If you are a tattoo beginner, there are more questions about how to start tattooing, then follow the steps in this article, and you will have a clear idea of your future tattoo path.
Learn to draw tattoo design
If you want to become a tattoo artist, the first thing you need to learn is to draw. The ability to draw determines the ceiling of your tattooing achievement. If the ability to draw is excellent, then you will be able to tattoo better.
If you don’t draw yet, then following the tutorial below will help you speed up the process of learning how to tattoo.
Firstly， to find a tattoo style to learn. The realism style is the first one I recommend for tattoo beginners. Realism is popular among tattoo artists because of its authenticity and beginner-friendliness. If you can learn the realism tattoo style, you can make a living anywhere in the world. The realism style sticks to black and gray and focuses on the image itself rather than adding more rich colors, making it perfect for beginners to get started. Here are tattoo works from one of our sponsored realist tattoo artists.
Secondly, to find the work of the tattoo artist to imitate. Why is the emphasis on imitation from the beginning? Because imitation gives you the fastest way to learn how to draw a tattoo. You can learn directly from someone else’s decades of tattoo experience without having to do your own trial and error, and it saves a lot of time. It’s easy to find an experienced tattoo artist on Instagram, or if you don’t know how to find one, you can just refer to the tattoo artist pages on our website, which are all very professional tattoo artists.
Thirdly, choose your drawing tools. Good tools can make your practice process smoother, for beginners, I suggest starting with a graphite pencil and iPad.
Of course, with the advancement of technology, you can start tattooing even if you don’t know how to draw, all you need is a stencil printer machine. Tattoo stencils are now very common online.
Become an Apprentice
Why do I need to become an apprentice? In most states in the United States, training is required to qualify for tattooing. During your apprenticeship, you will be exposed to the real tattooing process and you will get a lot of practice tattooing opportunities, which will speed up your development as a tattoo artist.
How can you become an apprentice? Researching local tattoo stores and finding a reputable tattoo artist with a large clientele is a great option. With the guidance of the artist and your diligent practice, I believe you will be one step closer to your dream of becoming a tattoo artist.
Apprenticeships usually last 2-3 years and aren’t cheap, costing about $5,000-10,000. But for investing in a skill, I think it’s worth it.
Practice on fake skin
Do not practice tattooing on a real person. Fake skin is a perfect choice for practicing tattoos.
Pros of fake skin
- There are no consequences even if the exercise fails
- There is no risk of infection
- Allows experimentation and freedom of practice
- You can tattoo more frequently
If you are looking for fake skin recommendations, take a look here.
Con of fake skin
The only con of practicing on fake skin is that the fake skin differs from real human skin, the fake skin does not bleed like real skin. The surface of the fake skin is flat so you do not have to stretch the skin while tattooing, factors that can affect your perception of your tattooing technique.
Choose the right tattoo equipment
After learning all the skills, the next task is to find a tattoo equipment, which is another investment in addition to tattoo tuition. Your tattoo equipment should contain the following things.
Tattoo machines, tattoo needles, tattoo ink, fake skin, disposable gloves, power supply, clip cord, foot pedal, etc…
For beginners, I would recommend a tattoo kit.
How to recommend yourself to get customers
First, build your own social media platform. You can share your own tattoo works and tattoo video on social media platforms, to attract more people‘s attention.
Secondly, the establishment of a personal website. the establishment of own personal website as their business card, I believe it will bring you more customers.
Thirdly, cooperation with other tattoo artists. Other tattoo artists may already have a lot of clients, maintain a good relationship with them, you can ask them to recommend you to some clients.
