How to Become a Tattoo Artist
Table of Contents
Image courtesy of Guillaume Grimaud @ Unsplash.com
So you want to become a tattoo artist? Awesome!
But before you throw yourself whole-hearted into the tattoo industry, you should know that there’s a lot of fierce competition in the world of tattoos.
Any tattoo artist, in any tattoo shop, will tell you that much!
So while there’s nothing wrong with following your dreams of wanting to become a tattoo artist, just know that you’ve got a long way to go.
Below, we’re exploring how to become a tattoo artist, starting from learning all about the body art industry and securing a tattoo apprenticeship, through to learning how to tattoo on pig skin, getting licensed and even maybe opening your own tattoo studio one day!
The Career Path Of A Modern Tattoo Artist
Not all tattoo artist are going to have the same career path.
Some tattoo artists are born into tattoo culture, having either a mother, father, or family member who is an artist, while others are self-taught, having to start at the bottom and work their way up the ladder one rung at a time.
So if you truly want to become a tattoo artist, we just want to remind you that there’s nothing wrong with doing it your own way.
That said, the steps outlined below aren’t necessarily for everyone.
However, they are important steps in honing your skills and mastering your craft.
So it’s best to consider each step as a crucial piece of making your tattoo artist dreams come true.
Image courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez @ Unsplash.com
1 – Networking With Other Tattoo Artists
One of the first steps you should take is to get out there and learn everything there is to know about the tattoo industry.
If you want to become a tattoo artist, we strongly recommend attending tattoo conventions, networking with other artists and tattoo fanatics, visiting reputable tattoo shops, and just taking in as much as you possibly can.
Like any industry, the tattoo industry has all sorts of different aspects to it that you’ll need to know about if you want to do this as a career.
So get out there, get your feet wet, and start taking the first steps towards your future career.
2 – Getting A Tattoo Apprenticeship
Almost every professional tattoo artist career started out with a tattoo apprenticeship, which is sometimes referred to as tattoo school.
The laws that govern tattoo apprenticeships vary from state to state.
But they all require a minimum number of working hours to be completed under the supervision of a licensed tattoo artist.
Tattoo apprentices are often tasked with doing menial chores around the tattoo shop, such as tracing outlines of tattoo styles or designs (often over and over and over again), making photocopies, working the front desk, or even taking out the trash.
While these chores may feel like they’re useless, tattoo apprentices have an inside seat, giving them the ability to get up close and personal with the job they one day hope to have.
The challenge here is that it’s often hard to find a reputable tattoo shop that’s willing to take you on as an apprentice.
And that’s why step 1 is so crucial!
Image courtesy of Motoki Tonn @ Unsplash.com
By networking with other artists and tattoo lovers, you’ll have a better chance of knowing what shops are looking for upcoming artists.
And if you really want to become a tattoo artist, you should be willing to put in the time, not only finding a professional tattoo artist to take you under their wing, but also to learn about common tattoo styles, tattoo placement, tattoo meaning, and just how a tattoo shop works from day to day.
No matter what, if you’re just getting started in your career, it’s going to be a while before you can practice tattooing on real people.
And even once you do, you might be doing free tattoos for a while, at least until your mentor feels that you’re ready for the big leagues.
3 – Taking Art Classes
If you’re serious about your craft, we strongly suggests that you enroll in a few art classes to help you hone your artistic skills.
No, you don’t need to enroll in art school.
But we do recommend that you take some type of classes that can help you improve your drawing skills.
Most successful tattoo artists agree that very few are self-taught artists.
Most have taken classes, studied under mentors, and have devoted a great deal of time sharpening their artistic ability over the years.
Tattoo art is a particular art style, but it still shares many commonalities with other forms of visual art.
And the best part about taking art classes is that you’ll have the opportunity to learn about different styles and art forms, all while practicing and improving your own drawing skills to further your career as a tattoo artist.
One day, we’re sure you’re going to be creating visually-stunning tattoos.
But for now it’s time to hit the books, learn about new and different art skills and hone your drawing abilities to the best of your capabilities.
Image courtesy of Elena Mozhvilo @ Unsplash.com
4 – Learn To Use Tattoo Equipment
Just like the master painter uses a brush, the master tattoo artist uses a tattoo gun.
So if you’re going to draw tattoos one day, it’s best to get familiar with the different types of tattoo machines that you might see throughout your time in the industry.
Before they became professionals, many tattoo artists spent their days taking apart and rebuilding tattoo machines, just getting to know how they work.
Then, before they ever get the chance to tattoo a person, many tattoo apprentices will practice their tattoo skills on pig skin, which is very close in texture and elasticity to human skin
Either way, if you’re serious about a career as a tattoo artist, you’re going to need to get yourself some tattoo equipment, a tattoo gun, and some other basic supplies to get started.
