A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Become A Tattoo Artist In Tampa, Florida, And How To Build Your Clientele From Day One  

So you want to learn how to become a Tattoo Artist and start your career in the Tampa Bay area? You want to learn how to become a Tattoo Artist and get clients in Tampa, right? Great, you can totally take your passion and turn it into a reality, yet getting into the tattoo business can have its challenges, especially when you’re just starting. It’s good to know both the legal side of getting an official license and how you can get a jump start on the local scene and Tampa Bay tattoo apprenticeships. Although it may take some time, the rewards that come with being a Tattoo Artist are always worth it. Trust us, with shops across the country and decades of experience, we’re sure it’s worth it. 

We’ll break down everything you need to know about becoming a Tattoo Artist in Tampa. In this article we’ll detail how to obtain your tattoo license, the costs of starting a career as a Tattoo Artist, how to find a tattoo apprenticeship in Tampa, how to build your clientele, and where to get a Guaranteed Job Offer as a Tattoo Artist once you complete your apprenticeship.

But first, let’s start with the basics:

What Is It Like To Be A Tattoo Artist In Tampa, Florida? 

Tampa is home to some of Florida’s most creative and innovative Tattoo Artists. Tampa’s tattoo community is filled with Tattoo Artists of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. In contrast to cities like New York and Los Angeles, with populations of over 9 million people, Tampa’s tattoo community is naturally more intimate. 

Tampa Tattoo Artists Make Money

Working as a Tattoo Artist in Tampa has many benefits, including pay. According to Indeed.com the average income for a Tattoo Artist in Tampa is about $81,480, potentially going up to $97,769. After Miami, Tampa is the second highest paying city in Florida for Tattoo Artists. Pretty cool right? Tampa Tattoo Artists earn approximately $30,000 more than Florida’s Tattoo Artists.

Looking for an apprenticeship in Tampa right now? Call/Text 1-310-413-0709

How To Become A Tattoo Artist In Florida 

Becoming a Tattoo Artist in Tampa isn’t something that can happen overnight. So on top of learning and gaining professional experience, you must complete a few steps first. If you’re considering becoming a Tattoo Artist in Tampa, the state of Florida requires certifications to obtain your license.

In the state of Florida, you must obtain a Tattoo Artist license which the Florida Health Department administers. To obtain a license, you will need to be over the age of 18 and have completed the following:

• The State of Florida Department of Health Tattoo Artist Licence Application. 
• A Bloodborne Pathogen and Communal Disease Course in Florida, with at least a 70% on the final examination.

In addition, you will need to have completed at least 1-3 years of tattoo apprenticeship to be considered for entry into any Tampa tattoo studio or any studio state-wide. If you want to become a Tattoo Artist, it’s essential to know that you can’t just walk into a shop and start doing tattoos just because you watched some videos on Youtube and bought a tattoo machine on Amazon. Even after you acquire a tattoo license, Tattoo Artists who don’t finish their apprenticeships are often left with a bad reputation that makes it difficult for them to get work. As the only nationwide trade school for the tattoo industry, and the tattoo school in Tampa, we’ll make sure you get the best opportunities. More on this later.

How Much Does It Cost To Become A Tattoo Artist In Florida? 

Considering the application fee, completing a Bloodborne Pathogen course, and tattoo apprenticeship, you will need to set a budget when starting your tattoo career. Here’s a brief breakdown of how much everything will likely cost:

• Tattoo license application fee: $60
• Bloodborne Pathogen and Communal Disease Course: $100-$125
• Tattoo Equipment: $900+
• Tattoo Apprenticeship: $10,000+

In addition to training as a Tattoo Artist, you must purchase your equipment. You may be able to find some used equipment, but it’s best to buy everything new for reliability, health, and safety reasons. 

Looking for an apprenticeship in Tampa right now? Call/Text 1-310-413-0709

But – don’t let the numbers scare you. Training as a Tattoo Artist will require payment, yet do you know of any other profession that can earn you near or around six-figure for such a low cost? No, of course not! Neither do we. 

Like any training in any profession, an investment must be made to secure your future. 

How To Find Tattoo Apprenticeships In Tampa?

