Becoming a Tattoo Artist in Broward County, Florida
So, you went to college because everyone said you had to do that. Maybe you majored in fine arts, graphic design, or something equally “creative,” but now you realize that a degree doesn’t automatically translate into a paycheck. Or maybe you started college and quickly realized that sitting through lectures and writing essays about art history isn’t the same as making art.
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many talented artists find themselves stuck after college (or after dropping out), wondering how to turn their passion into a career. The good news? If you love drawing and creating art, becoming a Tattoo Artist in Broward County might be the perfect way to use your skills and make money doing it. But before you start grabbing a tattoo machine and practicing on your friends (please don’t), let’s talk about what it takes to get into the industry.
Apply for the apprenticeship program at our Tattoo School! Find a tattoo apprenticeship near me
Do You Need a License to Tattoo in Broward County?
Yes, you must be licensed to legally tattoo in Broward County. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) regulates tattooing throughout the state, and anyone who wants to work as a professional Tattoo Artist must follow these steps:
- Complete a tattoo education course on bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases.
- Apply and pay the $60 licensing fee to the DOH.
- Renew your license every year for another $60.
If you are under 18, you will need to wait. Florida law requires you to be 18 years old to get a Tattoo Artist license.
Looking for a guaranteed job offer as a Tattoo Artist? Start your tattoo apprenticeship today!
Can You Learn Tattooing on Your Own?
Look, you wouldn’t attempt surgery just because you watched a few YouTube videos, right? The same logic applies to tattooing. Sure, you could buy a cheap machine online and start practicing on fruit (or worse, on yourself), but learning to tattoo the wrong way will ruin your career before it even begins.
Professional training is crucial, and Ink Different Tattoo School provides the structured education you need.
Did you know our tattoo school, Ink Different, has locations in several exciting cities across the United States? We do! We have locations in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Tampa, Miami, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Atlanta and Connecticut.
What Does Our Tattoo Apprenticeship Program Offer?
Instead of wasting years trying to figure it out alone, our Tattoo Apprenticeship Program teaches you everything you need to know, including:
- Translating your art skills into tattoo designs that work on the skin.
- The correct techniques for lining, shading, and color packing (so your tattoos don’t look like prison ink).
- How to handle a tattoo machine properly instead of using it like a Sharpie.
- Sterilization, hygiene, and safety (because no one wants to be known as the artist who gave someone an infection).
- The business side of tattooing, so you can make a living doing what you love.
In Broward County, Tattoo Casper, a highly experienced Tattoo Artist, leads our Tattoo Apprenticeship Program at Ink Different Tattoo School and Funhouse Tattoos in Pompano Beach, Florida. With years of expertise and a passion for mentoring the next generation of Tattoo Artists, he ensures that apprentices receive top-tier training that prepares them for real-world success.
Looking for information for parents of young Tattoo Artists? Continue reading about parents who want to help their children become Tattoo Artists.
How Do You Build a Strong Tattoo Portfolio to Apply for a Tattoo Apprenticeship in Broward County?
Your tattoo portfolio is the most important thing when applying for an apprenticeship. It’s what studios use to decide whether you have the potential to become a great Tattoo Artist. If you’re from a fine arts or design background, your portfolio might already be complete with beautiful work—but is it tattooable? That’s the real question.
What Should Be in Your Portfolio?
- Clean, bold line drawings – Tattooing relies heavily on strong outlines, so your sketches should focus on line quality, precision, and clarity.
- Various styles – Show that you can handle traditional, black and grey, realism, neo-traditional, and fine-line designs.
- Tattoo-style artwork – Not all art translates well to the skin. Focus on clear, bold, and readable designs even from a distance.
- Flash Sheets – Tattoo Flash is a collection of pre-designed tattoos from which clients can choose. Shops love seeing flash sheets because they show you understand what sells.
- Shading and contrast work—If you plan to tattoo with color, include pieces demonstrating how you use contrast and shading.
Learn more about the profession on our website or read how to change careers and become a Tattoo Artist!
How to Make Your Portfolio Stand Out
- Don’t copy other Tattoo Artists’ work. While it’s OK to be inspired, shops don’t want to see traced designs.
- Organize it professionally – A messy, disorganized portfolio screams, “I don’t take this seriously.” Make sure it’s clean and easy to flip through.
- Include digital work if you have it – Many artists use iPads or Procreate to create tattoo designs, so showcasing your digital art can be a plus.
- Show progression – If you’ve improved over time, highlight that growth. Studios want artists who are constantly learning and evolving.
At Ink Different Tattoo School, we help tattoo apprentices develop a professional portfolio that will attract the attention of top studios and set them up for success in the tattoo industry.
What Are the Qualities of a Good Tattoo Artist?
Tattooing isn’t just about being good at art—it’s about being the kind of artist who can handle working on real people. If you’re thinking about making the jump from fine arts or design to tattooing, here are some key traits that will help you succeed:
1. Creativity and Artistic Skill
This one’s obvious. You’re ahead of the game if you already have an arts background. But tattooing isn’t just about drawing—it’s about creating designs that work on the human body. That means understanding composition, proportion, and how tattoos age over time.
2. Patience and Dedication
Tattooing isn’t something you learn overnight. It takes years to master. You must be willing to put in the work—whether that means spending hours drawing, watching mentors tattoo, or practicing on fake skin.
3. Steady Hands and Attention to Detail
Unlike digital art, you can’t erase mistakes in tattooing. It’ll show if your hands shake or you rush through your work. The best Tattoo Artists are precise and controlled, even under pressure.
4. People Skills
Tattooing is a personal experience. Clients come in with stories, emotions, and sometimes anxiety about getting tattooed. Being able to talk to people, make them feel comfortable, and guide them through the process is a big part of the job.
5. Thick Skin (No Pun Intended)
You’ll get criticism, feedback, and tough love from experienced Tattoo Artists. This industry isn’t for you if you can’t handle constructive criticism. The best Tattoo Artists are always learning and improving.
6. Cleanliness and Professionalism
Tattooing isn’t just art—it’s a health and safety profession. You won’t last long in a shop if you can’t keep your workstation clean, follow sterilization protocols, or respect your clients’ well-being.
7. Business Sense
Many tattoo artists are independent contractors who handle pricing, scheduling, and marketing. To succeed, you’ll need to understand how to run your career like a business.
At Ink Different Tattoo School, we teach the art of tattooing and the skills needed to thrive in the industry, from client relations to business management.
What Makes Ink Different Tattoo School the Best Choice to Become a Tattoo Artist in Broward County?
If you’re tired of figuring out your next move after college (or after realizing college wasn’t for you), Ink Different Tattoo School gives you a real pathway into a creative career.
Our Tattoo Apprenticeship Program provides hands-on training with real industry professionals, ensuring you get the education, experience, and guaranteed job offer to start your tattoo career.
Do we speak Spanish? Yes, we do!
We offer Spanish-speaking tattoo apprenticeships in:
- New York City
- Chicago
- Tampa
- Greenville
- Orlando
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale
For Portuguese-speaking apprentices, we also have locations in:
- Dallas
- Orlando
Ready to start your career in tattooing?
