This may seem like a time-wasting step, but it’s far from that; it might be one of the most important aspects of the process if you’re planning on having a serious career. So, here’s how you can get educated;

• Taking art classes – don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a fortune on taking art classes. Try attending affordable art classes at your local community college or educational centers. There, you can get a great insight into the basics of art, drawing, painting, art movements, etc.
• Getting an art degree – now, this a more serious approach that requires complete dedication. It is also not financially suitable for the majority of people, but it is an option. Getting an art degree or a degree in graphic design, design, digital arts, illustration, can help you develop strong art skills, which will serve as a background and a stepping stone for your tattoo career.
• Exploring graphic design – whether you decide to take classes at a community college or attend an art university, it is important to get educated on graphic design. By exploring graphic design, you’ll learn about shape, texture, shading, color, value, size, line, etc. Background in graphic design will help you get a better understanding of what it means to translate a design from paper onto human skin.

3. Gathering Your Art Into A Portfolio

Gathering your work and art in one place will help you get a potential mentor or apprenticeship in a tattoo shop.

It will make it easier for people to go through your work, figure out your style, and see if you fit what they’re looking for in a potential tattoo artist. Here’s how you’re going to create a portfolio;

• Make it look professional – your portfolio needs to look professional if you want to grab the attention of potential mentors. So, try using binders with sheet protection, or have the pages matted. This will make the portfolio easy to go through and make your work stand out. Not to mention that it will look professional, sleek, and show that you’re taking your potential career as a tattoo artist seriously.
• Choose the right work – of course, you’re going to include your best art in the portfolio. But, what comprises your best work? Well, that should be art that is the best representative of your style, drawing skills, and ability to handle detailing, color, and shading. Include work that shows that you can draw objects, patterns, shapes, characters, figures, etc. There should be work that is in black and white, as well as in color. So, decide to go with your strongest pieces that show your potential for creating excellent tattoos.
• Include original work – many people tend to make the mistake of including their variations of someone else’s work. We don’t recommend you do that. Try to include your original work in the portfolio. Only then will potential mentors see your actual talent and ability to create unique designs.

4. Working With A Pro Tattoo Artist (Mentoring)

The best way to learn about tattooing is to work with an actual tattoo artist. This will provide you with an insight into the real-world environment of tattooing and help you learn and practice new techniques.