How Do I Become A Tattoo Artist?

How Do I Become A Tattoo Artist
By TACP Staff on July 28, 2019 How Do I Become A Tattoo Artist If you love art and design and have a passion for tattoos, becoming a  tattoo artist  can be a rewarding career. Like many creative trades, pursuing a career in tattooing isn’t easy. The cost and time commitment to get a job as a tattoo artist is significant, but the payoff has the potential to be so much more. There’s more than one path to become a tattoo artist – the one you choose depends greatly on what type of artist you want to be, your finances, talent, and the opportunities available in your area.

However, there are some common steps all aspiring artists must follow to improve your skill level, acquire knowledge of the trade, and master the art of tattooing. Here’s how to get started. The key to creating a great tattoo begins with a visually appealing drawing, so it’s essential that you focus on improving your drawing skills and illustration techniques before you even think about designing tattoos or attempting to practice tattooing.

Here’s how you can get started.

How hard is it to become a tattoo artist?

How to Become a Tattoo Artist – Becoming a tattoo artist will take an incredible amount of dedication and perseverance. The career path isn’t to be taken lightly, as it will require plenty of hard work and long hours. Being a great artist is just the start. You’ll need to learn the art of tattooing, build up a portfolio, and find an apprenticeship, and get certified before you can land a job in a tattoo shop.

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At first, you likely won’t be paid since you’ll need to find on-the-job-training through an apprenticeship. This can take up to a year or longer depending on how quickly you can learn. Once you’ve gained enough experience as a tattoo shop apprentice, you can start looking for your first paid gig.

Let’s take a closer look at the five steps to becoming a tattoo artist.

How do I get Started in tattooing?

Practice drawing on your own. 1 Get several drawing books to help you learn new techniques and styles. 2 Draw potential tattoo designs in your sketchbook to develop your own personal style. 3 Search for famous tattoo artists online and look to your favorites as inspiration.

How do you become a licensed tattoo artist in Texas?

About This Article – Article Summary X To become a licensed tattoo artist, complete your high school diploma and be at least 18 years old. Once you’ve built an art portfolio, apply for an apprenticeship with an experienced, reputable tattoo artist, where you will learn the basics of tattooing as well as business and hygienic principles.

What kind of continuing education do tattoo artists need?

Is There Ongoing Certification or Training? – Employees in a tattoo parlor must complete OSHA-approved bloodborne pathogens (BBP) training, but those functioning in the workplace as independent contractors are not required to fulfill that training unless otherwise stipulated by state law, according to OSHA info as recently as 2016.

  • After completing an apprenticeship, some states require yearly continuing education in subjects either directly related to tattooing and art or in more general business, ethics, and communications courses;
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Finally, it is common to continually add to an online or physical portfolio both for personal growth and marketing.