How to become A Tattoo Artist

Tattoo Artists work with their intellect, emotions and hands to bring to life powerful and magical images that decorate the client’s body and communicate with the world.

• Tattooer
• Tattooist
• Body Artist

What do Tattoo Artists do?

A Tattoo Artist would typically need to:

• Use artistic talent to create permanent designs or graphics on the client’s skin
• Schedule a consultation to help the client understand the tattooing process and decide on a specific design and its location on their body
• Ensure the client is of legal age to get a tattoo and can pay for the procedure; process the payment and issue a receipt
• Set up an appointment for the tattooing; create a stencil either manually or with the help of a thermal imager
• Prep the area to be tattooed; clean with rubbing alcohol, shave it smooth with a disposable razor and clean again
• Use a stick deodorant or soap and water to moisten the skin so that the design transfer is easier and leaves a darker likeness of the future tattoo
• Make sure the client approves of the likeness before preparing the tattoo machine
• Place the inks in tiny cups called ink caps; remove the needles and tubes from sterile pouches and place them in the machine
• Pour clean, distilled water into a cup to clean the needles during the tattooing and to facilitate change of inks
• Keep some ointment within hand’s reach to use on the transfer design, so it does not rub off accidentally and helps the needle slide smoothly so the client experiences less discomfort
• Try and relax the client during the tracing and linework until they get accustomed to the pain
• Switch to a different set of needles called magnums/mags or another tattoo machine designed for shading and colouring, depending on the size of the tattoo
• Clean up the tattoo and gently apply a hot towel to it; take a picture of the tattoo for their portfolio and for the client, after taking their permission
• Apply a protective layer of ointment to prevent bacterial infection; apply and tape a bandage to make it secure
• Give detailed aftercare instructions to the client verbally and on paper; ensure the client understands they are solely responsible for the aftercare of the tattoo
• Offer traditional and non-traditional temporary tattoos, using henna;  offer body piercing services, if trained as a piercer
• Adhere to the latest hygiene and safety procedures before, during and after the tattooing process
• Clean and sterilise tattoo equipment and work areas to prevent cross-contamination; answer phones and schedule appointments
• Store spare parts in an easily accessible location, so no time is wasted during a session in the replacement of defective pieces 
• Keep abreast of the latest trends in tattoos; keep tinkering with new designs and sketching them out
• Ensure all business communication with clients, vendors and private representatives remains open, interactive and sustainable

Tattoo Artists work predominantly in clean, well-lit and temperature-controlled studios with an ambient atmosphere that relaxes the clients. In addition, disposable nitrile gloves and face masks help negate the inevitable contact with other people’s skin, blood, and plasma during the tattooing process.

Full-time Tattoo Artists may have varying work schedules that include weekends and evenings to accommodate clients, although most studios claim to be open from 9-6. Therefore, you may work six days a week, but your actual schedule may comprise short one- to three-hour-long sessions to optimise your focus and attention to detail.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Tattoo Artists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms and leveraging social media. Part-time employment is also a highly sought-after option. 

Tattoo Artists are generally employed by: 

• Tattoo Studios
• Tattoo Chains
• Private Clients

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Tattoo Artists’ Guild, International Tattoo Artists Association (ITAA), and The Alliance of Professional Tattooists are crucial for Tattoo Artists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Intense concentration with little room for error can make this job physically and mentally exhausting
• Long and variable work schedules can negatively impact work-life balance
• The need to remain calm in the face of rude and impolite customers
• High probability of cross-contamination
• Fear of being shut down if unable to pass regular inspections by the health department
• The need to keep up with the times and stay in tune with the latest trends to keep the business profitable

You must apprentice under an established, reputed Tattoo Artist who is willing to educate a novice in the complex craft of tattooing. Take note that you will have to buy your own equipment and sterilising kit, and the apprenticeship does not usually include a stipend.

A well-put together portfolio of unique designs and diverse concepts will help you get a productive apprenticeship, which may take anywhere between a year to three years. Artists’ assistants or managers, artist and repertoire screeners, and freelance visual artists have a higher chance of being accepted as apprentices. Prior work experience as a cashier, sales associate or customer service representative may also prove helpful.

