Learning How Do You Learn To Do Tattoos is a journey into artistry, technique, and dedication, and at tattooat.com, we provide a roadmap for aspiring tattoo artists. Mastering the art of tattooing involves more than just wielding a tattoo machine; it requires a deep understanding of skin, hygiene, and artistic principles. This guide will explore how to become a tattoo artist, covering everything from formal training to essential skills. With us, discover the path to becoming a skilled tattoo artist, blending creativity with technical expertise.
1. Embrace Self-Initiative
The first step on your journey to becoming a tattoo artist is taking initiative and dedicating yourself to self-directed learning. Whether you’re enrolled in a structured classroom setting or participating in a tattoo apprenticeship, the extra effort you put into teaching yourself will significantly impact your progress.
Think of it this way: someone learning to play an instrument who only practices during a weekly one-hour class will progress much slower than someone who dedicates ten hours a week to independent practice. Similarly, your formal tattoo education is just the starting point. If you aspire to become a master tattoo artist, you need the drive to take your learning into your own hands.
Even without constant access to tattoo equipment, you can still learn a lot. Supplement your formal education by watching technique videos, studying guides and textbooks, and exploring online resources from experienced tattoo artists. Social media can also be a valuable tool. Follow your favorite artists for inspiration, tips, and tricks.
Don’t hesitate to seek extra assignments and learning opportunities from your instructors or mentors. Show them your dedication, and they’ll likely be happy to provide additional guidance and resources. Taking initiative demonstrates your commitment and accelerates your growth as a tattoo artist.
2. Select Your Ideal Learning Environment
Fortunately, we live in an era with many avenues for learning the art of tattooing. You can even combine them to enhance your studies and perfect your craft.
Enrolling in an accredited tattoo course taught by seasoned professionals is an excellent start. Following this with a tattoo apprenticeship provides the perfect blend of foundational knowledge and practical experience, setting you up for a successful career.
While formal schooling isn’t mandatory, it’s strongly recommended. A master-apprentice relationship is invaluable, but the background knowledge and insights gained from a classroom setting will enhance your artistic growth and provide a valuable reference point throughout your career.
Moreover, a solid foundation from a tattoo course can make you a more competitive candidate for apprenticeships. When seeking to learn from a specific artist, having formal training can give you an edge over other aspiring tattoo artists.
tattooat.com offers resources to help you find reputable tattoo courses and apprenticeships in your area. We believe in providing aspiring artists with the best possible start to their careers.
3. Commit to Consistent Practice
One of the biggest mistakes a new tattoo artist can make is missing practice opportunities. Whenever you have the chance to pick up a tattoo machine and practice your skills, seize it.
Practice mediums like pig skin or even willing human participants can be hard to find independently. Therefore, you must take advantage of every opportunity to hone your skills, even those you’ve already mastered.
When physical practice isn’t possible, designing tattoos is a valuable creative outlet that can provide insights into different tattoo styles. Focus on the how of tattooing the design, visualizing the process of applying it to skin. Studies show that even the act of thinking about practicing, known as mental practice, can drive improvement.
Regular, dedicated practice is essential for developing the muscle memory and technical skills needed to excel in tattooing.
4. Nurture Your Artistic Foundation
Tattoo artists need a passion for art, first and foremost. To continue the musical analogy, a pianist will have a passion for music, and simply use the piano as their outlet for that music, and maybe play a few other instruments on the side!
Tattooing is simply a mode of art. Without a passion for art that you maintain throughout your career, it will be difficult to grow as a tattoo artist.
Therefore, it’s okay to continue with your other artistic passions while learning to tattoo. There’s no reason to forget about painting, sculpting, or drawing while learning a new craft. Honing your artistic abilities across the board will only make you a better, more creative tattoo artist down the line.
According to research from Portland State University’s Art Department, in July 2023, a strong foundation in fine arts significantly enhances a tattoo artist’s ability to create unique and visually appealing designs.
5. Explore Diverse Tattoo Styles
Even if you know that you want to specialize and focus on American Traditional tattoos, there is nothing wrong with learning and practicing a wide variety of styles. You have no idea how many useful tools you can learn from different styles that are applicable to your desired niche.
Again, it’s the same logic as learning any style of art. The more variety you learn, the more skills you can incorporate into your own style.
