Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Arkansas

Published by Paul-Anthony Surdi at October 9, 2024

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How to Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Arkansas in 2025

Embarking on the journey to become a licensed tattoo artist in Arkansas is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. Aspiring tattoo artists navigate through a series of steps and regulations to ensure professionalism, safety, and compliance within the vibrant body art industry. From mastering the craft of tattooing to understanding state regulations and licensing requirements, the path to becoming a licensed tattoo artist in Arkansas is both challenging and fulfilling. In this guide, we will explore the essential steps and considerations involved in obtaining a tattoo artist license in Arkansas, empowering individuals to pursue their passion and creativity while adhering to industry standards and legal obligations. Let's dive into the fascinating world of tattoo artistry in the Natural State.

Our tattoo school, Ink Different, has locations in several vibrant cities across the United States? We do! We have locations in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Chicago, Tampa, Miami, Philadelphia, and Connecticut.

What is the minimum age that you can get Tattoo in Arkansas

Arkansas mandates a minimum age of 18 for tattoos. Patrons must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while receiving a tattoo. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must be present during the session. Violations are classified as a Class A misdemeanor, potentially resulting in significant fines or legal repercussions.

Applying for Your Artist License: What You Need to Know

Getting your Artist License is crucial for starting your journey as a tattoo artist. Get ready to kickstart your tattooing career with confidence and compliance! Here's what you need to include in your application in most of the states in USA:

Training Proof

Show proof of attending a Prevention of Disease Transmission and Bloodborne Pathogen Training Program approved by the Department of the State. The training should cover essential topics like:

Anatomy

Understand the human body's structure to ensure safe tattooing practices.

Skin Health

Learn about skin diseases, disorders, and conditions like diabetes that could impact tattooing.

Infection Control

Master techniques for waste disposal, hand hygiene, equipment sterilization, and facility sanitation to maintain a clean and safe environment.

Safety Measures

Ensure your studio follows proper safety and sanitation protocols to protect both clients and artists.

Take Your Shot: Hepatitis B Vaccination or Declination Letter

Before you start your tattoo artist career, you must provide proof that you've completed the Hepatitis B vaccination series. If you haven't been vaccinated, you need to submit a letter explaining why you've declined the vaccination.

Why is Hepatitis B Vaccination Important for Tattoo Artists?

Hepatitis B is a serious infection that can spread through bodily fluids, including blood. As a tattoo artist, you're at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens during the tattooing process. The Hepatitis B vaccine helps protect you from contracting and spreading the virus.

Compliance & Investigation for Artist

Before the Department grants an Artist permit, they conduct thorough investigations to ensure everyone follows the rules. This means they check if all requirements are met and if everything aligns with the regulations. By ensuring compliance, they maintain safety and professionalism in the tattooing industry.

Looking for information for parents of young Tattoo Artists? Continue reading about parents who want to help their children become Tattoo Artists.

Showcase Your Credentials

All Artist permits must be prominently displayed in the customer service area of the tattoo facility for easy client viewing. Posting your Artist permits where clients can see them builds trust and transparency. It shows that you’re licensed and authorized to perform tattooing services in your facility. Following posting requirements isn’t just about compliance—it’s about professionalism. By displaying your permits, you reassure clients that they’re in good hands and create a positive impression of your business.

Get Your Tattoo Artist License Today!

Before you start tattooing, you need an Artist Permit from the Department. A tattoo Artist License is your ticket to legally perform tattoo procedures. It shows that you've met the necessary requirements and have been approved by the Department to practice tattooing.

Having an Artist Permit ensures that you're operating within the law and upholding professional standards. It's a mark of credibility and trustworthiness in the tattooing industry. Are you ready to embark on your journey as a tattoo artist in the USA?

The Step-Wise Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Arkansas in 2025

1

Get your GED or
Complete your
High School Graduation

The Arkansas Board of Cosmetology mandates that all applicants for a permanent cosmetic artist license must be high school graduates with a valid high school diploma or a GED.

2

Apply for Supervised
Body Art Opportunities

To become eligible, you need to finish a training program at an authorized body art facility. Currently, only a few facilities in the state meet the standards established by the Arkansas Department of Health. Throughout the training, you'll engage in both classroom and hands-on learning, covering essential topics like sanitation, bloodborne pathogens, and emergency protocols.

