Tattoo Artists

Career summary

Tattoo artists design and create permanent works of art on human skin.

Tattoo artists talk with customers about the design they want. Artists usually have a collection of designs displayed for customers to select from. They may also help a customer create a custom design.

Before starting a tattoo, artists discuss general health issues with customers such as skin or blood disorders, allergies, or diabetes. The artist also talks to customers about how the tattoo machine works and what it will feel like as the tattoo is made.

Before starting a tattoo, artists fill the ink dispensers with the colors of ink specified by customers. They insert new needles into the machine each time it is used. There are two types of machines, liners and shaders. Artists use liners to outline designs and shaders to fill in shapes with color.

When the tattoo is finished artists provide customers information about how to care for tattoos as they heal. They discard all materials such as gloves, dressings, and dyes used in each session. They use a machine called an autoclave to sterilize the needles.

Permanent color technicians also tattoo skin, usually for cosmetic purposes. For example, they may tattoo around a client's eyes to create eyeliner. Some technicians work with clients who have had skin traumas or surgery in order to make scars less noticeable.

Related careers

This career is part of the Marketing cluster of careers. It is also part of the Human Services cluster.

Related careers include:

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a tattoo artist, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete some form of training.

Depending on which state you live in, you may also need a license. Some states require that you complete a formal training program and supervised work experience.

Education after high school

Most states have several tattoo schools. Most schools offer programs that last between one and eight weeks. Because this is an emerging area of study, the industry does not yet have national training requirements. As a result, the quality and depth of information provided by programs vary widely. You should investigate the schools you are interested in.

An apprenticeship is another option for learning the trade. A typical apprenticeship lasts three years. During this time an aspiring artist learns under the supervision of an established artist.

Regardless of whether you go to school or are an apprentice, you will learn the same skills and information. What will vary is depth of your education. Either way, you will become skilled with needles and tattoo machines. You will also study tattoo theory and practice. Finally, you will study safety, sterilization, and general business skills.

The length of training also varies for those who perform cosmetic tattooing. Training may range from a few weeks to one year, depending on the type of tattooing studied. For example, learning to camouflage scars takes longer than learning to tattoo eyebrows.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements (external link) . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Art
Drawing and Painting
Introduction to Health Care

Many tattoo artists are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups (PDF file) that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Practice your art as much as you can. It is important that you have excellent freestyle drawing skills.
Tattoo artists wear gloves when creating tattoos. The gloves protect both the artist and the client from diseases.
Tattoo shops often are busiest on weekends and evenings. You should expect to work at least part of the time during these periods.
Wages vary by the tattoo artist's experience and reputation. Many tattoo artists are paid by the piece. They earn more for custom art where they may be paid by the hour. Many tattoo artists earn tips for their work.
Some tattoo artists are hired as independent contractors. They receive a percentage of what is earned by the shop. In this case, they sometimes pay for their own supplies and equipment.
Read and study tattoo magazines. They will give you a better understanding of industry trends and styles.
Attend tattoo trade shows. You can meet artists, pick up on new trends, and attend classes on tattoo techniques and safety.
In ancient societies, tattoos were inked with instruments made of bone and shell. Today, tattoo artists use a hand-held electric tattooing machine. Tattoo machines work by using a needle filled with permanent ink. The machine pushes the needle in and out of the skin. The rate varies from 50 to 3,000 times each minute. The tattoo needle injects the ink into the dermis layer of the skin (about one millimeter deep). The cells of the dermis are very stable, which allows the tattoo ink to last for your whole life!
There are several ideas about the origin of the word "tattoo." One theory is that it is a mutation of the Polynesian word "ta," which means "to strike something," and the Tahitian word "tatou," which means "to mark something."

Licensing/certification

Tattoo artists, body art artists, and body piercing artists must be licensed in Washington. Licensing requirements include:

being at least 18 years of age;
having a current bloodborne pathogen certificate;
completing an application; and
paying a licensing fee.

The initial license fee is $250 and the annual renewal fee is $250.

#Checked licensing info 4/8/15 & 2/21/17 cj. 4/3/18 lh

For information on Licensing, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Tattoo, Body Art, Body Piercing Program
PO Box 9026
Olympia, Washington 98507-9026
http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/tattoo/index.html (external link)

#Added licensing dept contact info 2/21/17 cj.

Some states require tattoo artists to be licensed. In addition, sometimes there are additional city and county regulations for tattoo artists. Requirements vary by state.

Other resources

Alliance of Professional Tattooists
22052 West 66th Street, Suite 225
Shawnee, KS 66226
816.979.1300

Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals
69 N. Broadway St.
Des Plaines, IL 60016

US Small Business Administration
Seattle District Office
2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98121
206.553.7310