We recentlyaskedtattoo artists in theBuzzFeed Communityto share behind-the-scenes secrets that come with their job.
Here’s what they had to say:
1.
“Artists are in a ton of pain from the job.
They’re also under a lot of pressure to be perfect with every needle stroke.
We spend all day holding awkward positions and gripping a vibrating machine.
We have a ton of back pain, elbow pain, and hand pain.
Emily from Raleigh, North Carolina
2.
“It’s not for everyone, but it is a commitment.
You’re going to be criticized and push yourself to a point that breaks a lot of artists.
It will take a few years to get your name out there and pop the algorithm.
It’s incomparable, and you’ll move from there.”
Lia from Arizona
4.
“Tattooing is 100% one of those things you HAVE to want.
You will resent the job and hate it if it’s just a last resort.
“Tasmanian devils and Yosemite Sam are my least favorite to do.”
shinylamp877
6.
“Draw all the time.
Work on your fundamentals and fill up your sketchbook.
Take advantage of the time you have now.”
“It takes a huge toll on your body.
If you aren’t super passionate about the job it’ll get tiring fast.”
u/Nance99
8.
“Spend the money on a good quality machine.
It makes a world of difference, and saves you a lot of frustration.”
“Take a stretch break every hour!
You might think, oh I’m fresh and eager!
u/TheAccusedKoala
10.
“Charge based on supply and demand.
I kept my prices super low for ages even though I was getting booked out.
Raise your prices if you’re getting booked out.
I’d also like to be able to retire before my tattoos suck because my hands are shaky.”
“If your main interest isn’t inherently drawing, tattooing isn’t for you.
u/Odd_Debt222
12.
“Tattooing is very fickle.
When recessions hit, this is the first industry to get a slowdown.
Some seasons, like winter, are always slow.
And in some towns, additional seasons are also slow.
I’m in a college town, so summer and winter are both slow.
Tattooing is not a financially secure career, so keep that in mind when making your future plans!”
“When I apprenticed, the shop was next door to a Salvation Army food kitchen.
He smelled pretty ripe, but he got an awesome tattoo for free!”
Amy from Florida
14.
“Hard to sustain yourself while apprenticing?
Fk yeah it is.
I wouldn’t say so.
It’s all about calibration.
Luck will only make that process faster.
Security is the LAST word that I would use to describe tattooing.”
We don’t care why you’re getting your tattoo or what it means.”
fancycrab815
16.
“Don’t specialize too early.
Doing a little of everything will help you perfect your technical skills.
“it’s possible for you to say no to clients.
u/SomeSluttyBean
18.
Most of the time they say, ‘Oh, I don’t care,’ but I do.
mushytraveler138
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
