What Skills are Required for Training to be a Tattoo Artist
Before getting a full time job as a tattoo artist it is necessary to undergo a period of apprenticeship or practical training. What to expect from a tattoo apprenticeship involves more than learning the processes involved in tattooing. Being a tattoo apprentice is as much about developing the right attitude as it is about gaining experience and expanding a portfolio of designs.
Attitude
Louis Molloy, a British tattooist who created tattoos forDavid Beckham, explains in anIndependent newspaper interviewthat to become a tattoo artist requires you do need to be inquisitive and eager to master new skills. "You need determination and tenacity, too,” he says. "From the point of starting out, until you get good, it takes at least five years. It's a constantly evolving process.” He adds that “even after 26 years, I'm still learning.”
Use of equipment
A tattoo apprentice should expect to gain full familiarisation of tattoo equipment, tattoo inks, and different types of tattoo needle, with clear instructions on exactly how these work.A tattoo artist also needs to know how to use sterilizing equipment and how to prevent cross contamination.
Tattoo techniquesTechnique training in tattooing should include application of stencils and creation of tattoo outlines, plus a range of shading techniques. Various tattoo shading techniques require subtle adjustment of hand pressure, dilution of the ink with water, or layering of different colored inks.
Health and safety issues
Hygiene and legal requirements should be clearly outlined in all training material and handouts provided. It is essential for an apprentice to understand tattoo aftercare, and to assist customers in avoiding infection after tattooing.
A tattoo apprentice should also be made aware of the consequences of design selection and location of tattoos, and gain a clear understanding of pain and sensitivity.
Depending on location, there are national, state or local legislation that applies to the practice of tattooing, and additional regulations for overseeing health and safe practices.
In the USA the sameFDA regulationsgoverning the use of color additives in cosmetics also apply to pigments and inks used in tattooing.
For tattooists in the UK, local authorities are responsible for licensing and inspection of premises. A Code of Practice for tattooing, and health regulations, are overseen by localTrading Standards.The main expectation as a tattoo apprentice should be a wide range of experiences, including practical training and development of skills. Equally as important, in order to become a professional tattoo artist, is full knowledge of health regulations, safety practices and the legal requirements.
