Becoming A Tattoo Artist: The Career Change You Need

You wake up daily, overdose on coffee, and think about becoming a Tattoo Artist, yet sit down for a job you hate. You dream of doing something better and making art for a living but don’t know how to change careers. If this sounds like you, you might be ready for a career change. So, you’re wondering how to become a tattoo artist? The journey starts with more than just a passion for art: it requires hands-on training, real-world experience, and expert mentorship.

In January 2022 alone, nearly 4.3 million people quit their jobs. In 2021, a record 48 million people left the U.S. These people are tired of the daily grind and not feeling fulfilled in their careers.

Where are they going? Some are just switching desk jobs, but quite a few are stepping away from the desk life entirely to less traditional career paths. It may be the time to leap into faith and leave your job, choosing a new career.

Understanding How to Be a Tattoo Artist

If you’re wondering how to be a tattoo artist, the answer lies in passion, dedication, and the proper training. Tattooing is a unique art form that requires creative skills, technical precision, and a commitment to hygiene and safety. Starting with a love for art and a willingness to learn, you can turn your passion into a fulfilling and lucrative career that allows you to create meaningful designs on living canvases. Understanding how to become a tattoo artist means knowing that practice, dedication, and the right apprenticeship are essential.

The Benefits of Becoming a Tattoo Artist

Becoming a tattoo artist offers a unique blend of creativity, independence, and financial potential. This career allows you to express your artistic vision while helping clients tell their personal stories through body art. Tattoo artists have the flexibility to work in diverse environments, from bustling city studios to private spaces tailored to their unique styles. With the growing popularity of tattoos, the demand for skilled artists continues to rise, making it an ideal career choice for those passionate about art and self-expression.

Overcoming Challenges in Becoming a Tattoo Artist

While becoming a tattoo artist is an exciting journey, it does come with its challenges. From mastering the technical skills required for precision and hygiene to building a client base, dedication is essential. Many aspiring artists start with apprenticeships, which provide hands-on experience and mentorship under seasoned professionals. Overcoming these hurdles builds resilience and sets the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in tattooing.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time for Becoming a Tattoo Artist

The tattoo industry is thriving, making it a strong time to consider becoming a tattoo artist. With advancements in tattooing techniques, tools, and styles, artists have more opportunities to innovate and stand out. Additionally, the growing acceptance of tattoos in mainstream culture means a broader client base and increased career potential. If you’ve been dreaming of turning your passion for art into a career, there is no better moment to leap.

Mastering the Essential Skills

One of the first steps to become a tattoo artist is mastering the foundational skills required for the craft. This includes artistic talent and the technical precision necessary to work on a living canvas. Drawing practice is essential, as clients often bring tattoo ideas that must be adapted into unique, tattoo-ready designs. Additionally, learning about tattoo machines, needle techniques, and ink application is vital to this journey. By focusing on these skills early on, aspiring tattoo artists can build the confidence and expertise needed to succeed in this competitive industry.

Finding the Right Tattoo Apprenticeship

A critical step in the journey to becoming a tattoo artist is securing a reputable tattoo apprenticeship. Ink Different’s tattoo apprenticeship provides hands-on experience, allowing you to learn directly from seasoned professionals in a real-world environment. This step not only hones your technical skills but also teaches you about client interaction, workspace hygiene, and the day-to-day operations of a tattoo studio. When researching apprenticeships, look for programs like those at Ink Different, where you can receive mentorship and licensing support upon completion.

Building a Professional Portfolio

Creating a standout portfolio is an essential step to becoming a tattoo artist. A professional tattoo portfolio showcases your artistic range, creativity, and technical skills, giving potential clients and employers a glimpse into your style. Include a mix of designs highlighting your versatility, from minimalist line art to intricate, detailed pieces. If you’ve completed tattoos during your apprenticeship, feature high-quality photos of those works as well. A polished portfolio is your calling card in the industry and a critical tool for advancing your career.

Leave Your Job Now and Take advantage of the Growing Tattoo Industry to Make a Living from Your Art.

