How to Become a Tattoo Artist?
A friendly, step-by-step guide to the tattoo career portfolio, apprenticeship, hygiene, licensing, and jobs with help from the SetMyCareer Website.
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Tattoo Artist
"Tattoos are about self-expression and storytelling, not just ink on skin." – Megan Massacre
Picture this: a quiet studio, a steady buzz, and your design becoming someone’s lifelong story. If that gives you goosebumps, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through how artists turn sketchbooks into careers without fluff, without gatekeeping. From building a portfolio to landing an apprenticeship, from safety basics to your first paid client, we’ll cover it all. By the end, you’ll know how to become a Tattoo Artist the smart, safe way and how the SetMyCareer Website can support each step. Ready to ink your path? Let’s roll. Bring curiosity, patience, and a sketchbook you’ll need all three. Along the way.
Steps to Become a Tattoo Artist:
Step-1
Build your art fundamentals: Draw daily. Study anatomy, light/shadow, and composition. Explore styles (traditional, realism, blackwork, neo-traditional, fine-line). Create a tight portfolio 10–20 of your best, original designs.
Step-2
Learn hygiene and safety first: Tattooing is skin trauma. Study cross‑contamination, PPE, sharps handling, and aftercare. Complete a bloodborne pathogens (BBP) course recognized in your area.
Step-3
Find a reputable apprenticeship: Research studios with strong hygiene, consistent healed work, and good teaching culture. Be ready to assist, clean, observe, and practice on fake skin before live skin.
Step-4
Master tools and techniques: Understand coil vs rotary machines, needles and groupings, voltage, stencils, and skin stretch. Practice linework, packing, and smooth shading before taking clients.
Step-5
Get licensed and compliant: Requirements differ by city/state/country. Register with the local authority, keep BBP/first-aid certifications current, and maintain consent/medical forms.
Step-6
Start client work responsibly: Begin with simpler pieces, price fairly, and photograph healed results. Give clear aftercare, do follow‑ups, and learn to say no to unsafe requests.
Step-7
Grow your career: Build your brand, post your work, do guest spots, attend conventions, and keep learning. Use the SetMyCareer Website to compare courses, plan skills, and make a smart roadmap.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Typically 18+; strong drawing portfolio; steady hand and attention to hygiene; willingness to undergo a rigorous apprenticeship; clear understanding of consent and ethics. |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | High school or equivalent recommended; art classes in drawing, painting, anatomy, and color theory; digital illustration helps. |
| Postgraduate Degree | Not required; advanced art/design study is optional for specialization or teaching; cosmetic/medical tattooing may need extra clinical training. |
| Entrance Exams | No universal exam; local health certifications (e.g., bloodborne pathogens) may be required; private academies may run aptitude/portfolio evaluations. |
- Must have at least 50% aggregate in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.).
- Should complete a B.Sc or a diploma from a recognized institute in relevant fields like Fine Arts, Visual Arts, or Design.
- Having certifications or short-term courses in tattooing, body art, or cosmetology can enhance skills and employability.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as a Tattoo Artist:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Tattoo Artists must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Aseptic technique, disposables, autoclave basics, cross‑contamination prevention. | Skin layers, placement, trauma response, healing and aftercare phases. |
| Skin undertones, ink selection, color mixing, fading/lightfastness. | Coil vs rotary, stroke/voltage, needle groupings and their applications. |
| Line, value, contrast, flow with body anatomy, readability over time. | Age/ID checks, consent forms, contraindications, local regulations. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Draftsmanship | Fine motor control |
| Client communication | Hygiene discipline |
| Time & pain management | Digital literacy |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Tattoo Artist.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
Your career may not align with your interests. Identify them and match with careers requiring those skills for faster growth and success!
Job roles offered for a Tattoo Artist:
Once you have the qualifications to become a Tattoo Artist, a variety of career paths open up:
A tattoo apprentice is a beginner in the tattoo industry who learns under an experienced tattoo artist. They focus on mastering hygiene standards, tattoo equipment handling, and basic design techniques while observing and assisting in real sessions. This role is essential for building foundational skills and understanding the art and business of tattooing.
A junior tattoo artist has progressed beyond apprenticeship and can perform basic tattoos under supervision. They continue refining their technical skills, artistic style, and client communication while gradually taking on more complex projects. This stage helps build a professional portfolio and reputation.
A cosmetic or permanent makeup (PMU) artist specializes in enhancing clients’ facial features through procedures like microblading, lip blush, and eyeliner. They require precision, knowledge of pigments, and a strong understanding of facial anatomy. This career blends artistry with cosmetic science and offers opportunities in salons and medical aesthetic clinics.
Medical tattoo specialists focus on restorative and corrective tattooing, such as areola reconstruction post-surgery or camouflaging scars. They combine technical tattoo skills with sensitivity, empathy, and knowledge of skin healing processes. This role often works closely with medical professionals and patients recovering from surgery or trauma.
A studio manager or owner oversees the business operations of a tattoo studio, including scheduling, client relations, artist management, and compliance with health regulations. They often guide creative direction while ensuring profitability and smooth day-to-day operations. This role combines leadership, business acumen, and knowledge of the tattoo industry.
A trainer or mentor is an experienced tattoo professional who teaches and guides apprentices and junior artists. They provide technical instruction, career advice, and constructive feedback to help others develop their skills and artistic style. This role is critical for passing on industry knowledge and nurturing the next generation of tattoo artists.
Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career Opportunities for a Tattoo Artist:
Tattoo Artists can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Work in established studios with a resident spot | Freelance and do guest spots across cities/countries | Open your own studio or private studio setup |
| Collaborate with equipment/ink brands as an ambassador | Contribute to film/TV/music productions and events | Teach workshops, courses, or online classes |
| Design flash sheets, merch, and prints | Cross‑skill into piercing, PMU, or tattoo removal (adjacent paths) |
Colleges offering courses for Tattoo Artist:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| Aliens Tattoo School, Mumbai | BodyCanvas Tattoo School, New Delhi |
| Angel Tattoo Art School, Noida | Sir JJ School of Art (Mumbai) — BFA in Fine Arts |
| College of Art, University of Delhi — BFA programs | National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad) — Design programs |
End Note
Tattooing blends art, safety, and steady practice. If you’re serious, commit to your portfolio, learn hygiene, find a trusted mentor, and keep improving every week. Need direction on courses, apprenticeships, or job paths? Reach out SetMyCareer is here to guide you. Connect with our experts via the SetMyCareer Website and take your next step with confidence. We’ll help you map options, compare costs, and choose mentors who fit your style best.
In this Career Outline
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