8 answers
Audrey
Student
5
Questions
Asked
1962 views
Is graphic design a good major for going into tattooing as a career path?
Wondering if anything art related would help to get a head start before learning to take a course
8 answers
Li Panidara
Graphic Designer
5
Answers
Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Updated
Li’s Answer
Hey Audrey!
First things first, graphic design is all about visual communication, playing with fonts, and creating eye-catching designs. Now, imagine those skills translating onto human – pretty rad, right? So, yes, graphic design is not just good; it's like a good major for your tattooing journey.
Here's the scoop: Graphic design courses equip you with a diverse skill set. You'll master the art of composition, learn to create with colors, and understand the language of visual storytelling. All of this is like a treasure chest when you're wielding a tattoo machine. Think about it – a tattoo is not just ink on skin; it's a visual narrative, a tiny masterpiece, and graphic design is your key to unlocking that storytelling magic. The more you understand the language of lines and shapes, the easier it'll be to translate those ideas onto the skin.
Remember, Audrey, the beauty of the tattooing world lies in its diversity. Whether you choose graphic design or an illustration based major, the key is to hone your skills, embrace your unique style, and keep the passion alive. It's not just about the degree; it's about the journey of becoming a tattoo artist, where every line you draw becomes a story etched in someone's skin.
First things first, graphic design is all about visual communication, playing with fonts, and creating eye-catching designs. Now, imagine those skills translating onto human – pretty rad, right? So, yes, graphic design is not just good; it's like a good major for your tattooing journey.
Here's the scoop: Graphic design courses equip you with a diverse skill set. You'll master the art of composition, learn to create with colors, and understand the language of visual storytelling. All of this is like a treasure chest when you're wielding a tattoo machine. Think about it – a tattoo is not just ink on skin; it's a visual narrative, a tiny masterpiece, and graphic design is your key to unlocking that storytelling magic. The more you understand the language of lines and shapes, the easier it'll be to translate those ideas onto the skin.
Remember, Audrey, the beauty of the tattooing world lies in its diversity. Whether you choose graphic design or an illustration based major, the key is to hone your skills, embrace your unique style, and keep the passion alive. It's not just about the degree; it's about the journey of becoming a tattoo artist, where every line you draw becomes a story etched in someone's skin.
Arongomar Hargrove
3D modeling and 3D animation professor
1
Answer
Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico
Updated
Arongomar’s Answer
Hello and good evening,
Without knowing if you have previous experience in drawing but assuming you have basic to intermediate skill in drawing and using a tattoo machine I would say that depends on the curriculum of the class, most of the graphics design classes are concentrated in marketing and the creation of image and branding of a company, I suggest you go with a more arts and craft or a concept artist approach because it would be more suitable as it has a more free way of drawing with out the limitation of having to make a symmetrical logo or typography that is mostly digital as most graphics design classes are done using illustrator and photoshop, the best thing you can take away from a graphics design course is learning color theory, which you can still learn in arts and craft degree.
I suggest you go to a video game or arts and craft universities and college and ask how their drawing classes can benefit to your cause before committed your self and money to one.
Hope this helps you in any way or form.
Without knowing if you have previous experience in drawing but assuming you have basic to intermediate skill in drawing and using a tattoo machine I would say that depends on the curriculum of the class, most of the graphics design classes are concentrated in marketing and the creation of image and branding of a company, I suggest you go with a more arts and craft or a concept artist approach because it would be more suitable as it has a more free way of drawing with out the limitation of having to make a symmetrical logo or typography that is mostly digital as most graphics design classes are done using illustrator and photoshop, the best thing you can take away from a graphics design course is learning color theory, which you can still learn in arts and craft degree.
I suggest you go to a video game or arts and craft universities and college and ask how their drawing classes can benefit to your cause before committed your self and money to one.
Hope this helps you in any way or form.
Garrett Martin
Solutions Specialist
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Garrett’s Answer
Well hello,
I think there would be valuable skills that a graphic design program can provide in the world of tattooing. Part of the curriculum was to take some foundational art classes to understand how lighting works, shading, color theory, etc. Some courses were available at my university like illustrations learning more about drawing characters and appropriate anatomy. I found my experience to be more program/software driven (The Adobe Creative Suite) and understanding multiple disciplines within graphic design (layout design, typography, packaging design, web design, design principles, etc.). If any of those interest you, I'd say it could be worth it.
