How Long Does it Take to be Competent in Tattooing?

Although the practice of tattooing has long been thought of as an art, it is not as easy as it looks and there are several requirements for becoming a professional tattoo artist.

It takes years of hard work, studying and working for little pay to develop the skills needed. You don’t need a degree, but you should reach out to others in the field who are more experienced than you and learn from them.

In addition to a skill of drawing, being a successful tattoo artist takes a number of other skills.  You need to have some background knowledge in art and different concepts and styles. You must also be determined and and have good communication skills. When you’re trying to break into the tattoo world as an artist, networking is vital.

If you still decide to pursue a career as a tattoo artist after reading this article, we’ll let you know how long it will take to become skilled in this field and the steps that you need to take.

You need to acquire a few basic skills.

A determination to succeed is essential for anyone looking to become a tattoo artist. While no formal education is required, many aspiring artists find that years of study and practice are necessary to master the basic skills.

You should first gain a basic understanding of the artistic and technical skills required to create tattoos, then improve your drawing skills by incorporating these elements into your work. The ability to draw is helpful, but you don’t have to be an expert to get started, so long as you have a creative personality and can learn the basics.

The best way to learn is by observing other tattoo artists at work, and this can be done as part of an apprenticeship. However, it may be necessary for you to do this unpaid, so keep that in mind when making plans.

It takes years of practice to become a fully-fledged tattoo artist.

Becoming a competent tattoo artist can take three to five years of study and practice. Quite often, artists who are just starting out must work for little or no money at all until their reputation grows.

If you want to be a tattoo artist, the first thing you should do is learn to draw. You should also educate yourself about art in general so that you can understand the different styles and concepts. 

Next, assemble a portfolio of your best designs and artwork, which you can present to tattoo artists as a way to get them interested in hiring you as an apprentice. This portfolio should include a variety of different styles to demonstrate your adaptability and creativity.

Do tattoo artist schools exist?

There are schools and courses available if you want to get into tattooing. However, the best way to learn the art of tattooing is by doing it under the guidance of a skilled professional.

If you want to learn about tattoos, art or graphic design, you should consider taking a course. You should then follow this up with an apprenticeship, where you'll learn on the job from experienced artists.

How do I become an apprentice at a tattoo shop?

Before you try to get an apprenticeship, make sure you put together a portfolio to show off your work. It should highlight your best pieces and demonstrate your design skills in a professional manner.

When choosing work for your portfolio, choose pieces that best represent your drawing style and the techniques you've mastered. Be sure that it reflects your skills at handling detail, line, shading, color packing and black-and-white.

Avoid copying other people’s work and designs. Portfolios should be all your own work, not just a collection of designs you found online.

Getting a mentor or an apprenticeship can be a great way to get experience and advice from experts. However, keep in mind that this will be unpaid work.

Final Thoughts

If you want to become a tattoo artist, you’ll need to put in many hours of drawing practice. You should also save up some money beforehand, as you’ll use this while doing your apprenticeship. 

Talk to professional tattoo artists in your area to find out what they offer and how they work.

Before getting started, please make sure you have everything you need. You can check some supplies ->>> here

If you are dedicated, have the right attitude, and are willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed, you should have no problem becoming a successful tattoo artist.