By: Brock Allen Computer Applications 6 th Period

 Cleaning and sterilizing tattoo equipment and work areas.  Devising new designs in spare time.  Keeping up to date with the latest fashions in the world of tattoos.  Meeting clients to discuss their desires.  Applying a pre-made or hand drawn designs to clients’ skin.  Keeping up to date with the latest health and safety procedures.

 A tattoo artist trains by becoming an apprentice. This usually takes between 2 and 3 years. The only way to do this is by approaching a working tattoo artist and applying for the position. You will expect to buy your own equipment and sterilizing kit and will not be paid for the apprenticeship. Expect to work around 6 hours a day for 6 days a week. Over time, greater responsibility will be awarded, until you can tattoo unsupervised.  Once enough work experience has been amassed, a license to practice must be obtained from the local council. The catch is that you must be working and have experience to obtain one and you have to obtain one to work. That is why the apprenticeship is necessary. Working without a license incurs a heavy penalty.  Once the apprenticeship period is over you work on simple designs, moving to more complex work as your experience progresses. Most professionals in the industry state that a tattoo artist is only fully qualified after around 5 years full-time working experience

A tattoo artist is a very specialized job and requires a unique set of attributes, such as: A flair for design and creativity.A steady hand.A love of alternative cultures.Patience and dedication.Good interpersonal skills.Extremely good attention to detail.Empathetic nature and the ability to turn clients’ ideas into reality.

 Many tattoo artists are self-employed and salaries vary widely depending on the amount of trade they receive. Summer months are traditionally the busiest.  A trainee tattoo artist starts on around £12,000 per annum.  An experienced tattoo artist may earn between £18,000 and £30,000 per annum.  A tattoo artist owning his own business and employing others can earn in excess of £50,000 per annum.

 Tattoo studios employ tattoo artists. Sometimes these shops offer other services such as body piercing. Check on the Internet for studios in your area.  With experience a tattoo artist may build up a private client base and work in clients’ own homes.

My Tattoo If you have enough practice you could end up doing good tattoos like tattoo artist Mario Reddest does. Start Result End Result