When beginning a career as a tattoo artist, there are several things to consider. You’ll find advice in this post to help you get going. It also offers advice on how to develop your portfolio.
Start a Career As a Tattoo Artist
Post-secondary education
If you are interested in a career as a tattoo artist, post-secondary education can give you a leg up. After all, a degree in art can help you hone your drawing skills and create your style. It can also help you attract more clients. In addition, many local governments require tattoo artists to take training courses. Moreover, tattoo artists can be found anywhere as long as clients seek their service. Some may want to know how to become a tattoo artist in Colorado.
As a tattoo artist, you will work with specialized needles and stencils to create each tattoo. You’ll be able to choose from various styles and colors. While most fine artists opt to pursue post-secondary education, a high school art class can give you the foundational skills you need to get started.
Before beginning her career in art, Amanda Kindball, 22, was a salesperson for a medical parts supply company. However, she has had a passion for drawing and painting since she was four. She was hired by Jon Kindball, who was looking for an apprentice after his previous one quit. Jon knew Amanda was talented enough and would do well in the art industry.
Networking
To become a successful tattoo artist, you need to network with people and get your name out there. There are many ways to network as a tattoo artist in Colorado, from online forums to meetup groups. These groups can help you build relationships with your clients and gain access to resources. You can also create friendships with fellow artists.
One great way to network is to share images of your work. Social media to share your work can be a great way to gain fans and build your brand. Instagram is a great platform for this. When you are networking, check up on any new clients. Ask them how the tattoo went and if they’re happy with their new piece of art. This way, word-of-mouth will spread.
Artistic talent
If you are considering starting a career as a tattoo artist, you need artistic talent. It would be best if you created a portfolio of tattoo designs and drawings to get started. It is important to include a wide variety of styles. Your portfolio should include realism, anatomy, portraits, and more. Your portfolio should also showcase your willingness to experiment.
In addition to artistic talent, you will also need some basic education. Art classes can help you hone your drawing skills and develop your unique style. While community college art classes don’t provide the same level of instruction as tattoo school, they will provide you with the basic foundation you need to start your career as a tattoo artist.
Once you’ve decided to start a career as a tattoo designer, you will need to acquire a tattoo license. You can get the licensing application from your local government’s business department. Tattoo licensing laws vary from state to state, so you’ll want to look into each state’s regulations before applying.
Pay
In Colorado, 76% of tattoo artists have high school degrees. The average pay for tattoo artists in the state is $49,520 annually. This figure includes the cost of living expenses, such as food and transportation, health care, and other miscellaneous expenses. For the most part, artists who are successful in marketing themselves will enjoy the highest wages.
Tattoo artists in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offer various services. They can take walk-in clients or make appointments. They specialize in different tattoo styles, including traditional and Japanese styles. Aside from tattooing, they also offer piercing services.
Pay as a tattoo artist in Colorado ranges from $38,920 per year to $62,130 per year, depending on location and skill level. Starting wages are around $19 an hour. The average bonus for a tattoo artist in Colorado is $463. According to ZipRecruiter, the Colorado tattoo market is very active.