6 answers
Nova
Student
Amherst, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
962 views
Any tips on becoming a tattoo artist?
I've wanted to be one since I was a kid, but I don't know much about the practice.
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6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Nova you can’t become a tattoo artist overnight, and you surely won’t master it after watching one or two tattooing videos. Every experienced tattoo artist will tell you that it takes dedication and time. There are lots of things to learn, from the customer service aspect to hygiene, and to actual tattooing.
DEVELOP YOUR ART SKILLS
Consider taking art classes to learn about the elements and principles of art. You can also start practicing on your own by drawing in sketchbooks and experimenting with patterns, shading and techniques. The more time you spend drawing, the more you can refine your style. Being able to create interesting, beautiful sketches and artworks on paper is an important first step before you can convince a mentor to teach you to tattoo someone's skin. Understanding the basics of composition, value, texture and line can give you the fundamentals to create compelling design and show licensed tattoo artists that you have the potential to be successful in their shop. It can also make it easier for you to prepare an interesting portfolio of tattoo designs.
PRACTICE COMMON TATTOO ART STYLES
Look at pictures of tattoos and research common tattoo styles to learn how to apply your knowledge of art to the tattoo industry. When you approach a tattoo artist about an apprenticeship, it's useful to have pieces in your portfolio that emulate popular styles of tattoo art to show that you can provide clients with pieces that interest them. It's also a good idea to explore popular script and lettering styles that tattoo artists use when inking words and phrases on their clients.
PREPARE A PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
Once you choose the works to feature in your portfolio, assemble them so you can display them to potential employers. It's a good idea to have both an online and a physical copy of your portfolio so you can connect with tattoo artists digitally and in person. Scan your pieces and upload them to a professional website with an online gallery. Then, purchase a portfolio book with a hard case and sheet protectors and display your artwork. You can bring this book with you to tattoo shops as an easy way to advertise your skills to potential mentors.
SEEK TATTOO APPRENTICESHIP
When you're ready to begin a tattoo apprenticeship, start planning your finances. Although some tattoo apprenticeships offer payment, most are unpaid opportunities. Many tattoo apprentices even cost money for the education you receive from the artist. Because tattoo apprentices work full-time learning to tattoo without getting paid, it's important to have a plan for income. Saving up to support yourself or securing a flexible part-time job is essential for ensuring that you can complete your apprenticeship.
Hope this will be helpful Nova
DEVELOP YOUR ART SKILLS
Consider taking art classes to learn about the elements and principles of art. You can also start practicing on your own by drawing in sketchbooks and experimenting with patterns, shading and techniques. The more time you spend drawing, the more you can refine your style. Being able to create interesting, beautiful sketches and artworks on paper is an important first step before you can convince a mentor to teach you to tattoo someone's skin. Understanding the basics of composition, value, texture and line can give you the fundamentals to create compelling design and show licensed tattoo artists that you have the potential to be successful in their shop. It can also make it easier for you to prepare an interesting portfolio of tattoo designs.
PRACTICE COMMON TATTOO ART STYLES
Look at pictures of tattoos and research common tattoo styles to learn how to apply your knowledge of art to the tattoo industry. When you approach a tattoo artist about an apprenticeship, it's useful to have pieces in your portfolio that emulate popular styles of tattoo art to show that you can provide clients with pieces that interest them. It's also a good idea to explore popular script and lettering styles that tattoo artists use when inking words and phrases on their clients.
PREPARE A PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
Once you choose the works to feature in your portfolio, assemble them so you can display them to potential employers. It's a good idea to have both an online and a physical copy of your portfolio so you can connect with tattoo artists digitally and in person. Scan your pieces and upload them to a professional website with an online gallery. Then, purchase a portfolio book with a hard case and sheet protectors and display your artwork. You can bring this book with you to tattoo shops as an easy way to advertise your skills to potential mentors.
SEEK TATTOO APPRENTICESHIP
When you're ready to begin a tattoo apprenticeship, start planning your finances. Although some tattoo apprenticeships offer payment, most are unpaid opportunities. Many tattoo apprentices even cost money for the education you receive from the artist. Because tattoo apprentices work full-time learning to tattoo without getting paid, it's important to have a plan for income. Saving up to support yourself or securing a flexible part-time job is essential for ensuring that you can complete your apprenticeship.