Many artists are finding success selling their art online on sites like Etsy, yet maybe the most lucrative path for you is becoming a Tattoo Artist. Some Tattoo Artists have made a name for themselves by charging incredibly high prices for their work. So, if you’re looking to leave your job and you’re looking for a career in the arts, consider a new career as a Tattoo Artist.

One of the key ways to be happy in your career is to be intentional about what you’re doing and where you’re going rather than just going with the flow. So, it would help if you started by researching the industry and reflecting on your skills, interests, and hobbies. Then, understand what you are good at and what you want to do all day before making a career change.

However, becoming a Tattoo Artist may be a great option if you already love art and working with people. A lot of Tattoo Artists started as art students because they love art. However, making a living off of painting can be challenging to achieve. That’s where tattooing comes in; it provides a steady income while allowing artists to practice a craft they love. (It differs from designing on a living, changing canvas, like skin, rather than paper!)

So, if you’re an art lover who wandered off for a high-paying job, it’s not too late to choose a new career in the arts as a Tattoo Artist.

This guide will help you decide if you should become a Tattoo Artist and help connect you with our tattoo apprenticeship to get started.

So, let’s dive in!

Submit your art today and start your journey toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist! Call/.

Pros and Cons of Being a Tattoo Artist

Pros

• No degree required
• Can make up an average of $60k a year
• Get to define your art and style

Cons

• You must keep a Tattoo Artist license to practice in most states
• You will need to invest upfront in education and equipment
• Requires continuing education in trends

What Does a Tattoo Artist Do?

A Tattoo Artist is a skills-based career that requires the artist to have a comprehensive understanding of tattooing. Tattooing is permanently embedding ink into the skin to create designs or images. Tattoo Artists design and apply tattoos to a customer’s body.

However, tattoo artists must manage more than just designing and applying tattoos. Job duties include:

• Cleaning and sterilizing tattoo tools and workspace
• Providing customer service
• Organizing client appointments and communications
• Design ideas and regular practice
• Keeping current on industry trends
• Educating clients on tattoo care
• Tattooing clients

Becoming a successful Tattoo Artist takes a very steady, patient hand. It can take hours or days to complete a single tattoo, so you shouldn’t become a Tattoo Artist unless you are willing to be dedicated to the craft.

Tattoo Artists must also understand sanitation and sterilization to prevent blood-borne pathogens and damaging clients’ skin.

Tattoo artists also need excellent people skills. On top of needing great customer service, sometimes you may feel like a therapist. You will get clients who are getting custom tattoos with deep meaning for them, and they may have some memories or thoughts they share while you’re working on them. This can be an emotional job, so you should leave your stress aside to give clients the quality experience they deserve and create a safe space for them to preserve memories.

How Much Does a Tattoo Artist Make? 

According to Indeed, tattoo artists make an average of $60,000 annually. When starting, you will make a little less because you typically work for a shop owner, which may take a percentage commission. However, once you have the experience to set up your shop, you can make much more.

The more you build up a thriving, satisfied client base, the more demand for your services will be, and the more you can charge. You can also make tips. So, although a tattoo costs about $100, you could make more than that on tips. T tattoos range from $50 for small ones to $250 for larger ones. Eventually, you could charge up to $500 per hour for your work, depending on your skill, experience, and demand.

However, note that to become a Tattoo Artist, you must invest upfront in a course and equipment like ink, machines, needles, skin pens, etc. You may also have to pay to become licensed. Additionally, you may work for a low cost to free when you start, so it can take some time to repay your investment. But all the successful Tattoo Artists we’ve met would agree it’s well worth it!

Why Education Matters in Learning How to Be a Tattoo Artist

Learning how to be a tattoo artist goes beyond mastering artistic skills. Proper training and education are crucial for understanding the tools, techniques, and safety protocols required in the tattoo industry. Completing a professional apprenticeship provides hands-on experience and ensures you’re equipped to meet industry standards. This foundation is essential for building trust with clients and excelling in your craft.

