If you are thinking of becoming a tattoo artist, then there are several key considerations that you need to make before taking the plunge. While this is the case with any potential career move, it is particularly important when you are thinking about becoming a tattoo artist because it is such a unique career path.
After all, it is one of few modern vocations that requires you to put your innovative ideas and skillful hand to the test on a daily basis in a way that similarly artistic pursuits – such as painting or sewing – don’t really demand.
Furthermore, becoming a tattoo artist will eventually require you to start your own business, which means that you need to be comfortable with an unstable income and the ability to depend solely on yourself for long-term success.
You will also need to think about how you are going to develop the necessary skill set before you embark on your career journey. Perhaps you need to become an apprentice in someone else’s company or enroll in a specialist course.
This is everything you need to know about becoming a successful tattoo artist:
You can unleash your creativity
One of the most compelling benefits of becoming a tattoo artist is the fact that it enables you to unleash your creativity on a daily basis. Few other career paths are so focused on creative judgment, skill and expression, which makes it an incredibly satisfying job to experience.
However, the flip side of this is that you can rarely have days where you can flip onto autopilot and fail to give it your all. Every client demands the perfect tattoo, which means you have to develop razor-sharp levels of concentration.
Of course, to deliver your best work, you need the right tools as well, such as Tattoo Machines. Make sure you have invested wisely in these tools before you start, otherwise, you may deliver a sub-par service, which is far from ideal.
Starting a business on your own is tough
One of the most daunting aspects of becoming a tattoo artist is that it may eventually require you to start your own practice. While starting a business might not sound particularly hard at first – particularly if you brush it off as a challenge you have to tackle further up the road – the truth is that it’s tough.
Any business owner will tell you that it requires an enormous amount of guts, determination, and long hours to make a venture successful – especially if you are the only person delivering your service within the company. Make sure you are prepared for this lifestyle; otherwise you’ll be in for a major shock.
You might want to work for someone else’s tattoo business first
In order to gain the necessary skills to become a tattoo artist, you will likely need to complete a course or attain official accreditation from a recognised body. However, you should also consider working for an established tattoo artist before venturing out on your own. By doing this, you will learn valuable lessons about delivering a great service and hone your skills in a less pressured environment. Overall, this will make you a better tattoo artist and make the process of finding customers for your own practice easier.