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 hello im missy price, and im 16 :] i have been thinking on becoming a tattoo artist but i dont know how to start. what classes in college could i take to help me launch into this career? how do you ask for an apprenticship?
thanks
Answer Missy-
The first step it to take art classes, and you can start in high school. Learn and practice as much drawing, painting, and illustration as possible, along with any other arts you are interested in. Take classes on color theory, perspective- most any art class will be useful, especially those geared towards 2 dimensional art.
I'd also start keeping a sketch books/portfolios, to practice drawing. Get tattoo mags and study the work that others are doing and practice drawing in those styles til you find your own style.
As for asking for an apprenticeship, it is tricky. I'd recommend getting an art degree if you can , even from your local community college as many people getting into tattooing have art degrees. I'd recommend visiting different shops and talk to different artists, start asking for advice on how to get started. Talk to the tattoo artist who does your tattoos (when you are 18 :) ) about how to get an apprenticeship.
My best advice is to remember you are asking artists to take the time and energy to teach you, time and energy that could be used in their own work and pursuits. Also, think about what you can offer a shop/artist, not just what they can do to help you. So treat them the way you would hope to be treated when someday you are in similar situations.
