Tattooing 101: How to Practice Tattooing
Learning the basics and techniques of tattoo artists is attainable. Learn how to practice tattooing and where you can perfect your craft.
Did you know that 38% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 years old have at least one tattoo? For all those people looking to get inked there needs to be a qualified tattoo artist ready to create their beautiful artwork.
There are many reasons you might become a tattoo artist from having a passion for art to wanting to have a creative career. However, no matter what the reason you need to know how to practice tattooing.
Otherwise, you might end up producing bad quality work which prevents you from landing a new job…
And, no one wants that.
The good news is, once you’ve covered the tattoo basics and learned about tattooing you’ll be ready to ink your first client!
Ready? Let’s begin!
Learn the Tattoo Basics
Learning how to practice tattooing is about more than just giving your friend a tattoo in your spare time, you need to be willing to put in the work. Therefore, you need to start by researching tattoo artist techniques.
Just like other artistic professionals such as graphic designers and comic artists, your clients will be expecting you to sketch, design, and produce their artwork.
Not only will you need to master the basics of drawing but you need to be versatile. You should be practicing whenever you can with different styles and repeating them until you have improved the quality.
Besides repetition and having various styles, you also have to practice several shapes. When you’re becoming a tattoo artist knowing where to practice tattooing is just as important as how to practice tattooing.
The human skin is not the same as a piece of paper so it’s important to get used to different textures like rocks, oranges, and even apples. By practicing on surfaces that have curves you’ll be better prepared for tattooing.
Of course, there’s nothing like the real thing. After you’ve learned how to design tattoos you can ask a friend or family member if you can ink them with a marker.
If you’re lucky to find someone willing to be your first experiment you can test your skills before handling a tattoo gun!
Get To Know Tattoo Equipment
Since the invention of the tattoo machine by Samuel O’Reilly, the tattoo world has been using this appliance to mark amazing designs on human skin.
However, drawing with a pencil and drawing with a tattoo machine are completely different. For example, a tattoo machine is heavier and thicker.
Plus, the grip isn’t the same so you need to practice holding it.
The best way to get to know the tattoo equipment that you’ll be using is by purchasing a machine. You can buy a budget model until you’ve become accustomed to the weight and texture.
As well as learning to hold the machines, it’s equally important to examine the various components. The interior designs have a few elements so you should be able to change them when they need to be repaired.
There is also a range of tattoo machines available such as:
- Coil tattoo machines
- Shader tattoo machines
- Liner tattoo machines
- Rotary tattoo machines
- Pneumatic tattoo machines
Therefore, don’t be discouraged if you try one of these machines and it doesn’t feel right. You can always have a go with another model and see how it feels!
How to Practice Tattooing in Real Life
In the past, the only option for practicing your tattoos was on fruit or paper. Nowadays technology has produced artificial skin. The creation of this kind of skin has been life-changing for tattoo artists in the making.
Once you’ve filled a sketchbook or two with tattoo designs and purchased your first tattoo machine, you can begin practicing on the skin. The easiest choice is synthetic skin as there is no risk of hurting anyone.
This soft-like texture is a great replica of real flesh so you can practice as many times as you like. You can also find artificial skin that comes in different body parts.
If you get a collection of hands, feet, and other body components you can learn how the skin wraps around the body. There’s is no better way to try your first tattoo than on synthetic skin.
Even though fake skin can be excellent for beginner tattoo artists it can also be useful for experienced tattoo professionals. If you want to try out new designs then a texture like this gives you the perfect practicing space.
Another great alternative is pigskin. Yes, pigskin!
The tough texture is ideal for practicing tattoos. However, not everyone likes the idea of trying their tattoo designs on this type of skin. That’s why other options such as stencil paper and fruit are good choices.
Where to Get Trained as a Tattoo Artist
Getting qualified is also an essential part of the process of becoming a tattoo artist. During your studies, you will learn all the tattoo basics and how to hold the equipment.
But, where can you get a qualification like this? Do they even exist?
Luckily, they do!
The Florida Tattoo Academy offers a course in the essentials of tattooing so you can create the highest quality designs for your future clients.
Ultimately, as long as you’re willing to put some extra time aside for practicing tattooing you’ll be able to master the techniques in no time. Plus, with the help of synthetic skin, you can try it as many times as you’d like!
Become a Tattoo Artist and Get Qualified
There’s no need to google how to practice tattooing now that you’ve read this article. In other words, if you’ve made it this far in the post you already have everything you need to start making tattoo designs!
However, do you want a little more practice? And, would you benefit from a teacher with tattoo experience?
Then, the Florida Tattoo Academy is the place for you. Sign up today and get ready to start your journey to becoming a tattoo artist.
If you have any other questions, get in touch.