How To Become A Tattoo Artist

*No Sugarcoat Edition*

“How does someone become a tattoo artist?” is a question I get often from clients and acquaintances. Usually I give a short answer like ‘get an apprenticeship,’ but I don’t go into much detail. The thing about learning how to tattoo is that there’s a ton that goes into it, and unless someone is truly interested and has the attention span to listen to me ramble on what tattooing really entails, I won’t bore them or waste time giving all that information. Simply getting an apprenticeship or knowing how to draw doesn’t sum up what it takes to enter this business. So here’s my detailed explanation on how to become a tattoo artist (it’s a long one.)

Side Note: There is no one way to learn how to tattoo. The information I’m giving is solely based on my personal experience. I learned how to tattoo through a traditional apprenticeship. I don’t speak for other artists and their own stories. Now let’s proceed…

Obtaining An Apprenticeship

Asking a professional tattoo artist on how to get into tattooing is already a step in the right direction. Best answer is through the source, not from your friends or your friend’s friends, or some random person on social media. Unless they’re a certified tattooer, they have no idea what they’re talking about. Most artists will tell to get an apprenticeship. How to get one can be a lengthly process in itself. Before pursuing an apprenticeship, ask yourself; do you know how to draw? Seems obvious that if someone is interested in tattooing they already have a background in art. But after years of working in tattoo shops, I’ve seen plenty of aspiring artists who just needed to be honest with themselves. Drawing in a notebook from time to time doesn’t equate to talent. Have you drawn your whole life? Have you attended art classes or art school? Have you always had a passion for art? Are you knowledgable in basic art techniques? Although there’s more to tattooing than just knowing how to draw. But if you have the artistic ability, you’re off to a promising start.

Next thing is to put together an art portfolio. You can find one online or in any art store. A 8”x 11” display book is an idea option. Have around 25 completed pieces of art/drawings. You want to showcase your strengths (example: figure drawing, illustrations, watercolors.) The drawings don’t have to be tattoo-related, but it helps. Research “tattoo flash” and make your own sheet. Though the environment in tattoo shops may seem casual, it’s still a professional establishment, you want to show that you’re serious about this. Do not come in with a messy notebook that’s falling apart and smudged sketches inside. No tattoo artist will take you seriously, if anything, they’ll be annoyed that you wasted their time.

You also want to do your own research on local tattoo shops. If a shop doesn’t have quality work from it’s artists it won’t be a solid foundation for you to learn from. To save a trip, call or email the shop to see if they’re looking for or are open to take in an apprentice. Arrange a time, and come in with your neat professional-looking portfolio. Becoming a tattoo artist takes time, sometimes it can take over a year or so to find an apprenticeship alone, but don’t be discouraged. Continue to reach out to artists. Your passion and tenacity will show through and the right mentor will see it. This process may seem intimating but know that most artists have been in your shoes. Be humble, show respect, and express that you’re willing to work hard (because you’ll definitely be working your ass off).

Attention To Detail

After you get an apprenticeship, be expected to do “bitch work.” That involves anything from sweeping/mopping floors, setting up your mentor’s station, picking up lunch, taking out trash, answering phone calls, etc. Basically you become very well acquainted with the shop. This is where many people’s perception on the ‘tattoo life’ changes. Thanks to reality shows and carefully curated internet content, being a tattoo artist may seem fun, cool, and edgy. But it’s much more monotonous than the public assumes. No doubt a career in tattooing is unfathomably rewarding, the pride and passion you’ll feel about this craft can’t be comprehended. Yet at the same time, it’s still a job. And like any job, it’ll test your patience and maybe even your mental state. You may wonder how taking out the trash or mopping floors have anything to do with tattooing but it all comes down to attention to detail. If you missed a spot while you’re sweeping floors, you may miss a line when you eventually tattoo. It’s kind of a Mr. Miyagi way of thinking. You put your time in to show your mentor that you’re worth investing their time in you. There’s no school for tattooing, there’s no number of credits you need to take (if you do see a tattoo school, very high chance it’s a complete scam). As an apprentice, also expect to say goodbye to a social life. More than likely your life will consist of the shop and whatever work you do for income (apprenticeships don’t usually pay). It’ll shift your priorities, so having a support system goes a long way. Recognize who’s really there for you. Your circle may get smaller from the lack of personal time you have, but the real ones will stick with you.

Side Note: If you’re with someone who discourages you or guilts you for doing what you’re passionate about, drop them. No one is worth stopping your goals.

No Shortcuts

The top mistake you can make is trying to find shortcuts in tattooing. Apprenticeships are lengthy because there’s a lot to learn. In fact the learning never really ends. Sure, you can bypass an apprenticeship by getting a machine off Amazon and tattoo your friends in your basement. That’ll be a quicker way to tattoo but it’s highly frowned upon and even unethical. Without proper knowledge of sterilization and bloodbourne pathogens (which you learn from an apprenticeship), you’re putting yourself and others at risk of infection. Also, with no guidance of tattooing techniques, it doesn’t matter how good your art is on paper, on human skin, 110% it’ll look like shit in a bag. So don’t be that person that gives your friends shitty and possibly infected tattoos. And if you are, at least don’t tell a professional tattooer. Its a sure way to be rightfully judged by any respectable artist.

Side Note: It is possible to be self taught. In fact, some of the most talented tattooers I know were self taught. But teaching yourself won’t get you to where you want faster. In many cases, with no direction, it may take longer and be more challenging learning on your own.

Closing Statements

Every apprenticeship is different. It comes down to the shop, your mentor, your personal life, and financial circumstances. Some apprenticeships only take a year while some 3-5 years, there’s no definite timeline on when you become official. Even when you finish your apprenticeship and start taking in customers, the first few years of tattooing may be difficult and down right shitty. From honing your skills to dealing with psychotic clients, the road will continue to be bumpy. Over time, it doesn’t get easier, you just develop a thicker skin. This explains why some tattooers are jaded curmudgeons. Wherever you are on your tattoo journey, whether you’re half way or haven’t started, you want to keep asking yourself the why. Why are you doing this? If the answer is less profound, like “you think it’ll be cool” or “it’ll be a way to pick up girls” then you need to reevaluate your reasons. If you want to go anywhere in this business, don’t take the craft of tattooing lightly. Approach it with respect, work hard, step up to the challenges and you too can one day be a tattoo artist.