The art of tattooing has been a large part of cultures and traditions around the globe for thousands of years. Today, tattoos have become more popular than ever. Adults of all ages are getting tattoos as a colorful form of self-expression. An estimated 32% of surveyed Americans with tattoos currently describe themselves as “addicted to ink.”
Aspiring tattoo artists are rushing to get the tattoo education and training that they need to capitalize on this rapidly expanding tattoo market. While the practice of commercial tattooing requires no official degree, most U.S. states demand evidence of formal training, at a tattoo trade school, tattoo college or other tattoo school, before they will issue operational licensure.
To become a tattoo artist, one must first and foremost be driven by an artistic spirit. Customers will typically want to see a sizeable portfolio of impressive and passionate artwork before they will allow you to work on them.
The path a person takes to become a tattoo artist in the United States varies from state to state. According to the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, the following are common prerequisites for a majority of licensing boards:
–Proof of high school diploma or GED completion
–An apprenticeship of approximately three years in length
–A minimum number of completed tattoos
–A minimum age requirement of 18
Most successful tattoo artists also complete one or more reputable targeted education courses. Professional organizations such as the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) and the Association of Professional Tattoo Artists (APTA) provide a wealth of continuing education and networking options.
Although it isn’t an official requirement, many tattoo shops prefer that artists have visible tattoos themselves. In order to produce good work, tattoo artists must possess considerable creativity, artistic ability, and sheer manual dexterity. In order to deliver helpful and professional customer service, they must also cultivate a great deal of patience and tact.
The American tattoo market is currently booming, and people are ready to pay for their body art. The average cost of a small tattoo in the United States is $45. Larger tattoos, however, typically fetch $150 per hour for labor alone. Links like this: www.tattooschool-art.com
