Tattoo artists use needles and non-toxic ink to apply permanent designs to their clients' bodies, regulated by both federal and state health standards to ensure the safety of their clients. Tattoo artists are required to have a high school diploma, state tattoo license, BBP certificate, CPR training, a portfolio, proven experience in a tattoo studio, and good communicational skills. In addition to being proficient at creating good designs, tattoo artists are required to maintain a sanitized environment, working with and advising clients on designs, scheduling appointments with clients, and guiding them through tattoo aftercare.
I emailed a tattoo artist to get their perspective on the career, and they said it was a demanding job and something that you have to commit years of practice to, but you get what you put into it, and that it became a rewarding career. She said that she spent most of her time both at work and at home working on designs or tattooing people, and that burnout was a common issue. Starting out is an arduous process, requiring an apprenticeship (often unpaid and about one to two years), constant drawing and practicing designs, passing state license tests, CPR and BBP training, and all the while you'd likely have to work a second job.
Overall, researching this was quite informative and gave me a better idea of the demands that certain artistic careers can take, especially ones with clients and health risks involved.
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