How to Start Tattooing

If you have a talent for drawing and a love of tattoos, you might consider a career as a tattoo artist. It requires time, money and dedication to complete a full, professional internship. If you would like to start tattooing, a few tips will help get you on your way.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Build an art portfolio that includes a professional display of your artistic talent. Your portfolio should present a wide array of your own creations. Make sure that any awards, recognitions or other documents which demonstrate your artistic ability are included in your portfolio. Portfolios should be organized by date in a clean folder for proper presentation to possible employers.

2. Become familiar with the tattoo world, learning about past and present tattoo artists and their work. It is probable that you will be asked about your knowledge of tattoos and artists during your apprenticeship interview.

3. Save up as much money as you possibly can before seeking an apprenticeship. In most cases a tattoo apprenticeship is like having a full-time job with overtime. Most likely, you will not have the time to work on the side, and you may even be required to pay for your apprenticeship. A quality internship will last a minimum of 6 months and as long as 2 years.

4. Make a list of possible shops you would like to apprentice for and start looking in the late fall or early winter months. Tattoo shops are busiest in the spring and summer, and many often will not even consider a new apprentice during those seasons. Don't expect to land an apprenticeship at the first shop you go to. Consider relocating to another city to expand your opportunities.

5. Start tattooing once you have spent months or even years cleaning up after other tattoo artists and practicing tattoos on orange peels, frozen chickens, yourself and brave friends. Only after your apprenticeship site is sure that you're ready will you be allowed to work.