1. Learn how to use your art skills
Tattoo artists are not all the same. Tattoo artists need to be able to tattoo. draw. This means that you must practice your art skills in real life. Do as many practice sessions as possible. Both traditional and digital visual arts are important. Trust us, it will be useful.
No, tattooing isn’t just about tracing lines. Many clients want something custom made by you. And even if you’re tattooing a pre-made design, your work will benefit greatly from the skill and discipline you’ll develop as an artist.
2. Learn What Makes a Good Tattoo Artist
While tattooing is an art, there’s definitely much more to it than that.
You’ll also have to know a little bit about the business. As a tattoo artist, you’ll be in charge of handling your clients, pricing your work, scheduling sessions, and – if you work independently – running your own shop.
You’ll also need some medical knowledge because tattooing can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing.
You may also need to play the part of friend or therapist. You may be asked by clients to do a tattoo on something they are very familiar with. You may be asked by clients to tattoo something personal. But we guarantee you’ll have to break out the charm and empathy at least Once How to advance your career.
3. Train with us
We said it before that if your goal is to be a professional tattoo artist you must do the hard work. This means that you must take it seriously, and learn how to tattoo from professionals in the industry.
There are many places that offer classes in tattooing. Here, you’ll learn the history, theories, and fundamentals of proper tattooing. You’ll also learn about the safety practices necessary to minimise the many risks of tattooing, and how to instruct your clients on proper tattoo aftercare.
If you can’t find a course near you (or can’t afford hundreds of dollars in tuition), don’t fret. Online classes are available in many formats.
4. Get A Tattoo Apprenticeship
You can learn tattoo drawing best by actually doing it. You will be paired with a talented tattoo artist during an apprenticeship. They will show you the ropes, and you’ll sneak a real peek into the day-to-day of an actual tattoo artist.
Apprenticeships can take years, and in some cases they’re unpaid, but you’ll get something that money can’t buy: experience. You’ll tattoo clients under the watchful eye of your mentor, get real-time guidance, and develop your skills in the real world.
5. Get licensed
Tattoo artists must have a license to perform professionally or for payment.
The requirements aren’t all that difficult, but it depends on the state you live in. Most of the time, you’ll just need ID, a National Police Check, and details about your past and current employment. You’ll also need to pay a small application fee and fill out a form.
6. Set Your Expectations
The number of clients that you have, the reputation you have, where you live, and your pricing are all factors that affect your salary as a tattoo artist. These are the factors that influence your salary as a tattoo artist. average pay for a tattoo artist It is only $AUD17.70 per hour. However, the top artists earn well over 100 grand annually.
You can work as an apprentice or for a lower rate of pay when you start out. But as you build your portfolio and your confidence, you’ll be able to charge more, attract new clients, and earn a decent, steady income doing what you love.
7. Learn how to say ‘No!
At first, you probably shouldn’t (or wouldn’t) say ‘no’ to any client. It’s not an easy thing to make money. But throughout your career, there will be times that you’ll be asked to do tattoo drawings that make you uncomfortable or don’t fit your aesthetic.
If you’re in a place financially that you can reject that kind of work, don’t feel bad about rejecting it. You know the difference between good and bad tattoos as a tattoo artist. As a person you are able to set your own boundaries. If you disagree with the message of a tattoo or if you just don’t want your name to be associated with the design, saying no can save you from a lot of regret in the future.
8. Get in touch with other tattoo artists
It is possible to have a huge tattoo community – make the most out of it! Look for artists you enjoy on Instagram. Get inspired by their work. You can post your own artwork online. Meet other shops and artists. Visit your local tattoo convention.
You can get your name out and possibly get new clients, but you also have the opportunity to build valuable friendships and connections. This is a great way to get clients referrals and swap tips. It can also help you land a job as a tattoo artist. There are many opportunities if you share your passion for tattooing with others.
