Anthony Churchill answers:

Look up your states laws. Some states require you to go to a school, others require an apprenticeship, and some simply require for you to take a test.
For states that only require you to take the test, I still suggest that you get an apprenticeship, technique cannot be learned from a simple test.
Now, for schooling, such as I did, first off talk to people. Some schools are GREAT others are absolute shit. Never EVER go to the two week programs. You CANNOT learn everything you need to know to become a tattoo artist is two weeks. A proper school is usually 9 months, and require you to do a number of tattoos before your license is given to you. These schools can be expensive, but very worth it. The school I went to was $10,000. Be sure to talk to people who know what they are talking about when looking into schools, don’t just listen to the teachers/ owners of the school. Talk to local artists who have been in the job many many years for advice on which school to go to. Schools will still require a portfolio of your work before they allow you in.
Now, for an apprenticeship, these can be hard to get a hold of. First, there are different types. Some shops will teach you right off the bat, for a price. This can differ from shop to shop, $2000, $5000, $10,000 or more dollars. Don’t go to someone who will give you an apprenticeship cheaper just to save money. You want to see a REAL artist who has been in the business for years and does exceptional work. I would never recommend for anyone to go to someone who has been tattooing for less than 10 year.
Some shops will not make you pay, but will make you “work” for the apprenticeship. This can cost you money in the long run, working usual full time hours with no pay for 6 months, a year, two years, cleaning and setting up artist stations, being a secretary, even cleaning shop bathrooms. It’s not unheard of for shops to promise you an apprenticeship and never give it to you solely to get free help.
The best way to find out the best thing to do is talk to many many local artists and get their opinions, this may constitute you going in an paying for them to give you a tattoo to get some of their time.

Anthony Churchill answers:

Hello

1.I’m currently in college, studying Design & Visual Communication, hoping to be a great Designer & Ilustrator, someday. I know plenty of ilustrator who work as tattoo artists too, but tattooing is usually never their first job. In your case, being a police officer and being a tattoo artist are kind of really different from each other, so I’d say that you could definitely be both, but train to become a police officer too, and the tattooing part could be more of an extra job.

2. One of my favorite tattoo artists ever once told me this “Nobody was born drawing like a pro, practice makes perfect”. He didn’t go to Art School or anything, just been drawing his whole life. He takes this little sketch book EVERYWHERE he goes and does sketches of anything he finds out there (I recommend this, it really does improve your skills). Just draw 27/4, DRAW AND DRAW AND NEVER STOP! Once you feel confident with what you have, I’d say you ask for a professional tattooer opinion.

4. I think it depends on the tattooer, I think you’re talking about the stencil, but what’s important is when it’s taken to the skin, which will have to look EXACTLY as the design they have in mind.

5. The artists I know have told me that tattooing is definitely not as easy as it seems: there’s more to it than just drawing with a needle on the skin. The machine usually “shakes” so you must control your hand. You must know how deep to go inside the skin (not too deep because it could hurt the skin badly, and certainly not too above, because then the ink will easily go away). Those who are starting, usually practice on oranges or fake skin

6. That’s an option, I guess once you know someone who’s in the business, many doors could open for you .

7.There are no “laws” regarding this, but I’d say above 15, and at least 18 to start tattooing.

8.I’ve never heard of anything like it and the tattoo artists I know learned from someone they knew who was in the business already.

9. They say you have to work REALLY hard, but you know something? Hard work always pays off

10. This depends on many, many things. From the quality of your work, to where the shop is located. I know some tattoo places that will charge more because of their location, or becaose of how well-known the tattooers who work there are. There should always be a shop-minimum. If you work hard and know how to “move” correctly, I guess you could make a great living through it. I think a good idea would be to start working at some shop and after a few years and savings, open your own business. (The tattoo equipment isn’t that cheap)

11. Some of the tattooers I know started because of the most random stuff, some others started because it was a family tradition, etc. They all practice for at least a year or two. In the end, you can’t mess someone’s skin up!

12. It depends, but from what I know, if there’s some customer who trusts you enough to let you do it, they’re paying for YOUR work so that’s your money, but generally, no, you don’t get paid until you’re a pro.

I hope I helped you and good luck! Just keep drawing

Anthony Churchill answers:

You should have some drawing / painting skills under you belt. Just draw or paint any thing you can, not just the flash art because they want to see your ability to be creative. Not only with drawing but with designing.
The best way to learn is to get an apprenticeship at a tattoo shop. Get a portfolio together of your better drawings, phone up some tattoo shops in your area and see if any one is looking for an apprentice.
Just so you know apprenticeship are not free, you’re going to be paying for some one to teach you their skills and pass down their knowledge of tattooing, you’re also paying for your tattooing machine. It can also take a few years to complete an apprenticeship. It’s also hard work, you’re not going to be tattooing right away.

Anthony Churchill answers:

It takes some time to learn how to properly tattoo some one. If you go with an apprenticeship you won’t be tattooing right away.
The best way to go about learning would be to get an apprenticeship where you would learn about drawing and what goes on in a tattoo shop. You will do a lot of drawing and odd jobs around the shop. But they probably won’t let you tattoo any one until you reach 18 or until your mentor feels you’re ready to start tattooing.
Apprenticeships are not always free, you may be paying for your tattooing machine and for some one to teach you their skills. You may want to get a part time job on the side.

Anthony Churchill answers:

Well the one lady was mostly right many learn via an apprenticeship. You’ll need to be able to draw, of course, and have a wide range of things you can draw. Everything from tribal to people. Put together your portfolio and start talking to shops. (Good shops. )