Honestly, I would research more into majoring in Illustrations or Fine Art. I think you get a little more value out of that education. However, graphic design could help in furthering your knowledge of branding and identity development; which could be very helpful in growing your tattoo artistry brand. I say research the curriculum for both (maybe start as an undefined major) take courses that could count for either major and see if graphic design would be right for you; but in your shoes, I might lean towards Illustrations (something more drawing based).
Hope this helps.
I think there would be valuable skills that a graphic design program can provide in the world of tattooing. Part of the curriculum was to take some foundational art classes to understand how lighting works, shading, color theory, etc. Some courses were available at my university like illustrations learning more about drawing characters and appropriate anatomy. I found my experience to be more program/software driven (The Adobe Creative Suite) and understanding multiple disciplines within graphic design (layout design, typography, packaging design, web design, design principles, etc.). If any of those interest you, I'd say it could be worth it.
Honestly, I would research more into majoring in Illustrations or Fine Art. I think you get a little more value out of that education. However, graphic design could help in furthering your knowledge of branding and identity development; which could be very helpful in growing your tattoo artistry brand. I say research the curriculum for both (maybe start as an undefined major) take courses that could count for either major and see if graphic design would be right for you; but in your shoes, I might lean towards Illustrations (something more drawing based).
Hope this helps.
Marcie Shannon
Graphic Design
2
Answers
Puyallup, Washington
Updated
Marcie’s Answer
The thing about taking graphic design is it opens your knowledge up to so many design aspects. You can learn all about color theory, balance, hierarchy, negative space, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity/variety which are all important to know in illustration as well as graphic design. Before I got my Associate's degree in Digital Design I had been doing design for years but studying these concepts in a more structured way helped me to understand what I had always already known (being a creative person) but was never able to label it. Graphic Design is a really good way to understand art and fundamentals of design which applies to many artistic careers. Best of luck on your journey!
Mary Teraji
12
Answers
Castroville, CA
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Graphic design is a very useful skill to have in your tool kit in general. If tattooing as a career doesn't work out (or is a major public health crisis happens that makes it dangerous for people to meet in person) then you have backup skills.
And yes, not only are designing skills useful, but also the tools like Adobe Illustrator or other various programs are useful in planning a tattoo.
And yes, not only are designing skills useful, but also the tools like Adobe Illustrator or other various programs are useful in planning a tattoo.
Ali Burney
Graphic Designer
1
Answer
Santa Clara, California
Updated
Ali’s Answer
To be blunt: No, it would not be an IDEAL choice for getting into tattoo design.
Graphic Design is like a commercial form of art meant to communicate concrete ideas and make things visually easier for the end user (like ui/ux design).
When I was in college for design you rarely focus on becoming a good artist, but rather on being a great communicator. You would do projects like branding, app design, motion graphics, and print design. There are a lot of overlapping skills like learning how to create reductive illustrations, however I think you are better off going a more traditional art route and taking design courses for fun on the side.
Graphic Design is like a commercial form of art meant to communicate concrete ideas and make things visually easier for the end user (like ui/ux design).
When I was in college for design you rarely focus on becoming a good artist, but rather on being a great communicator. You would do projects like branding, app design, motion graphics, and print design. There are a lot of overlapping skills like learning how to create reductive illustrations, however I think you are better off going a more traditional art route and taking design courses for fun on the side.
Julie Lazarus
Facilitate Workshps
4
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Julie’s Answer
If you're considering a career as a tattoo artist, a program that focuses on illustration or drawing could be incredibly beneficial for you. However, don't overlook the value of graphic design. As someone who began in this field and achieved great success, I can confidently say that graphic design is a fantastic career choice. Every industry needs talented, dedicated, and passionate graphic designers. So, if you have these qualities, you could make a significant impact. I also think Mary had some great ideas she shared as well.
If you have not taken a drawing course I would do so. There are usually free ones in most cities or towns.
Go to the local art museum and start drawing more.
Look into illustration or drawing certificates/degrees
Julie recommends the following next steps:
Jordan Wilk
Statistical Programmer
18
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Jordan’s Answer
Absolutely, pursuing a degree can be beneficial as many courses you'll undertake are centered around fine arts and illustration. These skills can seamlessly transition into tattoo design. While it's true that tattoo artists don't always require a degree, if you're considering one, graphic design or a straightforward studio art degree could be just the ticket! It's all about enhancing your skills and expanding your horizons.
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