Beauty and Wellbeing - Tattooist and Body Piercer
Beauty and Wellbeing - Tattooist and Body Piercer
Green
Tattooists create permanent artwork on their clients' bodies. Body piercers pierce parts of clients' bodies so that they can wear jewellery.
As a tattooist you'll:
- advise clients on suitable tattoos
- make sure the chosen design is exactly what the client wants
- check that clients understand that the tattoo is permanent
- copy the chosen design onto the customer's skin, either by drawing freehand or using a transfer
- follow the design lines with an electrically-operated needle, which injects ink under the skin
- make sure all equipment is sterilised and clean
- follow strict hygiene and health and safety procedures
As a body piercer you'll:
- discuss with the client the type of piercing they want and advise on what may be suitable
- explain the procedure and point out any risks involved
- advise on suitable types of metal and jewellery
- sterilise the piece of jewellery and the area which is being pierced
- dispose of the needle, following health and safety guidelines
- show the client how to care for the piercing as it heals, and what to do if there's a problem
You could work in a creative studio or at a store.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Tattooist and Body Piercers tend to work between 30 to 40 hours a week. You could work evenings as customers demand.
Variable
You could start as an assistant in a tattoo parlour or body piercing studio. You would need to find a registered tattooist or body piercer, who is willing to take you on and train you.
You would learn alongside them in the workplace to get the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the job.
For tattooing, you'll need:
- an interest in tattooing designs
- artistic ability
- a portfolio of your own artwork and design ideas to showcase your talents
You might have to start as a customer service assistant in a studio, answering enquiries and booking appointments. From there, you could look out for trainee opportunities.