how to start tattooing

If you have a talent for drawing and a love of tattoos, you might consider a career as a tattoo artist. It requires time, money and dedication to complete a full, professional internship. If you would like to start tattooing, a few tips will help get you on your way.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. • 1
     Build an art portfolio that includes a professional display of your artistic talent. Your portfolio should present a wide array of your own creations. Make sure that any awards, recognitions or other documents which demonstrate your artistic ability are included in your portfolio. Portfolios should be organized by date in a clean folder for proper presentation to possible employers.
   • 2
     Become familiar with the tattoo world, learning about past and present tattoo artists and their work. It is probable that you will be asked about your knowledge of tattoo's and artists during your apprenticeship interview.
   • 3
     Save up as much money as you possibly can before seeking an apprenticeship. In most cases a tattoo apprenticeship is like having a full-time job with overtime. Most likely, you will not have the time to work on the side, and you may even be required to pay for your apprenticeship. A qaulity internship will last a minimum of 6 months and as long as 2 years.
   • 4
     Make a list of possible shops you would like to apprentice for and start looking in the late fall or early winter months. Tattoo shops are busiest in the spring and summer, and many often will not even consider a new apprentice during those seasons. Don't expect to land an apprenticeship at the first shop you go to. Consider relocating to another city to expand your opportunities.
   • 5
     Start tattooing once you have spent months or even years cleaning up after other tattoo artists and practicing tattoos on orange peels, frozen chickens, yourself and brave friends. Only after your apprenticeship site is sure that you're ready will you be allowed to work.

how to learn tattoo art

Tattooing is an ancient art that combines artistic vision and talent with precision skills. tattoos artists are called on to create everything from common tattoo motifs---called flash---to elaborate custom designs for clients. In this article, you'll learn how to become a tattoo artist. Each state has its own guidelines and requirements for working as a tattoo artist, so be sure to check out the laws in your state before you get started.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. • 1
     Become an apprentice. Serving an apprenticeship with an established tattoo artist is the most common and most widely accepted way of becoming a tattoo artist. Many states also require that tattoo artists have a certain number of hours as an apprentice completed before they are allowed to work as artists themselves. Visit tattoo shops in your area and get to know the artists there. Set up appointments with the artists to ask about opportunities for apprenticing. Take along a portfolio of your artwork, preferably drawings, to give the artist an idea of your capabilities and style. As an apprentice, you'll learn not only how to create tattoos, but also about blood-borne diseases, sterilization of equipment and the proper care of new tattoos.
   • 2
     Use training videos and books on tattoo art to help you learn and understand techniques new to you. Some vendors of videos and books are listed in Resources below.
   • 3
      Practice drawing in a variety of styles and scopes. Draw small designs, large designs and everything in between. Draw cartoon characters and flash-like designs. Draw elegant butterflies and wings. Draw anything you can think of being a tattoo. Work on your drawing skills on paper and practice transferring them to skin and practice skin.
   • 4
     Practice tattooing your work on the practice material called Almost Skin. Look at tattoo art by other artists, and look at books of photographs of tattoos to help expand your imagination and give you ideas for your own future designs.
   • 5
     Learn the machinery. Tattoo machines are delicate instruments that must be well maintained. Ask your mentor/employer to show you how to properly tune, clean and sterilize all of the machines and equipment used in the tattoo process.
   • 6
     Keep your first aid, CPR and sterilization skills and knowledge up-to-date. Be a safe tattoo artist.

how to get a tattoo certification

Being a tattoo artist can be a rewarding and challenging occupation. However, it also takes time, training and patience to receive your tattoo artist certification. Follow these simple steps to be on your way to a new occupation.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. • 1
     Start by talking to a local tattoo shop and a professional tattoo artist. They may be able to help you by giving you suggestions about getting your tattoo certification, such as where and how.
   • 2
     Talk to your local community college or vocational school. Many offer courses on tattooing. You may also take basic health courses so that you understand the risks of needles and tattoo guns and the body.
   • 3
     Check the Internet for companies that can help you get your tattoo certification. There are many on the web that offer, for a price, courses for tattoo artist certification.
   • 4
     After you have taken these courses, try and find a tattoo artist that accepts apprentices. Although you may end up working for almost free at first, you can get much valuable experience this way.