Your apprenticeship will equip you with the skills to perform tattoo and body piercing tasks safely and efficiently at licensed establishments.

Check the Body Art Application Packet for approved training programs.

3

Fill out the Tattoo Artist License Application

Print and fill out the license application form. The tattoo artist application should be submitted by your trainer/mentor no later than 2pm on the Tuesday prior to your written exam.

4

Complete Blood-Borne Pathogens Training

To pursue a career as a tattoo artist, undergoing blood-borne pathogens training is essential. This training equips you with skills in proper liquid waste disposal, equipment sterilization, and recognizing signs of communicable diseases. Additionally, a health evaluation is conducted to verify your fitness for tattooing.

You can find approved bloodborne pathogen training programs listed in the Body Art Application Packet, facilitating your journey into the tattooing profession.

5

Pass the Written Exam

Examinations are held every 3rd Tuesday of the month (excluding December) at the Arkansas Department of Health in Little Rock.

To sit for the exam, artists must schedule an appointment through their mentor by calling 501-661-2606 before 12:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the exam date. Applicants must bring a valid photo ID, $50 exam fee (exact cash, check, or money order), and proof of blood-borne pathogen training to the examination.

6

Complete a 6-24 month Artist In-Training Program

During the Artist In-Training program, individuals must fulfill 375 clock hours of supervised body art work, meticulously logged by the Trainer. Throughout your training, you'll gain expertise in:

Communicating aftercare instructions effectively to clients
Maintaining and sterilizing equipment, ensuring basic sanitation standards
Understanding the management and inspection procedures of tattoo establishments, including inspection criteria
Proper storage practices for tattooing equipment and supplies
Performing fundamental tattooing procedures with precision and care.

7

Complete a Practical Exam

Undergo a practical examination in your area of study, like permanent cosmetic procedures. The Department of Health administers practical exams where an observer will supervise your tattooing of a client. They assess your aseptic technique, sterilization methods, record-keeping, and client aftercare instructions.

Did You Know ?

Looking for a guaranteed job offer as a Tattoo Artist?

Start your tattoo apprenticeship today!

Keeping Your Artist License Up-to-Date: Understanding Validity and Renewal

Ready to make your mark in the world of body art? The Body Art License fee is $100, and the license exam fee is $50. But remember, licenses need a yearly renewal, expiring on December 31st. The Artist renewal fee is $100 per year. Don't wait too long! If you miss the March 1 deadline, there's an extra $100 penalty fee. Renew your license and keep your ink flowing! Keeping your artist permit current is essential for maintaining your legality as a tattoo artist. By staying informed about expiration dates and renewal procedures, you can continue pursuing your passion without any interruptions or legal issues.

Start Your Tattoo Career Today!

Don't Wait to Ink Your Dreams! Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Arkansas Today. Follow These Steps to Dive into the Thrilling World of Body Art. Grab Your Artist Permit and Unleash Your Talent with Confidence!

After getting your license and becoming a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Arkansas, you can apply to work in licensed Tattoo Studios approved by the Department of Public Health in Arkansas.
To learn more about legislation relating to tattooing or tattoo schools in Arkansas, please visit the Arkansas Department of Public Health website.

Tattoo Apprenticeship at Ink Different

Ink Different Tattoo School prides itself on offering a comprehensive tattoo apprenticeship program that sets aspiring Tattoo Artists on the path to success. Our program is designed to provide hands-on training, guidance, and support to help our apprentices develop their skills and artistic vision. With experienced Tattoo Artists as mentors, apprentices at Ink Different learn the art of tattooing in a creative and inspiring environment.

Enrolling in a tattoo apprenticeship with Ink Different Tattoos can be highly beneficial for aspiring tattoo artists looking to break into this vibrant industry. Ink Different Tattoos is renowned for its commitment to excellence and its dedication to nurturing emerging talent. Under the guidance of experienced artists, apprentices at Ink Different Tattoos can learn not just the technical skills of tattooing but also gain insights into client interactions, design principles, and studio management. This comprehensive training prepares apprentices not only to create beautiful tattoos but also to thrive in the competitive world of tattooing.