How to Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in New Jersey
Becoming a tattoo artist in New Jersey is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, practice, and compliance with local health regulations. Unlike many states, New Jersey does not issue a state-wide tattoo license. Instead, tattoo artists must gain approval from their local health department, which ensures they have the necessary training and experience to perform tattoos safely and professionally.
The key requirement for this approval is completing 2,000 documented hours of tattooing experience. This experience must be recorded meticulously to demonstrate your commitment to learning the craft and adhering to industry standards. If you haven’t yet reached the 2,000-hour milestone, New Jersey provides two primary pathways to help you get there:
Enroll in an Approved Tattoo School
Attending an approved tattoo school offers a structured learning environment where you can develop technical skills, learn about health and safety protocols, and gain hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Tattoo schools often combine classroom education with supervised practice, ensuring you build a strong foundation for your career.
Work as an Apprentice Under a Licensed Practitioner
Apprenticeships are another excellent way to gain experience. In this pathway, you’ll work under the direct supervision of a licensed tattoo artist or practitioner in a permitted tattoo studio. Apprenticeships allow you to learn the craft in a real-world setting, mastering tattooing techniques, client interactions, and proper sanitation practices.
Once you’ve accumulated the required 2,000 hours, you can apply for approval through your local health department. This process typically involves submitting your documented hours and undergoing an inspection to verify that you understand and comply with all health and safety regulations.
This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from selecting the right training option to documenting your hours and navigating local health department requirements. By following these guidelines, you can build a successful career as a tattoo artist in New Jersey while ensuring the safety and satisfaction of your clients.
Get Your Tattoo Artist License Today!
Before you start tattooing, you need an Artist License from the Department. 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 License 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 New Jersey?
How to get a Tattoo License in New Jersey
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 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.
Step-wise process to become a Tattoo Artist by submitting the following: -
1
Submit 2000 documented hours of Tattooing experience
If you have fewer than 2,000 hours of tattooing experience, you must either attend an approved tattoo school or complete an apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed practitioner until you reach the 2,000-hour requirement. Your documented hours can be verified through employment records, business records, references from past employers, or similar documentation. Once you have accumulated over 2,000 documented hours, you may be eligible for approval to work as a tattoo artist. The approval process is overseen by the local health department that has jurisdiction over the area where your Tattoo Studio is located.
2
Provide 10 Tattoo Photos
Provide Photos of 10 tattoos that you have personally performed along with consent forms or testaments from 3 clients.
3
Complete an Infection Control Course
Successfully complete a 3-hour Infection Control Course and an Infection Control Examination conducted by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH) Health Academy. (You’ll submit your exam scores.)
Approved practitioners are expected to follow all the health regulations put in place by the state of New Jersey. Subsection 7 of the state’s Body Art Procedures has specific rules for tattoo artists about equipment, aftercare, etc.
Start Your Tattoo Career Today!
Don't Wait to Ink Your Dreams! Become a Tattoo Artist in New Jersey Today. Follow These Steps to Dive into the Thrilling World of Body Art. Grab Your Artist Permit and Unleash Your Talent with Confidence!
To learn more about legislation relating to tattooing or tattoo schools in Nevada, please visit the New Jersey Department of 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.
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.
Submit your art today for enrollment consideration and start your journey toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist! Call/Text 1-917-227-2842
