Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About the Tattoo Industry
Before diving into the tattoo industry, there are many things you might not know about. Let’s review the various mysteries behind tattoo shops.
There are a lot of common misconceptions when it comes to working as a tattoo artist. However, one doesn’t suddenly wake up one day and become a master at inking and piercing. Taking up an apprenticeship is the first step in a life-changing career full of ups and downs.
Becoming a respected, talented artist takes practice, mistakes, and time. So let’s go over a few surprising tattoo industry facts you might not know about.
Attending a School Isn’t Necessary
Many observers and clients believe that tattoo artists must take up schooling to become artists. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth: unlike cosmetologists or nurses, most aspiring artists must take an apprenticeship.
A tattoo apprenticeship takes roughly two years to complete, where students must learn everything they can from a trustworthy, reliable tattoo shop. Before tattooing and piercing clients, apprentices must learn proper sanitation and safety.
Apprentices Usually Work for Free
While some exceptions exist, most tattoo shops will have apprentices work for free. So many learning artists must save money to pursue their dream careers.
Even more so, some shops require payments to learn from their experience. Lastly, training artists must take up a part-time job during their apprenticeship to have financial security.
Artists Must Remain Upfront and Honest
Clients often believe they’ll get whatever tattoo or piercing they desire if they walk into any tattoo shop. However, a surprising thing in the tattoo industry you might not expect is that tattoo artists have their own beliefs and what they’re comfortable doing for their clients.
So there are cases where tattoo artists might turn down a client if they don’t agree with their idea or if it goes against their beliefs. While some artists take everything, others have their specific standards.
Most Shops Use Medical-Grade Equipment
Observers often believe that tattoo parlors are run-down, dirty places where artists reuse needles and tattoo machines. However, tattoo parlors strictly follow laws and regulations regarding business sanitation.
One of the ways tattoo parlors provide healthy environments is by performing sanitation practices, such as wiping down equipment, wearing gloves, and using medical-grade single-use items.
When it comes to working in the tattoo industry, there are many things to learn to become the best. With some elbow grease and admirable effort, becoming a tattoo artist can be a fulfilling and rewarding career.
