Tattoo Artists

High School

In high school, take as many art courses as possible, including drawing, graphic design, painting, and computer art. Join your school’s art club and learn as much as you can about art and design. Many tattoo artists have their own businesses (or work at shops where they have business-related duties). As a result, it’s a good idea to take business management, accounting, mathematics, marketing, sales, and computer science courses. Psychology classes will help you to better understand customers, and English, speech, and foreign language will help you to become a more effective communicator.

Postsecondary Education

Most tattoo artists learn their skills by participating in an unpaid or low-paid apprenticeship at a tattoo shop for one to five years. Apprentices do a fair amount of sweeping, general cleaning, and sterilization of tattooing equipment, but those who apprentice at a quality shop will also learn about drawing techniques, tattoo design elements, machine maintenance and functionality, and the art of customer service. They’ll receive hands-on practice with tattoo machines on practice pads and eventually (after receiving their license) be allowed to give basic tattoos to customers.

In recent years, tattoo schools have emerged to provide training that lasts anywhere from 12 weeks to a year. The training often consists of an online component followed by in-person training (including tattooing practice on synthetic or pig skin). The quality of these programs varies greatly, and many current tattoo artists are skeptical about the quality of these short-term programs. If you’re interested in training via this route, do extensive research to ascertain the quality of the school, learn about the backgrounds and experience levels of its instructors, and determine if it places graduates in jobs after they complete the program.

Certification

Aspiring and current tattoo artists can improve their artistic skills and knowledge by earning certificates in art, art history, graphic design, or other creative fields at colleges and universities and through online learning platforms. Additionally, earning a certificate in business management or entrepreneurism is recommended for artists who want to start their own businesses.

Other Education or Training

Tattoo artists keep their skills up to date throughout their careers by taking art and design classes offered by postsecondary institutions, local tattoo associations, online learning platforms, and other entities. They also attend tattoo conventions, where they can view the work of well-known artists, meet other tattoo aficionados, and participate in workshops and other learning opportunities.