Whats the best way to begin to become a tattoo artist?

Question

I'm 17, i'll be able to do tattoos really soon, i've practiced drawing, both hands, on a bus, i want to know what else i need to do to become a tattoo artist. plz help

Answer 1

You need to get an apprenticeship program with a tattoo artist I believe. I'm not sure about how the "certification/licensing" works or if there is any. Good luck.

Answer 2

Toddzilla1969 is right.  Apprentice.  Go to your local tattoo parlors and ask about that.  Most of them are licensed and they will tell you about any formal procedures beyond that, but the only way to really learn is to work with someone who does it already -- there are laws and standards to pay attention to.

Answer 3

you have to go to art school lol.

and then you probably need a license.

Answer 4

I recently investigated this.

It seems that you will want to get an apprenticeship from an established artist.

From what I learned they will base the price U pay for this apprenticeship based on your current skill at drawing etc. Then you will be their slave for like 6 months (working for free).

I took a portfolio to an Indiana tattoo shop, asked about them how to get started, they looked at my stuff, liked it, and offered me an apprenticeship for 3 grand over 6 months.

The guys were really cool, the studio had good music, and looked fun.

It seemed like a great place to work.

I'd recommend taking stuff to a local shop and asking the artist, I'm sure they will be cool and tell you the way to get started.

Hope that helps and good luck.