photo of Madame Chinchilla at work

Mme. Chinchilla at work


tattoo flash

Tattoo Flash

 

Getting Started

Getting started in this field is a challenge. You may not want to post the question How do I become a tattoo artist? to chat rooms or online bulletin boards. You'll likely be flamed. Ask more educated and specific questions (such as, what do the best tattoo artists look for in an apprentice's portfolio?) and you'll find an abundance of help. Becoming a tattoo artist requires dedication, overcoming the strange elitism of a very insider/outsider profession, and a respect and understanding of the tattooing community and its history. The resources in this section provide some basic starting points for you.

 

So you want to be a tattoo artist pamphlet

This pamphlet written by the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) specifically addresses questions about becoming a tattoo artist. It also explains the apprenticeship practices of the industry.

The Alliance of Professional Tattooists, Inc. (APT)

The APT is am professional non-profit educational organization for tattoo artists. The APT was founded in 1992 to address the health and safety issues of the tattooing industry. This is an excellent and authoritative site for new and experienced tattoo artists, addressing the major and minor issues surrounding the tattooing industry.

How to get a Tattoo or Piercing Apprenticeship: what you need to know about Tattoos/Piercings

This site provides step by step advice on how to secure an apprenticeship with a good tattoo artist.

Body Art Glossary: All You Need to Know About Tattoos

Learn the lingo. Not sure what a collector or a blow out is? Use this comprehensive glossary of body art terminology to look up unfamiliar tattooing and body art terms.

Links to free Flash: All You Need to Know About Tattoos

Need new tattoo ideas? This site provides access to a wealth of free flash.

Tattoo Artists.org

Get your own work out there! Create your own online gallery at this free art gallery site for tattoo artists.

Tattoo Starter Kits

Buy the equipment you need to get started online. This site also sells videos introducing new artists to tattooing procedures and techniques. Remember, however, that videos and self learning cannot replace the experience of apprenticing for an experienced and well established tattoo artist.

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Image Citations

Idarius, J. Photo of Madame Chinchilla at work. 1986. Grace Millennium. Vol 1(2). 2000. 13 December 2003. http://www.gracemillennium.com/spring00/tattoo.htm

The Tattooed Lady. Tattoo Flash. 13 December 2003. http://www.tattooedlady.com/order.html Used with permission.