A tattoo artist is sometimes also known as a tattooist or body artist. They design body art and use special ink and needles to apply permanent tattoos on people’s bodies. The ability to draw is essential in this career, and there is no room for mistakes.
Tattoo artists can use a set of template designs or create original artwork from scratch. They can specialise in different tattoo styles, such as lettering, portraits, tribal, black & grey, blackwork, Japanese, etc. They can also combine their role with body piercing. Therefore, what a tattoo artist does will depend on their specialisms.
A tattoo artist works mainly in tattoo shops or studios. They will carry out many tasks in these settings, including speaking with clients about designs, advising on suitable tattoos/aftercare, copying designs onto clients’ skin, using a tattoo machine to draw the tattoo, keeping the studio and equipment clean/disinfected, showcasing their work, ordering equipment and supplies, etc.
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A tattoo artist’s main aim is to create accurate artwork and keep up to date with the latest tattoo trends. Their designs should be original, and they must also be careful not to plagiarise (imitate) other tattoo artists’ work. Overall, being a tattoo artist is about ensuring the tattoo reflects the designs that clients want and that they leave the studio happy.
Tattoo artists can be employed and work for private companies, small or large. Many are self-employed with their own premises or rent a space within a studio. They can liaise with many different people, including clients and their families and friends, other tattoo artists, body piercers, barbers (in combined shops), local councils (environmental health), manufacturers, suppliers, etc.
A tattoo artist’s responsibilities will depend on many factors, including who they work for (employed or themselves), their specialisms and whether they combine their role with other services, such as body piercing.
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A tattoo artist’s hours are variable, depending on whether they are employed or self-employed and work full-time or part-time. Most will work 30–40 hours a week, Monday–Friday, 9–5.
Being a tattoo artist can involve working unsociable hours, e.g. evenings, weekends and bank holidays, due to customer demand and particular tattoo designs and sizes.
Some tattoo artists may have to travel to different studios if renting space at other premises, which can lengthen the working day. There may also be opportunities to work away from home and overseas.
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There are many positives to being a tattoo artist, especially if an individual has a passion for body art and an artistic flair. The role allows individuals to be innovators by being creative with templates and original designs. Designing beautiful body art, seeing the designs as a permanent fixture on someone’s skin and seeing clients happy with their tattoos can be an exciting, satisfying and rewarding experience.
Tattoo artist jobs are available nationally and internationally, and individuals can choose to be employed or self-employed. Some jobs offer flexible hours so individuals can fit their work around their personal lives. As tattooist roles do not usually require formal qualifications, such as a degree, it can be a great career choice for less academic individuals.
Being a self-employed tattoo artist and having an opportunity to be your own boss can be attractive. It can give individuals the independence to take charge of their working day and overall career progression. Even employed tattoo artists have a sense of freedom, as they will work autonomously in their role and will usually be able to manage their own schedules.
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Boredom will never be a problem for tattoo artists, as their work is very varied, and they will interact with many people during their working day. They will work with different tattoo designs and styles and apply them to people’s bodies in various locations. One client may want a small tattoo that takes a few hours, and another may ask for a large one that could take days.
Every career choice has pros and cons, and prospective tattoo artists must know what to expect before deciding whether it is a suitable role. Having a lot of responsibility and dealing with harsh criticism can be challenging and stressful. It is physically and mentally demanding, and the hours may be lengthy and unsociable. However, there are many positives too, and those who become tattoo artists really enjoy their work, as it allows them to express their creativity and ideas.
When considering whether to be a tattoo artist, individuals should look at the pros and cons. They should also ensure they have the right personal qualities to carry out the role and responsibilities required.
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There are many different routes to becoming a tattoo artist, and individuals do not require a formal qualification. They could enrol on a college/private training course, apply for an apprenticeship or apply directly to companies as a trainee. They could also do work experience to help them enter the role.
Having qualifications in art or design can be beneficial for budding tattoo artists. There is also a BTEC in tattoo illustration offered by some colleges. The entry requirements will depend on the qualification level, and individuals should check with individual institutions.
Undertaking a private training course, e.g. with a tattoo academy, can help individuals become tattoo artists. There are usually no entry requirements, but this will depend on the course provider. Individuals will typically need basic drawing skills and a keen interest in tattooing.
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Courses may be face-to-face or online (distance learning). It is important to note that undertaking a training course does not make someone fully qualified. Individuals will still need to complete work experience in a registered studio.
Individuals are not guaranteed success with courses. However, it will demonstrate to employers that they are keen on the job, show clients they have had training and may give them a competitive edge.
Some studios offer tattoo artist apprenticeships or trainee roles where they will train individuals on the job. It can be a good route for those struggling to pay for courses, as they can sometimes be expensive, i.e. approx. £1, 500–£3, 000. However, bear in mind that not all opportunities are paid ones.
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Individuals should regularly check job websites for roles or contact their local tattoo studio to see if they have any current or future opportunities.
Relevant work experience can help individuals become tattoo artists. They could apply for roles as an assistant in a tattoo studio and help with the administrative side of the business, e.g. answering phones, booking appointments and looking after clients. If they already work in a tattoo studio, it may open up apprenticeship or trainee opportunities.
There may be volunteer opportunities, e.g. charity and community events, where individuals could gain experience in other aspects of body art, such as face painting or make-up artistry. There is information on volunteering and local opportunities on Do-IT, NCVO, Volunteering Matters and Indeed.
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Any work experience relevant to art or design can be beneficial and help an individual work towards becoming a tattoo artist. Even community college art courses can help, e.g. drawing and painting.
Learning does not stop with experience or once someone becomes qualified. Attending CPD training courses and having additional certifications can help tattoo artists enter the profession, enhance their employability and give them a competitive edge.
It may also be worth enrolling on low-cost online short courses to see if a career as a tattooist is of interest. That way, if it is not, it will save an individual a lot of time, money and trouble.
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Professional bodies, regulators and associations, such as the British Tattoo Artists Federation (BTAF), the Tattooing and Piercing Industry Union and the Tattoo Safe Register, can also advise on reputable training courses. Some also provide events to help individuals become tattoo artists, giving them the means to continue their professional development.
The type of training required will depend on what employers are looking for and the tattoo designs/styles in which tattoo artists specialise. It is worth looking at several job advertisements to identify the training required for specific tattooist roles. Jobs are on various websites, such as GOV.UK find a job service, Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and other job sites. Also, look at recruitment agencies, as they may offer tattoo artist jobs.
If tattoo artists have more relevant training and competence (skills, experience, talent and knowledge), it will open up more opportunities. Refresher training will also be required, as it keeps an individual’s knowledge and skills up to date.
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Individuals must be over 18 years old to be tattoo artists and be vaccinated against hepatitis B. They will also need to apply for a tattoo, piercing and electrolysis licence for themselves and their premises from the local council.
Tattoo artists mainly work in tattoo studios or shops registered with the local council. They can work for studio owners or as self-employed tattooists on their own premises. They can also work for themselves and rent a space or chair in another registered premises.
What a tattoo artist earns is variable. Their salary will depend on whether they are employed or self-employed, their working hours, experience, location, reputation and specialisms.
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Self-employed tattoo artists should factor in various expenses when considering the salary, e.g. premises or rent, registration, tax, National Insurance, other insurances (business/liability), equipment, supplies,
