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With hit TV shows such as Miami Ink drawing popularity to the tattoo artist as a profession while also increasing demand for tattoo's, this is a fast paced exciting career that has many people wondering how they can become a part of it.

It is essential to have a steady hand. Hold your hand in front of you right now, palm down. How shaky is it? If your hand is shaking like an earthquake, read no further until you learn to control that.

Do you have a lifelong interest in art? You can't just pick up a notepad, do a few doodles, and consider yourself ready to be a tattoo artist. As a tattoo artist, you are permanently etching your drawings onto people's skin. Whatever you put on them, they are going to see every single day. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing the face of someone afterwords who loved your work, but there's nothing worse than someone hating their tattoo. Make sure your art skills are up to snuff before you go near a client to avoid the second situation.

Look at your local community college and see what classes they offer, talk to students and meet your teacher beforehand. A good teacher is worth their weight in gold.

If you aren't a part of your local tattoo scene, get out there to the shops and meet people. Talk to other tattoo artists and ask them how they got into the business, who taught them, or if they'd be willing to help you get started.

Remember it's a competitive industry, but a beautiful piece of ink speaks for itself to be patient to hone your skills then show 'em what you've got!

Learn more about this author, James Waits.
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