In the recent past, tattoo artists were only respected for their high level of skill by the subcultures they interacted with most. When tattoos were a symbol of rejecting social expectations, the artists who created these designs were rarely applauded by the general public despite the expertise required. Now, more and more people with different backgrounds and attitudes are drawn to tattoos as an art form. The growing acceptance within society for people with tattoos has simultaneously elevated the status of the artists who create and administer the tattoos in the first place. If you are an aspiring tattoo artist, you will need to understand that it is a long and demanding process. This guide will go into detail about the various stages of the process and help you prepare for a career in the tattoo industry.

Refine Your Practical Art Skills

Your drawing ability needs to be trained to a consistently high level if you want to even consider a career in tattoos. Many tattoo artists attend art school, but this isn’t essential. Self-taught artists are as welcome as art school graduates since the basis for success depends entirely on your body of work, not your prior qualifications.

Research Styles of Tattoo Art and History

It is easier to gain a foothold in the tattoo industry with a solid knowledge of its history and various tattoo styles. Do your own research about the origins of tattooing and its cultural significance around the world. You may discover a style of tattoo art that speaks to you and you want to focus on as you progress in your career.

Immerse Yourself in Tattoo Culture Online

There are plenty of places for aspiring tattoo artists to go online and absorb the diverse culture around the industry. If you use social media, follow accounts that inspire you with their style and read the stories of people who have been tattooed. With an open and curious mind, you can explore this industry from multiple perspectives that will give you a better grounding for a professional career.

Create a Strong Portfolio

Your portfolio doesn’t necessarily need to contain any actual tattoos if you are a complete beginner; but it must convey strong ability and promise. When you eventually seek assistance from a tattoo shop, you will need your portfolio to be memorable; and attractive enough that they will consider you for a trainee role. Look online at other professional tattoo artists’ portfolios for inspiration; but make sure not to copy any work as this is hugely frowned upon.

Begin an Apprenticeship or Trainee Program

Get in touch with your local tattoo shops and make friends with the artists who work there. Many tattoo careers are built on good relationships as well as artistic ability. There are several different paths to becoming a professional tattoo artist; such as working as an unpaid apprentice in a tattoo shop or starting a training program to work your way up. It is rare to find a posting for a position for tattoo artists, so you will need to be proactive. Some established artists are occasionally willing to take on a newcomer and become their mentor; which can be a great way to learn more about the industry and tattooing techniques.

Invest in Your Own Equipment

Just as a musician will play their own instruments or a painter will use their own paints; and canvases, a tattoo artist must buy their own equipment. Even artists who work in an established tattoo shop have their own gear. You will need to research and purchase your own tattoo machine, tattoo needles, gloves, and inks. Just as any other kind of artist has their own equipment preferences; tattoo artists get to know their preferred brands and models of tools that they work with best. By investing in your own tools, you will soon learn which kinds are best suited to you and your way of working.

Learn About the Design Process

Designing a tattoo is extremely different from designing a traditional art piece due to the fact that it will be created on a living person’s skin; a medium that is constantly changing and being introduced to different environments and conditions. Not every drawing can be faithfully or convincingly reproduced as a tattoo without serious redesigning; which is why being good at art is not enough of a prerequisite for becoming a talented tattoo artist. You have to take into account the curvature and movement of a skin canvas while designing the tattoo on a flat surface. This takes continual practice and refining your attention to these particular details of the human body.

Build a Positive Reputation with Clients and Other Artists

A technically brilliant tattoo artist can thwart their own career prospects by behaving badly with their clients and other artists. Tattooing is a social business, even if many introverts thrive in it. A good reputation that encompasses not only your body of work but also your manner; and interpersonal skills will set you up for greater opportunities. Learn how to communicate in a way that makes clients comfortable and encourages other artists to respect you. If you successfully impress established artists and shop owners with your portfolio, tattooing ability; and people skills, you may find yourself being offered a station in their business.

For anyone with a creative mind and the skills to back it up; entering a career in tattoo art is understandably tempting. The diverse nature of the job and the opportunities to meet so many new people on a daily basis are what draw artists to this industry in the first place; as well as the chance to make a living from their creations. However, you can’t simply decide one day to apply for a job in a tattoo shop. It takes years of dedicated practice, research, and networking to finally start calling yourself a professional tattoo artist. Hopefully, you have found this guide to be a useful starting point on your journey to achieving your dream job.