By Douglas Green


A tattoo artist also goes by several other named, including tattooer and tattooist. A tattooist refers to an individual who specializes in the application of permanent decorative tattoos on the bodies of clients. These professionals usually work in an established business referred to as a tattoo parlour, studio, or shop. When in need of a highly trained and experienced tattoo artist Los Angeles California is the best location to check out.

Tattooists work by creating artworks separately before they apply them on the bodies of clients. The tattooer may produce the design of the artwork or the client may bring their own. Artworks include symbols, numbers, images, or a mixture of all those. Needles and ink are used to create artworks. Several special instruments have been invented to make the process easier.

There are certain skills that separate good tattooers from bad ones. One of the skills is good hand-eye coordination. Good tattoos are only produced if one can coordinate their hands with the eyes perfectly. Paying attention to small details is also a major requirement besides being good at drawing and design. Good communication skills are needed to communicate to clients before working on them. It also makes a lot of difference to be able to listen to instructions given by clients and following them to the latter.

Being a tattooist involves undertaking several work activities in a day. For example, the professional must advise clients on suitable tattoos they should pick. The client must also be informed that the bodywork is permanent before they engage in it. Designs are copied onto the body from other sources using transfers or by hand. In cases where a transfer is used, design lines must be followed precised using an electrical equipment.

Tattooing can be a risky job if the tattooist does not follow the necessary hygiene and health requirements and safety procedures. One must have diverse information on how to ensure that the process is done without risking the health or life of the client. Tattooing is a dynamic industry, with new designs and inventions coming up frequently. As such, a tattooist must take time to research latest trends in design, methods, processes, and equipment among others.

Skills in tattooing are mostly learned through apprenticeship. Studios are the most common places one may find an apprenticeship program to attend. Programs last between 1-3 years. The duration of the apprenticeship depend on the ability to master skills fast. Areas covered in apprenticeship programs include tattoo application, health and hygiene issues, and good practices.

Work days for tattooists vary depending on the employer and personal preferences for those who are employed. Usually, these professionals work for between 5 to 6 days in a week. Most studios open at nine in the morning and remain open up to five in the evening. The job demands paying close attention, which makes some tattooers to schedule their work into short sessions.

How much a tattooist earns is usually dictated by their reputation, personal ability and talent, experience, employer, and location. Income tends to vary widely among those who have their own shops. One can work in other places while undergoing apprenticeship.




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