| It may seem a little grandiose to talk about "the art of | | | | are a number of differences between the art of |
| tattooing," but when you are truly familiar with what | | | | tattooing and other visual art forms, too. |
| goes into being a professional tattooist, you recognize | | | | Probably the most obvious difference is the canvas |
| that there is good reason these men and women are | | | | upon which the tattoo artist works. Rather than actual |
| called tattoo artists. It takes both natural talent and the | | | | canvas or some sort of specialized paper, the tattoo |
| drive to perfect skills in order to develop into a true | | | | artist imprints his or her creations onto the skin of a |
| tattoo artist. | | | | living, breathing human being. This creates both |
| While the art of tattooing is certainly unique in the | | | | challenges and benefits that other types of artists will |
| overall art world, many of the fundamentals are the | | | | never experience. For one thing, a tattoo artist's work |
| same. Studying the basics of drawing, painting, | | | | constantly moves from one location to another, rather |
| illustration, and other forms of visual art are a great | | | | than being displayed on a wall in a home or a museum |
| way to build the skills needed to become a successful | | | | or in the pages of a book. |
| tattoo artist. | | | | Unlike other canvases, however, skin is very |
| Most people actually start out by simply recognizing | | | | unforgiving. There is no erasing of mistakes or |
| that they have both a knack for and an interest in | | | | throwing out a first attempt and starting fresh on a |
| creating art on paper. Maybe an aspiring tattoo artist | | | | new sheet of paper. In addition, receiving a tattoo can |
| has always been a doodler and eventually decided to | | | | be rather uncomfortable, so the tattoo artist must |
| take that hobby to the next level. | | | | constantly be aware of the need to make his or her |
| Personal Drive | | | | "canvas" more comfortable or to reassure it. |
| Formal training is certainly not the only way to become | | | | Dedicating oneself to the art of tattooing requires the |
| skilled. Simply being diligent about practicing can be | | | | ability to work with other people and to inspire and |
| more important than any college class for someone | | | | earn their trust. |
| who is dedicated and is able to develop his or her | | | | What It Takes to Become a Tattoo Artist |
| natural talents. There are also thousands of art books | | | | Becoming a tattoo artist requires a certain type of |
| available that can teach all manner of techniques that | | | | person. There are some very specific skills and |
| can be applied to the art of tattooing. | | | | qualities that are required. If you're interested in |
| Formal Training | | | | becoming a tattoo artist, you may want to check out |
| Formal training for art can take many forms. Some | | | | this list and see if it sounds like you. |
| tattoo artists have attended art schools specifically to | | | | A tattoo artist... |
| learn art history, methodology, and various specialized | | | | - Has an ongoing interest in art |
| skills. Not everyone chooses this route, however, and | | | | - Can produce art in a variety of styles |
| there are options available. For example, many aspiring | | | | - Is willing to constantly learn new concepts and |
| tattoo artists recognize that they can hone their skills | | | | techniques |
| with a few community college classes; and at a cost | | | | - Is willing to put health and safety above convenience |
| that is a whole lot less than going to art school for two | | | | - Can put up with all different personality types |
| or four years. While having an art degree may be | | | | - Probably has several tattoos of his or her own |
| helpful, it is most definitely not a requirement for being | | | | - Goes through proper channels to learn the art of |
| successful at the art of tattooing. | | | | tattooing |
| On-the-Job Training | | | | - Practices tattooing from every angle |
| There are some positive things to be said for building | | | | - Keeps equipment clean and sanitized |
| art skills right in the tattoo shop, and there are lots of | | | | - Enjoys getting to know people quickly |
| opportunities. Even if you are not yet ready to pick up | | | | - Is not squeamish about blood or needles |
| a tattoo machine and put needles to skin, there are lots | | | | - Uses personal integrity when making decisions |
| of opportunities to practice fundamental art skills in the | | | | - Can be trusted when clients expose bare skin |
| shop. One of the easiest methods is to start by | | | | - Offers good customer service while being true to his |
| creating stencils from flash designs that customers | | | | or her own vision |
| might choose. Tracing and working with these designs | | | | - Can be assertive when necessary |
| gives the aspiring tattoo artist a better understanding | | | | - Understands basic anatomy |
| of what is required for the job, as well as a first-hand | | | | - Understands basic kinetics |
| feel for some of the most common motifs. | | | | - Is patient with the process and the client Becoming a |
| Once the aspiring artist has gotten experience with | | | | tattoo artist is not always easy. It requires years of |
| flash in the shop, he or she may start designing original | | | | training and a commitment to becoming the best. |
| flash. Again, this helps to hone skills and also allows for | | | | Whether you're depending on personal drive, formal |
| the creation of a portfolio. The portfolio itself is very | | | | training, or an on-the-job opportunity to broaden your |
| important when applying for apprenticeships. | | | | horizons, there is more to be learned about this art |
| The Unique Art of Tattooing | | | | form than one master can learn in an entire lifetime. |
| As we said, the art of tattooing shares many | | | | If you are willing to work hard and practice, practice, |
| fundamentals with other forms of visual art. Color | | | | practice, though, the art of tattooing can be an |
| theory, depth and perspective, composition, and many | | | | amazing creative outlet that adds joy to other people's |
| other elements go into creating a great tattoo, just as | | | | lives while allowing you to make a good living at the |
| they do with any drawing or painting. Of course, there | | | | same time. |