3 answers
Nicole
Student
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Is there a school to become a tattoo artist?
#art I love to draw and paint. I am really good at photography and want to show my work. #fine-art
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3 answers
Gannon Belcher
cosmetologist/make-up artist
1
Answer
Redfield, Arkansas
Updated
Gannon’s Answer
Every state is different , so you would probably want to visit the State's Health Department Licensing Board for tattoos/piercing/other body art.
In most states, one does not attend school to become a licensed tattoo artists unless he or she stricly goes for an art dregree.
In order to become a tattoo artist in most states, an apprenticeship is one of the first steps you must take. Doing a formal apprenticeship is like enrolling in a trade school—you do it for the skills and knowledge you will acquire, for the connections you'll make, as a step towards certification, and for your professional résumé.
A tattoo apprenticeship is a way for a student to learn everything they can from an established tattoo artist. It usually starts as a hands-off experience where they are trained on safety, proper sanitation, and how to build a machine. The average apprenticeship takes about 2 years.
In most states, one does not attend school to become a licensed tattoo artists unless he or she stricly goes for an art dregree.
In order to become a tattoo artist in most states, an apprenticeship is one of the first steps you must take. Doing a formal apprenticeship is like enrolling in a trade school—you do it for the skills and knowledge you will acquire, for the connections you'll make, as a step towards certification, and for your professional résumé.
A tattoo apprenticeship is a way for a student to learn everything they can from an established tattoo artist. It usually starts as a hands-off experience where they are trained on safety, proper sanitation, and how to build a machine. The average apprenticeship takes about 2 years.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6130
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Nicole,
Indeed, there are several avenues for those with a passion for becoming tattoo artists.
The journey to becoming a tattoo artist generally involves a blend of formal education, mentorship, and practical experience. Although there isn't a standard academic route akin to traditional degrees, those eager to become tattoo artists can greatly benefit from specialized tattoo art programs or mentorships to acquire the necessary skills and techniques.
Formal Education: Certain art schools and institutions provide specialized courses in tattoo artistry. These programs equip budding tattoo artists with a robust foundation in art theory, design principles, and technical skills pertinent to tattooing. Moreover, formal education aids individuals in cultivating their unique artistic style and portfolio.
Mentorships: A large number of successful tattoo artists kickstart their careers by learning under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Mentorships offer budding tattoo artists the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, gaining practical experience in a real-world tattoo studio environment. During a mentorship, individuals learn about hygiene protocols, equipment usage, client communication, and a variety of tattooing techniques.
Practical Experience: Consistent practice is key to mastering the art of tattooing. Prospective tattoo artists often practice on artificial skin or look for volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience before working on actual clients. Building a compelling portfolio that showcases a variety of styles and techniques is vital for attracting clients and building credibility in the industry.
In summary, although there isn't a single formal school path to becoming a tattoo artist, a blend of formal education, mentorships, and practical experience can equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to carve a career in tattoo artistry.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Tattooing School Guide: This source offers exhaustive information on various tattoo schools, programs, and mentorship opportunities available for individuals keen on pursuing a career as a tattoo artist.
Professional Tattoo Artist Associations: Professional bodies such as the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) or the National Tattoo Association (NTA) provide valuable resources and guidance for budding tattoo artists aiming to break into the industry.
Interviews with Established Tattoo Artists: Insights gleaned from interviews with established tattoo artists offer firsthand experiences and advice on the educational routes and training methods that have proven successful in the field of tattoo artistry.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine.
Indeed, there are several avenues for those with a passion for becoming tattoo artists.
The journey to becoming a tattoo artist generally involves a blend of formal education, mentorship, and practical experience. Although there isn't a standard academic route akin to traditional degrees, those eager to become tattoo artists can greatly benefit from specialized tattoo art programs or mentorships to acquire the necessary skills and techniques.
Formal Education: Certain art schools and institutions provide specialized courses in tattoo artistry. These programs equip budding tattoo artists with a robust foundation in art theory, design principles, and technical skills pertinent to tattooing. Moreover, formal education aids individuals in cultivating their unique artistic style and portfolio.
