The Highest Paying Art Career No One Talks About: Tattooing

Aliens
Jun 27
4 min read

Updated: Jul 1

There’s a multi-crore art industry growing quietly in plain sight — and chances are, no one ever told you about it.

It’s not in your school textbooks.

It’s not discussed in career counseling sessions.

It’s rarely spoken of as a “real future.”

But it’s happening.

While everyone was told to chase MBAs, coding jobs, or graphic design gigs, a new breed of artists was building something else entirely, a bold, skill-driven career that merges freedom, expression, and serious money.

It’s called tattooing, and it might just be the highest-paying art career in India right now.

In this blog, we’re going to break down why.

We’ll bust the myths, share real numbers, show real stories, and maybe even shift how you see your own potential.

Why Nobody Talks About Tattooing — And Why They Should

Tattooing has long been misunderstood.

It was seen as rebellious, risky, and underground, definitely not something you'd talk about during family dinners.

Most schools never mentioned it.

Parents didn’t take it seriously.

Career counselors never even brought it up.

But today, the reality has changed.

Tattooing isn’t rebellion anymore.

It’s respect. Reputation. And revenue.

And the world, especially India, is starting to catch on.

Let’s Look at the Numbers — They Speak for Themselves

The global tattoo industry is valued at $3.5 billion+, and growing steadily.
In India, the industry is exploding, with 10–15% year-on-year growth.
There are over 2 lakh monthly Google searches related to tattoos in India.
High-end studios are thriving, Aliens Tattoo has 16+ outlets and expanding.
Tattoo sessions in India can cost between ₹20,000 to ₹2,00,000+, for a single project.

Artists like Steve Butcher, Sasha Unisex, and Sunny Bhanushali earn between ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore+ a year, many without ever attending formal college.

Still think tattooing isn’t a real career?

Why Tattooing pays so much, and grows so fast

Low Time, High Value

Most creative careers take years of formal education. Tattooing, on the other hand, can be mastered in 6–12 months of immersive, hands-on training.

You charge per project, not per month

Tattoo artists don’t earn salaries, they earn per tattoo. Professionals charge between ₹10K to ₹1L per session, sometimes even more depending on style and scale.

Global demand

Top tattoo artists are invited to conventions and residencies worldwide. They build international clientele, collaborate with global artists, and earn in dollars or euros while working across cultures.

Tattooing Opens Doors to the World

One of the most underrated truths about tattooing is how global this industry truly is. Talented Indian tattoo artists are now being invited to:

International tattoo conventions
Residency programs with global studios
Collaborations with brands and celebrity clients
Travel to Europe, the U.S., and Southeast Asia to work and grow

Take Anil Gupta, for example, a legendary Indian-origin artist who became one of the most expensive tattoo artists in the world, with clients ranging from celebrities to billionaires. He’s based in New York, and his success is proof that tattooing doesn’t just elevate your income,it gives you international identity.

When you master this craft, your passport doesn’t need a degree, your portfolio speaks louder than any qualification.

Real Stories That Prove It’s Possible

Devendra Palav

Born and raised in the slums of Mumbai, Devendra’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From painting Ganpati idols to tattooing Virat Kohli, he’s now one of India’s top realism artists. His journey shows that no background is too humble — if you’ve got the fire, this industry can take you global.

Sakshi Panwar

Told early on that “tattooing isn’t for women,” Sakshi didn’t just prove them wrong — she made history. Today, she’s one of India’s most in-demand female tattoo artists and has tattooed celebrities like Arjun Kapoor. Her rise is inspiring hundreds of young women to break norms and own their space in this artform.

Allan Gois

From being a quiet student at Aliens Tattoo School to becoming a top-tier realism artist, Allan’s rise has been phenomenal. He’s now tattooed Hardik Pandya, gained massive online traction, and is known for his hyperrealistic style. Allan represents a new generation of artists blending precision, storytelling, and fame.

Is This Path for You?

Tattooing might be your calling if:

You’ve always loved sketching or designing
You never felt like college or a 9–5 was for you
You’re already in design or animation but feeling stuck
You want a career that combines freedom + art + money

Not sure?

Take this 2-minute quiz to find out - Could You Become a Tattoo Artist?

So How Do You Start?

You don’t need a degree.

You don’t need permission.

You don’t need 3 years of school.

You just need:

A commitment to learn
Real mentorship
Professional training that covers real skin, not just theory

At Aliens Tattoo School, we offer India’s most comprehensive tattoo training, covering skill, technique, mindset, marketing, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or a creative pro, this is where raw talent becomes mastery.