Hope this will be helpful Nova
ian villebrun
Correctional specialist
115
Answers
Mountain Iron, Minnesota
Updated
ian’s Answer
Embarking on the journey to become a tattoo artist can be quite an adventure, and it calls for a blend of artistic flair, technical mastery, and entrepreneurial savvy. It's not just about being a talented artist; it's about transforming your stunning designs into beautiful body art, a process that can be intricate and demanding. Let's delve deeper into this:
Artistic Skill: Cultivating a robust foundation in drawing and design is vital. You'll be tasked with crafting unique and captivating tattoo designs that truly connect with your clients.
Technical Proficiency: Grasping the technical side of tattooing is crucial. This encompasses understanding machine operation, sterilization procedures, and safety guidelines. As a tattoo artist, you'll be instrumental in guaranteeing the safety and cleanliness for your clients.
Business Acumen: Beyond the realm of creativity, tattoo artists also need to navigate the world of business. This includes cultivating a loyal client base, marketing your unique skills, and managing your finances effectively.
Apprenticeship: Many budding tattoo artists kick-start their journey by learning from seasoned professionals. This apprenticeship period can span from one to three years, during which you'll dedicate countless hours, unpaid, to perfecting your craft and building an impressive portfolio.
Licensure: To practice tattooing legally, you'll need to secure a tattoo artist license. This involves fulfilling specific criteria set by regulatory authorities. Safety and cleanliness are of utmost importance in this profession.
Communication Skills: Establishing a strong connection with clients, comprehending their desires, and skillfully converting their ideas into visually stunning tattoos are key to your success.
Artistic Skill: Cultivating a robust foundation in drawing and design is vital. You'll be tasked with crafting unique and captivating tattoo designs that truly connect with your clients.
Technical Proficiency: Grasping the technical side of tattooing is crucial. This encompasses understanding machine operation, sterilization procedures, and safety guidelines. As a tattoo artist, you'll be instrumental in guaranteeing the safety and cleanliness for your clients.
Business Acumen: Beyond the realm of creativity, tattoo artists also need to navigate the world of business. This includes cultivating a loyal client base, marketing your unique skills, and managing your finances effectively.
Apprenticeship: Many budding tattoo artists kick-start their journey by learning from seasoned professionals. This apprenticeship period can span from one to three years, during which you'll dedicate countless hours, unpaid, to perfecting your craft and building an impressive portfolio.
Licensure: To practice tattooing legally, you'll need to secure a tattoo artist license. This involves fulfilling specific criteria set by regulatory authorities. Safety and cleanliness are of utmost importance in this profession.
Communication Skills: Establishing a strong connection with clients, comprehending their desires, and skillfully converting their ideas into visually stunning tattoos are key to your success.
Kelly Desso
Protective Services
226
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Nova,
Are you planning on staying in Massachusetts? If not make sure you are looking at licensing requirements specific to the state that you will work in.
In MA, both apprentices and artists need a body art practitioners license. If the services you provide include microblading, piercing, or others, they are extra add-ons. The major expectation from the state is keeping the public safe from preventable diseases, so they ask for CPR, first aid, and blood borne pathogens (BBP) courses. Generally, the CPR/first aid certifications are good for two years, the BBP course I have to do for my job is annual. The extra requirement for MA residents is the proof of passing a college level Anatomy and Physiology course. If you took this in high school, you will already have a foundation in it!
The apprentices do a two year, full time program and this sheet from the state gives a break down of what needs to complete to graduate to full practioner status. https://www.cambridgepublichealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/tattoo-apprentice-task-sheet.pdf
Look for an idol in your area. Who do you admire? Which artist would you want to learn from for that volume of time?
Are you planning on staying in Massachusetts? If not make sure you are looking at licensing requirements specific to the state that you will work in.
In MA, both apprentices and artists need a body art practitioners license. If the services you provide include microblading, piercing, or others, they are extra add-ons. The major expectation from the state is keeping the public safe from preventable diseases, so they ask for CPR, first aid, and blood borne pathogens (BBP) courses. Generally, the CPR/first aid certifications are good for two years, the BBP course I have to do for my job is annual. The extra requirement for MA residents is the proof of passing a college level Anatomy and Physiology course. If you took this in high school, you will already have a foundation in it!
The apprentices do a two year, full time program and this sheet from the state gives a break down of what needs to complete to graduate to full practioner status. https://www.cambridgepublichealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/tattoo-apprentice-task-sheet.pdf
Look for an idol in your area. Who do you admire? Which artist would you want to learn from for that volume of time?
