Tattoo artist

Becoming a Tattoo Artist
Articles By Ben Quick


Becoming a tattoo artist makes for an interesting career choice. Unlike nearly all other professions, the training for tattoo artistry has not be co-opted by university and tech schools where you can simply enroll, take a course, learn the skill, and then move out into the real world and become a professional artist.

In fact, the tattoo world has kept its doors closed to others, allowing people in one by one as an apprentice. This is a nod to the old school style of teaching a trade, craft, or a skill. It keeps the talent moving from person to person and creates a real personal touch to the craft.

The question is how to become an apprentice?

The easiest way to get moving on this is a simple one, but it actually stops most people from ever starting. This is the act of going out and asking local tattoo shops and local tattoo artists for their input on how a person can become a tattoo artist. This naturally leads to a good opener into the question of local apprenticeships and how one might get their foot in the door of such an opportunity.

At the same time, beginner artists might take the step of buying equipment on their own to get their hands dirty. This does not mean giving tattoos, as there is fake skin to practice on just for that. However, it is worth considering buying a tattoos kit or other type of beginner supply kit to understand what pieces are involved, how to handle them, how they work, and how to clean them.

With this knowledge fresh in mind, it may become easier to find a mentor who can see that you are serious about becoming a tattooing artist. Often the first step in the door means working for free doing mundane but necessary work around the tattoo shop, such as sweeping the floors and running the front desk. However, this is how people tend to start, and it gives an aspiring tattoo artist a chance to see how a shop is run, and in due time, a chance to work directly underneath a mentor tattoo artist.

It may not be the most efficient technique for producing tattoo artists, but it keeps the tattoo industry and tattoo culture something personal and close to the heart.

Tattoo artist

Points to Look For in a Good Tattoo Artist and Tattoo Shop

( By Louie Rosales )

As everywhere now, tattoos aren't just for bad boys and bikers anymore. Every mother's daughter and every daughter's son has one. Reports states that 12 to 20 million Americans have tattoos and the number is rising every hour.

Over the past years, there have been tattoo shops that has dominated the tattoo art market. They have been training and nurturing tattoo artist. But what are really good points when choosing your tatto artist and tattoo shops?

A tattoo shop should be a clean and inviting environment. You should know as you walk through the door that the shop cares about both your physical and psychological well being. If either is in question, then it might not be the place for you to get your artwork. The shop should only use new needles in both the tattoo and piercing processes. The needles should be sterilized in an Autoclave which is regularly tested by a health professional.

Autoclaving is the same process used to sterilize medical instruments in hospitals and is crucial in avoiding possible Hepa B and C infections as well as HIV virus. If you have any doubts about the shop's sterilization, you should ask to see the shop's set-up process. If you are refused, then avoid the shops like that. A good tattoo shops must be strict in their safety policies and is also a good point that the shop is inspected once a month to insure the integrity of their sterilization practices.

Having a tattoo is not just like buying a leather jacket, price should not be an issue. Cheaper is not a good idea in selecting your tattoo artist. You get what you pay for. Remember that it is a custom, one-of-a-kind piece of art which last forever in your skin. Some good tattoo shops keeps their prices reasonable but not as dirt cheap like a prison quality tattoo.

In accessing an artist it is important to study their portfolio. Make sure the photos of their work are original, not cut out of magazines. Look at the brightness of the colors and the details of the designs. Also a real life examples are the best references and a real life demonstration. An artist who only deals with standard designs is less experienced, is is a good test for an artist if it will do custom work or design. It is also important that a shop and tattoo artist have an extensive variety of patterns to choose from.

From tribal to religious to Japanese, from full back patterns, or through the standards suns, moons, and hearts, some good shops have thousands of designs to choose from. Look out for mistakes, don't let it happen to you. Tattoo mistake nightmares is an example of an unqualified artist, sloppy work, and customers that were unwilling to ask the necessary questions and too rush for the design process. Remember, stay awake during your tattoo design. select a qualified artist and enjoy this extreme self-expression.