My ambition is to be a tattoo artist, i need some advise plz!?

Question

But I still have my heart set on this career path, my parents want me to carry on modelling but it isn't for me. I know they're going to be shocked but if they don't accept me for me- it's their problem not mine.

The only problem is I have no tattoos, and I don't want to be heavily tatooed incase I decide to take another job- as I realise tattoos could hinder my chances.

I love drawing and I am hardworking, creative and determined- I realise it will take a lot of training, and that chances are I'll be sweeping up and things during my training, but I am willing to do this if it means I can follow my dream.

Anyway i'll try not to ramble any longer- basically... What kind of qualifications are needed? I am good at drawing but not AMAZING, my predicted grade is an A or B and for graphics is an A*

What can I do to make sure I achieve this goal?

I research tattoo artists and watch miami ink, but what shall I work on?

I'm only 15.

Thanks

Hanalise

xxxxxxx

Answer 1

Keep drawing.  Experiment with different mediums - colored pencil, charcoal, paint, watercolor, etc. etc.  Once you are older (18+), put together a portfolio of your best work in as many mediums as possible and start going to tattoo shops to see if they are open to taking on an apprentice.

You will want to research the shops you stop in first because just like any other industry there are amazing, awesome, fabulous, knowledgeable tattoo artists and shops and there are awful, shady, gross, dangerous tattoo artists and shops and you need to know which one is which.  If you have never been tattooed it will be hard to know the difference.  You will want to look for a shop that is clean and well lit and feels welcoming.  You will want to look for artists who have years of experience to pass along to you.  Lots of tattoo shops have websites now - check out their sites and see if you can get a feel for how long the artists have been in the industry.  

You have plenty of time to hone your skill in art so work on that! Miami Ink is not a bad show but it will not teach you a whole lot about the industry in itself.

You also need to be prepared for doing a lot of c**p work during your apprenticeship because you will start off as the shop go-fer.  Running to the store, going to pick up lunch, mopping, cleaning, setting up artist stations, etc. etc.  You will be doing a LOT of observation and a LOT of drawing as well as learning about equipment and equipment maintenance before you are even let near a client.

For now I would concentrate on your art.  When you get a bit older research the shops in your area and find some experienced people to go and get tattooed by.  Get an idea what getting tattooed actually involves.  Go from there.  

Answer 2

Ok, well, it's not a totally bad job, it has to make you happy.

You dont have to be heavily tatooed to be a tatoo artist, most are just because naturally it is their passion.

You don't actually need any apart from the ability to count and write at a basic level. If you've got some sort of artistic talent that will help you out.

You can continue to practice art, maybe do some classes, and have a portfolio, and aside from that, just work hard.

Good luck, hope I helped

Answer 3

If your heart is set on this career path, why are you worried about tattoo coverage?  Unless you're not that set on it as a dream job, it shouldn't be a problem.  This is not meant to be a smarta$$ question.

The other responder is correct, though - it's not required to even have tattoos to be an artist, but it is pretty common.  I know of one artist who didn't have any ink previous to his becoming a tattoo artist; then he started as a college art professor.  He now has something small.  Some would say that it seems odd to be a tattoo artist and not have something.  I have no opinion in that area.

Keep in mind that you're 15, and likely to change paths as the years progress.  I will say that although the potential short term rewards for modeling are great, it isn't much of a long term strategy and that's still only "potential".  This besides my other problems with the modeling industry, which in my opinion encourages unhealthy habits on both young women and men, albeit more of the former than latter.  How many 40 year old models do you see, compared to the 15-25 year old?  It is an industry far more likely to chew you up and spit you out, whereas there are plenty of artists in their 30s, 40s and beyond.

All that aside, don't worry if you're not a brilliant artist now.  You will need to increase your skill sets, and I recommend pursuing at minimum a 2 year associates degree in art.  Build up a portfolio of your work and search for an artist to apprentice under.  Draw a *lot*, keep a sketchbook with you and sketch anything whenever you have a dull moment.  Even if it's just practice and looks awful, as with time it will improve.

This will also help you decide if you really want to pursue this path or if it's just an interest.  You have a couple of years to decide and prepare; don't feel you have to decide now, but do practice and take classes.