How To Become A Tattoo Artist.

A tattoo artist is an individual who applies permanent decorative tattoos, often in an established business called "tattoo shop", "tattoo studio" or "tattoo parlour."Tattoo artists usually learn their craft via an apprenticeship under a trained and experienced mentor. If you are looking forward on becoming a tattoo artist in the future here are some steps.

1. Complete a Portfolio 

Tattoo artists should possess great artistic ability and creativity. Before an artist can gain an apprenticeship working in a shop, he or she needs to complete a professional portfolio exhibiting his or her best works of art. A portfolio can contain both original works and high-quality photographs of drawings.

Taking art classes, either in high school or through a local community center, can help an aspiring tattoo artist learn various art skills, including scale, proportion and shading, all of which are necessary to work successfully as a tattoo artists.

2. Complete an Apprenticeship

The Alliance of Professional Tattooists, or APT for short, recommends an apprenticeship of at lest three years. During an apprenticeship, a prospective artist will work in a shop alongside a professional tattooist learning to design tattoos, to operate a tattoo machine, and sterilize equipment. Additionally, some apprenticeships include lessons on business aspects of tattooing and may prepare aspiring artists to have their own shop.

3. Take Tattoo Artist Education Courses

Many skills needed for a successful career as a tattoo artist can be learned from an apprenticeship with a knowledgeable artist, but some health departments and other state and local regulatory agencies also require classroom experience. Seminars in disease prevention and skin diseases and infections and training in blood- borne pathogen prevention may be required for licensing. 

4. Get a License

Most states require licensure for tattoo artists; however, requirements vary by state. Oregon, for example, requires licensees to complete a minimum of 360 hours of training under an approved artist as well as 50 tattoos. A written exam and skills assessment also are typically necessary for licensing.

5.  Learn the Basics of Tattoo Art

Depending on Years of experience, location, and reputation, a tattoo artist can make upwards of $60,000-$80,000 per year. The art of the tattooing is more than just altering the body by inserting ink to the skin. A tattoo is often a rite of passage, a mark of status, or a symbol of bravery. Tattoos can be purely cosmetic - to enhance a person's appearance, or as a form of medical reconstruction and cover - up of scars or deformities. Even tho u make a-lot of money still, this is not a get-rick- quick career. Your ability to please your customers and gain a stellar reputation locally or nationally will ultimately decide your annual salary.