Initially, it may seem as if you were doing nothing but observing the tattooing process, cleaning up after everyone, setting up and breaking down tattoo stations, and running errands for six hours a day, six days a week.

Remember that you aim to do an intricate job, requiring patience, attention to detail, skill, and strict adherence to safety and health regulations. Eventually, you will learn how to sterilise equipment, mix inks, operate a tattoo machine, take essential health and safety precautions, and design tattoos.

You will need to practice extensively on fake skins or fruits before inking live skin. You may do at least a hundred tattoos for free (the material and equipment will be charged to you) on willing family members, friends, and work clients. Your payment will be the pictures you can take and add to your portfolio, so you attract new business.

A typical learning curve takes around five years of full-time work experience and would include progress from tattooing simple designs under expert supervision to more complicated ones done independently. At some point during this time, you will take the test and get certified, after which you can start charging for your work.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow expert Tattoo Artists to prove your commitment to prospective apprenticeship providers and employers.

As is the case with most artistic careers, Tattoo Artists do not require formal education beyond a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) in most locations. 

However, those who believe that some level of formal education is essential, acquire an accredited certificate, diploma or associate degree in art, fine arts, graphic design, fashion design, graphic communication, or logo design. In addition, a bachelor’s degree in the subjects mentioned earlier will enable you to perfect your craft.

Since the few tattoo schools and courses currently out there do not find favour with established professionals, look for fine art and illustration programmes that offer you the greatest value for money if you are not of a mind to seek a formal academic route.

Focus on art, English, maths, computer science and graphic design in high school.

Certification in safety from an objective and reputed organisation can train you to deal with blood-borne pathogens and prevent skin diseases and infections. Additional certification in first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) will be useful. 

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Ideally, such certification should help you get a licence and become an independent consultant who has won the trust of their clients.

Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination and experience in the form of a bonafide internship or apprenticeship. Be warned that the lack of an authorised licence to practice will result in heavy penalties and blacklisting.

An employment background check can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Tattoo Artists may also need to register themselves and their studios with the local environmental health department or council, which will undertake regular inspections of the premises and equipment.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Tattoo Artists who may transition into leadership roles such as Manager or Operations Manager. 

It is also possible that you will open your own business after making a name for yourself and putting together the necessary funds. You may charge other tattoo artists or piercers for rental space and make extra money.

Candidates with talent, an exceptional eye for detail, patience, focus, and readiness to learn have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Tattoo Artist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD also enables the regular renewal of desirable recertification.

Stay in tune with the latest trends and keep adding to the diversity and artistic elegance of your portfolio. Branch out into body piercing if your interest lies in that direction as well. It may be necessary to relocate or work in an environment different from what you imagined to help your career advance.

Different Strokes, Diverse Shades

Accomplished Tattoo Artists may specialise in different styles rooted in diverse forms of art - traditional Japanese, Abstract, Black & Grey, Celtic, Fine Line, Biomechanical, Haida, Colour, Tribal, Stonework, Polynesian, Stippling and Samoan, to name a few. 

Lighting up Life

Most clients who solicit the services of an acclaimed Tattoo Artist yearn to have their abstract ideas brought to life on their bodies. This is especially true of artists who play with light and shade to achieve the increasingly popular 3D sculpted look. 

A Space To Create Art

Be it a casual walk-in studio where a client can get a tattoo without prior appointment or a custom studio that spends considerable time and energy designing a tattoo tailored to the client’s fancy, the studio is the sanctum sanctorum of every Tattoo Artist who elevates their love for the craft to a higher level. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Tattoo Artists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort, and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Tattoo Artist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income, and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

Contrary to the popular notion that a tattoo hinders job offers, bartenders with tattoos are more likely to get hired because they appeal to the customers.

People have very different reasons to get a tattoo - to look cool, commemorate a poignant memory, or simply prove a point. A good Tattoo Artist is one who can share the client’s perspective and journal their story on their body in a hauntingly beautiful manner.

Persistence and perseverance will help you deliver your best and push yourself to do better.