Becoming a Tattoo Artist: How to Get Started

Friday 20th of February 2009 12:37:30 PM [Add To This Article]

According to recent polls, more people are getting tattoos than ever before, especially those between the ages of 18 and 35. As tattoo designs become more popular, so does the profession of tattooing. It is no wonder why people are interested in becoming a tattoo artist, as many television programs now show a very attractive side to the profession.

Not all tattoo artists are rich and famous, however. Those who are only interested in the glamour of tattooing should think twice about entering the field. It takes hard work and dedication, in addition to a love of tattoos, for a person to really make it as a successful tattoo artist. 

Required Skills

Becoming a tattoo artist may sound appealing, but not everyone possesses the necessary skills to do the job. In addition to creative talent, it takes years of preparation to be a good tattoo artist. The ideal tattoo artist will be knowledgeable about the application of tattoos, in addition to having good manual dexterity and a talent for illustration.

While you don't have to possess the skills of Michelangelo to create tattoo designs, some natural talent for sketching and coloring within the lines is required. Many customers are interested in a customized tattoo design, which is why artistic skill is so important. However, even those with tremendous artistic skill may not be able to tattoo successfully without the proper training. It really does take both raw talent and practice.

Early Training 

Unlike many careers, there is no formal path of training for a tattoo artist. This isn't a discipline that is specifically taught in any school. However, fine arts classes can really help a person to hone his or her artistic talent. Illustration classes may benefit even those who are already gifted at drawing. Some tattoo artists start out in other artistic fields, such as illustration or graphic design.

A tattoo artist doesn't just need to know how to draw, however. It is important to learn everything there is to know about the world of tattoos. One should have a true passion for the art form, starting with the history of tattoo design and application. It is also prudent to learn about the big names in tattooing, including popular artists in the local area.

Although there is plenty of information about tattooing in books and online, one must study under a professional tattoo artist in order to really learn about the craft. Tattoo artists train for their jobs through apprenticeships. It can take years of training before someone is ready to branch out on his or her own as a tattoo artist.

How to Get an Apprenticeship

Becoming a tattoo apprentice will help a person determine if he or she is really cut out for the job. This is also where a budding artist learns the ins and outs of the business (i.e., the stuff that books won't tell you). By watching a professional tattoo artist at work, would-be artists get an intimate view of tattoo application and tattoo design. Some apprentices will study for years before becoming a professional.

It isn't always easy to become a tattoo apprentice, as some professionals are very reluctant to train new people. Not only is tattoo design a competitive business, but there are many tattoo wannabes who never complete training. In other words, most professionals don't want to waste their time teaching someone who isn't committed to tattoos.

It helps to make friends with people in the business and to network with their colleagues. Then, it will be easier to ask about possible apprenticeships. Those with an art portfolio and a deep knowledge of tattooing will be taken more seriously when enquiring about a position as an apprentice. In the beginning, an apprentice will simply watch a professional at work. It might be months or longer before an apprentice touches a tattoo gun to actual skin. Some apprenticeships can be free, although most will cost money -- possibly thousands in the long run.

Eventually, an apprentice will begin to practice on skin. In the beginning, he or she may find volunteers at the shop where the training is taking place. Some tattoo shops will offer discount tattoos to customers who use an apprentice. It is important to practice on people in a proper shop while a professional oversees the application. Buying a home kit and practicing on friends is a bad way to learn the craft and can be extremely dangerous.

How to Get Hired as a Tattoo Artist

There are three things that a tattoo artist must have to get a foot in the door: an art portfolio, knowledge of tattooing, and proper training under a professional. Once a tattoo apprentice is ready to work a paying job, he or she might be able to find work at the mentor's shop. If there are no paying postitions there, an apprentice should ask around local shops. An art portfolio, as well as pictures of completed tattoos, will greatly increase a newcomer's chance. The world of tattooing is very competitive, which is why it is so important to practice and remain dedicated to improving.