Chasity Boshers
Senior Analyst
5
Answers
Smyrna, Tennessee
Updated
Chasity’s Answer
From my knowledge you typically can complete an apprenticeship with a current tattoo artist to become one yourself. I also believe you have to complete a health certification depending upon your state requirements. I would contact a local tattoo artist and ask them for where is the best place to start with seeking out information on an apprenticeship and how it works.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nova !
I have looked into tattooing for some other students and I can tell you that there are no "tips", rather a definite path towards becoming a tattoo artist. You will first need to be 18 years old to actually work on someone's skin.
I have recommended that people go to college for at least an Associates Degree in Art, at which time business classes can also be part of your study. A lot of people who do tattooing and piercing open their own salon or work freelance, so eventually you may want to be able to do so. If you don't want to go the college route, you can go to actual tattoo school. There aren't very many in the United States, but you will definitely need a structured, in-person education as you will be a direct service working on people's bodies. You'll also want to be able to ace the licensing and or certification exams. Read about tattoo schools here : https://tattooing101.com/learn/tips-advice/tattoo-schools-faqs/ I do not see any Tattoo Schools in MA, but you can ask around at tattoo businesses. Going for your Associates Degree in Art would be the alternative and you'd meet connections while in college majoring in Art.
As for learning through an apprenticeship/internship, that is good but you have to be chosen for that. You could start mingling in the tattoo community now so people will get to know you and when it comes time to choose apprentices, you would not be a stranger to them and you may get chosen quicker than if no one knew you. Mostly everything you will need to learn can be taught through tattoo school or the apprenticeship. Just like every other career, it is a step by step process and tattooing is much more than drawing with ink on skin. There's a substantial amount to learn.
Consider adding to your tattooing skills with henna tattoos which you can read more about online. Also consider learning piercing to be able to offer the most when you start to freelance or open a salon of your own. It will be a business and you should think about offering as much as you can to increase your financial opportunities.
I hope that this has helped and I wish you all the best !
I have looked into tattooing for some other students and I can tell you that there are no "tips", rather a definite path towards becoming a tattoo artist. You will first need to be 18 years old to actually work on someone's skin.
I have recommended that people go to college for at least an Associates Degree in Art, at which time business classes can also be part of your study. A lot of people who do tattooing and piercing open their own salon or work freelance, so eventually you may want to be able to do so. If you don't want to go the college route, you can go to actual tattoo school. There aren't very many in the United States, but you will definitely need a structured, in-person education as you will be a direct service working on people's bodies. You'll also want to be able to ace the licensing and or certification exams. Read about tattoo schools here : https://tattooing101.com/learn/tips-advice/tattoo-schools-faqs/ I do not see any Tattoo Schools in MA, but you can ask around at tattoo businesses. Going for your Associates Degree in Art would be the alternative and you'd meet connections while in college majoring in Art.
As for learning through an apprenticeship/internship, that is good but you have to be chosen for that. You could start mingling in the tattoo community now so people will get to know you and when it comes time to choose apprentices, you would not be a stranger to them and you may get chosen quicker than if no one knew you. Mostly everything you will need to learn can be taught through tattoo school or the apprenticeship. Just like every other career, it is a step by step process and tattooing is much more than drawing with ink on skin. There's a substantial amount to learn.
Consider adding to your tattooing skills with henna tattoos which you can read more about online. Also consider learning piercing to be able to offer the most when you start to freelance or open a salon of your own. It will be a business and you should think about offering as much as you can to increase your financial opportunities.
I hope that this has helped and I wish you all the best !
Andrea Alderson
Director - Rep Performance Support Tools
8
Answers
Byram Township, NJ
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
While I'm not a tattoo artist myself, I believe a great starting point would be to identify a well-respected and highly reviewed tattoo artist in your local area. Once you've found someone, try to visit their studio and observe their work process. This could provide you with valuable insights into their craft.
Once you've established a rapport, don't hesitate to ask about their journey. Inquire about their training, the obstacles they've faced, their preferred tools, and any colors they find challenging to work with. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the necessary steps to follow this career path. I hope this advice sets you off on the right foot. Best of luck!
Once you've established a rapport, don't hesitate to ask about their journey. Inquire about their training, the obstacles they've faced, their preferred tools, and any colors they find challenging to work with. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the necessary steps to follow this career path. I hope this advice sets you off on the right foot. Best of luck!