If you want to practice art in your job but don’t like the idea of being a starving artist, becoming a tattoo artist could be a good fit. Tattoo artists make an average salary of around $43,000 a year, making it a pretty good gig to get into.
In order to become a tattoo artist, you’ve got to have solid art skills, good communication, and a knack for staying organized.
This guide walks you through how to become a tattoo artist and get started with an exciting new career!
Step One: Start Art Training
If you’re going to be a tattoo artist, you’ve got to have some art skills. Some people don’t have formal training but have already got an established career in art. Others choose to take formal art classes.
If you want to take formal art classes, you can typically enroll in a community college, four-year art program, or local art classes. The type of classes you choose to take isn’t necessarily important—what’s important is ensuring that you’ve got an understanding of art concepts, which you’ll then apply in your new tattoo career.
Step Two: Build Your Portfolio
One of the most important things for a tattoo artist to have is a portfolio. Of course, eventually, you’ll want your portfolio to showcase tattoos that you’ve already completed on past clients. However, to start, you’ll most likely fill your portfolio with designs drawn digitally or on paper.
This gives potential clients an idea of what your style is like and what they can expect if they choose to work with you. You can also start building out a professional Instagram account and use your social media as your portfolio.
Step Three: Get an Apprenticeship
The most important part of becoming a tattoo artist is to get an apprenticeship. With a tattoo apprenticeship, you’ll typically work under a more experienced artist to learn the ropes and get some experience tattooing.
Some states and countries actually require an apprenticeship in order for you to get your license. Other areas don’t require it, but it’s still a good idea to do one anyway so that you can start to get some practice before diving into tattooing yourself.
One pro tip is to look for shops that offer a guaranteed position once you complete your apprenticeship. These tattoo studios give you the double advantage of not having to hunt for a job once you’ve completed your hours.
Step Four: Get Your Tattoo License
Most states require you to have a tattoo license in order to start practicing. Just remember that each state is different, so you’ll need to check into local requirements in order to make sure that you’re completing all the correct requirements.
In most cases, getting your tattoo license involves completing an apprenticeship and having a certain number of hours of tattooing under your belt. You may also have to take a written exam or pay a license fee.
Step Five: Find a Parlor
After you’ve completed your apprenticeship and gotten your tattoo license, it’s time to find a parlor to work out of. Many shops charge booth rent, which means you pay a fee to use their equipment.
The benefit of this is that you don’t have to shell out the money for your own tattoo table and guns. However, you’ll still be in charge of things like ink, gloves, and needles.
Another option is to find parlors that charge a commission of your total earnings. This tends to be a more costly arrangement for the artist than just paying booth rent.
Finally, you can always open your own tattoo parlor. If you go this route, you’ll need to have a significant amount of money to invest upfront in the building itself, the equipment, and more.
Step Six: Market Your Work
Once you’ve got your license and found a tattoo parlor, it’s time to start marketing your new tattoo business. This means uploading photos of completed tattoos, running ads, and giving out business cards to help with word-of-mouth advertising.
Marketing is an ongoing part of being a tattoo artist, so even once you start to get more clients, remember that you’ll still need to keep up with the marketing aspect of your work. That way, you can continue to keep up your client base.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a tattoo artist is often a lengthy process that involves formal art education, developing an art portfolio, getting an apprenticeship, and getting your tattoo license. Remember, the exact requirements for becoming a tattoo artist will depend on your country, state, and locality.
With this in mind, however, you’re ready to load up your tattoo guns and get out there. It’s time to show the world what you can do!