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It's fairly known that a lot of tattoo artists are competitive. some are so competitive that it becomes toxic, so if i were to become an artist or piercer, would that environment burn me out? I see very mixed opinions about it so its a question i wanted to ask.

i have family and family friends who are artists and i just hear a lot of mixed opinions about the environment

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Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

Hey Jaydn! 😊 As a fellow tattoo enthusiast, I totally get your concerns about toxic workplace culture, which can be found in any career. But don't worry, it's all about finding a tattoo shop that shares your values and promotes collaboration over competition. I've been to various shops and, sure, some have that vibe you mentioned, but there are plenty of others that are welcoming and positive!

Before choosing a place to work, have a chat with fellow artists at the shop and do a little social media sleuthing—it can reveal a lot about the shop's atmosphere. In my experience, I've noticed shops with a more upbeat and collaborative vibe tend to be woman-owned or feature lots of artists from the LGBTQ community. Keep looking, and I'm sure you'll find a great place that suits you perfectly! Best of luck! 🌟
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Luis’s Answer

While I don't know much about this specific field, I recommend you to be you, in general and ignore what the others do. Your uniqueness will differentiate your work. Why must you worry about what others do in such a creative field? Young people like you have more social pressure than ever before. It is hard to do, but try to look at things with perspective. What value do you get from your relationship with other artists in your field and with people in general? If it is making you suffer, get out of it. Avoid social media, or use it smartly. Get educated about how to use social media. Listen to podcasts about it. Read books. Social media plays an essential role in the artistic field, but it can be very toxic and full of lies.
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Peter’s Answer

The hardest thing to do in any field is interact with the variety of personalities you'll encounter. Toxicity is a collaborative effort between two parties. There are ways of establishing boundaries and handling situations that can limit the impact an overly aggressive colleague can have on your career. The best advice is to get into the mix and try and figure it out for yourself. Being human is tough.
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Ellen’s Answer

Hi Jayden
Well, the truth is any career field can be competitive and even "toxic". A lot of it depends on the personalities you'd be around, and the environment. Yes, if there are too many tattoo artists in one location, there can be competition for customers, and that could lead to some bad behavior, which benefits no one.

However, it does not have to be like that. Alot depends on how you respond to the personalities and how you respond to pressure. Try to maintain some distance from any competition; acknowledge the skills and accomplishments of the other artists, but do what you do, and do it the best that you can. Sometimes a little competition can be a good thing in that it spurs you to want to improve your craft, but don't get caught up in it too much. Focus on yourself, but at the same time, be ready and willing to learn and to improve your craft to make it unique and in your own style. Stay positive, no put downs of any kind to, or about anyone, no matter what they say to you, or about you. Put your energy into your atwork. Instead of seeing other tattoo artists as competitors, try to see them as fellow artists who have experiences and skills that you could learn from.

However, even after trying all the above, and even after doing your best to stay above any toxic competition, sometimes a work environment is not "right"; the pressure or the personalities get to you, and it's time to leave. That is OK, do your best to leave on a positive note, you never know who might be able to help you in the future. It may take a few tries, but you'll find the right place to practice your craft.
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Ismelda R.’s Answer

Hi Jaydyn,

I suggest reframing the question to, what environment do I like to work in? Do you prefer a more competitive or collaborative environment? You may find you enjoy working and thrive in a more collaborative environment and team-player approach, rather than in an environment with where your peers are less willing to share the information and best practices.

The next item to keep in mind is, are you working for a tattoo shop or do you want to have your own tattoo business? Working at a tattoo shop has a lot of benefits, for example.
- you gain experience on someone else's dime
- you get a glimpse into how a tattoo business is run
- you get to work with other tattoo artists

At the same time, if you have your own tattoo business, you can benefit from
- setting your own hours
- you "set the tone" meaning you determine the type of culture you want in your business
- you set the prices of your service meaning you can greatly influence your pay

Every industry has a toxic, or negative behaviors associated with it, and vice versa every industry has its upside. Part of answering the question of which environment you prefer is by by reaching out to people in the industry and learning about their experience and getting real life experiences! Good job, you're on the right track!
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