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 right now…. or even yesterday!
In January 2022 alone, nearly 4.3 million people quit their jobs. 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. Now might be the time to leap into faith and leave your job, choosing a new career.
If you're wondering how to be a tattoo artist, the answer lies in a combination of passion, dedication, and the right training. Tattooing is a unique art form that requires not only creative skills but also 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.
Starting with no experience may feel daunting, but learning how do you become a tattoo artist is about taking the right steps and being consistent. The first step is to build a portfolio that showcases your artistic talent. Focus on drawings and designs demonstrating your versatility and understanding of form and color. Next, apply for an apprenticeship under a licensed tattoo artist. This hands-on training is crucial for learning technical skills, proper hygiene practices, and understanding client interactions. With dedication and persistence, you can break into the industry and start building your reputation as a professional artist.
Juggling a full-time job while pursuing your dream can be challenging, but it's possible to learn how do you become a tattoo artist while maintaining your current responsibilities. Begin by dedicating your evenings or weekends to developing your portfolio and researching local tattoo schools or apprenticeships. Many tattoo schools, like Ink Different Tattoo School, offer flexible schedules to accommodate working professionals. Additionally, you can take online courses on art and anatomy to enhance your skills. With careful time management and a clear plan, you can transition into the tattoo industry at your own pace.
If you're asking how do you become a tattoo artist in a highly competitive industry, the answer lies in setting yourself apart. Focus on honing a unique style that reflects your artistic identity while adapting to client preferences. Invest in advanced training to learn cutting-edge techniques and trends that can elevate your work. Networking is also essential—attend tattoo conventions, engage with other artists on social media, and collaborate with professionals to grow your visibility. You can carve out your niche and thrive in the tattoo industry by continuously refining your skills and building strong connections.
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.
While becoming a tattoo artist is an exciting journey, it comes with challenges. Dedication is essential from mastering the technical skills required for precision and hygiene to building a client base. 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.
The tattoo industry is thriving, making now the perfect 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’s no better moment to leap.
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.
Securing a reputable tattoo apprenticeship is part of the steps to become a tattoo artist. 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 Tattoo School, where you can receive mentorship and a guaranteed job offer upon completion.
Creating a standout tattoo 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 tattoo apprenticeship, feature high-quality photos of those works as well. A polished tattoo portfolio is your calling card in the industry and a critical tool for advancing your tattoo career.
When it comes to the steps to becoming a tattoo artist, the journey often begins with a passion for art. The first step is honing your drawing skills and building a diverse portfolio showcasing your versatility. This is crucial as it demonstrates your ability to create designs that cater to different styles and client preferences. From traditional tribal patterns to intricate geometric designs, showing your range can make you stand out when applying for apprenticeships or tattoo schools.
Understanding the fundamentals of tattooing through proper training is another critical step in becoming a tattoo artist. Enrolling in a reputable tattoo school or securing an apprenticeship will teach you the technical aspects, from handling tattoo machines to mastering sanitation protocols. At Ink Different Tattoo School, for example, students learn not only the artistry of tattooing but also the health and safety standards required to excel in the industry. This education sets the foundation for a successful career in this creative field.
The final steps to becoming a tattoo artist include meeting state-specific licensing requirements. Most states require tattoo artists to complete bloodborne pathogen training and pass a written exam to ensure they understand safety protocols and legal regulations. Additionally, continuous education to stay updated on industry trends and techniques is essential for maintaining a license and thriving in the competitive tattooing world. These steps ensure you are fully prepared to launch your career and create meaningful, lasting 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.
Apply for the apprenticeship program at our Tattoo School! Find a tattoo apprenticeship near me
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!
Are you asking yourself... "how do I become a Tattoo Artist?" Ink Different's Tattoo Apprenticeships and Tattoo Artist Certification Program can guarantee you a tattoo license and a guaranteed job offer when you complete the full apprenticeship program. Download the 2025 Course Book to learn how to become a Tattoo Artist.
Looking for information for parents of aspiring Tattoo Artists? Go to Parents Corner!
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:
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.
Looking for a guaranteed job offer as a Tattoo Artist? Start your tattoo apprenticeship today!
According to ZipRecruiter.com the medium income for a Tattoo Artist is $73,948 / year. When starting your career right after finishing our apprenticeship, you will make a little less because you are building your client base; however, as time goes on and both your skill level and client base grow, your income will grow as well.
The more you build up a thriving, satisfied client base, the more demand for your services will be, and the more you can charge. Clients generally tip from day one, so in addition to the cost of the tattoo, tipping income is a nice reality.
Although a small tattoo costs about $100, you can make the same or more in tips throughout the day. Tattoos range from $100 for small ones to $550 for larger ones. Eventually, you may even be able to charge up to $500 per hour for your work, depending on your skill, experience, and demand.
To become a Tattoo Artist, you must invest upfront in training and equipment to begin and continue pursuing your ability to succeed and exceed as a Tattoo Artist. You will also need to pay the costs of continual license renewal in most states. Additionally, you may work for reduced earnings in the beginning or if you are moving to a new city, so please keep that in mind when starting your career or starting in a new city. Regardless, all the successful Tattoo Artists agree it’s well worth it the time and effort to secure your ability to make a living from your art!
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. Attending a tattoo school or 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.
Prepare a portfolio to showcase your work. Your aspiring tattoo artist portfolio should include original designs, drawings, sketches, and/or paintings that represent you and your current skill level as an artist. You’ll also need to prepare some form of a cover letter or opening communication about yourself and your portfolio for the shop or program where you want to apprentice. Once your portfolio is ready, you can take it to a tattoo shop and apply as an apprentice, or in the case of Ink Different Tattoo School- APPLY HERE.
Finding a way to submit your portfolio to a qualified studio is a win in itself, yet now you need to follow up to make sure someone who can make a decision is actually reviewing your portfolio.
At Ink Different, we have a very easy and straightforward tracking system, yet some local shops may just leave your work on a table or in their email inbox unless you follow up constantly to make sure someone sees it.
Let's all be real here, 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 Tattoo School, you’ll have a guaranteed job offer the day you finish your apprenticeship. This is the kind of apprenticeship you are looking to find.
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.
Once you’re licensed, you can begin marketing and selling your services, even during your apprenticeship. 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.
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!
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.
At Ink Different Tattoo School, we can help you train with highly successful Tattoo Artists. You can apprentice with one of our professional, experienced artists and get placed with a guaranteed job offer 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 attending Ink Different Tattoo School, you will have the information and abilities necessary to succeed as a tattoo artist in the cutthroat tattoo industry.
Make 2023 the year you devote 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!