2 answers
Dani
Student
Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
4446 views
What does it take to become a tattoo artist?
I have been wanting to be a tattoo artist for most of my life and I wanted to ask the requirements of becoming one. For example, do I need to go to college, and if so, what classes should I take? Is post-secondary school even necessary?
Login to comment
2 answers
Candice Robinson, BS, NCPT-4
Psych Assistant/Practice Administrator
40
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Candice’s Answer
Though there is no formal education pathway for tattoo artists, each state has different licensing laws. Most require and all encourage at least the minimum of a Bloodborne Pathogens course. This is general training for those that will be exposed to blood on the job and how to prevent infection, avoid exposure, and what to do if you are exposed. This makes sure that you are aware of the health risks that come with tattooing.
There is really no standard way to become a tattoo artist. A health or cosmetic board may have to issue you a permit to operate in what is commonly known as "commercial body art". Most people take on apprentenceships, though some people are self taught. In apprenticeships, you do not initially get to tattoo. You are more of a shadow to a mentor that is an established artist or shop owner. The down side is a lot of the opportunities are unpaid. But it can be a great opportunity for experience. You will learn to tattoo by starting off with small works and being not graded, but critiqued on them and given suggestions to improve your technique. You'll learn different styles of tattooing and the operations of how a shop is run, including how to properly clean it. Apprenticeships usually last anywhere from 6 months to up to 4 years. Some shops even charge for apprentenceships.
The upside of an apprentenceship is that it will allow you to build a portfolio. Your portfolio is where you will display your knowledge in the concepts of tattooing across various styles. Many shops request a portfolio when you apply for an actual tattoo artist position.
I would suggest reaching out to a tattoo artist you may know personally or researching and reaching out to ones in your area. If you decide to take this route, many people have reported that it is hard to get an apprentenceship without actually knowing a tattoo artist. People who desire a more structured education leading to a career as a tattoo artist commonly take college courses in art, graphic design, business, though it is not required.
I would suggest doing a Google search of tattoo artist requirements in your specific area. For example, in Pennsylvania the state does not require you to get licensure in order to operate, but the city of Philadelphia itself requires tattoo artists and apprentices to be certified. Certification requires bloodborne pathogens training as well as full time work of at least 3 years. Even if you wanted to do tattoos in Philadelphia for less than 7 days, legally you would still need to pay $40 to be certified. So I would definitely look into the tattoo artist regulation requirements not just where you live, but also where you may want to work as they vary.
There is really no standard way to become a tattoo artist. A health or cosmetic board may have to issue you a permit to operate in what is commonly known as "commercial body art". Most people take on apprentenceships, though some people are self taught. In apprenticeships, you do not initially get to tattoo. You are more of a shadow to a mentor that is an established artist or shop owner. The down side is a lot of the opportunities are unpaid. But it can be a great opportunity for experience. You will learn to tattoo by starting off with small works and being not graded, but critiqued on them and given suggestions to improve your technique. You'll learn different styles of tattooing and the operations of how a shop is run, including how to properly clean it. Apprenticeships usually last anywhere from 6 months to up to 4 years. Some shops even charge for apprentenceships.
The upside of an apprentenceship is that it will allow you to build a portfolio. Your portfolio is where you will display your knowledge in the concepts of tattooing across various styles. Many shops request a portfolio when you apply for an actual tattoo artist position.
I would suggest reaching out to a tattoo artist you may know personally or researching and reaching out to ones in your area. If you decide to take this route, many people have reported that it is hard to get an apprentenceship without actually knowing a tattoo artist. People who desire a more structured education leading to a career as a tattoo artist commonly take college courses in art, graphic design, business, though it is not required.
I would suggest doing a Google search of tattoo artist requirements in your specific area. For example, in Pennsylvania the state does not require you to get licensure in order to operate, but the city of Philadelphia itself requires tattoo artists and apprentices to be certified. Certification requires bloodborne pathogens training as well as full time work of at least 3 years. Even if you wanted to do tattoos in Philadelphia for less than 7 days, legally you would still need to pay $40 to be certified. So I would definitely look into the tattoo artist regulation requirements not just where you live, but also where you may want to work as they vary.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
364
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Tattoo artists use artistic talent and technical knowledge to provide services for their clients. Becoming a tattoo artist requires a variety of training and experience to ensure that they can provide clients with safe, well-designed tattoos. If you're interested in pursuing this career, consider learning about the process and the credentials required for this role.
Even if you have natural drawing ability, it does not automatically mean you will be good at tattooing. Tattoo artists often have to work for free initially to build a good portfolio of work. If you can get a paid apprenticeship from the start, consider yourself lucky
The time it takes to become a licensed, practicing tattoo artist may vary based on your location, skills and educational background. Many tattoo parlors recommend participating in an apprenticeship. These work placements generally last between one and five years, depending on where you work, your state requirements and your skill level.
An apprenticeship involves learning techniques of tattooing and it's typically unpaid. After an apprenticeship, you may apply for your tattoo license. Although you may have to renew your license every few years, once you have it, you're ready to begin practicing.
Tattoo artists may take a few different routes to become licensed. One of the first steps is to practice your drawing skills. You might take a drawing class, earn a bachelor's degree in art, train at a tattoo institute or teach yourself artistic techniques.
It's also important to learn about the techniques of design before pursuing a career as a tattoo artist. When you become an artist, it's common for clients to describe what they want, and it's the responsibility of the tattoo artist to compose a design that fits the description.
Your primary focus as an aspiring tattoo artist may be your apprenticeship. It's important to find an apprenticeship that teaches you a variety of practical and technical skills. For example, if you begin an apprenticeship, you may learn about the various machinery, needle types or ink choices.
You can learn about how to sanitize the space and the client's skin to ensure that the tattooing is safe. As the main source of education for tattoo artists, apprenticeships with respected artists or in a well-known tattoo parlor may benefit your future career.
Good Luck on your journey
Even if you have natural drawing ability, it does not automatically mean you will be good at tattooing. Tattoo artists often have to work for free initially to build a good portfolio of work. If you can get a paid apprenticeship from the start, consider yourself lucky
The time it takes to become a licensed, practicing tattoo artist may vary based on your location, skills and educational background. Many tattoo parlors recommend participating in an apprenticeship. These work placements generally last between one and five years, depending on where you work, your state requirements and your skill level.
An apprenticeship involves learning techniques of tattooing and it's typically unpaid. After an apprenticeship, you may apply for your tattoo license. Although you may have to renew your license every few years, once you have it, you're ready to begin practicing.
Tattoo artists may take a few different routes to become licensed. One of the first steps is to practice your drawing skills. You might take a drawing class, earn a bachelor's degree in art, train at a tattoo institute or teach yourself artistic techniques.
It's also important to learn about the techniques of design before pursuing a career as a tattoo artist. When you become an artist, it's common for clients to describe what they want, and it's the responsibility of the tattoo artist to compose a design that fits the description.
Your primary focus as an aspiring tattoo artist may be your apprenticeship. It's important to find an apprenticeship that teaches you a variety of practical and technical skills. For example, if you begin an apprenticeship, you may learn about the various machinery, needle types or ink choices.
You can learn about how to sanitize the space and the client's skin to ensure that the tattooing is safe. As the main source of education for tattoo artists, apprenticeships with respected artists or in a well-known tattoo parlor may benefit your future career.
Good Luck on your journey