Creating Quality: How to Become a Tattoo Artist in Demand
The average tattooist’s salary is just under $60,000. However, some artists are making as little as $30,000 while others are making over six figures.
Unlike some more traditional sources of income, your income as a tattoo artist will reflect your skill level and demand. In the early stages of your career as a tattoo artist, you’ll need to charge less and expect fewer bookings as you build your reputation.
Read on to learn how to become a tattoo artist in demand, from honing your skills to curating your image.
Master Your Drawing Skills
If you’re getting started, you’re a long way from picking up the tattoo gun. Now is the time to focus on your artistic skills and learn about things like:
- Color theory
- Contouring
- Shading
- Perspective
- Proportions
Start following tattoo artists you like on social media and attending tattoo conventions. As you master basic fine arts skills, work on your tattoo drawing.
Develop Tattooing Skills
Through programs offered by Florida Tattoo Academy, you can learn some of the most important tattooing skills a modern tattooist should have.
These skills will prepare you to get your first license and improve your overall technique. To build a reputation as a serious and desirable tattoo artist, you need to know how to keep your clients safe.
Build a Niche Portfolio
You’ve probably heard the saying that the jack of all trades is a master of none. The same logic applies to tattooing. To make waves in the tattoo industry, you need to have a niche style, even if that means turning down clients who want something totally different.
Pick a niche that lends itself to your natural abilities and artistic vision. For example, if you gravitate toward the shading and minimal linework of watercolor tattoos, don’t try to build a reputation as a new school artist. When pride and passion shine through in your growing portfolio, clients will start to seek you out to bring their own vision to life.
Develop Your Reputation
It takes patience to build your career as a tattoo artist. We always recommend starting in a reputable shop, where you can take advantage of the shop’s established reputation and client pool. During this time, you should also develop your online persona, using platforms like Instagram to showcase your work.
From there, you have the choice to stay in your shop, open your own shop, or start traveling. Keep in mind that you’ll need to apply for a tattoo license in every state you work in, even temporarily. Traveling is a great way to reach more clients and build up hype.
Learn How to Become a Tattoo Artist in Demand With FTA
The top tattoo artists are making six figures, but that didn’t happen overnight. You have to start from the beginning to learn how to become a tattoo artist in demand. Florida Tattoo Academy can help.
Florida Tattoo Academy offers future tattooists an alternative to traditional apprenticeships. With our programs, you can master the skills you need to become a skilled tattooist in a fraction of the time. Contact us to schedule a tour and find out more about our classes