Tattoos and tattoo art are becoming increasingly more popular in this day and age. They are no longer seen as the mark of a criminal or whore, but as artistic self-expression. The tattoo industry is likewise becoming a much more competitive industry, and as a result the career of a tattoo artist has become much more glamorised.
It’s also thanks to popular television shows like LA Ink and Miami Ink, as well as the growing number of celebrities proudly showing off their tattoos, like the Beckhams, Kat Von D, and Robbie Williams. However being a tattoo artist is not all about glamour. While it is a rewarding life choice, becoming a good tattoo artist requires an exceptional amount of hard work and raw talent.
A lot of people these days want to become a tattoo artist, and not many people understand what it takes. It’s not a job you can’t take shortcuts in: tattooing is an art which takes years of practice and experience to refine and perfect. Prospective tattoo artists who lack the ability to draw are extremely disadvantaged. The top tattoo artists are also extremely skilled as artists, and particularly for custom tattoos, there is a huge difference in the quality of tattoos produced by tattoo artists who can actually draw and tattoo artists who can’t.
If you think you have solid drawing and colour sense, the next thing to do is build a portfolio of your artwork and find an apprenticeship under a real tattoo artist. These can sometimes be free, however often they will cost big dollars. This initial investment is inconsequential for those who are passionate and dedicated about being a real tattoo artist, and luckily it stops many non-committed individuals from entering the tattoo industry. However, even for the dedicated tattoo lovers, an apprenticeship is a big sacrifice. Over years, a tattoo apprenticeship can be extremely energy and financially draining.