How to Become a Tattoo Artist

Have you ever thought about becoming a Tattoo Artist? If you are artistic, like working with people, and are willing to invest some time into learning the craft, working as a tattoo artist may be a great career choice for you.  But what does it take to be a tattoo artist? First of all, it takes training, and not just in applying tattoos. And it takes time – at least five years.

Talent
If you have basic artistic talent, it can be developed into the skill it takes to become a tattoo artist. You will need the basic – the ability to draw or sketch, shading and tracing, either from photos, artwork or logos. You will also need to create your own designs as well as used what is called “flash art.”

Training
You will hone your craft by taking classes, working with other artists, watching videos, reading books, online training courses, and of course, practice. Practice. Practice. Learning how to correctly apply a tattoo can take several months working with equipment until you are skilled enough to charge for your services.

There are various online schools that teach the art of tattooing. You will receive your course materials and supplies in the mail or online and you will begin to learn independently through a combination of written course materials and online study. Most programs take one year to complete, but that may vary from course to course. Many programs include a final certification exam. Each state regulates tattoo artists differently – click here to find information about your state.

Professional tattoo artists recommend that you then serve an apprenticeship before becoming a tattoo artist. Many states require tattoo artists to have logged a certain number of hours as an apprentice to be licensed to work. An apprentice works under a professional tattoo artist.  Apprenticeships can be free, or you may have to pay for the apprenticeship training. Aside from developing the craft of applying tattoos, you will learn how to clean your equipment to meet health regulations, manage your business, price your work and other business details. Some tattoo teachers will have you sign a contract that outlines how long your apprenticeship will last, what requirements you need to meet, and often will include rules about working in competitive shops or owning your own shop within a specific timeframe or within a certain distance from your teacher’s business.

Most apprenticeships last 5 years. The first couple of years, you will be expected to help with cleaning and running the shop while you learn safety and health practices and customer service skills. It typically takes 6-12 months before you will be allowed to start tattooing. Your first work will be on yourself, you’re your friends, as well as clients that may allow you to practice on them for free. When you have completed your apprenticeship, you will then be a journeyman. Once you have spent 10 years as a journeyman, you will be considered a professional tattoo artist.

A Life-Long Career
After you have mastered the craft, becoming a tattoo artist is a life-long commitment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires annual training on handling infectious material such as blood, and there are other certification programs that will help you grow your business and tattoo artist career. There will always be new things to learn, new techniques and ways to develop your own style.