Tips & Warnings

• Many Internet courses are "pay as you go," meaning you can take one class at a time without a further commitment

how to be a state certified tattoo artist

Are you incredibly intrigued by tattoos? Are you an artist? Why not combine the two passions of your life and become a tattoo artist? If you receive state certification as a tattoo artist, you're employment prospects will increase dramatically. These steps will help show how you can become state certified as a tattoo artist and embark on the career of your dreams.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Fees required by state
• Course certificate
• Universal Precautions Training

1. • 1
      Becoming state certified as a tattoo artist is as simple as completing an online or correspondence course if classes or workshops aren't available in your area. See the link in the Resources section below for an online tattoo academy.
   • 2
      .
     

     Before paying for any class, whether it is online or at a physical establishment, check with your state's Department of Health to be sure all mandated guidelines are met. Some states require additional certification within the health field in order to be state certified as a tattoo artist.
   • 3
      Achieve a 75 percent or better score in a number of required tests. You will need to learn a particular code of ethics designed for body artists. In addition, you'll be required to study skin anatomy and physiology, procedures for studios and tattoos, blood-borne pathogens, OSHA standards, guidelines issued by the Food and Drug Administration, rules of the state and local regulatory offices and any other specifications required by your location (see Resources below).
   • 4
      
     

     Many courses along the road to state certification include the application or administering of permanent makeup. While requiring the steady and skillful hand of an experienced tattoo artist, this expands the services an artist or shop can provide.
   • 5
      Many states will allow tattoo artists to become licensed after serving apprenticeships in place of taking training classes or programs. Such courses provide artists with important information and education that can significantly reduce the chance of liabilities down the road

Tips & Warnings

• Always check with your state's Department of Health before paying for any tattoo certification course to be sure all necessary guidelines are being addressed.

how to buy tattoo practice skin

New to the world of tattooing and aren't quite ready to practice on real skin yet? Or, are you an old pro who wants to try out a new technique without having to find a human guinea pig? tattoo practice skin is a good source to get much needed practice without having to touch needle to live skin.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1
     Contact tattoo supply companies. There are many companies to choose from that you can find online and in tattoo magazines. Ask various companies for a price list of all the different practice skin they have available in order to make comparisons.
   • 2
     Check out different brands. Like any other product, there are various price ranges for tattoo practice skin. Before paying a premium price, find out what makes one brand so much higher than others. Find out if the quality of a higher priced brand is really worth the difference.
   • 3
     Decide what sizes and shapes to buy. There are many sizes available from 6" x 6" to 11" x 14" and many choices in between. You can also buy skin that is square, round, oval or rectangular in shape. Depending on how much practice you need and what your exact uses will be, you can determine how large a piece or pieces you'll need and what shape might work best.
   • 4
     Compare prices. Depending on what you're using the skin for, any cheap product may suffice, but in some cases, a higher priced, higher quality product might fit your needs better. Also compare prices between the different sizes to see if it's more cost effective to buy larger pieces that can be cut down.
   • 5
     Check for discounts. If you need a fairly large quantity or plan to share with other artists, then it never hurts to find out who might offer a reduced rate for larger orders.
   • 6
     Factor in shipping costs and time. You can always pay for expedited delivery, but unless you truly need it right away, this route isn't usually worth the added expense. Some companies will also add a handling charge on top of regular shipping, so check to see if there are any other extra fees involved.
   • 7
     Consider return policies. Some companies consider all sales final, which means if you get your practice skin and it's not all it's cracked up to be, you're stuck with it. Other companies may offer to give you a credit on your next purchase or exchange the product for something else, if you have a legitimate reason for wanting to return the item.

