Tattooist
Use needles and ink to draw permanent images, symbols or words on people's skin.
Also known as: body artist, tattoo artist
About the job
A day in the life – Tattooist
What it's like
As a tattooist, you'll be an artist, a consultant and a skilled technician all in one. You'll spend your days working closely with clients, helping them bring their visions to life, whether it's a portrait, a traditional design or a custom piece.
The tattooing process requires a steady hand, attention to detail and a strong understanding of skin anatomy and health and safety standards. Tattooing is both creative and challenging. No two days - or tattoos - are ever the same.
Your tasks might include:
consulting with clients to discuss and finalise tattoo designs, style and placement
creating original sketches and stencils based on client requests or drawing freehand onto the skin
preparing and sterilising the workspace, equipment and needles to maintain strict hygiene standards
applying tattoos using various techniques and tools, making sure the client is comfortable throughout the process
providing detailed aftercare advice and instructions to promote proper healing
managing bookings, handling payments and updating your portfolio of completed work
It would be important to follow strict hygiene and safety procedures at all times.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Creative Skillset – explore the roles and the ways into working in the creative industries
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- creative
- designing
- observation
- respecting
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- concentrating
- time management
- reliable
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design
To become a tattooist, you'll usually complete training on the job normally through an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Trainee roles
You can become a tattooist by applying for a paid trainee role, where you learn on the job without needing previous experience. You can use the My World of Work job search to look for trainee roles.
You’ll need to approach local registered tattooists and ask if they will agree to take you on as a trainee. A tattooist may expect you to demonstrate that you have a real interest in tattooing and that you have artistic ability. Your apprenticeship may not be paid and you may be expected to provide your own equipment and sterilising units.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Visual Communication
Digital Art
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs or HNDs.
University
A degree could be helpful for getting into this job, particularly one that focuses on art and design, which will help develop your drawing skills and knowledge of different art styles. You could study subjects, such as:
Fine Art
Graphic Design
Illustration
Drawing and Painting
Experience in a customer-facing role, that can help with client interaction.
Skills in digital art software for creating and mocking up designs.
Understanding of business management, marketing and social media promotion.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Tattooists need to have a portfolio of their best work.
You should have a keen interest in tattoos.
Good eyesight, a steady hand and normal colour vision are essential.
Tattooists must have knowledge of health, safety and hygiene regulations.
As a tattooist you'll need to register both yourself and your premises with the local environmental health department. It'll carry out regular inspections of your premises and equipment.
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