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Useful experience for tattoo artists includes:

• work in visual arts
• hands-on arts and crafts jobs
• work in beauty, healthcare, retail or customer services.

Tattoo artists may do some or all of the following:

• explain tattooing and piercing procedures to clients
• help clients choose images or jewellery
• copy or design images for clients
• make stencils of images
• prepare and sterilise skin
• use inked needles or traditional tools to create decorative, cosmetic or paramedical (covering scars or buns) tattoos
• pierce or cut skin and insert jewellery
• sterilise equipment and make sure their studio meets health and safety standards.

Few opportunities for tattoo artists

It is difficult to find work as a tattoo artist due to the small size of the occupation, and low staff turnover.

Few tattoo artist jobs advertised

Demand for tattoo artists is low because the occupation is small, with low staff turnover. 

There are already enough tattoo artists to meet the growing demand for tattoos and piercings.

Your chances of securing work as a tattoo artist are best if you:

• have experience
• have a good reputation
• promote yourself on social media.

Limited number of apprenticeships available for tattoo artists

There are limited opportunities for apprenticeships for tattoo artists. You can improve your chances of getting an apprenticeship by approaching studios directly once you:

• have a portfolio of your own designs in many different styles
• have your own website and social media presence
• have developed other skills such as hygiene knowledge and marketing.

Self-employment common among tattoo artists

Two-thirds of all tattoo artists are self-employed. A quarter of tattoo artists work part time.

According to the Census, 423 tattoo artists worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Self-employment common among tattoo artists

Two-thirds of tattoo artists are self-employed. A quarter of tattoo artists work part time.

Association of Professional Piercers Ltd

info@safepiercing.org - www.safepiercing.org

Experienced tattoo artists may progress to set up their own tattoo business.

Tattoo artists may specialise in tattooing or body piercing, or in the following roles:

Cosmetic Tattooist/Permanent Make-up Artist

Cosmetic tattooists/permanent make-up artists apply tattoo make-up, such as lipliner and eyeliner.

Paramedical Tattooist

Paramedical tattooists apply tattoos to people who have had accidents, operations or illnesses. For example, they may tattoo eyebrows for someone who has lost their hair.

Tattoo artists need to be:

• creative and artistic
• patient and confident
• responsible
• able to handle criticism
• calm 
• good at listening and communicating with people

Tattoo artists should not be squeamish.