How to Start a Tattoo Career: A No-Nonsense Guide for Aspiring Artists
So, You Want to Start a Tattoo Career?
Ever found yourself doodling intricate skulls or roses during boring Zoom meetings and thought, “Hey, maybe I should tattoo this on someone!”? If that’s a yes, you’re not alone. Many of us—myself included—started out as casual sketchers before realizing that tattooing was more than just cool ink... it could be a life-changing career.
Starting a tattoo career isn’t just about buying a tattoo gun and practicing on oranges (though you’ll probably do that too). It’s a journey that involves discipline, skill-building, tons of practice, and yeah—some blood, sweat, and tears.
Whether you’re asking how to become a tattoo artist, how to become a tattoo artist, or just looking for your first steps, this guide will walk you through it like a friend who’s already been there, made the mistakes, and is here to help you dodge them.
Let’s break it all down.
Table of Contents
1. Understand the Tattoo Industry
Know What You’re Getting Into
Before diving headfirst, you need to get real about what being a tattoo artist involves. It’s not just creating cool tattoo designs for beginners or hanging out in a chill studio all day. You’ll be working with clients (some great, some… not-so-much), understanding hygiene protocols, managing expectations, and constantly improving your art.
What a Tattoo Career Actually Looks Like
- Long Hours: Especially during your apprenticeship
- Steep Learning Curve: Drawing on skin is nothing like drawing on paper
- Client Communication: People will bring you their wildest ideas
- Hygiene Mastery: You’re not just an artist, you’re part nurse
- Business Smarts: If you freelance, you’re a business owner too
If that still excites you? You’re in the right place.
2. How to Become a Tattoo Artist (The Legit Way)
Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking Into Tattooing
Here’s the no-BS roadmap for how to become a tattoo artist in 2025.
Step 1: Develop Your Artistic Skills
Before you even touch a tattoo machine, your drawing game needs to be solid.
- Practice anatomy, shading, line work
- Try digital art—tools like Tattoo Design Apps can be super helpful
- Create a strong portfolio—this is your ticket to an apprenticeship
Step 2: Land a Tattoo Apprenticeship
Think of this as your tattoo school. Apprenticeships typically last 1–3 years.
- Approach local studios with your portfolio (in-person works best)
- Be humble. You’re there to learn
- Expect to start with cleaning and setting up—not tattooing right away
Check out this detailed guide on how to become a tattoo artist for more insights.
Step 3: Learn About Hygiene & Safety
You must understand bloodborne pathogens and sterilization. Most states require certification.
- Take an OSHA-approved Bloodborne Pathogen course
- Learn how to set up and break down your station safely
- Never reuse needles
Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice
Start on fake skin, then move to willing friends (with their consent). Every piece should feel like your best yet.
- Review your mistakes with your mentor
- Focus on line confidence, depth control, and ink saturation
Step 5: Get Licensed
Most places require you to be licensed to tattoo legally. Check your state laws.
- You’ll often need to log apprenticeship hours
- Some require passing exams or health inspections
3. Tools of the Trade: What You’ll Need to Get Started
Let’s talk gear. You don’t need to break the bank starting out, but you do need quality tools to learn properly.
Beginner Tattoo Kit Essentials
- Tattoo Machine (rotary is great for beginners)
- Power Supply
- Sterile Needles & Cartridges
- Ink (professional grade only)
- Stencil Paper
- Tattoo Chair/Table
- Sanitation Supplies
Also, be sure to educate your clients with aftercare advice from how to take care of a tattoo.
4. Create a Killer Tattoo Portfolio
Your portfolio is your resume in the tattoo world. Make it count.
What to Include
- 20–30 pieces of your best original work
- Designs in various tattoo styles (neo-traditional, blackwork, realism)
- Drawings that show your range: animals, faces, geometric patterns
- Sketches that show process and concept development
Need inspo? Browse tattoo ideas for men or tattoo ideas for women.
5. Choosing the Right Tattoo Style
You don’t have to lock yourself into one style, but knowing your strengths helps you stand out.
Popular Tattoo Styles to Explore
- Traditional – bold lines, limited palette
- Neo-Traditional – modern flair, more detail
- Japanese Tattoos (explore here)
- Black and Grey
- Realism
- Tribal (check these out)
- Lettering & Word Tattoos (get ideas)
Your style will evolve naturally. Don’t stress over mastering it all at once.
6. Mastering the Art of Tattoo Design
Designing tattoos is more than copying reference pics.
Tattoo Designs for Beginners Should Be
- Simple linework with bold outlines
- High contrast for easy healing
- Scaled to fit the body part
- Designed with movement in mind
Need some starting points? Explore:
7. The Business Side of Tattooing
Once you’re licensed and ready, you’ll need to think like an entrepreneur.
Options
- Work in a Shop – best for beginners
- Go Solo (Eventually) – more freedom, more risk
- Guest Spots – travel and grow your reputation
Bonus Tips
- Build a strong social media presence
- Price your work fairly: How much does a tattoo cost?
- Always maintain professionalism—your rep matters
8. Navigating the Not-So-Pretty Parts
Tattooing Isn’t Always Glamorous
There are challenges to this career. Here are a few:
- Tattoos hurt—clients ask daily. Send them to Do Tattoos Hurt?
- Some spots hurt more—guide them with Top Painful Tattoo Spots
- Equipment fails, clients flake—adapt and move on
Still, nothing beats the feeling of a happy client admiring your finished work.
9. Keep Evolving (Even After You’re Pro)
The best tattoo artists never stop learning.
Ways to Keep Leveling Up
- Attend conventions
- Take online seminars
- Collaborate with other artists
- Refresh your portfolio regularly
Made a mistake? Own it, learn from it, grow.
Conclusion: You’re Closer Than You Think
So, how to start a tattoo career? It’s part passion, part patience, and full-on hustle. From learning how to become a tattooist to designing your first meaningful piece, every step matters.
Every great artist once stood where you are now—Googling how to become a tattoo artist, full of questions and nervous energy.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re serious about this. And that? That’s the difference between a dream and a career.
So pick up your pencil. Build your book. Find your mentor. And start making art that lives forever.
Helpful Resources Before You Go
- What to Do Before Getting a Tattoo
- How to Come Up With Tattoo Ideas
- How Long Do Tattoos Take to Heal
- How to Clean a Fresh Tattoo
- How to Become a Tattoo Artist
I started Tattoolead to create a place where you could easily find awesome and unique ideas for your next tattoo. I promise to offer tattoo art that shows who you are and what you believe in. I’ve carefully chosen these tattoo ideas to help you find one you’ll love.
