DS wants to be a tattoo artist - what's the best way to start?

[RaelImperialAerosolKid]

Hi just that - if you are a tattoo artist - what advice can you offer?

What kind of artwork does he produce at the moment? How old is he?

The two tattoo artists I know started by getting an apprenticeship. They got this by taking their portfolio around to show. Building this up would be a good start or talking to a local tattoo artist to see what they'd suggest

He will need to approach tattoo shops and speak to them about becoming an apprentice. He'll need a portfolio as previously mentioned and he should be very careful to pick reputable tattoo shops with artists who's work he has seen and who have good reputations. There's no point getting trained by someone who is substandard.

He needs to build a portfolio, and take it to some studios.

Maybe follow lots of local studios to see if anyone is looking for an apprentice.

Both of my usual tattooists built relationships with studios by first applying for receptionist roles there, did that for a couple years first.

Check he’s Hep B immune.

Thanks for the reply's - question about portfolio - general art or tattoo designs ? Hand drawings or digital ?

I'd suggest hand drawn and any artwork. I don't have direct experience but my logic on that is that tattoos will be created by hand often a good tattooist will take a pen and freehand the design onto you then tattoo over that.

Any designs will let them see his aesthetic, his skills, whether he can shade well for example, if he's best at bold linework or ultra realistic portraits.

General art and hand drawn so they can see his skill level. He could always add tattoo designs too but that's something he'll work up to really.

What kind of art is he producing at the moment?

Hand drawn for an initial portfolio.