Tattoo Artist Training
There is more to becoming a tattoo artist than taking online tattoo artist training. Of course, that is an important step you need to take, but you also need to serve an apprenticeship. this allows you to work with and learn from an experienced tattoo artist. It gives you a place to start building a client base. and it provides you with a place to do your work. Apprenticeships last anywhere from six months to five years.
How do you get an apprenticeship? The first step is to build your portfolio. this is a collection of at least 50 drawings, fully completed and colored. put these samples in a professional portfolio case. Make sure it is clean and choose only your best work. Make sure you have a good variety of drawings – the kinds of things people like to choose as a tattoo. to build your portfolio, experts suggest that you draw at least four pieces a day, every day. You can also include photos of other types of art you have done, such as painting, sculptures, etc. Include certification from any training you have had, and the best pieces you produced during that training.
Once you have your portfolio together, you need to look for a studio to begin your hands-on tattoo artist training. Look for a business with a good reputation. and make sure the owner of the business really wants to take on an apprentice. you will be working side by side with this person – good rapport is important. A great way to determine if a particular tattoo artist would make a good mentor for you is to have them give you a tattoo. you will know how they work, and you’ll have time to talk without taking him or her away from paying clients – since you will be one! Apprenticeships may be free in exchange for you doing menial work, or you may have to pay the owner for the privilege of working there – as much as $5,000.
During the apprenticeship, you will be asked to do a lot of things besides tattooing. Expect to be taking out the trash, cleaning the shop, running errands. It’s part of the process, so do it with a smile. Another big part of your tattoo artist training will be just watching. you will learn how to use needles, the autoclave, and various health precautions you must take. your first tattoos will be on fake skin, fruit or yourself. It may be a long time before you are allowed to tattoo your first client. Expect to do your first 100 or so tattoos for free. to learn as much as you can, go to a tattoo school, or take online tattoo classes. Once you’ve gotten to this point, you will be able to become licensed and begin earning money.