The Alliance of Professional Tattooists recommend that aspiring tattoo artists complete an apprenticeship of at least three years, so if you want to become a tattoo artist, you need to be in it for the long haul.
Do tattooist need qualifications?
There are no formal qualifications: dogged persistence, humility, a proclivity for hard work and genuine artistic talent are requisite, but patience is also essential.
Can I do tattoos at home?
Licensure. States regulate tattooing in one of two primary ways. It is illegal for a licensed tattoo artist to perform tattoos in unlicensed locations, such at his or her home. It is also illegal for a licensed tattoo establishment to allow someone who is not licensed to give tattoos at that location.
Do you have to go to school to be a tattoo artist?
Going to school is not a must. “You do not need any specific education to be a tattoo artist, which is part of what I love about the tattoo world: we all come from very different backgrounds,” explains Martinez.
What kind of skills do you need to get a tattoo?
Mastery of artistic and technical skills ensures that the recipient of a tattoo leaves with aesthetically-pleasing tattoo that has been professionally administered.
How much money do you make as a tattoo artist?
There’s no guarantee that you’ll ever make a ton of money. Even after you start making money from your tattoos, the compensation isn’t all that flush— the average annual salary for a tattoo artist is around $35,000 —and you still have to pay for the supplies on your own. Basically, if you want to be a tattoo artist, don’t do it for the money.
How often do you need to renew your tattoo license?
Licensed or certified tattoo artists may need to renew their credentials every few years. Certification or licensing standards may require a tattoo artist to complete training or an apprenticeship in an approved setting and under the supervision and guidance of another established professional in the field. This can take 1-2 years.
