Becoming A Tattoo Artist At 40: Easier Than You Think!

40 might seem a bit late to start a new career. Especially in a challenging space like the tattoo industry.

So is becoming a tattoo artist at 40 possible? 

Yes, becoming a tattoo artist in your 40s is quite possible. You will need to pick up the artistic, medical, communication, and technical skills needed. And you may face a few challenges with age discrimination, a new work environment, and learning the ropes.  

More justification and tips for starting a career as a tattoo artist in your 40s are given in this article right here!

Key Take Aways 

• It is completely possible to pursue a career as a tattoo artist in your forties.
• Artistic ability, technical abilities, health and safety understanding, and good communication are all essential to becoming a proficient tattoo artist.
• One has to receive relevant qualifications and evaluate aspects such as physical health, finances, and time commitment.

How To Become A Tattoo Artist In Your 40s

You will need to master different skills for different tattoo types. Traditional tattoos need good line work, color theory, and shading. Realism tattoos require excellent drawing skills, knowledge of light and shadow, color theory, and shading techniques. Watercolor tattoos require knowledge of color theory, blending techniques, and how colors interact with the skin. Geometric tattoos require excellent linework skills, precision, symmetry, and composition knowledge.

So out of all these styles, it is best if you find your calling. Mastering all the different art styles takes a lot of time and might not be ideal for everyone., So focus on one style at a time. Here’s what you need to get started as a tattoo artist.  

• Learning how to design tattoos: Start by practicing your drawing skills, especially in the areas of line work, shading, and color theory. You can take art classes or online courses to improve your skills. 
• Developing a portfolio and an audience: Create a portfolio of your artwork, including your tattoo designs, and showcase it on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Building a following will help you gain exposure and potentially attract clients.
• Obtaining certification in bloodborne pathogens: As a tattoo artist, you will be working with needles and blood. Therefore, it is crucial to understand bloodborne infections and the measures that may be taken to stop the spread of infection. You can get certified by taking a course online or in person.
• Choosing apprenticeship or self-study path: Many tattoo artists start by completing a tattoo apprenticeship with an experienced tattoo artist. You can also choose to teach yourself by practicing on synthetic skin or by consenting friends and family members. But apprenticeship will help your career more because it will give you more practical knowledge and help build a network. Being the apprentice of famous tattoo artists can help bring in clients. 
• Learning how to use tattoo machines: Once you can access a tattoo machine, practice on synthetic skin or other materials before moving on to live clients. It’s essential to understand how different machines and needles work, for example how 5rl and 7rl are different. 
• Obtaining a license from your jurisdiction: It’s possible that you’ll need to get a tattoo artist’s license in order to legally work in your state. The specifics of the regulations can be learned by contacting the health department in your area.

In the United States, to get a Tattoo License, you must pass an Infection Control Examination conducted by DOHMH’s Health Academy. That is after completing a three-hour course on infection control.

What Skills Are Needed?

Here are the skills for tattoo artist:

• Artistic Ability And Creativity: As a tattoo artist, you will need to create unique designs and bring them to life on your client’s skin. Having a strong artistic ability and being able to think creatively are crucial skills in this field.
• Technical Skills: You need to have excellent hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and attention to detail to operate a tattoo machine. You should also be able to handle needles and work with precision. In addition to a comprehensive knowledge of the tools used to generate color, shading, and line work.
• Health Knowledge And Safety: Tattoo artists must have a good understanding of health and safety practices to prevent the spread of infection. This includes knowledge of bloodborne pathogens, skincare, and proper sanitation procedures. For example, you will have to take action if the skin around the tattoo starts yellowing.
• Communication Skills: Because you will be working closely with customers to create the tattoos they have envisioned, effective communication is critical in this line of work. It is crucial to have the ability to listen to the requirements of your customers, offer sound advice, and communicate clearly.

Do I Need Any Certifications?

Depending on the state and county regulations where you intend to work, you may need to earn certain credentials to become a tattoo artist in your 40s. 

1. Bloodborne Pathogens Certification: This certification is crucial, mandated by federal OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. It is especially vital for tattoo studios and tattoo artists. This is essential as a professional would regularly be exposed to blood and potentially infectious materials in their work.
2. OSHA Safety Certificate:  Some certification programs may require applicants to obtain an OSHA Safety Certificate, which covers workplace safety regulations and practices.
3. CPR and First Aid Certification: Tattoo artists may be required to have CPR and First Aid Certifications across different states. This covers how to perform lifesaving practices in your tattoo shop if and when they are required.
4. Tattoo License:  Tattoo artists in most states, including California, are required to get a tattoo license from the Department of Health or the applicable governing authority.

How Do These Skills Correlate To Age?

