What Do Tattoo Artists Do?
A tattoo artist creates permanent images or words in clients’ skin by injecting ink and other pigments just underneath the skin with a small, sanitized needle. Tattoo artists can set up their own shops, work privately for clients, or work for others. Tattoo artists must be able to adapt to client requests and accommodate client needs, as well as advise clients on tattoo issues including size, shape, coloring, and placement on the body.
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What’s the difference between a tattooist and a tattoo artist?
Tattoo artist working at the Florence Tattoo Convention, 2010 A tattoo artist (also tattooer or tattooist ) is an individual who applies permanent decorative tattoos , often in an established business called a “tattoo shop”, “tattoo studio” or “tattoo parlour”. Tattoo artists usually learn their craft via an apprenticeship under a trained and experienced mentor.
What abilities do you need to be a tattoo artist?
How many hours do tattoo artists work a day?
Skills and Qualifications – A tattoo artist trains by becoming an apprentice. This usually takes between 2 and 3 years. The only way to do this is by approaching a working tattoo artist and applying for the position. You will expected to buy your own equipment and sterilising kit and will not be paid for the apprenticeship.
Expect to work around 6 hours a day for 6 days a week. Over time, greater responsibility will be awarded, until you can tattoo unsupervised. Once enough work experience has been amassed, a licence to practise must be obtained from the local council.
The catch is that you must be working and have experience to obtain one and you have to obtain one to work. That is why the apprenticeship is necessary. Working without a licence incurs a heavy penalty. Once the apprenticeship period is over you work on simple designs, moving to more complex work as your experience progresses.
What does a tattoo artist do in a day?
Working as a Tattoo Artist – The day to day responsibilities of a tattoo artist include:
- Cleaning and sterilizing tattoo equipment
- Creating and sketching out new tattoo designs
- Booking appointments for consultations and tattooing
- Keeping up with the latest trends in tattooing, as well as new health and safety procedures
- Tattooing clients in a safe and hygienic way
Can I be a tattoo artist if I can’t draw?
Do You Need To Be Good At Drawing To Be A Tattoo Artist? – Yes, but the great news is if you aren’t, you can learn. Some people may have more established artistic talent, but anyone can learn to draw. Take a look at our Drawing Tutorials and you will see how easy it can be.
Drawing doesnt have to be complicated and a lot of the flash tattoo designs most tattooists make a living from are fairly basic line drawings. Flash designs in general will be made up of a basic line drawing that you can then add colour to.
You will need a steady hand though and there is no better way to learn than from a good tattooist. Most tattooists dont want the extra work of teaching an apprentice. To impress them enough to give you a chance is more likely if they can see evidence of your artistic talent.
