Tattoo Jobs

Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression and artistry, but they also pose significant health and safety risks for both the tattoo artists and their clients. Tattooing involves permanently inserting ink into the skin with a needle, which can expose both parties to bloodborne pathogens, infections, allergic reactions and other complications. Therefore, it is essential that tattoo artists have the proper training and education to perform their craft safely and effectively.

 

However, the tattoo industry lacks a standardized system of training and education for aspiring and practicing tattoo artists. Unlike other professions that require formal education and certification, such as doctors, nurses, lawyers or teachers, tattoo artists do not have a clear path to enter and advance in their field. The requirements for becoming a licensed tattoo artist vary widely by state, county and city, and some areas do not have any regulations at all.

 

The most common way to learn how to tattoo is through an apprenticeship at a tattoo shop, where an experienced tattoo artist mentors a student and teaches them all aspects of tattooing. However, finding an apprenticeship can be challenging, as many tattoo shops are reluctant to take on new apprentices or charge high fees for their services. Moreover, the quality and duration of apprenticeships can vary greatly depending on the mentor’s skills, ethics and teaching methods. Some apprenticeships can last from one to three years and provide comprehensive training in tattoo equipment, safety, design, technique and business management. Others can be shorter and less thorough, leaving the apprentice with gaps in their knowledge and skills.

 

Another option for learning how to tattoo is through online courses or schools that offer basic tattoo artist training. However, these programs are often limited in scope and depth, as they cannot provide hands-on experience or feedback from a professional tattoo artist. Online courses or schools may also lack accreditation or recognition from the tattoo industry or regulatory bodies.

 

The lack of standardized training and education in the tattoo industry has several negative consequences for both the tattoo artists and their clients. For the tattoo artists, it can limit their career opportunities and professional development, as they may face difficulties finding employment, building a portfolio, attracting clients or complying with local regulations. For the clients, it can increase their risk of receiving poor-quality tattoos or experiencing health complications from untrained or unlicensed tattoo artists.

 

To address this problem, the tattoo industry needs to establish a standardized system of training and education that ensures consistent quality and safety standards for all tattoo artists. This could involve creating a national or regional certification program that requires tattoo artists to complete a minimum amount of formal education and practical training before they can obtain a license to practice. The certification program could also include continuing education requirements that keep tattoo artists updated on the latest trends, techniques and regulations in their field.

 

A standardized system of training and education would benefit both the tattoo artists and their clients by improving the professionalism, credibility and reputation of the tattoo industry. It would also foster a culture of learning and excellence among tattoo artists, who would have access to more resources and opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. Furthermore, it would protect the health and safety of the clients by ensuring that they receive high-quality tattoos from trained and licensed tattoo artists.

 

Who Should Develop the Curriculum and Training Courses?

 

A standardized system of training and education for tattoo artists would require a well-designed curriculum and training courses that cover all the essential topics and skills for the profession. However, who should be responsible for developing and delivering such a curriculum and training courses?

 

One possible option is to involve professional tattoo artist associations in the process of creating and implementing the curriculum and training courses. Professional tattoo artist associations are organizations that represent the interests and needs of tattoo artists in various regions or countries. They provide various benefits and services to their members, such as networking, advocacy, education, certification, events and resources.

 

Some examples of professional tattoo artist associations are:

 

The Alliance of Professional Tattooists Inc. (APT), which is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that promotes safety, ethics and education in the tattoo industry. It offers a voluntary certification program for tattoo artists who complete a bloodborne pathogens course and an APT seminar. It also provides online courses, workshops, newsletters, conferences and other resources for its members.

The National Tattoo Association (NTA), which is another U.S.-based nonprofit organization that supports and educates tattoo artists and enthusiasts. It organizes an annual convention that features seminars, contests, awards and entertainment. It also publishes a quarterly magazine, offers scholarships and grants, and maintains a museum of tattoo history and art.

The True Artists Association, which is a global organization of certified tattoo artists who have passed a quality assessment based on their portfolio, reviews and ratings. It aims to connect clients with reputable and talented tattoo artists around the world. It also offers online courses, webinars, podcasts, blogs and other resources for its members.

Professional tattoo artist associations have several advantages for developing and delivering the curriculum and training courses for tattoo artists. They have:

 

A deep understanding of the tattoo industry and its challenges, trends and opportunities.

A wide network of experienced and qualified tattoo artists who can contribute their expertise and feedback to the curriculum and training courses.

A high level of credibility and trust among tattoo artists and clients who recognize their standards and reputation.

A strong motivation to improve the quality and safety of the tattoo industry and protect its interests.

However, professional tattoo artist associations may also face some challenges or limitations for developing and delivering the curriculum and training courses for tattoo artists. They may:

 

Have different views or preferences on what topics or skills should be included or emphasized in the curriculum and training courses.

Have limited resources or capacity to design, deliver and evaluate the curriculum and training courses effectively and efficiently.

Have difficulty reaching out to or engaging with all the potential or existing tattoo artists who may benefit from the curriculum and training courses.

Therefore, professional tattoo artist associations may need to collaborate with other stakeholders in the tattoo industry, such as regulators, educators, researchers, suppliers or clients, to ensure that the curriculum and training courses are comprehensive, relevant, accessible and acceptable for all parties involved. By working together, they can create a standardized system of training and education that can elevate the tattoo industry to a new level of excellence.