Tattoos come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are different styles and designs. Tattoo artists talk about schools and some shops stick to a certain style or, at least, prefer to handle clients that like Celtic or Old School. Yet, how do you reach the point? How do you learn to tattoo like a professional?
Characteristics
If you want to learn to tattoo, it helps to have the ability and the nature. While some tattoo artists in reality shows may seem to belie the notion that a calming personality helps, they would not argue about certain other characteristics. These include:
• An eye for designing
• A strong passion for body art
• A steady hand
• The ability to accept the belief that the entire human body can be a canvas
• Excellent eye-to hand co-ordination
• Focus on detail
• Singular concentration
It is also beneficial if the tattoo artist understands the human body, loves to draw and redraw, has a vivid imagination and knows hygiene methods. He or she should also be aware of basic health and safety laws and facts. These are all things someone who wants to learn how to tattoo needs to consider before planning to be a tattoo artist.
Where You Learn to Tattoo
Today, there are three basic streams a potential tattoo artist may follow to reach his or her goal. He or she may:
1. Apprentice directly: After you finish high school – since the minimum age to work in a tattoo parlor is 18, you may apprentice with a tattoo artist for a period of three to five years. This has long been the accepted practice of tattoo artists around the world. For centuries, those who wanted to learn to tattoo have worked under someone who has an established business.
An apprenticeship provides the apprentice with real life work experience. It helps the individual to learn a variety of aspects of Tattoo art. How good the apprenticeship will be and for how long will depend upon the tattoo master or manager who takes him or her on. In some instances, the match may not be a go done; in others the apprentice may actually be hired after the period of apprenticeship is over.
2. Attend Art School first: Some individuals attend drawing school or another type of art school first. This is to hone their drawing skills. It also may expose them to different styles of art which, in turn, may inspire and/or influence their style. After the course or program is completed, he or she will then become a tattoo apprentice.
3. Attend Tattoo School: This is the latest option for budding tattoo artists. By attending a tattoo school such as the Master Tattoo Institute, the student receives a thorough education on everything there is to know about tattoos. This facilitates the move to finding the right person to become an apprentice under.
There are several paths to learning the trade. Although all end – due to state licensing law, in becoming an apprentice for several years, some paths are more suitable than others. If you want to become an apprentice in today’s competitive and growing market, it may prove to be beneficial if you attend school first. While tattoo drawing courses can prove to be helpful, the support they provide may not prove to be as beneficial or as thorough as that you will receive form a school such as the Master Tattoo Institute.
