| Tattoo Talk For Amateurs |
| This section of the site is dedicated to those individuals that are just starting to tattoo, or are interested in being a professional tattoo artist. The goal of my book is to educate you in public relations, procedures in the parlor, and some trouble shooting. When I first started tattooing there was very little information available on parlor procedures or trouble shooting. Even now you can spend many hours finding bits and pieces of information. There's a lot of information on how to tattoo, but that is only one small aspect of the trade. Learning how to communicate with the client is very important. |
| Understanding their ideas and their fears, learning about all the different skin types and how pictures will look in that particular skin, are all some of the pieces of the puzzle that make up the professional tattoo artist. When someone is just starting a new trade, all of the things you are going to need to know can seem a bit overwhelming until you put your time in. In this trade, that means years. Apprenticeships is where you get to work with experienced artists who will show you what to look for while tattooing, teach you the variations of skin and trouble shooting, they'll show you the mechanical aspects of the machines and how to adjust them while your working. There's also the learning of microbiology and blood borne pathogens, and the spread of communicable diseases. Selling yourself to the client is also part of the trade you get to observe if your being trained in a parlor. Most apprenticeships can last up to three years and may involve working for free. |
| Not Always are apprenticeships available and if you want your dream of becoming a professional tattoo artist to come true you'll have to pay your dues by doing lots of research and practice, practice, practice. I believe that it takes about one year of constant tattooing before the machines will feel like their a part of you. The machine becomes an extension of your hand and will feel very comfortable when rotating your wrist for a smooth and even line. Tools of the trade are extremely important so don't be afraid to spend some money. Most will start with a tattoo kit that usually contains 1 to 2 machines, 2 tubes, a few needles, some ink,some green soap, a few pictures and possibly a how-to guide. You'll need much more if you anticipate doing more than a couple tattoos. I'll take more on this in the "Lets Talk Equipment" section. If your on a tight budget be sure to upgrade yourself as you advance in the trade When I first started it was just going to be a hobby and I spent $1000.00 on equipment to get me started. Within six months I made my money back. |
| I would charge $30.00 to do small tattoos and was so busy in my spare time I decided to quit my full time job and just tattoo instead. My history in glass etching was a bonus because my clientele was anxious to have my work on their skin as well as their glass. It just mushroomed from there, and before I knew it my dream of making a living off of art came true. And it can for you too, with patients and practice. If you're just starting out you will soon learn that there will always be skin to practice on if it's free or cheap. That might not make very much sense to you knowing that cheap tattoos usually are not good, but there are a lot of people that cannot afford the professionals and, well, you do need the practice, right? So if you're just starting out keep those prices low, rotate half your earnings for more supplies, and before you know it you'll have a hundred or so tattoos under your belt and you may want to start looking for a parlor to work in. Start a portfolio right away. This will help you keep track of your progress and get you ready for possible interviews in the future. No professional tattoo parlor will hire you without a portfolio to show them consistency in your work, as well as the different styles your capable of. Safety first, you will want to check with the local health department for information regarding certification on blood borne pathogens. Some county health departments offer a one day class and that certification will allow you to work in a professional parlor. If nothing is offered, try online at ProBloodborne.com. They have an online certification program that will be equivalent to what you need. Don't stop there, continue searching for all of the things you feel might be relevant to the trade, learning all you can about sterile techniques and the prevention of spreading communicable diseases. |
| Be professional and friendly, the clients are your bread and butter. There are lots of artists that seem to have attitudes and treat their clients with disrespect. This sends me lots of people because I am very friendly. I'm not afraid to smile and laugh and make my clients feel at home. They're nervous enough over the tattoo. By making their experience a pleasant one, they in turn bring me everyone they know, and so on, and so on, and the client list grows from there. I have always found it distasteful to talk bad about other artists or businesses. You will not read any in my book and you will find none here either. OK, if it is absolutely ridiculous I will give people a heads up, but it doesn't have to be personal. It just sounds bad when complaining about other individuals, or their work. Always do the best that you can and feel good about it; this will keep you on track for achieving your goals. Keep that mind open and focus on your growth. You can never know to much in this trade. The learning never stops. These are some of the basics of the world of tattooing and things to consider if you want to be a professional tattoo artist. The rewards are abundant as long as you put your heart into your work. Tattoos are lifetime gifts that you give to individuals, and your life too can be enriched through their experiences as well.:) Jeffrey Lyle |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Collecting Tattoos.com |
| Its always nice to have someone to ask questions about technique and discuss different options about body modification. You can find many different artists to talk to at a website known as Inked Nation.com. Here you can sign up to be a member and have access to a variety of different topics. This site is for clients and artists to gather and share info. There are many tattoo parlors on this site, so it could be used as a directory as well. They also have a selection of flash to choose from. Be sure to add them to your list of research possibilities. |
| Ready to start your dream of being a Tattoo artist Click here |
