Buzz
Tattooing is an art form that can help you feel more at ease with your body and showcase your inner passion for creativity. If you possess drawing skills and a free-spirited nature, a career in tattooing might be the perfect fit. To become a tattoo artist, you need to complete high school, enroll in a professional tattooing course, and obtain a license to practice. Once you have the license, you're ready to start your journey as a tattoo artist.
Steps
Complete high school and enhance your drawing skills
Obtain your high school diploma. Most licensing requirements demand that applicants have completed high school and are at least 18 years old. It's advisable to take several art classes while in high school, ranging from 2D drawing to graphic design, to develop your skills as an artist before venturing into tattooing.
- If you're unable to complete high school and lack a diploma, you should consider obtaining a GED (in the U.S.).
Pursue an art degree after high school for better job opportunities. Although not mandatory, some tattoo artists further their education by obtaining an art degree from art schools. Earning an art degree can improve your drawing skills and make you a more well-rounded artist, leading to more clients and higher-paying jobs.
- You can also consider taking drawing classes at a community college if you're not interested in pursuing a formal art degree.
- Taking a business minor could also help you work in a tattoo shop and attract more clients.
Enroll in drawing classes to enhance your drawing skills. Tattoo artists need strong drawing abilities, especially in line art. Look for drawing classes offered by community centers, universities, or local instructors, and choose a teacher whose drawing style resonates with you.
- You can also reach out to local tattoo artists to see if they offer drawing classes.
- If you're not very skilled at drawing when you start, don't give up! Like any skill, drawing takes years of practice to perfect.
Practice drawing on your own. Dedicate a sketchbook to your drawing practice and make time for it whenever you can. Draw everything from simple shapes to famous characters and portraits, as tattooing requires a wide range of design types.
- Buy several drawing books to help you learn new techniques and drawing styles.
- Practice sketching potential tattoo designs to develop your personal style.
- Look for famous tattoo artists online and see their tattoo designs for inspiration. Well-known tattoo artists include Mirko Sata, Chris Nunez, Miya Bailey, Gerhard Wiesbeck, Frank Carrilho, Rit Kit, and Stanisław Wilczynski.
Obtain a license
Build a personal portfolio. A portfolio will help you land an apprenticeship and become a tattoo artist. Select the pieces you’re most proud of or that showcase your versatility and scan them into image files. Keep these images on your computer so you can print or send them to potential clients or employers.
- Each piece should showcase a different style to highlight your versatility.
Apprentice with a well-established tattoo artist. Reach out to local tattoo shops to inquire about apprenticeship opportunities. Once you find a place, work closely with a mentor to learn essential business skills, workplace sanitation practices, and tattoo design techniques.
- Many establishments offer internships ranging from 6 to 12 months.
- Initially, they may ask you to focus on a lot of drawing. Tattoo artists want to see if you can match the shop's pace and create designs based on client needs. This will help you develop your unique style.
- Your mentor may also allow you to practice tattooing on a friend or client once you've gained enough experience.
- The apprenticeship usually lasts at least a year, and you won’t be paid. You’ll need to take on side jobs until you obtain your official license.
Complete the tattoo licensing requirements for your state or country. Licensing requirements vary by state or country. You might need to complete a specific number of practice hours, take health and safety courses, pass a sanitation procedure exam, and pay a fee.
- In most states or countries, a license is required before you can start tattooing. Contact your local business regulatory agency to check if you need a license and what the requirements are.
- In states where a license is not required, you’ll need to take a bloodborne pathogens class. This course is typically offered online by the American Red Cross.
Submit your application for a tattoo license. After meeting all the requirements, you can download the application form. Submit the form along with copies of the necessary documents (such as your Social Security card or ID) and wait for at least 4-6 weeks.
- The local business regulatory agency’s website will provide the tattoo license application along with information about fees and the submission process. For example, if you live in New York City, you can visit https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/tattoo-license/apply.
- If your application is denied, contact your state or national business regulatory agency. You may need to meet additional requirements before you can receive your license.
Find a job
Purchase tattoo equipment and supplies. Most tattoo shops require their artists to purchase their own set of tools. To get ready for your tattoo career, you need to buy the following equipment either online or from a specialized tattoo supply store:
- Tattoo machine
- Needles
- Ink and ink cups
- Skin-safe markers
- Sanitary supplies (gloves, alcohol swabs, disinfectants, bandages, protective wraps, etc.)
Search for online job listings. Explore trustworthy websites such as Craiglist to check if there are any available positions. You can also participate in tattoo-related forums and websites to see if anyone is hiring.
Call local tattoo shops to inquire about job openings. Look for tattoo artist job postings in newspapers or online. Many tattoo shops hire based on skills or personal tattoo style, so it's a good idea to contact local shops to see if they are hiring.
- If you have friends who work as tattoo artists, ask them to refer you to places that are hiring.
Bring your personal portfolio to tattoo shops hiring artists. Create a list of tattoo shops that are hiring and inquire about their application process. Typically, you'll need to bring a hard copy of your resume and work experience in tattooing.
- If you've tattooed yourself or others during your apprenticeship, include pictures of those tattoos along with your sketches or tattoo designs.
Prepare for job interviews. If you're invited for an interview, dress appropriately and arrive 10-15 minutes early. Answer questions clearly about your tattooing experience and make sure to thank the interviewer, leaving a positive impression.
- Bring your ID, resume, and work portfolio to the interview.
- Research common tattoo industry interview questions and practice answering them in your free time.
Keep applying until you land a job. Don't be discouraged if you're not selected after your first interview. Patience is key to securing your first job, which is why you should apply to several places.
- If you live in a small town, finding a tattoo artist job might be difficult. Consider moving to a bigger city for more job opportunities, or open your own tattoo shop if there are no openings in your town.
Develop professional experience.
Renew your tattooing license if required. Most states or countries require you to renew your license every few years. Make sure to renew it on time to avoid penalties.
- Contact your local business regulatory authority to inquire about the license renewal process.
Keep attending classes to improve your drawing skills. To refine your personal style and attract clients, you should take classes at local arts centers or community colleges. If you don't have a formal art degree, it's a good idea to pursue one to improve your drawing skills.
- Developing your unique style is crucial to becoming a professional tattoo artist and standing out from others.
- Depending on where you live, the local government might require you to take training courses after a few years to enhance your safety techniques.
- Stay updated on the latest news and techniques in the tattoo industry, as well as emerging trends.
Network with other tattoo artists in your area. Maintaining relationships with other artists will help you stay informed about new trends and find more clients through referrals. Visit local tattoo shops, attend tattoo artist conventions, and engage with other artists on social media to connect with others in the industry.
- If you're working at a tattoo shop, get to know your colleagues and their experience. This way, you can refer clients to each other based on their needs.
Consider opening your own tattoo shop after 3-5 years of experience. If you enjoy independence and want to increase your income, opening your own tattoo studio could be a great option. Promote your shop on social media and through your personal website to attract new clients and build a sufficient customer base to support your lifestyle.
- The ideal time to open a tattoo shop is when you have several years of experience. This way, you'll have a client list and be able to market yourself more effectively.
Warning
- Keep in mind: tattoos are permanent. Always be cautious when tattooing others, especially if you are still in training or working your first job.
- Tattoo artists often work long hours, including nights and weekends, so you need to be prepared for the physical demands of the job. If you prefer a less physically demanding job, you may want to consider a different career.