Learning the fundamentals (and beyond) of every style will help you grow as a tattoo artist and open you up to more clients in the future, so don’t neglect this step early on.
Learning different tattoo styles is a crucial aspect of how do you learn to do tattoos.
6. Invest in Quality Tattoo Equipment
If somebody wants to become a master woodworker, they aren’t going to get away with a set of chisels and a handsaw. Why would that be different in tattooing?
Newer tattoo artists should make the initial investments in their machines (all different types), gloves, paper towels, skin pens, needles, and more. The sooner you do, the sooner you will understand what works for you, which will make you a more confident tattooer down the line.
Investing in quality equipment is essential for any aspiring tattoo artist.
7. Master the Fundamentals Through Repetition
When we say this, we mean for much longer than you think you need to. Essentially, we’re suggesting you try overlearning the basics, which is the process of continuing to practice long after you stop seeing improvement.
Conversely, overlearning helps solidify techniques in our minds and turn them into second nature. It’s why you don’t have to think about it when you drive anymore.
However, you should always be thinking about it when you’re leaving permanent marks on somebody’s skin. If you continue to focus on the process once you’ve overlearned lining, shading, and lettering, then you’ll be in the best position to avoid mistakes and offer consistent and high-quality tattoos to future clients.
They say that it takes ten thousand hours of dedicated practice before you can truly become a master of a craft. Well, thousands of those hours should be spent overlearning, so don’t stop no matter what!
Consequently, this is just another reason why a classroom setting followed by a one-on-one apprenticeship is the best way to learn the craft. A hands-on course followed by individual learning will help bring you closer to that mark of mastery.
8. Develop a Deep Understanding of Skin
The best tattoo artists are basically dermatologists (skin doctors). Back in the day, and even today in countries like Japan, medical doctors were the only ones allowed to tattoo because of their understanding of the skin.
As a tattoo artist, skin is your medium, so you need to learn how it behaves. It’s not as simple as a canvas, piece of paper, or a chunk of marble. Skin is alive, there are many different types, and it behaves differently.
Understanding how skin types and collagen hold ink, where nerves are located, how bleeding occurs, and how to properly treat troubled skin is an important part of the job. You need to be your clients’ primary resource for the healing process, as there is too much conflicting information online.
If you are able to offer your clients individual advice based on their tattoo, skin type, location, climate, and more, your clients (and their tattoos) will be better off for it. Not only that, but it will also save you some touch-up time in the future!
Also, it helps to learn how to work with different skin types. For example, it’s difficult to add vibrant color onto darker skin, but not impossible. These are some of the tricks of the trade that are most valuable to learn early on in your studies.
9. Prioritize Honesty and Transparency
With yourself, your teacher, and your clients, honesty is an important part of the job. If you’re unsure of your abilities on a certain project, remember how permanent a mistake is for a person.
You may make an arrangement with your client, such as “I need to practice this skill, so I will take my time at a discounted hourly rate, and I won’t do anything I’m not confident with if that’s okay with you.” They may agree, and they may not.
However, it’s your responsibility to be upfront and honest, whether it’s about pricing, your abilities, the tattoo idea, the placement of it, or your experience with a style.
10. Consistently Update Your Tattoo Portfolio
From the very beginning of your journey as a tattoo artist, you should start updating your portfolio. You can get rid of ones later on as you please, but it’s always a good idea to have both a physical and digital copy of your updated portfolio at all times.
Take time out of your week to update it and stay consistent with that schedule. Invest in a printer (your shop will also have one), print out the newer pictures every week, and put them in your physical copy.
Next, build a website or get listed on your shop’s website and update your portfolio on there. An Instagram account is also a great idea, as the platform has the largest market for tattoo artists. The sooner you start on there, the sooner you will build a following.
Of course, you can also add new tattoo designs in the same or separate portfolio to display in your workspace, social media, or other online space.
11. Strategic Planning is Key
As an artist, you should always think in the long term. How will your actions affect your work years from now?
Apply this thinking to your social media strategy, honing new skills, and potentially opening your own shop. Developing a business plan, saving money, continuing your education, attending workshops, and updating your portfolio are just a few examples to keep in mind.