Tips & Warnings

• There's now tattoo practice skin available specifically for practicing the application of permanent makeup.
• To get the most mileage out of each piece of practice skin, use both sides. Once you're done tattooing one side, simply flip it over and tattoo the other.
• Although practice skin is very similar to tattooing on real skin, if you place the skin on a flat surface while you're practicing, then it won't be like tattooing on someone's body with its natural curves and contours.

what are tattoos practice skins made of

There are many options for those who want to become tattoo artists. Apprenticeships are still the most common and often the most hands on. There are also many formal courses that can be competed by the aspiring tattooist. Many people are curious as to how brand new tattoo artists learn. For some, the first tattoo is on a tattoo practice skin.

1. History

   • For a long time, the common options for those learning to tattoo were to either practice on their own skin, or to tattoo fruit, such as oranges, to get a feel for the depth of the needle. However, more options have come on the market.

   Types

   • The two main types of tattoo practice skin are synthetic and animal skin, typically pig skin. Synthetic tattoo skin is generally made of either just rubber or rubber that's been laminated to feel more like real skin.

   Function

   • Practice tattoo skins have become a popular choice for those learning to tattoo. In many cases, tattoo skin is more like real skin than fruit, without having to permanently mark oneself or someone else with the first tattoo attempt.

   Benefits

   • Using tattoo practice skin gives the new tattoo artist a more life-like feel than the old standby, oranges, as the skin can be wrapped around a body part such as an ankle or wrist to give the artist the feel of tattooing on the contours of a real body.
     It's also less nerve-racking to practice on something that can be thrown away afterward rather than something a person will have to live with forever.
     The synthetic skin is also available in a double-sided version, giving more space to practice on.

   Drawbacks

   • Some tattoo artists say that even the best tattoo practice sheets are not enough like real skin to simulate actually tattooing a person, and the sheets can be expensive to practice on often.
     The choice of whether to use natural sheets, such as pig skin, or synthetic materials, is for each tattoo artist and instructor to make

how to practice tattooing

If you're thinking of becoming a tattoo artist, you're going to need to practice your tattooing. And now you're wondering if there's someway to practice tattooing without subjecting a victim to your poor skills-you don't want a reputation as the person who gave a bad tattoo. Luckily, there is a way to practice your tattooing without subjecting someone to a horrible tattoo.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. • 1
     Purchase practice tattoo skin. This amazing product mimics real skin and allows you to get the practice you need to become a tattoo artist. It'll also let you try out new techniques, colors and stencils without subjecting a real person to your practicing. Some artists will save the practice skin so they can show people what the "real" tattoo would look like on skin.
   • 2
     Tattoo on fruit. The most popular choice is a honeydew melon since it looks the most like skin.
   • 3
     Try pig's feet or ears. Pig's feet and ears, though thicker than human skin, is actual skin, making it preferable for many artists. Purchase pig's feet and ears through butchers.
   • 4
     Find a human guinea pig. Once you have an idea of what you're doing, you can practice you tattooing on friends and family. You can even practice on yourself. Just let any person know that you're practicing on that you're still learning tattooing 

Tips & Warnings

• Most tattoo artists believe that you if you undergo an apprenticeship with a reputable artist, you don't need to practice; they'll teach you what you need to know and you'll be ready to go.
• If you do end up practicing on friends and family make sure you're using standard precautions and all your equipment has gone through a thorough sanitizing.

how to get a tattoo carrer going

A talent for drawing is a great asset to have as you begin a career as a tattoo artist, as is a love for working with people. Becoming a tattoo artist takes years of dedication, including studying with a professional and developing your own creative style. Create unique art for your portfolio to separate yourself from the competition to get your tattoo career going.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection
• Library
• Phone

1. • 1
     Build an art portfolio that professionally displays your artistic talent. The portfolio should present a diverse spectrum of your own creations and be presentable to potential tattoo artists you wish to study with.
   • 2
     Learn about past and present tattoo artists, styles and techniques. Research online or check out books from your local library as you will be quizzed on your knowledge during interviews.
   • 3
     Find a tattoo artist you want to learn from. The artist should be someone whose work you respect and admire. Contact his tattoo shop or studio to inquire about apprenticeships online or by phone.
   • 4
     Save as much money as possible before starting an apprenticeship. Most do not pay or pay very little, though they require full-time hours. Apprenticeships last anywhere from six months to a few years. The duration is usually determined by the person teaching you.
   • 5
     Start your apprenticeship. In addition to watching a professional artist tattoo clients, you will learn how to properly use and sterilize equipment, interact with the public and maintain basic bookkeeping.

