How To Become a Mobile Tattoo Artist
Did you know that qualified tattoo artists are needed more than ever, especially with 25% of people between 18 and 25 having tattoos for the first time?
Tattooing is a popular profession, but it’s also one that requires a lot of training and experience. If you’re looking to start your career as a mobile tattoo artist, you need to know what steps to take.
But don’t worry. Keep reading because this guide will teach you everything you need to know about becoming a successful mobile tattoo artist. From finding clients and setting up appointments, to preparing for each session and aftercare instructions, we’ll walk you through the entire process.
1. Get Training and Certification
The first step to becoming a traveling tattoo artist is to get the necessary training and certification. You’ll need to complete an accredited tattoo course, which will teach you about safety, hygiene, and the different techniques involved in tattooing.
Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to get certified by a reputable organization, such as the American Tattoo Association. This will ensure that you meet the highest standards of professional conduct and give you access to the best resources in the industry.
2. Purchase Equipment and Supplies
The next step is to purchase the equipment and supplies you’ll need for your business. There are many things you’ll need to purchase as a mobile tattoo artist. Let’s look at them now in more detail:
Tattoo Machine
As a tattoo artist, you know that having the right equipment is essential for creating beautiful and lasting artwork. That’s why you need a tattoo machine that is specifically designed for mobile use. This means that it should be lightweight and portable so that you can easily take it with you when you travel.
The machine should also have a versatile power supply so that you can use it with different types of power outlets. Most importantly, the machine should be easy to clean so that you can keep your work area sanitary.
Tattoo Inks
It is important to have a wide variety of tattoo inks so that you can create any design that your clients may want. Black light tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, so it is also important to get a black light so that you can see how your tattoos will look under ultraviolet light.
Black light tattoos require special inks that are only visible under black light, so it is important to make sure that you purchase the right inks for this purpose. With the right supplies, you will be able to create any type of tattoo that your clients desire.
Tattoo Needles
You’ll need to purchase tattoo needles in a variety of sizes. The size of the needle will depend on the type of tattoo you’re doing. For example, if you’re doing a small tattoo, you’ll need a smaller needle. But if you’re doing a large tattoo, you’ll need a larger needle.
Tattoo Designs
As a tattoo artist, one of the most important things you’ll need to do is purchase high-quality tattoo designs. These designs will be used on your clients, so it’s essential that you choose ones that are both attractive and well-crafted. There are many different places where you can find tattoo designs, such as online or in magazines.
However, not all of these sources will provide designs that are ideal for use in a professional setting. When selecting tattoo designs, look for those that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to work with. This way, you can be sure that your clients will be happy with the end result.
3. Market Your Business
The next step is to market your business. You’ll need to let people know that you’re a mobile tattoo artist and that you’re available to travel to their location. There are many ways to market your business, let’s look at them now:
Create a Website
One of the best ways to market your work is to create a website. A website allows you to showcase your portfolio and give potential clients an idea of your style and ability. When creating a website for your tattoo business, be sure to include plenty of photos of your work.
In addition, provide information about your prices, services, and contact information. Potential clients will appreciate being able to see your work and get an idea of what you can do before they commit to getting a tattoo from you. By creating a professional website, you’ll be able to attract new clients and grow your business.
Use Social Media
When it comes to promoting your business, social media is a powerful tool. With billions of users worldwide, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram offer a vast potential audience for your product or service. By creating profiles and posting regular updates, you can reach out to potential clients and let them know what you have to offer.
Photos are also a great way to showcase your work, and by tagging location information, you can make it easy for people in your area to find you. In today’s connected world, there’s no excuse not to take advantage of social media to promote your business.
Attend Tattoo Conventions
If you’re a tattoo artist, then attending tattoo conventions should be a priority. Not only are they great networking opportunities, but they’re also a chance to show off your skills to potential clients. Make sure to set up a booth at each convention you attend so people can see your work close-up.
And don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards so you can hand them out to anyone interested in your work. With some hard work and a little luck, you’ll soon find yourself with a busy schedule thanks to the connections you made at tattoo conventions.
Paid Advertising
Paid advertising is a great way to reach potential clients. You can purchase ad space on popular tattoo websites or in tattoo magazines. This will give you exposure to a wider audience and help you attract new clients. Paid advertising can be expensive, but it is a worthwhile investment if you are serious about growing your business.
Keep in mind that tattoos are a very personal decision, so make sure your ads are professional and tasteful. Respect your client’s privacy and don’t try to pressure them into getting a tattoo they don’t want. If you provide a good service and treat your clients well, they will be happy to recommend you to their friends.
Word-Of-Mouth
Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools available to tattoo artists. After all, what could be more personal than a recommendation from a friend or family member? If you want to use word-of-mouth to promote your business, there are a few things you can do.
First, make sure your friends and family know that you’re a tattoo artist. Second, ask them to tell their friends about your work. And last, but not least, always give your clients a great experience so they’re more likely to recommend you to others. By following these simple steps, you can use word-of-mouth to build a loyal client base and grow your business.
Attend Tattoo Conventions
Tattoo conventions are a great way to meet potential clients and show off your work. Attend as many conventions as you can and make sure to set up a booth so that people can see your work up close. You may even want to consider offering discounts to convention-goers, as this can help you to generate some buzz and attract new clients.
4. Set Your Prices
Before you can open your tattoo business, you’ll need to decide how much to charge for your tattoos. This can be a difficult task, as you’ll need to balance the need to cover your expenses and make a profit with the possibility of pricing yourself out of the market.
If you charge too little, you may not be able to keep your business afloat; if you charge too much, you could scare away potential customers. The best way to set prices is to research your competition and see what they’re charging, then make adjustments based on your own costs and desired profit margin.
5. Start Travelling
Travelling can be a great way to see new places and meet new people. And, if you’re a tattoo artist, it can also be a great way to build up your portfolio and expand your client base. If you’re thinking of hitting the road, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, always practice safety and hygiene when tattooing someone – no matter where you are. Second, research the regulations in each country or state you’ll be visiting. Some places have different rules about mobile tattooing, so it’s important to make sure you’re following the law.
6. Stay Safe and Healthy
Finally, it’s important to stay safe and healthy when you’re working as a mobile tattoo artist. This means practicing good hygiene, using sterile equipment, and taking care of your skin. It’s also important to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and C before you start tattooing people.
Become a Mobile Tattoo Artist Today
Now that you know how to become a mobile tattoo artist, you can see that it’s easier than ever to start such a rewarding career. If you want to use your creativity to make others happy, then what’s better than creating something they’ll have for life? Not only are you helping others, but you’re doing it with the freedom that comes with working for yourself.
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