How could dc become a tattoo artist?

[Mydoghealsmyheart]

My dc(18) would love to train as a tattoo artist but we’ve got no idea where to start in terms of the process. Is there a qualification to be gained or would they need to become an apprentice? There seems to be little info online unless we’re looking in the wrong place! 🤪 Any mumsnetters with advice or suggestion would be much appreciated.

She needs to build a portfolio, do art at college and keep an eye out for apprenticeships.

You used to have to build a solid portfolio. Then you’d go around different studios, show them your work and hope they liked it enough to take you on as an apprentice when they next needed one.

However these days I’m finding that the artists I go to got into it by getting a degree in an art related course and deciding that tattooing is the format they want to use after that.

I would encourage them to build up a portfolio of work in a fair few styles. Even if they have a style they mostly work in make sure to show that you can do a bit of everything. Apprentices will start tattooing basically any work that comes through the door so potential employers will need to know they can do that. Specialising comes later.
Then when they have a solid portfolio start approaching studios and asking around. Instagram is also a good source to see if any studios are actively looking for apprentices.

Thank you, that’s really helpful.

What kind of artwork does he produce at the moment?

There are some good apprenticeships out there!

The best place for them to start is to go and get tattooed. Go and meet the artists, visit different studios, get a feel for the community. It's an easy way into an apprenticeship if you're on friendly terms with artists. Go to tattoo conventions too.

Get get as much drawing practise as possible. My husband did an illustration & animation degree. And he didn't get into tattooing for another 10 years even though that's what he wanted to do at the end. If they don't want to study further, just draw draw draw. I would recommend they learn about the business side of it too, as there's a lot of laws and legislation behind tattooing, the more they know the more employable they will be.

And then once they've built up a portfolio of drawing skills, approach tattoo studios regarding apprenticeships. They may have to work for free for a little while, as they learn. Don't be tempted to buy a home tattoo machine and tattoo their mates as every tattoo artist will look down on that as a bad thing as it's illegal / a health risk.

Hope this helps!