Mentorships: A large number of successful tattoo artists kickstart their careers by learning under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Mentorships offer budding tattoo artists the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, gaining practical experience in a real-world tattoo studio environment. During a mentorship, individuals learn about hygiene protocols, equipment usage, client communication, and a variety of tattooing techniques.
Practical Experience: Consistent practice is key to mastering the art of tattooing. Prospective tattoo artists often practice on artificial skin or look for volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience before working on actual clients. Building a compelling portfolio that showcases a variety of styles and techniques is vital for attracting clients and building credibility in the industry.
In summary, although there isn't a single formal school path to becoming a tattoo artist, a blend of formal education, mentorships, and practical experience can equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to carve a career in tattoo artistry.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Tattooing School Guide: This source offers exhaustive information on various tattoo schools, programs, and mentorship opportunities available for individuals keen on pursuing a career as a tattoo artist.
Professional Tattoo Artist Associations: Professional bodies such as the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) or the National Tattoo Association (NTA) provide valuable resources and guidance for budding tattoo artists aiming to break into the industry.
Interviews with Established Tattoo Artists: Insights gleaned from interviews with established tattoo artists offer firsthand experiences and advice on the educational routes and training methods that have proven successful in the field of tattoo artistry.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine.
Margarett Anselmo
2
Answers
Updated
Margarett’s Answer
Hey Nicole,
Great Question! I do know a lot about this as I have 2 children that are currently Tattoo Artists . There are schools for Tattoo artists , when choosing the school you want to make sure they are licensed and bonded. If you do attend a school it is important to remember that this is a career choice just like any other and you only get out of it what you put into it. Taking art courses in high school and college in order to learn various skills is a great first step. The Alliance of Professional tattooists recommend that aspiring tattoo artists complete an apprenticeship of at least 3 years , so if you want to become an tattoo artist , you need to be in it for the long haul.
In most states you will need to be licensed and in order to do that you must have the basic skills , training courses are available in many places all over the country . Tattoo Artist training focuses on skin art, basic art techniques, and the use and sanitation of tattoo equipment like the gun, needles and ink.
When starting out most artist will use fruit like Honeydew Melons and grapefruit for tattoo practice, I have also heard of some people using pigs ears and feet.
In order to get your Health License you will need to work in a State certified and registered Studio. When it comes to taking on an apprentice who has attended a school I hear from the artists in the shops that a lot of them would be reluctant to let them start on a "canvas" until they have apprenticed for them for at least 3 to 6 months.
It can be a very lucrative and rewarding job, you can make money at this but just like hair stylist, it takes time to build a following and for the customers to get to trust you to place art on them that the world will be able to see forever.
Go spend the day with your Parents / Guardians approval at a local reputable shop. Ask Questions, watch the interaction between the artists and the clients
Before committing to any school , do your homework , put the research in , Ask Questions, look to past students reach out and email them, how did they like the classes, were they able to get a good gig out of school.
Be patient , this is a career path will take years to become efficient and even longer to master
Great Question! I do know a lot about this as I have 2 children that are currently Tattoo Artists . There are schools for Tattoo artists , when choosing the school you want to make sure they are licensed and bonded. If you do attend a school it is important to remember that this is a career choice just like any other and you only get out of it what you put into it. Taking art courses in high school and college in order to learn various skills is a great first step. The Alliance of Professional tattooists recommend that aspiring tattoo artists complete an apprenticeship of at least 3 years , so if you want to become an tattoo artist , you need to be in it for the long haul.
In most states you will need to be licensed and in order to do that you must have the basic skills , training courses are available in many places all over the country . Tattoo Artist training focuses on skin art, basic art techniques, and the use and sanitation of tattoo equipment like the gun, needles and ink.
When starting out most artist will use fruit like Honeydew Melons and grapefruit for tattoo practice, I have also heard of some people using pigs ears and feet.
In order to get your Health License you will need to work in a State certified and registered Studio. When it comes to taking on an apprentice who has attended a school I hear from the artists in the shops that a lot of them would be reluctant to let them start on a "canvas" until they have apprenticed for them for at least 3 to 6 months.
It can be a very lucrative and rewarding job, you can make money at this but just like hair stylist, it takes time to build a following and for the customers to get to trust you to place art on them that the world will be able to see forever.
Margarett recommends the following next steps: