What Are the Best Reasons to Become a Traveling Tattoo Artist?
Are you a talented artist with a lust for adventure? Do you dream of traveling the world and leaving your creative mark wherever you go? If so, you might be the perfect fit for the exciting world of a traveling tattoo artist.
As a traveling tattoo artist, you’ll have the opportunity to see new places, meet interesting people, and express your creativity in ways you never thought possible. Not only will you get to experience different cultures and perspectives, but you’ll also get to leave a lasting, meaningful impact on your clients’ lives.
Plus, with the demand for destination tattoos rising (yes, “tattourism” is a thing), there’s never been a better time to start your journey as a traveling tattoo artist. Ready to take the plunge and become a traveling tattoo artist? Keep reading to discover the best reasons to pursue this exciting career path and learn how you can get started on your journey.
Reasons to Become a Traveling Tattoo Artist
While you likely agree tattoo artists have pretty cool day jobs as it is, becoming a traveling tattoo artist is a great way to enjoy the benefits of traveling while also experiencing new cultures and practicing your craft.
However, the benefits aren’t limited to constantly traveling (although that’s a pretty big reason to pursue the career). If so, becoming a traveling tattoo artist may be your perfect career. Below are some of the best reasons why becoming a traveling tattoo artist could be the best decision you ever make.
Traveling the World
Let’s start with the most obvious reason to become a traveling tattoo artist: the opportunity to see the world.
As a tattoo artist, you have a skill that is in high demand all over the world. Whether you want to explore the bustling cities of Asia, the beautiful beaches of Australia, or the ancient ruins of Europe, there will be a demand for your work wherever you go.
While you could travel to each destination alone, working as a tattoo artist abroad allows you to see the destination in a unique way.
Instead of just being a tourist, you get to immerse yourself in the local culture, meet interesting people, and learn about the history and traditions of the place you’re visiting.
Of course, traveling the world as a tattoo artist isn’t all sunshine and roses. You’ll need to be prepared for the challenges that come with being on the road, such as dealing with language barriers, navigating unfamiliar cities, and working with clients who may have different expectations than you’re used to.
However, if you’re up for the challenge, the rewards of traveling the world as a tattoo artist are truly incredible.
Building Your Portfolio
Traveling to different parts of the world exposes you to new styles and techniques you may not have encountered before. This can be a great opportunity to push your artistic boundaries and try new things.
In addition, traveling as a tattoo artist means you’ll work with a diverse range of clients, each with their unique style and vision. This will challenge you to adapt your skills to suit each client’s needs and help you develop a portfolio showcasing your versatility and creativity.
Networking Opportunities
As a traveling tattoo artist, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and work with other artists worldwide. This can be an incredible networking opportunity that can help you build your reputation as an artist and open up new opportunities in the future.
You may also have the chance to work at tattoo conventions and events, where you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your skills in front of a large audience. These events can be great for building your brand and connecting with potential clients and collaborators.
You’ll also likely have a chance to collaborate with local artists and learn new techniques you can bring back home. Even if you don’t, you’ll have made lifelong friendships and connections.
Flexibility and Freedom
One of the best things about becoming a traveling tattoo artist is the flexibility and freedom it offers.
As a mobile tattoo artist, you can set your own schedule and decide when and where you want to work. You can take time off to travel, spend time with family and friends, or pursue other interests when you’re not working.
Traveling as a tattoo artist also means you’ll have the opportunity to work in various settings. Whether you prefer the laid-back atmosphere of a beach town or the excitement of a big city, you will have opportunities to work in a setting that suits your personality and lifestyle.
Don’t like a certain town? Move on to the next.
Interested in learning a new language? Head somewhere where you can practice.
Want to stay somewhere longer? It’s up to you!
The bottom line is that the traveling tattoo artist lifestyle is great for those seeking freedom and flexibility. If you want to be in control of where you work and what you do daily, traveling the world as a tattoo artist is a great option.
Personal Growth and Development
Finally, becoming a traveling tattoo artist can also be a great opportunity for personal growth and development. Traveling to new places and meeting new people can broaden your perspective and help you grow as a person. It can also be a great way to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone.
Becoming a tattoo artist requires a lot of hard work and dedication. So, to make it work, you’ll need to develop your artistic skills, learn about different tattooing techniques and equipment, and build a strong work ethic.
This will help you become a successful tattoo artist but will also help you develop valuable skills that can be applied to other areas of your life.
How to Become a Traveling Tattoo Artist
Ready to hit the open road and start putting ink to skin? Not so fast. Here’s a step-by-step guide on becoming a traveling tattoo artist and how this career path might differ from other tattoo artists who work in studios.
