Tattoo Artist
First things, first and in case you didn't know...
A tattoo is a form of body-modification made by inserting tattoo ink pigments into the dermis layer of the skin to form a design and can be indelible or temporary.
Tattoo artists create these designs using several tattooing processes and techniques, including hand-tapped traditional tattoos and modern tattoo machines. (most common). The history of tattooing goes back to Neolithic times, practised across the globe by many cultures, and the symbolism and importance/impact of tattoos varies in different places and cultures.
Key skills/talents
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A natural flair for art and design.
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Exceptional drawing skills and the ability to visualise what a client describes. Or, at the very least, a natural flair for copying/tracing others/existing artwork.
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Ability to work under your own initiative.
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Good eyesight and good colour vision.
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A steady hand and a good level of focus and concentration.
Qualifications required
There are no formal entry routes into this area of work. Most people learn the trade by undertaking an informal apprenticeship with an experienced body artist.
However, successful individuals need a great deal of talent, dedication and determination to be considered as an apprentice tattooist.
Rules and regs
Tattooists and Body Piercers need to be registered with their local council before they can proceed with any work.
As each council may have differing criteria, it is best to use the link above to look for what these may be in your area.
Health and safety standards, including waste management, sterilisation, infection control and first aid are all essential components of the job. The premises and the artist must both be registered with the local environmental health department. Inspections take place to ensure that the necessary standards are met and maintained in alignment with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
This link outlines all relevant legislation relating to licensing as well as details regarding registering with your local environmental health department.
There is no formal training, however, you must abide by the ‘sterile chain’ rules. This will form part of your licence for your premises.
This link gives guidance from Public Health England, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Tattooing and Piercing Industry Union, and the Health and Safety Laboratory.
Remuneration framework
Many body artist trainees are unpaid apprentices, although if you’re good enough, some could start to earn around £12-15,000 a year. An experienced tattooist could earn around £30-40,000 a year.
Those running their own studio and with regular client bookings could comfortably earn £50,000 + a year, and as we mention in the podcast, some well known UK artists are earning well over £100k a year without even working full-time.
Generally speaking, earnings are very dependent on a range of issues, including reputation (including social following/level of notoriety), the artist's client base, and the location of the studio from which they work (i.e. London artists would theoretically charge more than northern artists, due to increased rates of business).
How to get started
Apprenticeships can be difficult to come by and are rarely advertised, so make yourself/your interest known at any studio that you rate and would like to work at.
A lot of tattoo artists start by tattooing themselves and then friends/family that trust them. This approach comes with obvious risks, but a portfolio of artwork is essential for any level of employment.
Naturally, having tattoos carried out (on yourself) by talented artists, will clearly help to show a high degree of commitment.
A good knowledge of the industry can be gained via some hefty online research. Plus, there are lots of great social accounts to follow, some of our suggestions are:
UK Top Tattoo Artists (@uktta) is a convention page as well as a page celebrating the best of the UK’s tattoo artists.
Jay Hutton (jayhuttontat2) is well known for appearing in Tattoo Fixers.
David Corden (@davidcorden) is a well known portrait specialist
Hannah Flowers (@hannhaflowers_tattoos) is well known for her art nouveau style
Rachel Baldwin (@rachelbaldwintattoo) is well known for her Japanese colourful kawaii style
... Don’t forget to find and follow your local tattoo artists also; support local business!
And of course, there’s some great ‘trad’ research options also, i.e. books and magazines. Again, our recommendations are:
Books
Vintage Tattoos: The Book of Old-School Skin Art
The Tattoo History Source Book: A Source Book : An Anthology of Historical Records of Tattooing Throughout the World
Bodies of Subversion: A Secret History of Women and Tattoos
Magazines
Inked Girls (female only artists)
Skin Deep (UK magazine)
Associations or official bodies to register with
UK Official Tattoo Academy - Based in Essex and also Ireland, this academy runs courses in tattooing, along with a lot of information for those looking to enter the industry.
The Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union is part of the GMB union. This site gives you up to date news regarding the industry rules and regulations, as well as ongoing guidance for those in the industry.
You will need to contact your local council to apply for a tattoo licence. Each council has different rules and regulations, so you must ensure that you are abiding by their particular rules. This is the local council site for Sophie, who we interviewed (as an FYI): https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-a-licence/tattooists-piercing-and-electrolysis-licence/south-kesteven/apply-1
Also: https://www.gov.uk/find-licences/skin-piercing-and-tattooing
Job site links
Usual job sites like Indeed.
A tattoo supplies company with a jobs board.
Job listings worldwide.
Progression pathway
Tattooing is diverse by nature and there are many different types of tattooing, whether it be in style, or in practice. Some styles can charge more money than others, so if money is a key driver for you, (a) please god make sure you’re good at doing it, and then (b) do your research on specialists styles and designs. that interest you The more unique your style the more £ you can potentially charge. However, by the same token, the more unique the style, the longer each one may take and the smaller the potential customer base might be, so always do you maths well here.
Cosmetic or aesthetic tattooing (i.e. eyebrows) has become more prevalent in recent years, and is a service offered by many beauticians and makeup artists. There are many courses available all around the UK, if this is a consideration.
And of course training... Once you're experienced enough, you could have a go and running training courses (in person or online) alongside your day-to-day work. Here’s some examples of what’s already out there:
Vean Tattoo (UK based).
Additional links/FYIs
National Careers Service - Information for potential Tattoo Artists and Body piercers.
Excellent blog from a top tattoo artist telling their stories.
Input Youth - job description and information.