How do I get started as a tattoo artist?
Hi! I want to become a tattoo artist and am looking for advice on how to get started. What kind of education or training do I need to become a tattoo artist? Do I need design or illustration experience before I become a tattoo artist?
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Expert Comments
You need strong drawing skills to become a tattoo artist, so taking art classes can certainly be beneficial. There are even tattoo courses you can take. While there is no federal regulation, many states require training courses, certifications, and/or a license to become a tattoo artist, so check the laws in your area.
Becoming an apprentice to a tattoo artist is the best way to get started in the business, and many states require you to complete an apprenticeship. Choose someone who works for a reputable shop, has plenty of experience, and whose portfolio you like.
As an apprentice, you'll learn about the design process, equipment and sterilization, the tattooing process, and the business itself. You can also build a portfolio of your drawings and tattoo designs and develop relationships with tattoo artists and clients.
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Becoming an apprentice to a tattoo artist is the best way to get started in the business, and many states require you to complete an apprenticeship. Choose someone who works for a reputable shop, has plenty of experience, and whose portfolio you like.
As an apprentice, you'll learn about the design process, equipment and sterilization, the tattooing process, and the business itself. You can also build a portfolio of your drawings and tattoo designs and develop relationships with tattoo artists and clients.
People have already provided some great advice for becoming a tattoo artist, so I'll give you my thoughts on how to get loyal, repeat clients once you do become a tattoo artist. You have to work to keep them coming to you and not going to other studios and, at the end of the day, that comes down to making sure they have an amazing experience. So, they have to be happy with the tattoo. They need to know that if something needs a retouch or additional support, you're going to be there for them.
Also, give them things that maybe they don't expect, like offer them something to drink or eat or lend them an iPad to watch a movie on while they are getting tattooed so they that they feel comfortable and good with you. You'll also have to work with email marketing. So, write them after some time to ask them how the tattoo heals, or when you open your bookings, just write again to say, “Hey, I'm opening my bookings. Just in case you want to have something new, send me a request,” these kind of things. And, of course, you're going to work with social media. You're going to keep your following updated on what you're doing, new designs that you did, and they will get to know you better through posts and stories. So, if you build a good relationship with them, probably they are going to come to you again.
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Also, give them things that maybe they don't expect, like offer them something to drink or eat or lend them an iPad to watch a movie on while they are getting tattooed so they that they feel comfortable and good with you. You'll also have to work with email marketing. So, write them after some time to ask them how the tattoo heals, or when you open your bookings, just write again to say, “Hey, I'm opening my bookings. Just in case you want to have something new, send me a request,” these kind of things. And, of course, you're going to work with social media. You're going to keep your following updated on what you're doing, new designs that you did, and they will get to know you better through posts and stories. So, if you build a good relationship with them, probably they are going to come to you again.
Reader Comments
I'd say that people who are looking to get tattooed care more about the artist's abilities and less about their degrees and credentials. Instead of a piece of paper certifying that you're a credentialed tattoo artist, you want to have a strong portfolio that will make people go "Whoa, I want to get a tattoo from that person!" However, a degree can still be valuable if it will give you lots of practice. That practice and time spent developing your drawing and tattooing skills is what's really important. But you can also get that practice from outside of a degree. Some of the best tattoo artists I know don't have a degree, so don't feel like you need to get one.
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I think learning to draw is where you should start when it comes to becoming a tattoo artist! It'll be really helpful to have a strong foundation in drawing and design before you start tattooing, because tattooing requires a whole nother skillset that goes on top of your drawing skillset. You'll have to learn how to safely and sanitarily handle your equipment, how to work with needles to create even lines and gradients, etc. So I'd recommend working on mastering and developing your own art style before tackling tattooing.
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Getting tattoos is a great way to 1. learn what you like and don't like in a tattoo artist, 2. get exposed to a variety of art styles that you can draw inspiration from as you develop your own style, and 3. create connections in your local tattoo community that you can tap into when you seek out an apprenticeship. If you build a relationship with a tattoo artist that you really like, you might end up being able to reach out to them and ask to be their apprentice!
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Do you think I need to get at least one tattoo to become a tattoo artist? I know it's not *necessary* but I've heard some people say they wouldn't get a tattoo from an artist that doesn't have any themselves so I want to get other people's thoughts
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Coming from someone who's actually got more tattoos, I do personally think I would trust someone more who has tattoos just because they know they experienced themselves. And it's some sort of commitment. Especially when they have good tattoos, too, it just shows that they did their research. I've met some tattoo artists without any and I feel like I wouldn't be able to share a bond with them if they were tattooing my whole entire arm and they have no idea what it feels like.
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What do other wikiHow readers have to say?
Other wikiHow readers have submitted their own tips on topics similar to this one.
Reader Tips from How to Practice Tattooing
When you're just starting to tattoo someone else, have a more experienced artist observe you and help you through the process.
Practice drawing with a pen so you can focus on perfecting your linework.
Reader Tips from How to Create an Impressive Tattoo Artist Portfolio
Keep practicing in a variety of tattoo styles so you can be a versatile artist and draw a design for anyone who walks into your shop.
Make sure to include an "About" page on your portfolio so people can learn more about you and how you got started tattooing.
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