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How to Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Michigan
If you're aspiring to become a tattoo artist in Michigan, you’ll be pleased to know that the state does not require a specific license for individual tattoo artists. However, body art facilities, including tattoo shops and studios where body piercing occurs, must hold a formal body art license to operate legally.
While Michigan doesn’t mandate state-wide licensing for tattoo artists, some local and county health departments enforce regional licensing requirements. It’s essential to check with your local health department or public health office to determine if you need any specific permits or certifications to practice in your area.
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.
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.
Requirements to work as a Tattoo Artist in a Licensed Tattoo Studio in Michigan -
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1. Follow MIOSHA Standards
As a tattoo artist, you are considered a medical waste producer and must comply with the MIOSHA Bloodborne Infectious Disease Rules and MIOSHA Standards. These are designed to protect workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as Hepatitis and HIV, that can spread through contact with human blood or bodily fluids.
MIOSHA's requirements are more stringent than federal OSHA standards. They mandate additional protective measures, including the implementation of engineering controls to minimize risks.
You can access online training for these MIOSHA standards to ensure you’re fully compliant.
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Hepatitis B vaccination status
Provide Valid documentation of a Hepatitis B Virus vaccination status including:
- Provide Hepatitis B Vaccination Record
- Declination Form (Optional): If you choose not to get the Hepatitis B vaccine, you can provide a declination form. Provide a valid reason not getting vaccinated.
- Proof of Immunity (Optional): Alternatively, you can provide written consent to the health department if you've previously had Hepatitis B and have proof of immunity.
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Complete Body Art Paperwork
Understanding and adhering to the regulations surrounding body art practices is crucial. You must fill out a Body Art Employee/Technician/Contractor Record, which documents your compliance and readiness to work in a licensed body art facility.
The form can be printed and completed here.
Looking for a guaranteed job offer as a Tattoo Artist? Start your tattoo apprenticeship today!
For more resources and information, contact your city or county health department.
Start Your Tattoo Career Today!
Don't Wait to Ink Your Dreams! Follow These Steps to Dive into the Thrilling World of Tattooing. Unleash Your Talent with Confidence! To learn more about legislation relating to tattooing or tattoo schools in Michigan, please visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.
Submit your art today and start your journey toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist! Call/Text 1-917-227-2842

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.
Guaranteed Job Offer
One unique aspect of our apprenticeship program is our guaranteed job offer upon successful completion. We are committed to helping our apprentices transition from apprentices to professional Tattoo Artists, and our job offer ensures that they have a place to begin their careers. This commitment sets us apart from other tattoo schools. It reflects our dedication to supporting the next generation of Tattoo Artists.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Ink Different Tattoo School, we understand the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the tattoo industry. That's why we proudly offer our program in multiple locations across the United States, including Brooklyn, Chicago, Tampa, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale. Our commitment to diversity is also reflected in our bilingual staff, who speak Spanish, ensuring that our apprentices feel welcome and supported regardless of their background.