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IN THE TRACE OF INK

Tattoo industry

The DÖVME SEKTÖRÜ.COM logo features a handshake symbol.
Image by Maxim Hopman

Tattooing is an artistic skill that can help people feel better about their bodies and unleash your inner artistic passion. If you have drawing skills and a free spirit, tattoo art could be the perfect career for you. To become a tattoo artist, you will need to graduate from high school, complete a tattoo internship, and obtain a tattoo master's certificate. Once you have your tattoo master's certificate, you are ready to apply for and secure a job as a tattoo artist.

Is it necessary to go to school to become a tattoo artist?

1. Obtain your high school diploma. Most tattoo master certifications require applicants to have graduated from high school and be at least 18 years old. Take various art classes in high school, from two-dimensional drawing to graphic design, to develop your versatility as an artist and prepare for a tattoo career.

  • If you can no longer attend high school and have never graduated, enroll in distance learning.

3. Take drawing lessons to improve your artistic skills.

how-to-become-a-tattoo-artist

Tattoo artists should be skilled in drawing, especially comic art. Look for art classes offered by community centers, colleges, or people in your area, and take lessons from a teacher whose style you admire.

  • You can also contact local tattoo artists to see if any of them offer art classes.

  • If you're not naturally gifted at art when you start, don't lose hope! Like all skills, it takes years of hard work and practice to perfect an art form.

4. Practice drawing on your own.

tattoo drawings portfolio

Sanat becerilerini geliştirmek için özel olarak bir eskiz defteri tun ve boş zamanlarında buna çizimler yap. Bir profesyonel olarak çizdiğin dövmeler tasarım açısından çeşitlilik gösterebileceğinden, basit desenlerden popüler karakterlere veya ünlülerden portrelere kadar her şeyi çiz.

  • Yeni teknikler ve stiller öğrenmene yardımcı olacak birkaç çizim kitabı edin.

  • Kendi kişisel tarzını geliştirmek için eskiz defterine potansiyel dövme tasarımlarını çiz.

  • İnternet'ten ünlü dövme sanatçılarını ara ve ilham kaynağı olarak favorilerine bak. 

Chapter 2 - Obtaining Your Certificate of Proficiency

tattooist-ol

1. Create your own art portfolio. Your art portfolio will help you secure an apprenticeship and job as a tattoo artist. Keep the drawings you are most proud of or that showcase your versatility and scan them digitally on your computer. Save these drawings in a file on your computer to print or email to potential clients or employers.

  • To showcase your versatility as an artist, incorporate pieces in various different mediums or styles.

2. Complete an apprenticeship with an established tattoo artist.

tattoo training school

Contact local tattoo shops in your area and apply for an apprenticeship position. After completing your apprenticeship, work with your supervisor to learn professional work skills, hygienic work practices, and tattoo design.

  • Most apprenticeship programs last 6-12 months.

  • Initially, you'll probably be asked to do many sketches. The artist will want to see if you can keep up with the pace of the store and create designs according to customer requests. This will also help you develop your own style.

  • Your supervisor may also allow you to tattoo yourself or, after you've gained enough experience, on clients.

  • Most tattoo apprenticeships last at least a year and are usually unpaid. You may need to work a side job until you receive your tattoo master certification.

3. Complete the requirements for obtaining a tattoo artist certification.

How to obtain a tattoo artist diploma/certificate?

Licensing requirements may vary. You may need to complete a certain number of apprenticeship hours, take health and safety courses, pass an exam on hygienic tattooing practices, and pay a fee.

  • In most countries, you need a license or master's certificate before you can work as a tattoo artist. Contact your local local authority's Vocational Qualifications Authority to determine if you need a master's certificate and, if so, what requirements you need to complete.

  • In settings where a master's degree isn't required, you'll likely need to complete a course on bloodborne pathogens.

4. Submit your application for a professional certification.

Where do I apply to become a tattoo artist?

Once you have completed all the requirements, submit your application.

  • Information regarding the application process for a tattoo master certificate, as well as fees and the submission process, should be available on the Vocational Qualifications Authority's website.

  • If your application is rejected, contact the Vocational Qualifications Authority. You may need to complete additional requirements before securing your Master Craftsman Certificate application.

Chapter 3 - Finding a job

How to get a tattoo certificate and how much do they cost?

