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As a tattoo artist for the last ten years, I've seen many people who are interested in learning the trade. I've also seen many make the mistake of trying to take a shortcut to becoming a tattoo artist at home, or as a hobby.

If you are planning to tattoo "for fun" or as a hobby, you should know that in most states this is illegal. The biggest, and most serious reason, is for the health and safety of your (potential) clients. Tattooing in a bacteria-ridden space, with unsterilized equipment, or even worse, non-disposable equipment, is extremely risky.

The risks associated with home tattooing start with minor Staph infections and end with septicemia (which can be fatal) and transmission of serious, life-threatening viruses. Also, using your home as a tattoo studio puts you and your family at extreme risk of infections and diseases. Simply put, this is not safe, and is most likely against the law.

When you decide to learn tattooing it's best to be careful. There are unscrupulous people who will try to take advantage of your interest, and knowing the usual steps taken to become a tattoo artist can help you avoid them.

Having an interest in tattooing and being able to draw, while necessary, are not the only things you'll need. You'll also require a lot of dedication, patience, and sociability. It is hard to become a tattoo artist because it weeds out those who aren't equipped with these necessities.

If you're the typical starving artist, tattooing can look very lucrative compared to where you're at right now, but it's not really a craft you can learn on your own (despite what those unscrupulous people might say).

If you can't be patient and persistent, you won't be a good tattooist anyway. Dealing with clients is much mroe difficult than learning to tattoo, and without the barriers and obstacles to learning there would be no way to ensure the temperament of potential tattooists.

Tattooing is a job in which you will permanently apply images to other people's bodies. You will be exposed to needlestick hazards, infectious diseases, unconsciousness, rudeness, vomiting, blood, bad smells, and frightened folks. You'll have to know how to write "strength" in chinese, japanese, and farsi, and how to soothe a large scary biker who is crying for his mommy. You'll be busy at work for a full shift and then go home to draw for five hours to get ready for the next day.

You will have to get vaccinations, business licenses, and confidence in your drawing ability. And you'll be rewarded

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