Tips & Warnings

• Tattoo shops are busiest during spring and summer, so apply for an apprenticeship during the fall or winter months as there will be less competition for the position and more time to learn on the job.

how to persue a tattoo career

Thanks to the popularity of a few reality shows, many people now want to become a tattoo artist. But it can be a challenging career and it may take longer and require more work than you may realize to have a career as a tattoo artist.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. • 1
     Decide who you want to learn from. Most tattoo artists go through an apprenticeship under the instruction of a professional tattoo artist. The person you learn from should be experienced, reputable and well- known. They should be someone whose technique you admire and they should have many photographs of tattoos that you can look through. Ask if you can volunteer in their shop just to see how they work before making a decision.
   • 2
     Be an artist. You will not make it as a tattoo artist anymore if all you know how to do is follow stencils. Tattoo artists create masterpieces to translate onto people's skin. You must know how to draw and truly love it to become a tattoo artist. Most tattoo artists do drawings or paintings or work in other media as a hobby.
   • 3
     Choose a school, a system or an apprenticeship that will teach you more than the technical way to give tattoos if you want to have a career. You have to learn how to use tattoo equipment, maintain cleanliness, sterilize equipment, deal with clients and maybe how to run a buissness. But you also have to learn how to draw and the art side of tattooing.

how to do tattoos

Tattoos have played an integral role in identity politics over the years. Not only do tattoos express our personal interests and beliefs, but they represent physical manifestations of our hopes, dreams and fears. Because tattoos are permanently etched onto our bodies, getting the right tattoo is of the utmost importance to wearers. Tattoo artists who exhibit sensitivity and creativity towards their customers gain much success. With the right preparation and approach, tattooing can become a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Drawing materials
• Internet

1. Hone your drawing skills

   • 1
     Improve your drawing abilities. Step inside any tattoo shop and you will find walls adorned with many tattoo templates. People who do not know what they want tattooed on their bodies usually fall back on these design templates. Others desire their own, one-of-a-kind tattoos and may request a custom design. These customers might approach you with a specific idea and ask you to flesh out the details.
   • 2
     Practice sketching popular templates. Carbon copying popular tattoo templates will refine your consistency. Each patron expects his or her tattoo to be of equally excellent quality to the last person and the next. Studying these templates will also help you create your own images. Look for motifs and symbols that resonate with you and your particular skills.
   • 3
     Compile an art portfolio. Veteran tattoo artists look at an individual's art samples to gauge a potential understudy's talent. These artists rely on high-quality work and will not hire anyone with sub-par drawing skills. Purchase a binder and display each design in a sheet protector. Your artwork will look professional, and the sheet protectors will preserve your artwork.

   Seek tattoo apprenticeships

   • 1
     Canvas nearby areas and the web for tattoo shops. Do not settle for just any shop. Search for reputable shops that are renowned for their consistent, high-quality work. Contact your friends and ask them for any leads. You should have an objective memorized, so when you land an interview, you can state exactly what you would like to achieve in your apprenticeship and career.
   • 2
     Market yourself as professionally as possible, and be serious about your work. Carry a "no job is too big or too small" attitude, and cater to the tattoo artist's needs. If the tattoo shop only needs counter help, take advantage of the opportunity. You may not be able to apprentice at first, but it may become a future possibility, unless stated otherwise.
   • 3
     Be humble and eager to learn. The tattoo artist will probably ask you to handle a wide variety of tasks unrelated to the apprenticeship, which can seem unproductive. However, chances are the tattoo artist whom you study under is helping you out by not asking for a fee for training. Additional responsibilities, trade secrets and tips are earned over time.
   • 4
     Start your own business. After spending a good chunk of time with the tattoo artist, you might be able to start your own tattoo business. Establish a strong network of customers and colleagues, and continue working on mastering your craft  

Tips & Warnings

• Conduct thorough research about tattoo shops of interest. Some tattoo artists may simply hire you for the free labor. Determine the perks of working for a specific artist before accepting a gig.