A tattoo artist (also tattooer or tattooist) is an individual who applies permanent decorative tattoos, often in an established business called a tattoo shop, tattoo studio or tattoo parlour. Tattooists usually learn their craft via an apprenticeship under a trained & experienced mentor.To become a tattoo artist a person must first have a passion for art and for drawing and also be able to draw. Then the next step is to gain an apprenticeship from a person that is already skilled in the art of tattooing.Tattooers may use flash (pre-drawn, stock images that can be traced onto the skin) or create original tattoos for their customers.
Some of the tools of the trade have greatly evolved, and some have stayed the same. Such as the tattoo machine. In itself the machine has not changed from its original design and concept. A tattoo artist can also have many different needle sets. Such as round liner needles, round shader needles, flat shaders, and mag needles. The amount of needles attached to the needle bar change as well. There are large magnum needle groups from 15 needles on one bar, all the way to 55 needles on one bar. A tattoo artist must have the basic tools in order to provide a tattoo. All other items at the artist's disposal are as different as each tattoo. Basic tools are the tattoo machine, power supply, clip cord, foot pedal, grip, tips, grip stem, needles, and tattoo ink.
