If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you’re curious about the world of tattooing and want to know everything there is to know about the field before you actually get started. Even if you’ve never given much thought to the idea of exploring a career as a tattoo artist, the fact that you’re reading this means you’ve already discovered some things about yourself that make you a good candidate for the job. At its most basic, tattooing is the practice of drawing ink onto the skin with the purpose of creating a permanent design. The knowledge that is required to become successful at tattooing varies from person to person, but there are some commonalities that can help you get started. In order to help you understand what it takes to become a professional tattoo artist, this article will cover the following topics:
What is Tattoo Art?
The word tattoo, or tattoo in the 18th century, is a loanword from the Samoan word tatau, meaning "to strike". Tattoo art involves permanently marking someone's skin with a design, and it is done by an expert, artist using a set of tools. Tattoos are more than just the designs created by an artist, it is a form of self-expression. They can have deep meaning or may simply be an adornment that reflects the wearer's personality, occupation, and life experiences. Tattoo designs also vary in style from simple to complex; usually, new tattoos start with smaller, less detailed work before graduating to larger more ornate pieces as they heal.
What are the basic skills required to become a Tattoo Artist?
The basic skills required to become a tattoo artist include the ability to draw, great communication skills, artistic talent, and designing abilities. A tattoo artist should also be able to work with people from all walks of life in an ethical manner; this is necessary because many people are sensitive about scars or tattoos they have on their bodies. Tattoo artists must possess creativity when it comes to drawing new designs that customers would like as well as knowledge of various types of pens, needles and ink colors so they can accurately sketch them out for the customer before making any permanent marks.
Tattoo artists are always looking for new ways to produce cutting-edge tattoos. They're constantly working on their craft and improving the quality of their work by experimenting with different styles, tattoo placement, shading techniques, and color choices. However, a big part of being an artist is keeping up with trends in this digital world where everything is going digital. The knowledge of art apps such as photoshop Procreate or illustrator has become indispensable to the trade because it's what people use not just for creating designs but also for simply browsing through them digitally before getting tattooed in person!
Tattoo art as a career?
Would it be a good idea to choose this as your career? The answer is Yes. Tattooing is a growing career and the demand for tattoo artists is rising as well. As compared to the traditional jobs, a tattoo artist can earn a good doing what you would love to do most. It is not only about great money, it offers so much more, it offers creative freedom, it lets you connect with new beautiful people from all over the world, and it lets you travel around the world sharing and spreading your art and creativity. Tattoo art is one of the fastest-growing art careers in the world and there is a huge demand for tattoo artists across the globe. To know more about the tattoo market and related statistics like how much a tattoo artist earns, and what's the future of this industry, read the blog Why There’s Such a High Demand for Good Tattoo Artists Across the Globe?
Successful tattoo artist vs Amateur tattoo artist
The amateur tattoo artist is not skilled enough to have a successful career in the field. They are just trying to make some quick money out of the passion they have for tattooing. Amateur tattoo artists will not learn all the skills you need to succeed. They will also not find the opportunities that professional tattoo artists have and they will in turn become frustrated and give up on their journey.
The professional has honed their skills over time and become an expert at what they do, which makes them a sought-after candidate for tattoos across the world. A professional tattoo artist is skilled, knowledgeable, and has a good understanding of the art. This is what makes them stand out as a professional. As a professional, they have acquired the skills to draw amazing designs, and create unique and outstanding tattoos. They know how to work with clients, how to give them what they want and how to make them happy. A professional tattoo artist is able to do all of this because they have been in the business for a long time and have learned their art over the years.
How do I become a Pro Tattoo Artist?
A lot of people think that they can just pick up a needle and start practicing on their own skin but that's not how it works at all. You need to understand what this art really means and you need proper training to be able to do it well.
So the first step is to get your education and enroll yourself in a reputed tattoo art school that offers career courses in tattoo art. This will require you do a lot of research on tattoo art schools both locally and abroad, this will help you to pick the best tattoo art school and get the best training in your chosen field. You can also do some research on the internet and find out what are the best tattoo art schools in your country. Whichever school you choose, make sure you evaluate them on the following points
Does the school have a dedicated infrastructure or it is the part of the tattoo studio which is run by a few commissioned artists? You need to find a school that should have its own dedicated space and infrastructure that should be specially designed for learners/teachers' mindset. It should be equipped with tools and technology to facilitate a great learning experience. (Beware of those fakers who run a training institute from their own studio and claim to teach tattoo art for as cheap as it can get and as fast as it can be done. They teach you while they are working on their business clients by letting you watch the process of tattooing. They do not have a structured approach towards teaching art, nor a dedicated time and space to do so)
Does the school have a team of expert mentors where each one specializes in various skills which are required to become a successful tattoo artist? Look through the work and the portfolios of the mentors. The quality of their work will speak for itself. Understand the vision and values the company share, does it express the love and passion for teaching and developing aspiring artists.
Do they offer career courses in tattoo art? Carefully evaluate the courses they offer. Becoming a Pro tattoo artist requires a lot more than just the tattooing skills. You need to get better at communication, sales, and marketing, you need to learn about how to run a tattoo business, the importance and best practices of health and safety at work, and a lot more. Do they offer a structured course where you will go through all of these subjects in a well-structured format?
Are students graduated from their tattoo school successful in the real world? Read through their reviews and ratings online. Follow their social media and see if they share students' work, follow those students to see how well they have progressed in the real world. How many students are actually working as tattoo artists commercially after they successfully completed the course. You can also connect with these students and ask them about the overall learning experience. Look out for how they support their community of students and do they have alumni programs or sponsorships to encourage and promote talents.
Do they offer internships after the course? Tattoo internships can be a great way to learn more about the tattoo industry while also earning some money. Some people who have completed a 3-months long internship in this field say that they learned as much as, if not more than what was taught in college courses on the subject, and sometimes even worked side by side with professionals. It can be seen as an investment into your future career because you would be able to get paid during your apprenticeship which helps offset any potential expenses you might incur such as supplies, clothes (if applicable), etc., while simultaneously learning all sorts of valuable information that will help set up your career path later down the line.
Conclusion
So, where does this leave you? You’re now armed with a good amount of information about the tattoo industry. If you’re serious about pursuing a career in this field, then it is important for you to consider the options that suit your skills, personality, and interests. Be realistic though. There is no point in going through all that trouble if you are not going to get what you came for. However, if it’s your passion, then there is no need to let it pass by just because some people might not see what it has to offer is worth their time and effort. You’re the one who has to live with the results of your decision, so make sure that you don’t regret anything down the line.