Step 1: Develop Your Tattooing Skills
Before you can become a traveling tattoo artist, you first need to develop your tattooing skills. This means practicing with willing friends and family members, taking art classes, and honing your skills until you can create beautiful and unique tattoos that people will love.
Ultimately, you’ll need to be a certified tattoo artist to increase your chances of getting work abroad. So, if you’re not already certified, the first thing you should do is take an essential tattoo course. This will provide you with the framework needed to get started.
Step 2: Build a Strong Portfolio
Once you have developed your tattooing skills, it’s time to build a portfolio of your work. This portfolio will help you showcase your talents to potential clients and employers, so it needs to be strong and diverse. Include various tattoo styles, designs, and photographs of your artwork displayed on people’s bodies.
Unsure where to start as a brand-new artist? Consider a tattoo apprenticeship program. These programs allow budding artists to build their portfolios and define their artistic style in an environment where they can learn from more experienced tattoo artists.
Step 3: Network with Other Tattoo Artists
Networking with other tattoo artists is essential in the tattoo industry, whether you want to work in a studio or become a traveling tattoo artist.
Attend tattoo expos and conventions, connect with tattoo artists on social media, and build relationships with artists in your community. This will help you learn more about the industry and get your foot in the door when finding clients and employment opportunities.
Step 4: Build an Online Presence
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any artist. While it might seem small and insignificant, building an online presence is part of establishing your personal brand. As you grow and begin to travel, it’ll be key to marketing your tattoo business.
Create a website or social media page where potential clients can view your portfolio, learn more about your style, and contact you to book appointments. Ensure you post regularly and engage with your followers to build a strong online following.
Step 5: Consider Joining a Traveling Tattoo Team
Joining a traveling tattoo team can be a great way to start as a traveling tattoo artist. These teams often hire talented artists willing to travel to different locations and work at tattoo expos and conventions. This can be a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio while getting paid to travel and tattoo in different cities.
Traveling vs. Other Types of Tattoo Artists
What skills do you need to become a traveling tattoo artist that you might not need if you were a studio artist?
While the steps to becoming a traveling tattoo artist are similar to those of studio tattoo artists, there are some key differences to remember. For one, traveling tattoo artists must be more flexible and adaptable than studio artists. They may need to work in different environments, with varying types of equipment, and with clients who speak different languages.
Traveling tattoo artists also need to be comfortable with travel and spending time away from home. They may need to spend weeks or even months on the road, living out of a suitcase and working in unfamiliar cities. This can be a rewarding experience for those who love to travel, but it can also be challenging for those who prefer a more stable work environment.
Finally, traveling tattoo artists need to have excellent communication skills. They may need to negotiate with clients in different languages, work with local tattoo artists and vendors, and navigate unfamiliar cities and customs. This requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
How to Enjoy Life as a Traveling Tattoo Artist
So you’ve decided you want to become a traveling tattoo artist. Congratulations! You’re embarking on an adventure that will allow you to see the world while doing what you love.
Now that you know why this is such an exciting career path, we will walk you through how to make the most of your time tattooing abroad.
Professional Tips
Research, research, research! Before you pack your bags and head to a foreign country, ensure you know everything you need about their tattooing regulations.
You wouldn’t want to get in trouble with the law or, worse, put your clients at risk. Make sure you understand the licensing requirements and health and safety standards of the country you’re visiting.
Also, as mentioned, building your portfolio as much as possible before you leave is helpful. Have a portfolio that accurately reflects your style, range, and experience.
Personal Tips
Want to know how to travel more intentionally? Take the time to explore the local area, try new foods, and connect with the people. Not only will it make for a more memorable trip, but it may also inspire your art.
However, traveling can take a toll on your body and mind. So, take good care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying active. You want to be at your best when tattooing your clients and taking care of yourself is key in ensuring you’re on top of your game.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to enjoying life as a traveling tattoo artist. Remember, this is a unique and exciting career path, but also requires hard work and dedication. As long as you stay committed to your craft and take care of yourself along the way, you’ll be able to create amazing art all around the world.
Become a Tattoo Artist
Being a successful traveling tattoo artist starts with getting your tattooing certification. By enrolling in our 12-week program at the Florida Tattoo Academy, you’ll receive top-notch training with an emphasis on developing your artistic skills. Plus, we offer an option for those interested in medical tattooing.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about becoming a licensed tattoo artist. We look forward to helping you achieve your dreams in the industry!