Tattoo designers are one of the most well paid jobs in the industry. However, it is not that easy to a successful tattoo designer. Unless you really have the passion for the art, you can’t be very successful. Here are a few pros and cons of being a tattoo artist.
Pros
Being a tattoo designer has its pros, especially if you love your profession. It is satisfying to see your creativity getting inked on someone else’s body. It is interesting to note how people trust you completely as far as their safety and looks are concerned. If you take your jobs seriously, you will have a large number of clients following you. Even though there will be competition, you will be able to set your own mark in this niche.
Moneywise, like any other business, tattoo artists have highs as well as lows. When you have those ‘high’ times, money flow is fantastic. And it will be your good money managing skills that will help you in the end.
Before you become a full-fledged tattoo designer, you need to be an apprentice of an established tattoo designer. Most of the established tattoo designers love to help the youngsters. You will spend time cleaning and sterilizing their equipment or simply helping them to modify the designs. In the beginning you will be required to create designs on leather. Later you will be asked to work on human skin. This entire process will make you come close to the world of tattooing.
This is a life-long career, which will bring satisfaction to you. Your self-expression is at its best, and if you are giving quality work, your clients will be impressed and come back to you.
You get to meet like-minded people, people who are amazingly artistic and creative, who will have their opinions but would appreciate that you have the right to be in this industry.
Cons
Being a tattoo designer has its share of cons. Establishing yourself in the industry as a recognized artist can be a cumbersome uphill journey. Competition is very high. There are so many aspiring tattoo designers that you will be surprised to know, and creating your mark amongst them would not be an easy task.
Besides that there are so many expenses to take care of. For example you need to maintain sterilized equipment, you have to source and maintain equipment, you have to source all your drawing and art material. If you want to be a custom tattoo artist, then you have to always keep looking for great designs and either modify them or just practice your own skills by drawing, drawing and more drawing!
While money flow may be really good when the business is in boom, it may dwindle during holiday seasons when people go out of the town. It is at this time you have to manage your money in a way that you sustain your business as well as yourself. At those times you would love to ink any person who comes to you, as business is slow.
Overall, if you want to be a tattoo designer, patience is key to it.