Regardless of what the task is, you should always think ahead and assess how your actions today align with your long-term goals.
12. Never Stop Expanding Your Knowledge
Once you consider yourself an absolute master of the craft (which you may never do), it’s important to remember that your learning is never done. Trends and techniques in tattooing can change with the snap of a finger, and it’s an artist’s responsibility to keep up with those changes.
Don’t ever think of your education as having an end. You won’t see a light at the end of the tunnel, and that’s one of the best parts about becoming a tattoo artist. You’re always learning and always growing, which studies suggest will improve our cognitive abilities and even help prevent degenerative diseases like dementia.
Staying Updated with Tattoo Trends and Events
| Trend/Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Blackout Tattoos | Large areas of the body are covered in solid black ink, often used to cover up old tattoos or as a bold statement. |
| Fine Line Realism | Extremely detailed and delicate tattoos that mimic the look of photographs or hyper-realistic drawings. |
| Geometric Abstraction | Combining geometric shapes with abstract concepts to create visually striking and modern designs. |
| Illustrative Color | Tattoos that look like illustrations from a storybook, using bold lines and vibrant colors. |
| Tattoo Conventions in USA | Events like the Tattoo Arts Convention and the Motor City Tattoo Expo, provide opportunities to see the latest trends, meet artists, and get tattooed. |
| Micro-Tattoos | Tiny, minimalist tattoos that are often placed in discreet areas, appealing to those who prefer subtle body art. |
Common Questions About How To Learn To Do Tattoos
1. What is the best age to start learning to tattoo?
The best age to start learning to tattoo is typically 18 or older, as this is the legal age requirement in most places and ensures maturity and responsibility in handling the craft.
2. How long does it take to become a skilled tattoo artist?
Becoming a skilled tattoo artist typically takes 2-5 years of dedicated training, including formal education, apprenticeship, and continuous practice to master techniques and develop a unique style.
3. What are the essential skills needed to learn to do tattoos?
Essential skills include artistic talent, steady hand, understanding of hygiene and safety, knowledge of skin anatomy, proficiency in linework, shading, and color application, and strong communication with clients.
4. Is it necessary to have a formal art education to become a tattoo artist?
While not always mandatory, a formal art education can greatly benefit aspiring tattoo artists by providing a strong foundation in drawing, design, color theory, and composition, enhancing their artistic abilities.
5. How do you find a good tattoo apprenticeship?
To find a good tattoo apprenticeship, research reputable tattoo studios, build a strong portfolio, network with artists, visit conventions, and be persistent in seeking mentorship from experienced professionals.
6. What are the legal and safety requirements for tattooing?
Legal and safety requirements for tattooing vary by location but typically include obtaining necessary licenses and permits, adhering to strict hygiene standards, using sterilized equipment, and following guidelines for infection control and disposal of hazardous waste.
7. How important is it to learn about different skin types?
Learning about different skin types is crucial because it affects ink absorption, healing, and overall tattoo appearance, allowing artists to tailor their techniques and provide the best results for each client.
8. What equipment do I need to get started with tattooing?
Essential equipment includes a tattoo machine, power supply, needles, ink, sterile gloves, disinfectant, stencil materials, and practice skin to learn and practice tattooing safely.
9. How can I build a strong tattoo portfolio?
Building a strong tattoo portfolio involves consistently creating high-quality designs, showcasing a range of styles, documenting your best work with clear photos, and presenting it professionally online or in person.
10. What are some common mistakes to avoid when learning to tattoo?
Common mistakes to avoid include rushing the learning process, neglecting hygiene, ignoring client feedback, failing to practice regularly, and not seeking guidance from experienced artists.
Start Your Tattooing Journey Today with Tattooat.com
Now that you know some tips to help you learn to tattoo, it’s time to get to work! Seriously.
The sooner you start your tattooing education, the sooner you will feel confident enough to earn money by putting ink onto someone’s body permanently. Stay up to date with our latest tattoo news and feel free to contact us with any questions!
Ready to take the next step? Visit tattooat.com today to explore stunning tattoo designs, connect with talented artists, and discover valuable resources to guide you on your path to becoming a skilled tattoo artist. Let your creativity flow and make your mark in the world of tattooing! Address: 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201, United States. Phone: +1 (503) 725-3000.
