Looking for a career that’s a little outside of the box? Working as a tattoo artist is a varied, creative and satisfying path to take. On any given day, you could be creating amazing art for your clients, from fine-line tattoos to dramatic tribal pieces or enhancing someone’s natural beauty with cosmetic tattooing.
What’s fantastic about this career is that there are multiple paths and tattoo training options to take you there. But most importantly, they all begin with a recognised infection control course. Wondering how to become a tattoo artist and the next steps to take? Demi International’s guide is the best place to start.
How to become a tattoo artist in six steps
Congrats. You know what you want to be in life, and it’s an exciting career! But what’s involved in becoming a tattoo artist, and what are the relevant courses and qualifications you need to begin?
Whether you’re entering this career as someone already working at a tattoo parlour or coming into the world of tattooing without any experience, your best chance of success is to follow these steps.
Step 1: Complete a recognised infection control course online
The good news is that you don’t need to complete a formal tattoo course to become a tattoo artist in Australia. But you will need a current certificate in infection control. Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments is a nationally recognised unit that covers the principles and practices of infection control in the skin penetration industry. And it’s mandatory to ensure you’re working to the safest methods for yourself and your clients and following regulations in your state.
Thankfully, you can complete this online through Demi International. And as Queensland’s Small Training Provider of the Year, we’ve made it accessible and simple for everyone to complete. The course can be completed online if you have access to an autoclave, and it costs $395. Or, if you need access to an autoclave, the course costs $495. Take it at your own pace over three months with the support of an online tutor and one-on-one support.
The infection control course online covers clinical compliance, identifying and monitoring infection control risks and industry codes and standards for sterilisation procedures. You’ll also learn about cleaning, disinfection, hygiene and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) correctly.
Once complete, a world of professional possibilities opens to you. Demi International’s graduates now work at SkinKandy, Skin Clinics, Laser Clinics, Cosmetic Tattoo clinics, tattoo studiosand clinics that offer cosmetic injectables. With this versatile certification, you have the freedom to pursue a range of careers.
Step 2: Obtain an Australian tattoo licence or registration
Once you have your infection control certification, you can begin working towards your Australian tattoo licence. In Queensland, the tattooist license is mandatory for anyone who wants to work as a body art tattooist. To be eligible, applicants must:
- be 18 years old,
- be an Australian resident or citizen,
- have no relevant restrictions,
- not be convicted of an offence under the Tattoo Industry Act 2013,
- be willing to have a criminal history check
The rules for gaining this registration differ in each state. For example, you don’t need a tattooist licence in South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory. Tattooists in the ACT instead need to apply for an Infection Control licence.
With the proper registration under your belt, you can start pursuing a career. But how long does it take to become a tattoo artist? That depends on what you do next.
Step 3: Find a mentor for your tattoo artist training
Mentorship can be valuable in any career, but it’s especially rewarding during your tattoo artist training. Consider scoping out your local tattoo shops and discovering the artists who work there. Getting their advice on how to become a tattoo artist can be priceless.
Need a little inspiration? Some of Australia’s favourite tattoo artists include Alex Rusty, Ryan Ussher, and Inksturbed. But once you start scrolling, you’ll find a world of amazing artists to admire.
Step 4: Start developing your tattoo artist skills
With the right qualifications and an idea of the type of tattoos you’d like to create for clients, you can start developing your tattoo artist skills. techniques are constantly being developed, art styles are being designed, and there’s always something new to learn. So, tattoo artists should have the mindset of being lifelong learners.
Beyond undertaking a tattoo artist course, you can work on your skills in other ways. Taking art classes, practising sketches and getting hands-on experience with tattooist equipment can all be invaluable.
Step 5: Build your portfolio
Like other artists and creatives, tattooists should have a current portfolio. Your portfolio will highlight the sketches and completed pieces you’re most proud of, effectively working as an advertisement for your tattoo artist skills.
You can use it to gain employment, market yourself and find new clients. Online portfolios are popular today, with many artists using their Instagram profiles to showcase their work.
Take your next steps with Demi International
Interested in a career that combines creativity, precision, and skill? Becoming a tattoo artist could be the job you’ve been dreaming of. To begin, check out the Maintain Infection Control course from Demi International and take the first step towards your dream career. Our friendly course advisors are on hand to assist, so reach out today.
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