1- Purchase tattoo equipment to start your tattoo career. Most tattoo shops require their employees to purchase their own supplies. To prepare yourself for a job as a tattoo artist, purchase the following equipment online or from a tattoo specialty store:

  • Tattoo machine

  • Needles

  • Ink kits and tubes

  • Leather pens

  • Hygiene supplies (gloves, alcohol wipes, antiseptic solutions, bandages, plastic wrap, plastic cord covers, etc.)

2. Check job postings on Dovmesektoru.com . Check job search sites to see if there are suitable positions in your area. You can also check tattoo forums and websites of specific tattoo shops to see if anyone is currently hiring.

3. Look for job opportunities at local tattoo shops.

Documents required for a tattoo artist

Search online or in newspapers for tattoo artists who need help. Many tattoo shops hire artists based on their skill or personal style, so also contact local tattoo shops to find businesses looking for new artists.

  • If you have any tattoo artist friends, ask them if they know of any places that are hiring.

4- Sanat portföyünü iş ilanları olan dövme dükkanlarına götür.

Is it a requirement to be able to draw or paint to become a tattoo artist?

Make a list of all the tattoo shops that hire and ask how to apply. In most cases, you will need to bring a physical copy of your resume and art portfolio to the shop.

  • If you tattooed yourself or others during your apprenticeship, include pictures and tattoo designs to help your application stand out.

5. Prepare for and attend any job interview.

How do tattoo artists live?

If you receive a job interview offer, dress professionally and arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. Answer any questions about your tattooing experience as clearly as possible, and thank the interviewer afterwards to make a good impression as an applicant.

  • Bring your ID, tattoo artist certificate, a copy of your resume, and your art portfolio to the interview.

  • Find common job interview questions for tattoo artists and practice them in your free time.

6. Keep applying for tattoo artist jobs until you get offered a position.

How much do tattoo artists earn?

Don't worry if you don't get the first tattoo job you apply for. Getting your first job takes time, so you should apply for various jobs.

  • If you live in a small town, finding a tattoo artist position can take time. Move to a larger city for more job opportunities, or open your own tattoo shop if one isn't already available in your city.

Chapter 4 - Gaining Professional Experience

How much do tattoo artists earn?

1. Continue taking classes to improve your art skills. Continue taking classes from local community centers or colleges to develop your personal style and attract more clients. If you don't yet have an art degree and think you can perfect your drawing technique, pursue one.

  • Developing your own style is a crucial step towards becoming a successful tattoo artist and setting your work apart from others.

  • Depending on your location, the local authorities may also require you to take training courses annually or every few years to maintain proper safety techniques.

  • Stay up-to-date with news and techniques in the tattoo industry to maintain expertise in future trends.

2. Network with other tattoo artists in your area.

How do I get tattoo artist training?

Getting to know other tattoo artists can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and gain more clients through word-of-mouth. Visit nearby tattoo shops, attend tattoo artist meetups, and reach out to tattoo artists on social media to connect with others in the tattoo industry.

  • If you work at a tattoo shop, get to know your coworkers and their art portfolios. That way, you can refer customers who want a specific tattoo style to each other.

3. Start your own tattoo business when you have 3-5 years of experience.

How to open a tattoo shop: Required documents.

If you prefer job independence and higher fees per tattoo, you might want to start your own tattoo business. Promote your work on social media and a personal website to gain new clients and build a client portfolio that's sufficient to make a living.

  • It's best to start your own business after working in a tattoo shop for at least a few years. This way, you can build your own client list and increase your marketability as a professional.

Warnings

  • Remember: Tattoos are permanent. Always be cautious when tattooing someone, especially when they're starting their apprenticeship or their first job as a tattoo artist.

  • Tattoo artists may work long hours, including nights and weekends, which can be physically demanding. If you're looking for a less strenuous job, you might consider a different career.

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2. Earn a post-secondary arts degree for better job opportunities.

Tattoo Course Completion Certificate

While not required, some tattoo artists complete a degree in fine arts from an art school or university. Art degrees can improve drawing skills and help you become a more versatile artist, which can help you find more clients and better-paying jobs.

  • Alternatively, if you don't want to pursue a degree, you could take art classes at a college.

  • To prepare yourself for working in a tattoo shop and acquiring customers, add a business minor to that.

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