Experience I've been tattooing professionally for 10 years in shops in the US and England. I now own Dragonfly Ink in San Francisco, CA
Organizations Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals
Education/Credentials Apprenticed at Black and Blue Tattoo
Specialized training and certifications:
Cross-contamination Prevention
SofTaps Micropigmentation
Areola Repigmentation
Skin Needling
University Art Courses
Question how do I get a tattoo licence in New York State?
Answer Amy-
There is no standard licensing in the United States, each local health department has its owm regulations at this point. You will need to contact your local health department to see what is required.
The best way is to get an apprenticeship, and it is lots of grunt work and little glamour, but I'd so recommend one for so many reasons. You can learn stuff on your own, and taking initiative is good. Still, there really is a limit to what you can learn without getting education from someone with experience and skill. The artist you are working with will be able to help you figure out why the ink isn't staying in.
Besides a lot of good experience with an apprenticeship, a bonus is that when people get tattooed by an apprentice, they will have more patience and understanding and appropriate expectations.
I'd recommend visiting different shops and talk to different artists. Talk to the tattoo artist who does your tattoos about how to get an apprenticeship. If you haven't already, start a sketch book with drawings and sketches and practice drawing as much as you can.
Your question shows you are committed to doing as good work as possible, getting an apprenticeship is the best way to put you on the path to become the best artist you can.
