Getting into Tattoo Business?

Question

I want to learn to tattoo...any tips for me?

Answer 1

Practice on (in this order):

Grapefruits

Raw chickens

the side of your finger (it dissappears after a couple weeks)

yourself

then do free work until you are good and can start charging

Answer 2

find a shop to apprentice at

practice drawing, study art, study the history of tattooing

practice outlining, free hand, shading coloring etc

attend trade shows, conferences, etc...

you may start out sweeping and cleaning at a shop and only tattoo small flash or designs to start out with...

but if you have any talent at tattooing a good shop will have you moving up as you build your skill and you will be on your own in no time.  

Answer 3

First of all - please remember that each tattooist will only teach a few people how to tattoo in their lifetime. Since the release of reality tattoo tv (think Miami Ink, London Ink etc.) There has been more interest in tattooing than ever.

If you can not draw then do not tattoo.  Yeah, at one point in time drawing skills meant little in the tattoo world.  Now with the progression to an art form, only those who can draw well should be tattooing.  If you can not draw then you probably have little sense of design.  Even if you took every design course offered at your local community college you would still not have a sense of design in relation to the human form.  What looks good on paper does not always look good on skin.

To find out if you have what it takes go and talk with an artist at a reputable shop.  Take your artwork/portfolio, and if cash is involved always sign a contract reviewed by an attorney just to cover yourself.  If the artist is honest they should not have an issue with making everything legal.

Show enthusiasm and a real interest in becoming a tattooist. Chances are an established tattooist will not want to waste his/her time with someone who does not show the potential or desire to become a tattooist.

& remember to practice, practice, practice!

Good luck.