How to be a Tattoo Artist

[mandy miles]

Learning how to be a tattoo artist can be challenging as there isn't
exactly a university or trade school to attend and learn from. Here
are some inexpensive ways to begin to learn the trade and art of
tattooing.
1. Go to the Source. One of the best ways to learn how to be a tattoo
artist is to go to the source and ask. You can gain a wealth of
knowledge on how to learn the trade by going to a parlor and simply
asking the artists how they first learned. There is usually downtime
in tattoo parlors and the artists will be willing to tell you how they
got started. Chances are you will get a variety of different answers,
both unique and informative and they will open up new insights on how
you can learn yourself.
2. Practice on fruit. Many tattoo artists got started by actually
practicing tattooing simple designs on fruit. It's a decent way to get
familiar with the equipment and see if it's something you can pick up
and feel comfortable with. You'll have to get access to some
equipment, or else pick up an inexpensive starter kit and go to work.
Once you get better and more comfortable, and most importantly,
confident that you can tattoo, then you can move on to giving your
friends free tattoos for further practice!
3. Get a Tattoo Book. A great way to learn how to be a tattoo artist
is by practicing designs in a good tattoo book. From the sketching of
these designs to practicing execution, by looking at and studying
really great designs you can non only become inspired to step your
game up, but you'll have actual designs to practice creating, and from
their you can learn your own strengths, weaknesses, and personal style.