I Left My Job to Be a Tattoo Artist — Things That Surprised Me Most

• I give up my company job for a tattoo apprenticeship and am now a full-time artist.
• Realizing learn how to market your self on social media is a large a part of the job.
• Whilst an introvert, I get pleasure from assembly new shoppers and my work atmosphere. 
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After majoring in wonderful artwork and vogue design, I had no thought what I wished to do with my life. 

I labored in social media and advertising as a content material creator for many of my 20s. However after years of tension within the company world, I wished to discover a profession I genuinely loved.

So when my sister-in-law despatched me an Instagram put up from a Los Angeles tattoo store, June Jung Artwork, that was searching for an apprentice, I threw collectively a portfolio that bought me accepted.

I immediately left my corporate job and dedicated to being a full-time apprentice — and finally a tattoo artist. Listed below are seven issues that stunned me most concerning the change:

I am thriving as an introvert

Working in advertising as an introvert was mentally draining — I hated the conferences, shows, occasions, and open places of work and thought it was one thing I needed to cope with for the remainder of my life.

Now, I principally work with other introverts who really feel the identical manner. 

As a tattoo artist, I work one-on-one with my shoppers and do the entire listening. I by no means thought I would get pleasure from assembly new folks, however each expertise is so distinctive and rewarding.

Probably the most tough a part of tattooing was discovering my very own model

Earlier than you are taught about precise tattooing, it’s important to study blood-borne pathogens and cleanliness.

However regardless of the steep studying curve, probably the most tough factor for me was finding my tattoo style and area of interest.

I am presently into micro realism, however I am positive that’ll shift as my pursuits change sooner or later.

Data in social media and advertising is essential

There’s extra to being a tattoo artist than simply the artwork. Most tattooers must market themselves to get shoppers, particularly after they’re simply beginning.

My expertise within the company world has carried over as a big a part of my present job. From e mail etiquette to social-media finest practices, every thing I’ve discovered has given me a head begin in rising a clientele.

I began posting TikToks initially of my tattoo journey, which has given me an enormous benefit as a brand new artist.

Tattooing will be mentally and bodily draining

I am a perfectionist and my very own worst critic, so each little factor will maintain me up at evening, from a design that is not “ok” to a tiny “mistake” that is solely seen to me.

Particularly once you’re new, the everlasting facet of tattooing provides plenty of stress. Plus there are such a lot of proficient artists that it is unattainable to not examine your self to others. 

Bodily, your again and neck ache from the bizarre positions it’s important to sit in, and your hand cramps from continuously drawing and holding the machine. 

It took months earlier than I may decide up a tattoo machine

Though apprenticeships differ based mostly on the studio and mentor, most of them initially give attention to studying how the store runs, cleansing, and organising or breaking down stations. 

You additionally work on day by day assignments out of your mentor, which principally include tracing shapes and drawing.

I lucked out at my apprenticeship and started learning to ink on practice skin after about 4 to 5 months. 

There’s plenty of work outdoors of precise tattooing

Outdoors of my appointments, I am continuously drawing for my upcoming shoppers, doing consultations, replying to emails, and going by way of my request sheet.

Plus I’ve to keep up with social media and continuously create new content material to market myself.

Not all tattoo outlets are intimidating

Earlier than working at June Jung Artwork, I would solely been to intimidating road outlets. However now that tattoos at the moment are extra mainstream, I feel the business is altering to make shoppers really feel snug and welcome.

Due to my past experiences at tattoo shops, I used to be initially terrified to go to my apprenticeship interview. To my shock, the store was clear, ethereal, and stress-free, plus everybody there was very pleasant.

The entire artists are extremely proficient, variety, and useful. There isn’t any rivalry or drama, simply tattooers who love what they do.