As a budding tattoo artist, you might be excited to pull out a tattoo gun to start creating cool designs on yourself and others. Yet, there is much to learn before you are qualified to pick up a tattoo machine and permanently alter a person’s skin.
Your designs will remain on a customer’s body forever and represent who you are as a tattoo artist. What’s more, your actions can determine if your clients are in safe hands or at risk of infection, which is why you mustn’t rush in. Find out how to avoid common mistakes as a new tattoo artist.
Use the Best Equipment
Never settle for subpar tools. It cannot only make the tattooing process much harder, but it could lead to substandard designs. Bring your tattoo visions to life in style by using high-quality tattoo machines and needles for accurate and precise lining, shading, and coloring. It will ensure you create impressive tattoos that will wow each client that sits on your bed or chair.
Learn from a Professional
Many eager, inexperienced tattoo artists make the mistake of tattooing themselves or others when they haven’t received the appropriate training. Yet, refrain from doing so to protect your reputation and prevent infection.
You must receive full training from a professional tattoo artist before picking up a tattoo machine. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to maintain a steady hand to avoid poor shading, shaky lines, and many more problems.
Test your design skills on paper or fruit before you tattoo a person for the first time. Also, professional tattoo artists will take the time to help you learn about human anatomy to ensure you deliver the best results without mistakes.
Create and Maintain a Clean, Sterilized Environment
A sanitary environment is a must-have in a tattoo studio. Yet, it is your responsibility as an artist to maintain a clean, sanitized space for your customers. If you don’t, you will increase their likelihood of developing an infection. For example, always wear surgical gloves during a tattoo, provide clean towels, and disinfect your work area after each customer.
Correctly Prep the Skin
Poor skin preparation before a tattoo can cause a host of problems, such as:
- Fading
- Pigment loss
- Infection
Avoid the above issues by thoroughly cleaning a client’s skin before applying a needle. For instance, you must protect the skin with a barrier cream. Also, you must not be afraid to reject a tattoo request if a client has irritated skin or an open wound to prevent infection.
Once a tattoo is over, you must provide in-depth aftercare instructions to help the tattoo heal quickly, such as keeping the tattoo site as clean as possible, avoiding direct sunlight, and using an effective moisturizer to prevent the design from drying out.
Despite your eagerness to get started as a tattoo artist, you’d be foolish to rush in. Instead, learn from as many professionals as possible, use the best equipment, practice on fruit, and create a safe, sterilized environment for your customers once you’re ready to get started.
