3 answers
Luka
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
395 views
What are the requirements to become a tattoo artist?
I want to become a tattoo artist but i don't know what i need to do to get to that goal
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3 answers
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Luka
You've already gotten some good advice here on Career Village. My advice would be to contact local tattoo businesses and ask them your questions. One reviewer made a point of contacting a licensed tattoo artist, and I think that is really important, as being licensed shows a level of professionalism and commitment to their art and craft. You want to do an "informational" interview, so come prepared with a list of questions, maybe bring a drawing or two to show them, and be ready to listen.
Contact tattoo businesses and ask if anyone would be willing to talk to you, and ask when a good time would be to come. As with any interview situation for middle or high school students, I recommend bringing an adult or a parent along.
You don't say what grade you are in school, but I hope you are taking art classes. Good tattoo art features strong linear designs, and tattoo artists need strong and confident drawing skills, so practice drawing using pencils and fine line markers on paper. Draw things that interest you. Go online (Instagram and Google other sites) and look at tattoo art and see what styles and subject matter interests you. Don't just copy what you see online, but improvise and come up with your own original designs. Use a sketchbook to doodle designs and drawings, and start a physical and an online portfolio of your best drawings. Tell your current art teacher about your interest, and see what he or she suggests you do to improve your drawing and design for tattoo art.
Whatever you do, please, please DO NOT practice drawing on yourself or anyone else. The inks used in pens or markers are NOT designed to be used on human skin (unlike tattoo inks), so, please be careful! If you have to do this, draw using eyeliner pencils or other make-up tools. Please, never puncture the skin with any art tool.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes!
You've already gotten some good advice here on Career Village. My advice would be to contact local tattoo businesses and ask them your questions. One reviewer made a point of contacting a licensed tattoo artist, and I think that is really important, as being licensed shows a level of professionalism and commitment to their art and craft. You want to do an "informational" interview, so come prepared with a list of questions, maybe bring a drawing or two to show them, and be ready to listen.
Contact tattoo businesses and ask if anyone would be willing to talk to you, and ask when a good time would be to come. As with any interview situation for middle or high school students, I recommend bringing an adult or a parent along.
You don't say what grade you are in school, but I hope you are taking art classes. Good tattoo art features strong linear designs, and tattoo artists need strong and confident drawing skills, so practice drawing using pencils and fine line markers on paper. Draw things that interest you. Go online (Instagram and Google other sites) and look at tattoo art and see what styles and subject matter interests you. Don't just copy what you see online, but improvise and come up with your own original designs. Use a sketchbook to doodle designs and drawings, and start a physical and an online portfolio of your best drawings. Tell your current art teacher about your interest, and see what he or she suggests you do to improve your drawing and design for tattoo art.
Whatever you do, please, please DO NOT practice drawing on yourself or anyone else. The inks used in pens or markers are NOT designed to be used on human skin (unlike tattoo inks), so, please be careful! If you have to do this, draw using eyeliner pencils or other make-up tools. Please, never puncture the skin with any art tool.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes!
Hollie Gruber
Technical Product Manager
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Hollie’s Answer
Hi Luka,
What a great question, and it's so cool you are exploring how to become a tattoo artist. So I think the best way is to start practicing your art and drawing portfolio! Tattoo artists are after all 'artists'. The more you draw and think about what kinds of designs would make a good tattoo for people the better you will become with your tattoo art!
I also just googled around and found this very helpful article that takes you through a step by step guide: https://theartcareerproject.com/how-to-become-a-tattoo-artist/
The article suggests going to Art School and here are a few art schools that you might like to read more about:
1. https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/visual_art_and_design/
2. https://www.otis.edu/art-design-programs?utm_source=&utm_medium={cpc}&utm_term=art%20university&utm_campaign={AN_General_CT_SOCAL}&gclid=CjwKCAjw1ICZBhAzEiwAFfvFhJY1CMUdPP4rPxPvscJgxx7fd-jnjTIhmxKZKOEih10VuRwZ2DHpOxoCVj4QAvD_BwE
3. https://www.artcenter.edu/academics/undergraduate-degrees/illustration/overview.html
4. https://www.coursera.org/specializations/graphic-design
I hope this information comes in handy. Best of luck to you on your career journey!
