What is the best way to become a tattoo artist? Well there are a couple different ways to go about achieving this and the best and most trusted way is to take one of the tattoo apprenticeships out there. What you need to do is go to your local tattoo studios ask if their taking on apprentices at the moment, but when you go don’t just turn up totally unprepared. You should be well prepared for the owner to interview you on the spot you should be ready for this and have your portfolio ready with all your artwork and any tattoo work you have done if any. Be confident and have a great attitude and a willingness to learn if you don’t show these attributes anyway then this is not the right industry for you.
To become a tattoo artist you will be mentored by an experienced tattoo artist who will then teach you everything you need to learn the proper skills and knowledge to gain an exceptional understanding of how to tattoo any customer who comes through your door. Now you need to be prepared to do a lot of the rubbish grimy jobs around the tattoo studio when doing tattoo apprenticeships this is all part and parcel of learning how to tattoo. You will be sweeping up, cleaning all the equipment, keeping the studio all tidy and respectable, making the tea, preparing any stencils or equipment for the tattoo artists working there. You might also be expected to run the front desk and deal with the customers so confidence with dealing with people is a must, if none of this type of work appeals to you then maybe an apprentice is not for you.
Now if tattoo apprenticeships are not for you then don’t worry as there is another way to learn how to tattoo, and that is learning to become a tattoo artist by attending a tattoo school, these are absolutely fantastic for people wishing to get involved in the tattoo industry who can’t get an apprentice placement at a studio. They are usually 2 week courses and they cover every subject you need to know to be a competent tattoo artist and have all the skills and knowledge needed to go and tattoo customers. Once you have completed the course you have some choices to make about what your next step is going to be.
The first option is to go and get an apprenticeship and to use the skills and knowledge to help you gain an apprenticeship you might not have got before because of your lack of experience. The next option if you are confident enough is to get a seat at a tattoo studio and start earning great money tattooing customers which many people do who complete a tattoo course. The next and final option is to start up your own tattoo studio which also many students do after completing the tattoo course, although this is a big step if you have the confidence and believe in the skills you we’re taught then it could be a great option for anyone wanting to become a tattoo artist.