Q&A for How to Become a Tattoo Artist

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What kind of education do you need to be a tattoo artist?
    Grant Lubbock
    Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink
    Grant Lubbock is a Tattoo Artist and Co-Owner of Red Baron Ink, a tattoo salon based in New York City. Grant has over 10 years of tattooing experience and he specializes in neo-traditional, black/grey, and color tattoos. Red Baron Ink's main goal is for each tattoo coming out of their studio to be one of a kind custom pieces that will look good throughout a lifetime.
    Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink
    Expert Answer
    The tattoo field is becoming more and more competitive, so if you want to have an edge, it helps to go to school to learn to draw or paint. The more skill sets you have that you can bring to the table as a tattoo artist, the more likely you're going to get chosen for an apprenticeship.
  • Question
    What should I be looking for in a tattoo apprenticeship?
    Grant Lubbock
    Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink
    Grant Lubbock is a Tattoo Artist and Co-Owner of Red Baron Ink, a tattoo salon based in New York City. Grant has over 10 years of tattooing experience and he specializes in neo-traditional, black/grey, and color tattoos. Red Baron Ink's main goal is for each tattoo coming out of their studio to be one of a kind custom pieces that will look good throughout a lifetime.
    Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink
    Expert Answer
    Find an artist or a shop you admire, then go there and start collecting tattoos from them. At the same time, be presenting your portfolio with all of your designs. Be sure to show the technical side of what you're able to do on paper, from linework to full renderings and illustrations. Then, when they're looking for an apprentice, they may be more likely to choose you.
  • Question
    What are good methods for finding a full-time tattoo artist job?
    Grant Lubbock
    Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink
    Grant Lubbock is a Tattoo Artist and Co-Owner of Red Baron Ink, a tattoo salon based in New York City. Grant has over 10 years of tattooing experience and he specializes in neo-traditional, black/grey, and color tattoos. Red Baron Ink's main goal is for each tattoo coming out of their studio to be one of a kind custom pieces that will look good throughout a lifetime.
    Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink
    Expert Answer
    The process for finding a job is similar to finding an apprenticeship—you want to show them your portfolio so they can see what you can do. Since most tattoo shops are really busy, though, it's usually best to send your portfolio in an email. That way, they can look over it when they have time, and if they're interested, they can invite you in for an interview.
  • Question
    What are the requirements in Texas?
    Kiara Hamed
    Tattoo Artist
    Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013.
    Tattoo Artist
    Expert Answer
    In the state of Texas, only businesses have to have a license. The artists have to complete a bloodborne pathogens class to ensure health expectations. Different cities have different requirements
  • Question
    About how long would you say the entire process of becoming an artist takes?
    Kiara Hamed
    Tattoo Artist
    Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013.
    Tattoo Artist
    Expert Answer
    From honing your drawing skills, going through an apprenticeship, and finding a position, I would say at the least 2-3 years.
  • Question
    If it doesn't take traditional education then why are the first steps to get your high school diploma and an art degree?
    Kiara Hamed
    Tattoo Artist
    Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013.
    Tattoo Artist
    Expert Answer
    While you don't have to do these things, it helps tremendously. Having a high school diploma and Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts will give you an edge over the competition.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article