How do you learn to tattoo and pierce?

Question

I would love to become a tattoo artist and maybe do piercings also for a living, but how do you get into it?

Answer 1

You need to do an apprenticeship. There are a lot of 'schools' out there, but they're laughed at by most professional artists. Don't waste your money on them.

To get an apprenticeship, you need to develop a relationship with various tattoo/piercing studios and artists. See if you can get a job doing reception. Ask for an apprenticeship. Take courses like first aid, CPR, anatomy (mostly for piercing). If you're trying to be a tattoo artist, put together a portfolio of your drawings. Try to get a variety of different styles, line work, shading, etc.

It can take a long time to actually find an apprenticeship (there's a million and one people who want one). Be persistent. A lot of people ask for one because they think it would be cool but aren't really dedicated to it. Don't give up!

And for the record, don't pierce/tattoo your friends thinking that if you can show tattoos you've already done it will help. You will be laughed at at best. You will most likely get a lecture and never be considered for an apprenticeship by those artists.

Answer 2

If you're already into the scene, you're an artist, and you know the local tattoo artists in your area, it's not hard to get your foot in the door. If your starting out entirly on your own... you're going to knock on doors and be both patient, and persistant. You're going to need a strong background in art, and a portfolio of your artwork. It's a plus if you study the history of the art, and get as much information as you can. Then you can knock on doors without being totally in the dark, and ask for an apprenticship. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

to become a tattoo artist, you should probably be good at art & drawing, because youre gonna have to be sketching out ideas for people.

Answer 4

You basically have to find some place to take up an apprenticeship. Try going into a couple of shops and discussing with the artists there!

Answer 5

apprentice under a professional

Answer 6

You go to uni to learn how to do it.

Or you could always go to your nearest tatoo parlour and ask in there.

Answer 7

Go to college for it, and look up some things online:

http://tattoo.about.com/cs/articles/a/ap...

http://www.ehow.com/how_4443849_get-tatt...

I think the e-how one is better for how to get there and what is required, and the about one is when you are looking for a job for it.

Hope this helped=) Good luck, and have fun!!!!