How Do Tattoo Artists Practice? (8 Popular Methods)

Because tattoos are lifelong, how do tattoo artists practice, notably when they are beginners? Although it is feasible, it is not recommended that you begin adding ink to relatives right away. Instead, today’s post will get into the 8 most common practices for tattoo beginners.

How Do Tattoo Artists Practice? (8 Popular Methods)

There are various alternative options for artists to hone their skills that are preferable. Indeed, with today’s guide, mastering tattooing techniques is a piece of cake!

Have a notebook

Begin by drafting and sketching in your notebook. Start with pencils so that you may erase them afterward. Next, try creating various designs in different themes and styles by utilizing a pen.

Future customers’ requirements will differ, so ensure that you are adaptable from the start. Then, when you’re more comfortable with this, you may experiment with additional alternatives.

Experts-say-learn-from-the-sketches
Experts say learn from the sketches!

Tattoo your friend using a sharpie or Henna ink 

If you can find an interested volunteer, try making a custom tattoo for them with a fine-tip sharpie. If your buddy isn’t pleased with your performance, you can use rubbing alcohol to erase the sharpie from their body.

Sharpies-pens-for-tattoos
Sharpies pens for tattoos

After you’ve tried a sharpie, you might like to test with Henna ink. These tats will last for up to 2 weeks, so consider this practice after first training on paper with a pen.

Use fruits

Not as a nibble, but for training! Fruits, resembling the actual anatomy, feature contours and are therefore not flat. Most tattooists practice their new tattooing devices on fruits to get used to the new tools.

Avocados, limes, and papayas, mangoes are all terrific options. You might want to sample a few other fruits to determine which one you like most. They might be good picks for people who are just getting started!

Utilize artificial skin

fake-skin-for-tattoo-artists
Fake skin is good for tattoo practices.

Skin for tattoo training is available online in the form of single strips, books, and even body sections like arms and legs.

Though it isn’t comparable to natural skin, it possesses a few similar characteristics and responds comparably to a tattooing gun. As a result, it’s an excellent item to focus on stability, clear lines, and depth.

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Consider utilizing pig skin

I know you might be asking, “Really? Do tattoo artists practice on live pigs?” Well, yes. But that’s only in the past. Nowadays, you can buy pig skin online. However, many tattooists search out nearby suppliers for free skin.

While some beginner artists are wary of utilizing pig skin since it may be smelly and difficult to deal with, it is still an excellent material. It also has a lot in common with human skin.

Adjusting the depth of your needles on pig skin may be a fantastic technique to exercise: Tattooing needles must be inserted deeply enough to leave a lasting artwork yet not too deep that tissue damages occur.

Ink yourself

You might be more at ease experimenting on your own body after developing more confidence using a few practices mentioned above. When starting, many beginner painters may select hidden spots on their bodies.

Ink-yourself
Try it out on your own body.

You will understand what your potential customers will experience when you ink them as you tattoo yourself. It will be a privilege to be capable of wearing your “first” actual work of art for the rest of your life!

Ink friends

Now, contact a buddy or close relative willing to get a real tattoo from you! Because they are still practicing, many beginner tattooists provide their debut tattoos for free or at a low cost.

That’ll be a one-of-a-kind feeling, unlike inking on fruits or artificial skin. Although you might feel hesitant about honing your skills on somebody else, tattooing a real guy is critical to your tattooing profession.

Keep practicing

It is crucial to remember that keeping on studying is necessary for a prosperous tattooing profession. This profession necessitates devotion to the arts, tremendous attention, and the realization that you will never be done studying! So, practice, practice, practice! Strive to put in the effort to perfect the skills of tattoos.


Do You Have To Be Good At Drawing To Be A Tattoo Artist? 

Most tattoo artists argue about whether or not a tattooist can succeed without the talent to draw. A few feel it is necessary for the profession, whereas the rest claims that you may find success without innate drawing skill.

It is feasible to be a good tattoo artist while not being capable of drawing, but you will encounter many difficulties. For instance, you might feel restricted or weak to fellow colleagues, yet success in this industry is still viable.

It is more challenging to master tattooing if you cannot develop your own ideas. Studying to tattoo entails a good portion of drafting and designing on paper. Customers usually want your assistance. This will be more difficult if you are unable to sketch.

basic-drawing-knowledge-as-a-tattoo-artist.
You should have basic drawing knowledge as a tattoo artist.

If you cannot sketch yet are committed to pursuing a professional life in tattooing, you will most likely wish to be labeled a “quick artist.” 

Typically, quick designs are made by somebody else, available on the internet, or published in huge quantities at tattoo parlors. The graphics have already been made, and the practitioner uses a stencil of the design to frame the tattoos on the skin.

Stencils might be helpful during tattooing, although the design might fade off the body before the ink is finished. In this scenario, you’d have to either redraw the stencil or try your hardest to finish the job freehand (which may or maybe a hit or a miss).

Sadly, the journey of an unartistic tattooist can be strewn with numerous barriers and obstacles.

There are methods you may try to enhance your artistic capability if you don’t think you’re excellent at designing but still wish to become a tattoo artist. Even if it does not feel right to you, you may focus on it and progress from where you began.

Although the practice may not always result in perfection, it does result in improvement! So, even if creating art is a massive problem for you, don’t lose hope.


How To Get Better At Drawing

Here are a couple of tips to help you better your sketch:

Observe the works of different artists. Try to imitate what they’ve accomplished. Copy their outlines and color in the areas where they have colored.

Try drawing your original creations after you’ve mastered the ability to replicate. For instance, sketch a vase, a dog, and a toiletry shelf.

How-To-Get-Better-At-Drawing
Try to create your own work.

If you’re still puzzled and don’t know which way is up, enroll in a sketching course. Learn from the lecturer and your peers. Art tutors may frequently give valuable suggestions on coping with different struggles.

A novice artist can also benefit from many excellent online materials and tutorials.

Most significantly, if being a tattoo artist is your real ambition, don’t lose hope in studying how to design. Even if you don’t see yourself as a “talent,” you may learn to do it and do it properly.

If you’re ready to put in the effort to conquer the difficulties, the opportunities for your profession might be limitless. No boundary can hold you back!


Wrapping Up 

How do tattoo artists practice? See our 8 methods above for yourself. Indeed, talents aren’t always what gets you ahead – practice and patience do! Try our suggestions above, and we guarantee you’ll improve a lot. Good luck!

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