Tattooists, or body artists, decorate the skin of their clients with permanent designs – either words or pictures or a combination of both. They create the tattoos using electronic needles which pierce and inject ink under the skin.

The Work

You could be:

• producing a portfolio of standard designs to show the client
• discussing the choice of design with the client, giving advice on types of tattoo
• explaining the procedure to the client and making sure they know the results are permanent
• adapting the designs in the chart, creating your own or copying a tattoo from the client’s own personal design
• if you are using a standard design, applying a transfer to the chosen part of the skin
• if you are creating a new design, drawing this freehand on the skin
• setting up the tattoo machine – an electronic needle which pierces tiny holes in the client's top layer of skin, and fills the holes with pigment
• first going over the outline of the image with the machine, then filling the outline using different sizes of needle and/or colours of pigment
• disposing of all waste through a licensed waste disposal service.

Some tattooists offer other services such as tattoo removal, 'cover up' (redesigning or covering over an existing tattoo) and body piercing (see job article Body Piercer).

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2018 the National Minimum Wage is £5.90 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20 and £7.38 an hour for workers aged 21 to 24. The National Living Wage is £7.83 for workers aged 25 and over.

Self-employed tattooists usually charge an hourly fee, from around £60 to £120, depending on its complexity and the numbers of pigments involved. Sometimes a set fee is agreed if the tattoo is done in one sitting. Experienced tattooists can earn around £30,000 a year or more. Tattooists sometimes charge a non refundable deposit which will be deducted from your final bill for large tattoo work such as a back piece.

Conditions

• You work in a studio and may carry out the tattoo in a private room or area.
• Your hours of work are usually around 10.00am to 6.00pm.
• You might have to work Saturdays and some evenings.
• You sit or stand while working on a small area of skin.
• You wear protective gloves and keep your equipment in sterile conditions.
• You are recommended to get immunised against Hepatitis.

Getting In

• You do not need formal qualifications. The usual way in is through an apprenticeship with a registered tattoo artist.
• It can be difficult to find a suitable apprenticeship. You need talent and determination to find a job with training.
• You need to be over 18.
• Some tattooists have qualifications in fine art or graphics.
• There are no formal courses in tattooing – training is on the job.
• A portfolio of work is important to help you get an apprenticeship.
• You would be expected to buy and maintain your own equipment, which can cost up to £5,000.
• If you are self-employed, you must obtain a licence from the local authority you operate in.

Look for apprenticeships by contacting registered tattooists. You may make useful contacts by going to tattooing conventions. You might have to move to another part of the country. Most registered tattooists are self-employed.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2018

4194

4.3 %

RISE

2023

4376

  United Kingdom

2018

53569

3.2 %

RISE

2023

55267

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need:

• artistic flair and imagination
• excellent hand to eye co-ordination
• a steady hand and good concentration
• a responsible attitude – to turn away a client who is unsure or appears underage
• high standards of personal and work hygiene and awareness of health and safety issues
• a calm, reassuring approach – for clients who are nervous or in pain
• business skills
• patience, care and attention to detail
• a passion for tattoos - most artists already have tattoos of their own.

Training

• An apprenticeship with a registered tattooist lasts at least 2-3 years.
• You might not earn wages during the apprenticeship. You start by seeing how the studio is run and keeping it in order.
• On the job training includes how to run a business.
• You only start doing tattoos yourself after 6 to 12 months of training and are only fully competent after 5 years.
• You might have to pay for training – this can cost from £5,000 upwards.

Getting On

Success will depend on the location of your studio and the reputation you build up by word of mouth.

In Scotland you can apply for the Tattoo, piercing and electrolysis licence (Scotland) from your local authority. This licences covers:

• tattooing
• semi-permanent skin colouring
• cosmetic piercing
• electrolysis
• acupuncture.

More Information

There is a growing demand in the UK for tattooists with one fifth of the UK's population now having a tattoo.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.