So you want to learn to tattoo, but don’t know the best way to do it? The popularity of tattoos is exploding and there are more opportunities than ever, but getting the right training can be tricky. A Google search for “Tattoo School” can turn up countless results, with each option offering different costs, term lengths, and curriculums. This can make for a rather overwhelming decision, and make you wonder if there is such a thing as a tattoo school that’s right for you. As people who once asked this question ourselves, we wanted to get all the information into one place to help you see the reality of tattoo schools in America.
When thinking about a tattoo school or the training necessary to become a successful tattoo artist, there are several major things to consider. One is ultimately the supplies you will use and ensuring you only buy the best products from trusted suppliers like TATSoul.
First, will you receive quality training that gives you everything you need to become a successful tattoo artist? You need to be sure that the option you’re considering could realistically train you for every part of the job. If a tattoo school is promising to train you in a week or two, there’s simply no way that you could learn and practice every skill to tattoo successfully and safely. You’re looking for training that would provide months, even years, of credible and effective instruction. In the world of tattooing, if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably not legit.
Second, how much does the tattoo school cost? While it’s important that the training is affordable, you don’t want something that is so cheap that the training is rushed just so they can get more students or apprentices in and out of the door quickly. On the other hand, you want to avoid a tattoo school that charges a fortune just because they think they can get away with it.
Third, is the tattoo school close enough that you can actually attend regular training? If you’d have to move just to attend, you’ll need to factor those costs into your total costs. Online or remote training can work for learning to create flash art, but it’s impossible to accurately learn to tattoo without being in a legitimate tattoo studio.
In-person instruction with proper equipment is essential for becoming a skilled and safe tattoo artist. If the tattoo school isn’t thorough about their safety procedures and how to care for your equipment, it’s another red flag.
Fourth, does the tattoo school actually care about you? Is it a quick money-grab operation that has an uncertain, confusing curriculum and no individual attention, or does it offer comprehensive, individualized learning plans to ensure you receive quality training? Is the training provided built on the style of a traditional apprenticeship or is it just random and chaotic?
Fifth and finally, what does the tattoo school do after you complete your training? Are you thrown to the wolves or is there a system in place for new artists who are ready to start their careers? If a tattoo studio has pride in what they offer, wouldn’t they want to hire you or help you find a job as a professional tattoo artist?
Your best bet is with a tattoo studio that puts their money where they mouth is and offers to hire you after you complete your training. Even if you don’t end up working there, you want a studio that has enough faith in their training to hire their graduates as tattoo artists.
When considering a tattoo training options, you can check out the tattoo school education comparison in this infographic to help you make your decision.
At Body Art & Soul Tattoos, our tattoo training is engineered to prepare you for every aspect of your career as a tattoo artist. From the first sketch to the tattoo application, and from the first meeting with a client to brand management, we make sure you can learn everything you’ll need to have a successful career.
Our tattoo apprenticeships are open to everyone, regardless of race, gender, orientation, or background. If you have a passion for art, you’ll fit in with us. We also offer adaptive, apprentice-specific curriculums for both full-time and part-time trainees.
We hope this information helps as you weigh different tattoo schools and apprenticeships. Getting the right tattoo training is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your career and future depend on your getting the best training available!
