| Due to the growing popularity of body art, the | | | | tattoo shop clean and neat helps put a client's |
| profession of tattooing has boomed in recent | | | | mind at ease. All equipment should be sterilized |
| years. If you'd like to become a tattoo artist then | | | | with an autoclave and the client should be |
| it's important to take all the right steps that will | | | | informed how sterilization was done. The tattoo |
| lead to a successful career as a tattooing | | | | artist should be willing and able to answer all the |
| professional. | | | | client's questions about the safety of the |
| There is no room for amateurs in this highly | | | | tattooing procedure. |
| competitive field. | | | | Step 3: Develop a tattooing style. |
| The first step to get started as a tattoo artist is | | | | A professional tattooist is an artist at heart. |
| to begin an apprenticeship with a professional | | | | Listening to the client's expectations and finding |
| tattoo artist and learn all the tricks of the trade | | | | the perfect tattoo design is an important part of |
| first hand. Tattooing itself is not simple, but if it's | | | | the tattoo artist's job. Whether an original design |
| taken one step at a time under the guidance of a | | | | is created or a flash design is used, the tattoo |
| mentor the process of learning how to tattoo is | | | | artist must be able to transform it into a piece of |
| less intimidating. | | | | living art on the skin of the client. Skillful outlining, |
| These 4 simple steps will have you tattooing like | | | | shading and coloring are what set the truly |
| a pro in no time. | | | | professional tattoo artist apart from an amateur. |
| Step 1: Learn how to use tattooing equipment. | | | | An apprenticeship with a skilled tattoo artist is the |
| Professional tattoo artists use tattoo machines | | | | best way to learn the skills that will give you a |
| rather than inserting a tattoo needle manually into | | | | professional tattooing style. Just as the old |
| the skin. A tattoo machine has an electrical motor | | | | masters of the art world passed on their craft to |
| and a group of needles attached to a bar. The | | | | apprentices, a tattoo artist will teach an apprentice |
| needles are dipped into ink and then the machine | | | | how to achieve masterful tattooing results. |
| rapidly pushes the needles up and down. In order | | | | Step 4: Become savvy about tattooing |
| for a tattoo to be permanent, the ink must be | | | | businesses. |
| injected into the inner layer of skin known as the | | | | Once you feel confident with your tattooing skills, |
| dermis. A tattoo machine precisely controls the | | | | it's time to focus on the business aspect of |
| depth of needle injection and ensures that ink is | | | | tattooing. You may even decide to open your |
| correctly inserted into the dermis by the tattoo | | | | own tattoo shop. |
| needle. | | | | The first step to take when starting a tattooing |
| A tattoo that is properly applied with a tattoo | | | | business is finding out about tattoo laws and |
| machine will keep its bright colors with minimal | | | | regulations related to professional tattooing. There |
| fading during the client's lifetime. A tattoo artist | | | | are no federal laws governing tattooing, but most |
| can also work more quickly and efficiently with a | | | | states and many local communities have |
| tattoo machine, since several needles are inserted | | | | regulations. Many areas require tattoo artists to |
| into the skin at one time. | | | | be licensed. |
| Step 2: Learn proper sanitary procedures. | | | | Talk to other tattoo professionals and find out |
| In recent years, professional tattoo artists have | | | | what type of waivers they ask clients to sign. A |
| become more aware of the health risks | | | | waiver is a legal form that will free you from |
| associated with improperly applied tattoos. | | | | liability if a client doesn't perform the proper |
| Unsterilized tattoo equipment can cause infection | | | | aftercare for a tattoo that you've applied. If you |
| and spread disease. This can be avoided by using | | | | exercised all the standard sanitation and safety |
| sterilized equipment and single-service needles. | | | | precautions, a waiver will protect you from |
| Tattoo artists should always wear gloves and | | | | possible lawsuits and other legal issues. Once a |
| make sure the client's skin is washed with | | | | waiver is signed by a client, you'll have peace of |
| antiseptic before tattooing begins. | | | | mind and will be able to focus on the art of |
| It's important to make sure the tattoo client feels | | | | tattooing. |
| like the tattoo procedure is safe. Keeping the | | | | |