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HOW TO: How to become a tattoo artist?
In Germany, one in five people now has a tattoo. And the job as a tattoo artist is also becoming increasingly popular. Especially due to social media and the past pandemic, many have turned to the art of putting ink under the skin. But how do you actually become a tattoo artist and what do you need? We'll tell you.
The legal basis
Even though you don't need a state-recognised education to become a tattoo artist in Germany, you should deal with a few things. You need a trade licence to earn any money at all, a business plan if you want to open your own studio and you have to deal with the health authorities.
Doesn't sound like rock'n'roll at all, does it? The profession of tattoo artist is to be taken seriously, after all you have a lot of responsibility.
Business licence
You can easily apply for a trade licence at your town hall, the trade licensing office or online. The costs for the licence vary depending on the municipality and are usually between €10 and €65. You will receive your trade licence within a few days. You will also receive a letter from the tax office asking you to fill out the survey form. In this form, you are asked to forecast your income. From this moment on, you can earn money as a tattoo artist.
Tip: If you are unsure about your finances, it is advisable to consult a tax advisor.
Tip: If you are unsure about your finances, it is advisable to consult a tax advisor.
Health Department
In Germany, it is not necessary to have a permit from a health authority. Nevertheless, you should adhere to the high hygiene standards in a tattoo studio. If you are unsure about what these standards are and how you can meet them, there are training courses and courses that cover this topic in detail.
However, don't be surprised if the health department comes to your door. Your studio can be inspected at irregular intervals and usually without prior notice. If you want to be on the safe side, you can simply ask the health department which requirements, guidelines and standards a tattoo studio has to fulfil. If the health department finds that the hygienic requirements are not met, the studio can be closed.
However, don't be surprised if the health department comes to your door. Your studio can be inspected at irregular intervals and usually without prior notice. If you want to be on the safe side, you can simply ask the health department which requirements, guidelines and standards a tattoo studio has to fulfil. If the health department finds that the hygienic requirements are not met, the studio can be closed.
Business plan
A business plan is relevant for you if you plan to open your own studio. With the help of the business plan, you can determine how much money you will need to open your studio and how many customers you will need every day to cover your running costs. This plan will also give you an overview of how much start-up capital you will need for your venture and at what point you will be profitable. With the business plan you can present yourself to banks and investors in order to apply for a suitable loan. Therefore, your business plan should be detailed, accurate and comprehensible.
Other countries
While there is no state-recognised training in Germany, the legal situation in our neighbouring country Austria is somewhat more progressive.
Although there is no state-recognised training in Austria either, there is a qualifying examination that must be passed. To prepare for this examination, one can apply for training at various institutions. Due to the enormous demand, this requires the presentation of a portfolio of drawings and an interview. The course at the institutes must comprise at least 97 hours and consists of theory and practice. Following this, one can then take part in the qualifying examination.
Although there is no state-recognised training in Austria either, there is a qualifying examination that must be passed. To prepare for this examination, one can apply for training at various institutions. Due to the enormous demand, this requires the presentation of a portfolio of drawings and an interview. The course at the institutes must comprise at least 97 hours and consists of theory and practice. Following this, one can then take part in the qualifying examination.
As you can see, tattooing is much more than just putting ink under the skin with a machine and needle. In addition to your creative skills, you also need to be well informed about hygiene regulations, accounting, legal principles and laws, as well as business administration.
How do you become a tattoo artist?
But how exactly do you become a tattoo artist if there is no training at all? There are several paths you can take.
Some choose a suitable studio and do an unpaid internship. The local tattoo artist teaches them all the knowledge and know-how they need. They practice together on artificial skin and general knowledge about the profession is explained. This is definitely the method that will give you the quickest experience and best develop your skills.
Others go the route and teach themselves self-taught with videos from the internet. Nowadays, there are many tattoo artists who share their knowledge on the internet and give tips on how to use their equipment properly. Even though the internet offers the opportunity to learn everything there is to know about tattooing, there is no one there to point out possible sources of error and offer direct advice.
You should definitely go to a studio at some point on your journey to learn from professionals. Working in a studio can also lead to a future partnership or even a job.
What do I need to get started?
You now know the legal situation and where to get your knowledge, but what exactly do you need in terms of equipment? We have just the thing for you 😊 Here you'll find the Tattoo Starter Kit - the ideal initial equipment for tattoo beginners.
A tattoo artist's most important piece of equipment is probably his machine. Our kit includes the tattoo pen from RAVAGE. Let us surprise you with the colour. You also get a power supply unit with a great colour feature. The different colours show you the respective voltages and because of the small size of the power supply you can easily take it with you. A foot switch in black is also included in our set for your power supply unit. You haven't decided on a certain style yet and want to try something out? No problem! We've included various Guerilla cartridges from THE INKED ARMY (3x Liner, 2x Straight Magnum, 3x Round Magnum, 2x Round Shader). And of course we haven't forgotten the colour. You get a 50 ml bottle of Carbon Black with the Starter Kit. The colour is EU REACH compliant and was designed to fit any tattoo style.
A tattoo artist's most important piece of equipment is probably his machine. Our kit includes the tattoo pen from RAVAGE. Let us surprise you with the colour. You also get a power supply unit with a great colour feature. The different colours show you the respective voltages and because of the small size of the power supply you can easily take it with you. A foot switch in black is also included in our set for your power supply unit. You haven't decided on a certain style yet and want to try something out? No problem! We've included various Guerilla cartridges from THE INKED ARMY (3x Liner, 2x Straight Magnum, 3x Round Magnum, 2x Round Shader). And of course we haven't forgotten the colour. You get a 50 ml bottle of Carbon Black with the Starter Kit. The colour is EU REACH compliant and was designed to fit any tattoo style.
To get you started straight away, you will also receive a 15 x 15 cm practice skin, which is perfect for practising. To get your latest work of art onto the skin, you will of course need stencil fluid. With INVADE Stencil Fluid from THE INKED ARMY, you'll get a razor-sharp impression on your practice skin. As mentioned above, hygiene is the be-all and end-all of a good tattoo artist, so in our kit you also get 30 ml of skin and disinfectant as well as our Green Skin Agent, which gently removes blood and excess ink from the skin. Aftercare is also provided for when it comes to real skin! You will receive 100 ml Vaselinum Aloe as well as a pack of ten self-adhesive Lock Down Tattoo Patches from THE INKED ARMY. The patch reliably protects the tattoo from friction and provides a waterproof, antibacterial barrier.
Thanks to the soft inlay in the case, your products are perfectly secured for your transport and you can start your journey as a tattoo artist with your own equipment.
Thanks to the soft inlay in the case, your products are perfectly secured for your transport and you can start your journey as a tattoo artist with your own equipment.
We wish you all the best on your way and above all a lot of fun!