Choose a Mentor for Tattoo Art
Tattoo art can be an exhilarating, immersive art experience. While its curves and tools may present challenges, you can craft gorgeous works of artwork with practice and training. Choose a mentor who will challenge you while pushing you beyond your limits to reach new artistic heights.
Research Designers’ Portfolios
Research designers’ portfolios, asking questions as necessary. Pay particular attention to subtle details, such as shading or gradient use.
Getting a Tattoo
Becoming the proud owner of your first tattoo can be an emotional and life-altering decision, so taking steps such as adhering to shop policies and following guidelines set by your artist is vital in building a great relationship with them. Also, remember that if you have had previous allergic reactions from red dye or costume jewelry products, tattoo ink could pose a greater risk; consult a dermatologist before scheduling an appointment for ink treatments.
Your tattoo artist should provide aftercare instructions verbally and on paper; make sure to read them! Cleanse twice daily with non-fragranced hypoallergenic soap and pat it dry (do not rub). Apply fragrance-free moisturizer several times daily, and try to keep the new tattoo out of direct sunlight.
Ensure your tattoo artist sterilizes all non-disposable equipment using an autoclave (heat sterilization machine). They should use only sterile needles and disinfect all surfaces between clients. In addition, CPR certification is essential in an emergency; they should be permitted to work in health care or tattoo studio environments.
Designing a Tattoo
Before beginning your tattoo designing career, you must compile a portfolio of completed designs. Your portfolio should consist of 25 to 100 pieces showcasing copies or original work highlighting your creativity. A portfolio can help secure your career as a tattoo maker while setting you apart from other artists in the field; different ways include social media promotion and attending job fairs.
Before creating a tattoo design, you must consider where it will appear on your body and which colors will be used – this will determine its effectiveness as a design element. Incorporating shading techniques can add depth and dimension.
Be inspired by art, nature, music, and literature when designing your tattoo designs – journal writing can also be beneficial here – this way, creating something truly personal that stands the test of time. Additionally, I will research various tattoo styles and trends to design unique ones.
Finding a Tattoo Artist
Quality of work should always be the deciding factor when selecting a tattoo artist. A qualified artist should have an impressive portfolio with many styles ranging from traditional to realistic tattooing and different colors and shading techniques. A poorly shaded tattoo may fade quickly, so you must find one with consistent coloring skills.
Before getting your tattoo, ensure the artist is licensed. While some states require licensure and certification of artists, others do not; to learn about your state’s requirements, it would be prudent to visit its website. Some tattoo artists must also complete a CPR course to provide emergency first aid.
Consider reaching out to friends and family for recommendations. They can share positive and negative experiences with certain tattoo artists; perhaps they even know someone who can create exactly the style you desire!
When seeking out a tattoo artist, bringing pictures of your desired design is an effective way to help them understand what you want them to create and ultimately will result in a better final product.
