How to Get a Job As a Tattoo Artist

Tattooing requires training.

Becoming a paid tattoo artist takes more than a passion for tattoos, drawing ability and good customer service skills. It takes years of training and experience; and purchasing a home tattoo kit and practicing on your friends does not count. Because tattooing involves injecting ink under the skin's dermis with a needle, it is important that you receive the proper training so that you can hone your skills and practice your art safely.

Instructions

1. Determine your state's laws on tattooing. In some states, such as Oregon, you may need a license to become a tattoo artist for pay.

2. Hone your drawing skills. Tattoos are a form of permanent art and your customers will count on you to get their tattoo done right the first time. Even if you know how to draw and paint, take college-level art classes to refine your talents, learn art theories and perfect your use of color. Take calligraphy lessons to learn the different fonts customers may request. As your artistic skills improve, the Alliance of Professional Tattooists states, you should create a portfolio showing your best work.

3. Seek an apprenticeship with an experienced, professional tattoo artist. Some charge for apprenticeship training or may require you to work in their shop, according to the APT. A good trainer, per the APT, is someone who does not rush the training process, owns a clean and legal tattoo shop, and makes safety a priority. New York Tattoo states that it is a good idea to seek an apprenticeship with a professional tattoo artist who has at least five years of experience.

4. Practice your drawing as an apprentice and learn how to use a tattoo gun and other equipment of the trade, according to Tom Harley in an article for the Tattoo Artists' Guild. As you progress in your training, your trainer should allow you to perform more difficult tattoos. Apprenticeship lengths vary by trainer, but website How-to-Tattoo.com states that a trainer will let you know when she feels you have the skills and experience to get a job as a tattoo artist. The APT states that apprenticeships generally last three or more years.

5. Find a job as a tattoo artist. Sometimes you can become an employee in the shop in which you receive training or your trainer may be able to tell you about artists he knows who are hiring. How-to-Tattoo.com states you should Include pictures of the tattoos you completed as an apprentice in your portfolio, along with your artwork.

Tips & Warnings

• In states that do require you to have a license to work as a tattoo artist, such as Oregon, you generally need to have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 year of age, complete a training course, finish a specific number of tattoos under the supervision of a licensed tattoo artist and pass a licensing exam.

• New York Tattoo and the ATP state that it is a good idea to have your trainer sign a contract with you at the beginning of an apprenticeship, especially if the apprenticeship is not free. The contract should outline the trainer's obligations, as well as yours.

References

• How-to-Tattoo.com; How to Become a Tattoo Artist Through an Apprenticeship; Chuck Palzno
• Career Advice and Career Development Tips: How Do I Become a Tattoo Artist?
• Alliance of Professional Tattooists: So You Want to Become a Tattoo Artist
• Alliance of Professional Tattooists: So You Want to Become a Tattoo Artist, What You Need to Know
• New York Tattoo:Tattoo Apprenticeships
• Tattoo Artists' Guild; Tattoo Apprenticeship Issues; Tom Harley; August 2006

Resources

• Oregon.gov; How to Get Licensed; Advisory Council for...Tattoo Artists