At its very basics, a tattoo artist in an individual who creates and applies diverse designs to the skin of his or her clients. The process involves using a tattoo gun and a variety of indelible inks. In the beginning, someone who is learning how to be a tattoo artist may not use his or her own designs but apply those of the shop owner. A beginning tattoo artist may also be restricted in what he or she can do as the craft is learned.
The route to becoming a tattoo artist varies. At one point, someone learned how to be a tattoo artist by either learning on his or her own. Alternatively, he (and it was men in the early days of tattooing who dominated the field) attached himself to a master tattoo artist or at least someone who was skilled in the trade and ran his own business. Thus, he became an apprentice. This was and is still a viable and very important aspect of the trade and art of tattooing.
Learning How to Be A Tattoo Artist Today
If you want to discover how to be a tattoo artist, an apprenticeship still remains the most common route to take. It is undertaken as part of an overall approach to learning all about the work and the business. Yet, depending upon who you apprentice with, it may not be the most sensible path to take initially. The craft is changing.
The expectations form tattoo artists today are higher. Clients want and expect more. They watch the reality shows on the television. They see what is possible from the best – and the remakes required for the worst, and think they deserve this. As a result, going from school directly into an apprenticeship may not work for everyone. The role you see yourself playing and want to become a part of may require more.
Alternative Approaches
Today, it is recommended that before you enter an apprenticeship, you consider going to school. This can involve taking one of two approaches. You can:
1. Attend a fine art school such as one that focuses on drawing or other such aspects of the creative arts
2. Go to a tattoo school such as Master Tattoo Institute
The former will work on and improve your ability to draw. It can also provide you with a history of various types of artwork which may or may not have anything to do with the various schools of Tattooing. The latter type of school can be most effective. It will provide you with the chance to learn about and explore the various aspects of your chosen career. From learning how to run a business to ensuring health regulations are not only met but surpassed to building a portfolio, a school can act in the burgeoning tattoo artist’s best interests.
This does not exclude the practice of apprenticing. Attend a tattoo school such as the Master Tattoo Institute first. Apprentice second. The former ensures that no matter who you work for you will have more than a basic grasp of the art and craft of tattooing. The second will provide you with the experience to hone your craft and work towards getting your license.
