?

Now we use a third-party quality control during manufacturing. Tyler, our co-owner and mechanical engineer, is on site during production to make sure things go smoothly. He is our eyes and ears in the company since he is the one that builds the products from scratch.

What do the tattoo artists part of the Ghost Gang bring to Ghost Tattoo Co? How do you support them in their journey?

They are the homies - close friends and supporters of Ghost Tattoo Co! We are here for them just as much as they are for us inside and outside the tattoo industry.

Do either of you have tattoos yourself? If so, do you have any favourites? If not, which artists would you be tempted by?

I’m tattooed head to toe. Tyler has zero tattoos. He is working with an artist at the shop to start his right arm so we are excited for the initiation!!

What are your favourite conventions to visit with the Ghost Tattoo Co?

Anime Ink Con has been one of the best conventions to go to for us, experience wise.

We have heard Big London is amazing too and we would love to show up at Gods of Ink in 2025.

What are some of the most important lessons you've learned about running a business selling tattoo products?

Don’t let the hype train fool you. Don’t let a negative review fool you. Stay the course.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own tattoo business?

Customer service and a great product is your driving force of your company. Everything else comes after that.

What do you enjoy most about being a co-owner of Ghost Tattoo Co?

Working with one of my best friends every day. It’s the best feeling.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Boxing, playing video games and collecting Pokémon cards.

How do you see the tattoo industry evolving in the next few years, and how does Ghost Tattoo Co plan to adapt?

I know artists aren’t going to just shop for convenience, they will shop based off of company’s core values. So, it’s important for a company to express that in words and actions which we are always aiming to do.

How do you stay motivated and continue pushing boundaries in such a competitive industry?

I’m just disciplined, motivation helps sometimes!

What are your goals for Ghost Tattoo Co in the coming years? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?

We’ve got some fun shapes for trays, add ons for our equipment and fun collaborations in 2025. New products will be the reaper, disposable trays and some more fun – watch this space!