Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Tattoo Artist.
Job Title – Tattoo Artist
Description
Tattooing has been practiced by many cultures dating back to 200 BC. There are two types of tattoo artists: professional and amateur. The professional has a tattoo license and is very safe to go to.
Typical Job Activities
Pricks skin of patron, using needled electric tool, that inserts
indelible nontoxic pigment into skin to form decorative or ornamental design
Shaves area to receive tattoo and washes it, using germicidal soap
Presses charcoal-coated stencil, draws design, or traces pattern of design onto
skin of patron, to mark outline of design
Dips needles of tool into coloured pigment solution and presses needles into
skin to insert indelible pigment into skin following outline of design
Applies sterile dressing to area
Sterilizes needles in steam-heated cabinet
Mixes nontoxic coloured pigments according to formula
Adjusts and repairs needled electric tool, using hand tools, such as
screwdrivers and pliers
May draw original designs on paper, trace designs onto acetate sheet,
and cut out design to form pattern or stencil, using stylus and knife
Does this sound like a career for you? Browse jobs in the design services industry
here.
Related Occupations
Body piercer
Body painting artist
Educational Requirements
Grade 9 certificate
Compulsory
subjects: Art
Recommended subjects: None
Entry to workplace
Certification or licensing standards may require a tattoo artist to complete training or an apprenticeship in an approved setting and under the supervision and guidance of another established professional in the field. This can take 1-2 years. Some states mandate that apprentices hold a special apprentice license or permit, usually earned by filling out an application and paying a fee.
What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?
Be artistic
Have good eye-hand coordination
Have good colour vision
Have a steady hand
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Employment Opportunities
Low
Market Competitiveness
Moderate
Income Potential
Moderate
Self-Employment Opportunities
High
International Employment Opportunities
Moderate
Possible Employers
Tattoo studios
Self-employed
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Relevant Contact Details
Council
for Piercing and Tattoo Professionals
https://www.bodyartcouncil.co.za/
Career Progress and Path
Experience in specific field
Work performance
Possible Career Paths
Specialist career in the specific field
Own business
Employment Stability
Moderately stable
Reasons to consider this career
I
can start a business in this field or with these skills
I can work with my hands
I can design new things
I can work for myself