Tattooing Like a Pro in 4 Simple Steps

Due to the growing popularity of body art, the profession of tattooing has boomed in recent years.

If you’d like to become a tattoo artist then it’s important to take all the right steps that will lead to a successful career as a tattooing professional.

There is no room for amateurs in this highly competitive field.

The first step to get started as a tattoo artist is to begin an apprenticeship with a professional tattoo artist and learn all the tricks of the trade first hand.

Tattooing itself is not simple, but if it’s taken one step at a time under the guidance of a mentor the process of learning how to tattoo is less intimidating.

These 4 simple steps will have you tattooing like a pro in no time.

Step 1: Learn how to use tattooing equipment.

Professional tattoo artists use tattoo machines rather than inserting a tattoo needle manually into the skin.  A tattoo machine has an electrical motor and a group of needles attached to a bar.  The needles are dipped into ink and then the machine rapidly pushes the needles up and down.  In order for a tattoo to be permanent, the ink must be injected into the inner layer of skin known as the dermis.  A tattoo machine precisely controls the depth of needle injection and ensures that ink is correctly inserted into the dermis by the tattoo needle.

A tattoo that is properly applied with a tattoo machine will keep its bright colors with minimal fading during the client’s lifetime.  A tattoo artist can also work more quickly and efficiently with a tattoo machine, since several needles are inserted into the skin at one time.

Step 2: Learn proper sanitary procedures.

In recent years, professional tattoo artists have become more aware of the health risks associated with improperly applied tattoos.  Unsterilized tattoo equipment can cause infection and spread disease.  This can be avoided by using sterilized equipment and single-service needles.

Tattoo artists should always wear gloves and make sure the client’s skin is washed with antiseptic before tattooing begins.

It’s important to make sure the tattoo client feels like the tattoo procedure is safe.  Keeping the tattoo shop clean and neat helps put a client’s mind at ease.  All equipment should be sterilized with an autoclave and the client should be informed how sterilization was done.  The tattoo artist should be willing and able to answer all the client’s questions about the safety of the tattooing procedure.

Step 3: Develop a tattooing style.

A professional tattooist is an artist at heart. Listening to the client’s expectations and finding the perfect tattoo design is an important part of the tattoo artist’s job.  Whether an original design is created or a flash design is used, the tattoo artist must be able to transform it into a piece of living art on the skin of the client.  Skillful outlining, shading and coloring are what set the truly professional tattoo artist apart from an amateur.

An apprenticeship with a skilled tattoo artist is the best way to learn the skills that will give you a professional tattooing style. Just as the old masters of the art world passed on their craft to apprentices, a tattoo artist will teach an apprentice how to achieve masterful tattooing results.

Step 4: Become savvy about tattooing businesses.

Once you feel confident with your tattooing skills, it’s time to focus on the business aspect of tattooing.  You may even decide to open your own tattoo shop.

The first step to take when starting a tattooing business is finding out about tattoo laws and regulations related to professional tattooing. There are no federal laws governing tattooing, but most states and many local communities have regulations.  Many areas require tattoo artists to be licensed.

Talk to other tattoo professionals and find out what type of waivers they ask clients to sign. A waiver is a legal form that will free you from liability if a client doesn’t perform the proper aftercare for a tattoo that you’ve applied.  If you exercised all the standard sanitation and safety precautions, a waiver will protect you from possible lawsuits and other legal issues.  Once a waiver is signed by a client, you’ll have peace of mind and will be able to focus on the art of tattooing.

Photo Credit: Philippe Leroyer