Tattoo apprenticeships are the first step in any Tattoo Artist’s career. In reality, finding a tattoo apprenticeship in Tampa, or any other city in any other state is extremely difficult. Other than at Body Art & Soul Tattoos, most tattoo studios are not equipped nor interested in having more than one apprentice at a time. When you decide to apply to Body Art & Soul Tattoo’s Tattoo School not only do you have the best opportunity to learn in a safe, warm and welcoming environment committed to your success, yet you also will receive a Guaranteed Job Offer the day you complete your apprenticeship.

The art of tattooing requires patience, commitment, and dedication. We made the process easier for you by offering the opportunity to become one of the best local Tattoo Artists in Tampa, with a Guaranteed Job Offer from Body Art & Soul Tattoo. 

As we mentioned before, to become a Tattoo Artist in Florida, you must complete at least 1-3 years of a tattoo apprenticeship. Body Art & Soul Tattoo’s Tattoo School will teach you everything from how to draw your first tattoo designs, and create your beautiful tattoos, to how to use networking and social media to develop your client base. 

How To Build Your Clientele As A Tattoo Artist In Tampa Florida 

Getting clients and building a clientele is essential when becoming a Tattoo Artist. The best way to do this is to be active in your community and active on social media. You can also post ads and run promotions on Facebook, Instagram, and now even on Tiktok. The best long-term strategy is to build your clientele from referrals from clients you have already made happy. 

We’re sure you’ve heard the phrase, “my Tattoo Artist.” This is where you eventually want to find yourself, in a world where your work is so good, that people walking around with your tattoos attract your future clients.

In the meantime, here are things to focus on:

1 – Work On Your Portfolio

Tattoos are an art form and skill, not just a job. What your potential clients see in your portfolio should represent who you are as an artist and the work you can provide. A solid physical and social media portfolio are essential to create your client base. In the beginning, you can include a lot of your personal artwork and tattoo designs. Over time, these will fade away, unless you totally just love creating art outside of tattooing, which we totally encourage you to do.

It’s said that practice makes perfect, yet it also makes permanent, so it’s essential to get professional training from Tattoo Artists who know what they are doing and can show you the right way to color, shade, pull lines, and deal with clients. At Body Art & Soul Tattoo’s Tattoo School, we’ve got you covered.

Looking for an apprenticeship in Tampa right now? Call/Text 1-310-413-0709

2 – Be Social And Carry Business Card With Your Social Media Profile 

Being part of the community and building relationships in the real world is still a very powerful way to build your client base. You will get a better feel for how much attention your art commands by attending art events and socializing with people who already have tattoos. Music, art and any kind of cultural gathering is a good idea for someone like you. Make sure your tattoos are exposed for people to see and comment on other people’s tattoos as a conversation starter. Even though “meta” would like us to think the real world is over, it is now. Real people get real tattoos. Make them your people.

3 – Attend Tattoo Events 

While Tattoo Artists can often be competitive and territorial, it’s a good idea to attend tattoo conventions to see what other people are doing and to bump into tattoo fans who could one day be your client. Attending local events and expos is a great way to build your brand, increase visibility, and get new business. In Tampa, you can check out the Tampa Tattoo Arts Festival at the Tampa Convention Center and other Florida tattoo expos like:

• The Orlando Tattoo Show
• The South Florida Tattoo Expo
• Ink Masters, Sarasota

For more events and tattoo expos in Florida, check out World Tattoo Events.

When working with the experienced team of Tattoo Artists at Body Art & Soul Tattoo’s Tattoo School, you will learn all you need to know and enter the world of tattooing and succeed as a Tattoo Artist. 

Although becoming a Tattoo Artist has its challenges just like any other profession, it is absolutely possible.  One day, you might become a rising tattoo star in Tampa, yet more importantly, once you complete your tattoo apprenticeship you can work within one of the most thriving and ever-growing communities in the Sunshine State. 

We have a local tattoo school right here in Tampa, as well as other locations across the country. If you are interested in learning more about what it takes to be an apprentice at our tattoo school, call or text 1-310-413-0709 to set up an interview with one of our Advisors. 

Call or Text 1-310-413-0709 to move to the front of the line and interview for an apprenticeship today.