If you can no longer attend high school and never graduated, get your GED instead.
You can also take art classes from a community college as an alternative if you’re not interested in getting a degree. Pair it with a business minor to prepare for working in a tattoo shop and gaining clients.
You can also contact local tattoo artists to see if any of them offer art classes. If you’re not as skilled in art when you begin, don’t give up hope! Like all skills, art takes years of hard work and practice to perfect.
Get several drawing books to help you learn new techniques and styles. [5] X Research source Draw potential tattoo designs in your sketchbook to develop your own personal style. Search for famous tattoo artists online and look to your favorites as inspiration. Popular tattoo artists include Mirko Sata, Chris Nunez, Miya Bailey, Gerhard Wiesbeck, Frank Carrilho, Rit Kit, and Stanisław Wilczynski. [6] X Research source
Include pieces in a variety of different mediums or styles to showcase your versatility as an artist.
Many apprenticeships last between 6-12 months. In the beginning, you will likely be asked to do a lot of drawing. The artist will want to see if you can keep up the pace of the shop and create designs based on the customers’ desires. This will help you develop your own style, as well. Your supervisor may also let you practice tattooing on yourself or, once you’ve gained enough experience, clients. Most tattoo apprenticeships last at least a year and are generally unpaid. You may need to work a side job until you complete your tattoo license.
In most states or countries, you must secure a license before you can work as a tattoo artist. Contact your local government’s business department to determine whether you need a license and, if so, what requirements you need to complete. [10] X Research source In states that don’t require a license, you will likely need to complete a class on bloodborne pathogens, which can be taken online through the Red Cross.
You should be able to find the tattoo licensing application along with information about fees and the submission process on your local government’s business department website. If you live in New York City, for example, you would visit https://www1. nyc. gov/nycbusiness/description/tattoo-license/apply. If your application is rejected, contact your state or country’s business department. You may need to complete additional requirements before securing your license.
Tattoo machine Needles Ink set and tubes Skin pens Hygienic supplies (gloves, alcohol wipes, antiseptic solutions, bandages, cling wrap, plastic cord covers, etc. )
If you have any tattoo artist friends, ask if they know of any places that are hiring.
If you did tattoos on yourself or others during your apprenticeship, include pictures of them along with drawings and tattoo designs to stand out as an applicant.
Bring your ID, tattoo license, a copy of your resume, and your art portfolio to the interview. Search for common job interview questions for tattoo artists and practice them in your free time.
If you live in a small town, it may take time to find a tattoo artist opening. Move to a larger city for more job opportunities or start your own tattoo shop if your town doesn’t have one.
Contact your state or county’s department of business to find out how often you’ll need to renew your license.
Developing your own style is an important step to becoming a successful tattoo artist and distinguishing your work from other artists’. Depending on your location, your local government may also require you to take training classes every one or several years to maintain proper safety techniques. Keep up with news and techniques in the tattooing industry as well to maintain expertise on upcoming trends. [15] X Research source
If you work in a tattoo shop, get to know your co-workers and their art portfolios. That way, you can refer each other to clients who want a specific tattoo style.
Setting up your own business is best after you have worked at least several years at a tattoo shop. That way, you can build your own client list and improve your marketability as a professional.
