So you want to learn how to become a tattoo artist?
Chances are you’ve heard that there’s big money in tattoo designs and you’d like to use your artistic skills to become a tattoo artist, then maybe even start your own tattoo parlor or studio.
All of that can happen, but before you rush into the business like a vacationer rushes to get a tattoo, it’s important to learn about the business and to plan ahead.
The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word tatu, which means to mark something.
People have used tattoos for thousands of years all around the world. Tattoos have been used to indicate a skill or trade, identify criminals or slaves, and to designate a social status.
These days tattoos are often used as self-expression in the form of a wearable, permanent art.
How Tattoos Are Made
Once a person selects a design (either with tattoo flash or through sites that specialize in tattoo designs), the tattoo artist will stencil or draw the design on the area to be tattooed. Then the artist will trace that design by injecting ink into the skin using a tattoo machine. Tattoo machines have a needle that moves up and down (similar to a sewing machine without the thread) 3,000 times per minute.
Each time this needle goes into the skin it leaves a drop of ink in the skin’s second layer.
The artist will complete the tattoo outline, shading, and coloring, and will then clean and bandage the skin.
How To Become A Tattoo Artist
If you enjoy drawing and are fascinated with the artistry of tattoos, this could be a great career for you.
The first step is to enhance your art skills. Attend classes and feel comfortable drawing quickly and under time pressure. Build a portfolio that you can show to prospective employers.
Because of the permanence of tattooing, it is essential that you get a lot of experience before going out on your own. Most often, this experience comes through apprenticeships with other tattoo artists.
This is where patience comes in. It may take months or even years before you are ready to handle the tattoo machine yourself. During this time, however, there is still a lot to learn.
Safety is the number one lesson a prospective tattoo artist should learn. Because tattooing involves puncturing the skin and inevitably drawing blood, it carries the risk of transmitting diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV.
Follow your state regulations and other safety requirements. Be familiar with the tattoo supplies and equipment used for sterilization and cleanliness such as the autoclave.
Good customer service is the second lesson a prospective tattoo artist should learn as an apprentice. Make sure your customer understands the risks and cares for their tattoo. Helping customers to choose the best design for them is another skill that will ensure the customer’s happiness with your work.
Once you’ve learned the safety and customer service skills, you will have opportunities to begin your craft with the help of your mentor.
When you are ready to strike out on your own, you will have even more opportunities to grow your business. In addition to body art tattoos, you also could do cosmetic tattoos to cover skin discolorations or to fill in eyebrows. You could start offering a body piercing service as well.
With a solid understanding of the art of tattooing and the business of tattooing, you will have learnt how to become a tattoo artist and will be ready to begin your new career.