Hollie
What a great question, and it's so cool you are exploring how to become a tattoo artist. So I think the best way is to start practicing your art and drawing portfolio! Tattoo artists are after all 'artists'. The more you draw and think about what kinds of designs would make a good tattoo for people the better you will become with your tattoo art!
I also just googled around and found this very helpful article that takes you through a step by step guide: https://theartcareerproject.com/how-to-become-a-tattoo-artist/
The article suggests going to Art School and here are a few art schools that you might like to read more about:
1. https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/visual_art_and_design/
2. https://www.otis.edu/art-design-programs?utm_source=&utm_medium={cpc}&utm_term=art%20university&utm_campaign={AN_General_CT_SOCAL}&gclid=CjwKCAjw1ICZBhAzEiwAFfvFhJY1CMUdPP4rPxPvscJgxx7fd-jnjTIhmxKZKOEih10VuRwZ2DHpOxoCVj4QAvD_BwE
3. https://www.artcenter.edu/academics/undergraduate-degrees/illustration/overview.html
4. https://www.coursera.org/specializations/graphic-design
I hope this information comes in handy. Best of luck to you on your career journey!
Hollie
Olivia Young
Graduate Student
4
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi Luka!
The most important step to becoming a tattoo artist would be to get an apprenticeship with a licensed professional. But prior to this, you would need to be proficient in drawing and build a portfolio of finished art to showcase your work. Make sure that these are finished pieces, things that you could potentially tattoo but also things that would showcase your talent. Competition is high, and I would definitely recommend developing your own unique style!
After you've developed a portfolio, do some research on artists in your area (their bio, their work, etc) and then approach them in person to talk about an apprenticeship. Just a heads up, you will most likely have to pay for an apprenticeship. Once you spend a couple of years as an apprentice, you will then need to get certified as a licensed professional (requirements vary between states).
Here are some helpful articles:
1. https://tatring.com/getting-tattooed/GetATattooApprenticeship
2. https://tattooing101.com/learn/guides/how-to-get-a-tattoo-apprenticeship/
3. https://tattooing101.com/learn/tattoo-license/south-carolina/
South Carolina state laws: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t44c034.php#:~:text=(A)%20A%20tattoo%20artist%20must%20be%20at%20least%20twenty%2D,Aid%20Certification%20and%20Adult%20Cardiopulmonary
All the best on your journey!
Master drawing / your own style
Create a professional portfolio
Reach out to tattoo artists to inquire about an apprenticeship
Research state certification requirements
The most important step to becoming a tattoo artist would be to get an apprenticeship with a licensed professional. But prior to this, you would need to be proficient in drawing and build a portfolio of finished art to showcase your work. Make sure that these are finished pieces, things that you could potentially tattoo but also things that would showcase your talent. Competition is high, and I would definitely recommend developing your own unique style!
After you've developed a portfolio, do some research on artists in your area (their bio, their work, etc) and then approach them in person to talk about an apprenticeship. Just a heads up, you will most likely have to pay for an apprenticeship. Once you spend a couple of years as an apprentice, you will then need to get certified as a licensed professional (requirements vary between states).
Here are some helpful articles:
1. https://tatring.com/getting-tattooed/GetATattooApprenticeship
2. https://tattooing101.com/learn/guides/how-to-get-a-tattoo-apprenticeship/
3. https://tattooing101.com/learn/tattoo-license/south-carolina/
South Carolina state laws: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t44c034.php#:~:text=(A)%20A%20tattoo%20artist%20must%20be%20at%20least%20twenty%2D,Aid%20Certification%20and%20Adult%20Cardiopulmonary
All the best on your journey!
Olivia recommends the following next steps: