Tattoo careers
Getting into tattooing, and getting paid for it
Straight answers on apprenticeships, portfolios, licensing, guest spots and the money — written with studio owners who hire, not scraped from forums. When you're ready to apply, the jobs board is next door.
Getting started
- How to get a tattoo apprenticeshipWhat a real tattoo apprenticeship involves, how to find a mentor, what to put in your drawing portfolio, and the warning signs of an exploitative shop.10 min read
- Tattoo licence requirementsThe licensing, bloodborne pathogen training and health registration tattoo artists typically need before working in a shop, and how to check your local rules.6 min read
- How to become a tattoo artistThe honest route into tattooing — drawing, apprenticeship, licensing, first paid work and building a client base, with realistic timelines at each stage.10 min read
Getting hired
- How to get a tattoo jobA practical route into a paid tattoo job: what studios actually check, how to approach a shop, what to send, and the mistakes that get portfolios ignored.9 min read
- Building a tattoo portfolioHow to photograph, order and present a tattoo portfolio for shop owners — healed work, style focus, and what to cut before you send it anywhere.7 min read
- Tattoo artist resume and application emailWhat to put on a tattoo artist resume, plus a short application email template studios actually reply to. Licensing, experience and availability in one page.6 min read
- How to book guest spotsHow to find, pitch and prepare for a tattoo guest spot — what to ask about rent and splits, how to fill your week, and how guest spots turn into chairs.7 min read
Money & contracts
For studios
Hiring an artist?
Post the seat free on the jobs board, or run the whole shop — bookings, deposits, consent forms and aftercare — for $29.99/month with unlimited artists.