Submit your art today and start your journey toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist! Call/.

The 6 Steps to Become a Successful Tattoo Artist 

Here are six steps to become a successful Tattoo Artist and make the career change you need. 

1. Take a Tattoo Artist Course

Working as an apprentice can give you precious experience, but a structured tattoo apprenticeship may be a better place to start. First, some health departments and states require classroom experience to become a licensed Tattoo Artist. Additionally, a course is a safe place to learn tattoo skills, develop your art, and network with other artists.

A structured apprenticeship is especially good if you have limited experience or don’t come from an art background because a course is a safe space to make mistakes. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes when first starting! The only way to become a great Tattoo Artist is through consistent practice. But you must set your fears aside and learn from mistakes to improve as a Tattoo Artist. Just remember, your clients will not critically analyze all the details – they’re more concerned with making their ideas into art they can keep with them forever. 

2. Prepare a Portfolio 

Next, prepare a professional art portfolio to showcase your work. Your tattoo portfolio should include original designs and photographs of your work and can also include drawings. You’ll also need to prepare a cover letter and resume to keep with your portfolio, addressed to the shop where you want to apprentice. Once your portfolio is ready, you can take it to a tattoo shop and apply as an apprentice. 

3. Get a Tattoo Apprenticeship With Real Mentorship

There’s no replacement for experience in the tattoo industry. You need to work in a real shop with a mentor to hone your skills and art. The experience of working in an actual shop with clients and other Tattoo Artists is irreplicable, which is why a tattoo apprenticeship is critical to becoming a successful Tattoo Artist.

Some tattoo apprenticeships are wild, unstable, and only intended to use you for free labor cleaning up the shop and doing administrative work that someone else would be otherwise paid to do. Be careful. If you find yourself in one of these, make a change.

If you decide to take your tattoo apprenticeship at a place like Ink Different, you’ll finish job-ready with licensing support the day you complete your apprenticeship. This is the kind of apprenticeship you are looking to find.

4. Become Licensed

States require Tattoo Artists to become licensed to practice. Each state in the United States is different. Research your state here. This may include a fee and a written exam depending on the state. A license is essential to become a Tattoo Artist. 

5. Market & Advertise Your Services

Once you’re licensed, you can begin marketing and selling your services. One of the best ways to advertise as a Tattoo Artist is with social media. Create an Instagram account or a TikTok to post designs and completed jobs and find prospective clients.

Use apps available on all smartphones and tablets to help your images stand out, like these:

6. Keep Current with Trends

Even after you are successfully selling your work, you need to continue to keep current with trends in the industry and stay updated with the latest requirements for sanitation. In addition, some states require continuing education to maintain your license.

Did you know about our tattoo studio in Brooklyn, New York? Check it out!

Turning Your Dream Into Reality

Becoming a tattoo artist isn’t just about having talent, it’s about taking actionable steps to achieve your goals. By exploring resources on how to be a tattoo artist, you can map out your journey, from building a strong portfolio to networking with experienced professionals. With the right guidance and determination, you can transform your artistic passion into a career that not only pays the bills but also brings you joy and creative satisfaction.

Learn How to Become a Tattoo Artist

At Ink Different, we can help you train with highly successful Tattoo Artists. You can apprentice with one of our professional, experienced Mentors and finish job-ready with licensing support when you complete your apprenticeship.

We recognize the value of giving our students a thorough education and practical training. Every step of your apprenticeship will be overseen by one of our qualified, seasoned tattoo artists, who will ensure you get the instruction you need to succeed in this field.

Maintaining compliance with sanitary standards and industry developments is another priority at our institution. We offer ongoing education to ensure that our students are informed and up to date in this constantly changing field. After completing your Ink Different apprenticeship, you will have the information and abilities necessary to succeed as a tattoo artist in the cutthroat tattoo industry.

Devote yourself to your artistic love and reinvent your profession. Start producing meaningful art on living canvases immediately to transform your passion into a rewarding and successful job. Don’t wait any longer!

Submit your art today and start your journey toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist! Call/.