If you’re an artist and a people person, then a job as a tattoo artist might be your dream. After all, you get to spend all day creating art for a huge range of interesting and fun people. It can, however, be unclear what you need to do to get started in the tattoo industry, and there are lots of different routes you can take. In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how you can venture into a whole new career with a world of possibilities.
Get The Right Kit
The first thing you should do when getting started in the tattoo industry is to make sure you’ve set yourself up for success with the best kit. A typical tattoo artist's day doesn’t just involve inking a client. Instead, this will just be one part of a varied day that will involve speaking with customers over the phone and on social media, as well as sketching the first or second versions of an original design. Because of this, you need the right equipment – starting with one of the best laptops for drawing is a great choice, as you’ll be on hand to discuss client enquiries online as well as plan designs for your customers.
Create A Portfolio
Next on the to-do list is to create a portfolio of your best work that you can present to tattoo shops as a potential candidate for a junior role. You’ll want to make sure that you’ve covered a range of different tattoo styles in this portfolio so that you can highlight your skills and let a potential employer picture how you could fit into the current work offering of the shop. Having a portfolio can also be a great help if you’re looking to build your online presence, as putting your artwork on social media can be a good way to increase traffic to your shop when you do secure a job as a tattoo artist or set up shop on your own.
Reach Out To Professionals In The Industry
Whether it’s the owner of your local tattoo store, or an artist with a huge Instagram following, networking within the industry is a great way to get noticed and broaden your horizons when getting started as a tattooist. Many artists will be more than happy to give you some advice if you send them a polite message, especially if you’re only just starting out, but you can always consult an online guide on how to network as a tattoo artist if you need a bit more confidence.
Breaking into the tattoo industry as a new artist can be difficult, especially as you will need to promote not just your artwork, but also yourself, to show that you are reliable, friendly, and capable. By following this guide, you can get started on branching out into your new career, and you’ll find yourself making strides in no time. As long as you’re kitted out with the right technology, have a strong portfolio across a range of styles, and are making connections with others in the industry, your big break is just around the corner.
