Look for professional training and be prepared to practice.
Tattoos permanently adorn their wearers, which means creating tattoos requires much more than merely injecting ink. Skin is an unforgiving medium that does not leave room for mistakes, and tattoos will forever impact a person's appearance. If appropriate health and safety procedures are not followed, the needles used in tattooing can cause serious infections and pass along diseases such as HIV. Becoming a tattoo artist is a serious task that requires artistic ability, dedication to learning and practicing the trade as well as adherence to health safety rules.
Instructions
1. Obtain formal art training. Enrolling in art school or taking some classes at a community college can help refine your artistic abilities, introduce you to new styles and teach you proper technique.
2. Put together a portfolio. It is imperative to continue to practice your artistic skills. Sketch ideas you have for tattoos and compile them for a portfolio.
3. Apply for an apprenticeship. On-the-job training is crucial since the art of tattooing is far different than simply sketching on paper. Show tattoo artists your portfolio to demonstrate your artistic ability and your style, as well as your ideas and creativity. Apply for an apprenticeship with a tattoo artist that is truly a master of his trade and can impart his knowledge of the art. Since you will be spending a lot of time with him, it is also important that you and the artist get along.
4. Observe the master artist. As an apprentice, watching a tattoo artist while she works will help you gain a better understanding of the art of tattooing. Be involved in the planning process to learn about composition, tattoo design and the procedure of giving a tattoo.
5. Learn health safety and tattooing protocol. Before you inject anyone with ink you need to learn the standard procedures for giving tattoos, meeting health codes and keeping tools and work spaces sanitary. As an apprentice, you may be asked to sterilize needles and keep other parts of the parlor hygienic.
6. Work with stencils. Stencils of tattoo designs and motifs let you master commonly used shapes. When it comes time to tattoo, these designs will be second nature. You may even be allowed to create your own stencils.
7. Practice tattooing. When the tattoo artist you are working with deems you ready, you may begin practicing tattooing on fruit, faux practice skin or animal skins. The master artist will observe you as you work and provide you with helpful advice.
8. Begin working with clients. After the master artist feels confident about your ability, he may allow you to start working with clients. Initially, you will probably start with basic steps such as outlining or shading. As your skills improve and if the master artist likes what he sees, you will gradually be granted more responsibility.
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