5 – Understand Safety And The Risk Of Bloodborne Illnesses
While tattooing might seem like it’s all fun and games, it’s a very serious practice.
Because you’ll often be in contact with other people’s blood, any experienced tattoo artist will tell you that blood safety in tattoo artistry is no laughing matter.
Becoming a tattoo artist requires that you take health and safety courses, and that you learn how to properly use an autoclave to sterilize your equipment.
Some of the most common safe courses that you might need to take include:
-
First Aid
-
CPR
Depending on the state you’re in, you may also need to get vaccinated against common bloodborne illnesses like Hepatitis B
Never forget that high quality tattoos always start with clean and sterile equipment.
Image courtesy of Anirudh @ Unsplash.com
Building Up Your Portfolio
Once you’ve gained some experience, have secured a tattoo apprenticeship, and understand the intricacies of tattoo safety, it’s time to create high quality tattoo portfolios that showcase your own art.
Whether or not you’ve actually been doing tattoos doesn’t matter.
Every successful tattoo artist starts out by building up their portfolio one piece at a time.
For those who don’t know you, your portfolio acts as a resume by showcasing your artistic skills as an established artist.
Your portfolio could be a physical binder filled with your past work.
But you can also go the digital route, by building an online portfolio on a professional website.
Either way, your portfolio is vital for your career growth.
So don’t forget to curate it carefully and update it from time to time.
Get A Tattoo Artist License
Once you’ve completed the minimum number of hours for your apprenticeship, it’s time to take the next step to become a tattoo artist:
Get a tattoo artist license!
There are no federal laws governing the industry, so you’ll have to check your local state laws to learn more about licensing.
Before you become a licensed tattoo artist, you’ll need proof of your apprenticeships hours, certificates of completion for the health and safety courses required by your state, and you may even have to take a state-mandated examination and pay licensing fees.
Most tattoo shops require you get your license before you can book any clients under their name.
By now you’re well on your way to becoming a professional licensed tattoo artist!
Image courtesy of Maria Oswalt @ Unsplash.com
Opening Your Own Tattoo Studio
Once you get your tattoo license, you’ll be ready to start booking clients under your own or your shop’s name, and creating all the visually-stunning tattoos you’ve always dreamed of!
You may want to continue working at the tattoo shop where you completed your apprenticeship.
But as a licensed tattoo artist, you’re free to move around in your career, work at different shops, or even open your own studio.
Although it’s not impossible to open your own tattoo shop immediately after completing your tattoo apprenticeship, shop owners typically put in at least a few more years working under another shop before striking out on their own.
Either way, you can now call yourself a successful tattoo artist!
But your tattooing journey is far from over, my friend!
Remember that the industry is massive and it’s constantly shifting and evolving.
And that’s why it’s important to never stop learning!
Keep attending tattoo conventions and taking art classes.
Study the history and learn about when were tattoos invented.
And just keep working towards becoming the tattoo artist that you’ve always wanted to be!
Frequently Asked Questions – How To Become A Tattoo Artist
Now that you’ve become a tattoo artist, it’s time to give back some of what you’ve learned to other aspiring tattoo artists like the younger version of yourself.
Below, we explore some frequently asked question about how to become a tattoo artist.
Image courtesy of Siednji Leon @ Unsplash.com
What are some of the best skills and qualities I’ll need to become a tattoo artist?
Basic art and design skills are essential to this type of career. But you’ll also need to have good concentration skills and attention to detail, the ability to work with your hands, flexibility and ambition, and since you’ll be working closely with the public, good verbal communication skills are also an essential piece of the puzzle.
How much will I make if I decide to become a tattoo artist?
Tattoo artist wages vary depending on a number of factors, such as location, experience, tattooing style and expertise, whether you operate your own studio or not, and how much your clients tip you at the end of their tattoo sessions. According to Indeed, the average salary for a tattoo artist in the US is about $64,000 per year.
How can I practice tattooing without getting a tattoo apprenticeship?
Many aspiring tattoo artists will buy their own tattoo gun, tattoo ink, and practice on piece of pig skin. While this is not an exact substitute for tattooing a living human being, pig skin is very close in texture and consistency to human skin.
Do I need to go to college or attend art school to become a tattoo artist?
No, you will not need to attend college or art school to become a tattoo artist. However, you will need to complete a tattoo apprenticeship, which in some ways can be considered tattoo school. Different states require different numbers of apprenticeship hours to be completed under the supervision of a licensed tattoo artist before you’ll be able to get your own tattoo license.
Looking to design your own tattoo styles, outlines, and ideas? Try our awesome AI tattoo generator today!
