A tattoo artist's guide: How to start in this profession step by step.

A tattoo artist is a unique profession. It requires not only artistic talent but also precision, meticulousness, and responsibility, especially for the client's safety and comfort. The profession of a tattoo artist attracts more and more people – and it's no wonder. Interest in tattoos is growing exponentially, which drives demand for such services. If you have such an idea for yourself and want to try your hand as a tattoo artist, then start with the very basics. The team at Ars Tattoo has prepared a short tattoo artist's guide for beginners.

What to buy to start tattooing?

One thing is certain: as your passion and skills develop, your shopping list will constantly grow. To begin with, don't invest too much and focus only on what is truly necessary for learning to tattoo. Buy your first machine – it can be a coil machine (if you learn to tattoo with this equipment, you'll manage with any) or immediately a rotary machine. Our separate guide will help you choose the right machine, in which we discuss the types of tattoo machines in more detail. A machine, of course, is not everything. You also need several other elements, such as needles or cartridges and tattoo inks. After assembling all of this, you can start practicing – but don't do it on orange peels. A much better choice will be synthetic skin, which perfectly mimics human skin and is the best material for learning to tattoo. If you don't want to assemble individual elements yourself, check out our ready-made tattoo kits, including those for beginners. Also, take a look at another article on the Ars Tattoo blog, where we advise on what's best to learn to tattoo on.

What about handpoke?

Handpoke is a tattooing technique without a machine, which is gaining increasing interest, also among experienced tattoo artists. The advantage of this technique is that it allows us to achieve a unique aesthetic effect. If you're just starting and have no preferences regarding tattooing style and technique, read about handpoke in our article and consider whether it's worth trying.

Maintain high standards from the beginning

As a complete beginner, you don't have bad habits yet, and hopefully, it stays that way. Don't underestimate hygiene standards, which actually define your professionalism in the eyes of clients. It doesn't matter that at this stage you'll be practicing on fruits or synthetic skin – immediately act as if a person were sitting in your chair. Buy basic hygiene and protective supplies, such as nitrile gloves, underpads, or an apron. Invest in disinfectants, skin cleansing foam, or soap to learn how to use them. This will pay off in the future.

Develop your own style

Among tattoo artists, there are many craftsmen, but few artists. It's worth giving yourself a chance to be counted among the latter group. Instead of constantly replicating other people's designs, start creating your own, step by step developing an individual, unique style. Practice creativity and design, consider buying a rapidograph, practice sketching, and always have a sketchbook handy – you never know when an idea for a great design will come to you.

Seek inspiration and learn from the best

Learning to tattoo involves hours of painstaking practice. Take advantage of the fact that you have the Internet and easy access to great sources of inspiration. Thanks to them, you won't be operating blindly but will learn techniques from professionals. Visit blogs dedicated to tattoo art, attend conventions and fairs if possible, and also refer to literature, which has the advantage over the Internet of containing only verified knowledge. These tips are enough to start your tattooing adventure. We believe that this will not be just a temporary "craze" but indeed a long and exciting career path, in which Ars Tattoo – one of the largest stores with tattoo equipment and accessories – will accompany you.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Is it worth becoming a tattoo artist?

It is! If you have talent and are drawn to tattooing, this profession can be an ideal choice for you, providing a lot of satisfaction, freedom from boredom and routine, and being well-paid.

Do you need to have a tattoo studio to work as a tattoo artist?

No, in Poland there are many freelancers who tattoo at home or at clients' homes.

What tattoo machine should I buy to start?

Many beginners start with a classic coil machine, which is relatively inexpensive. However, also consider buying a much easier-to-use and more versatile rotary machine.

What should I learn to tattoo on?

You can do this, for example, on fruits (oranges, lemons), although we definitely recommend investing in synthetic skins, which best simulate human tattooing conditions.

How to learn to tattoo?

Watch professional tattoo artists on YouTube, blogs, and social media, buy a few books on tattooing technique, and most importantly, practice, practice, and practice again to develop your own style.