Skill	Relation with age	Source
Creativity	Typically reaches its highest point in a person’s late 30s or early 40s and then begins to diminish.	Research by psychologist Dean Keith Simonton
Hand-eye coordination	Less for people over 65.	Research published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B
Communication	Declines from early 40s.	Research by Prof. Ferguson, Principal investigator on CogSoCoAGE

Creativity: According to research conducted by psychologist Dean Keith Simonton, creativity is associated with a heightened output in your mid-20s. He also mentioned that creativity usually reaches its highest point in a person’s late 30s or early 40s and then begins to diminish. However, this is based on statistical averages and there are always exceptions.

Technical Skills: In a research published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, the perceptual-motor adaptability of older adults was assessed. The study found that hand-eye coordination was significantly smaller for older participants (65 and older). The primary takeaway is that one’s capacity for perceptual-motor flexibility decreases with aging.

Communication skills: According to research done by Prof. Ferguson, principal investigator on CogSoCoAGE, communication skills do decline with age. Our communication skills start to be affected by our age in our early 40s or late 30s. 

It is true these skills may decline with age. However, it is essential to keep in mind that one should never give up on pursuing their goals or objectives. It is possible to keep these talents up to date and even improve upon them with consistent practice and effort. 

Lyle Tuttle and Don Ed Hardy are famous tattoo artists who continued their careers for over half a century. If age had played a factor, they would not have been able to maintain such a long career. 

Additionally, life experience and wisdom gained through age can often bring a unique perspective and enhance one’s abilities. Therefore, it is never too late to pursue your ambitions and put in the effort necessary to achieve them, regardless of your age.

How Many Years To Become a Tattoo Artist?

Generally, it takes 3 to 5 years on average to become a proficient tattoo artist. This includes the time required to learn the necessary artistic skills, and technical skills, and gain experience working with clients. 

However, the time required to establish oneself as a professional tattoo artist can vary wildly. It partly depends on the program’s structure and the mentor’s requirements. Some people may be able to become proficient self-taught tattoo artists in a shorter amount of time. While it could take longer for others to achieve the appropriate level of mastery. 

In the end, the amount of time necessary to become a tattoo artist is determined by the individual’s level of dedication. How long it takes depends on how hard you work and how eager you are to learn and develop as an artist.

Is There A Best Age For Becoming A Tattoo Artist? 

Generally, it takes 3 to 5 years on average to become a proficient tattoo artist. This includes the time required to learn the necessary artistic skills, and technical skills, and gain experience working with clients. 

However, the time required to establish oneself as a professional tattoo artist can vary wildly. It partly depends on the program’s structure and the mentor’s requirements. Some people may be able to become proficient self-taught tattoo artists in a shorter amount of time. While it could take longer for others to achieve the appropriate level of mastery. 

In the end, the amount of time necessary to become a tattoo artist is determined by the individual’s level of dedication. How long it takes depends on how hard you work and how eager you are to learn and develop as an artist.

Challenges You May Face

Starting a late career in the tattoo industry will come with some unique challenges as well.

Starting Over

 If you’re changing careers to become a tattoo artist in your 40s, you may need to start over. This pertains to developing your portfolio, expanding your professional experience, and establishing yourself as a leader in your field. This can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that many successful tattoo artists have started their careers later in life.

Learning New Skills

Becoming a tattoo artist requires a unique set of skills that may be new to you. This can include learning how to use tattoo machines and mastering shading and coloring techniques.

Age Discrimination

Unfortunately, age discrimination can be a reality in many industries, including tattooing. Some people may assume that older tattoo artists are less skilled or less capable than younger artists.

New Work Culture/Environment

If you’re used to a different work culture or environment, transitioning to the world of tattooing can be challenging. 

Tattoo shops often have a unique culture and set of expectations. And you’ll need to adapt to this in order to succeed. However, if you’re passionate about tattooing and committed to learning, you can adjust to this new and exciting environment.

Additional Factors to Consider

Here are some additional factors to consider when becoming a tattoo artist in your 40s, elaborated on the following points:

Research your state and county regulations

Each state and county has its own set of regulations governing tattooing. Some states require tattoo artists to be licensed, while others only require them to be registered. There may also be specific requirements for the type of tattoo machine you can use, the type of ink you can use, and the sanitation procedures you must follow. It is important to research the regulations in your area before you start tattooing.

Complete the required certifications

Some states require tattoo artists to complete a certain number of hours of training or to pass a written or practical exam. There are also a number of private certification programs available. Completing the required certifications can demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential clients and employers.

Apply for a tattoo license

If your state requires tattoo artists to be licensed, you will need to apply for a license. The application process typically involves submitting proof of training, passing a background check, and paying a fee.

Follow additional regulations: In addition to the basic requirements, there may be additional regulations that you need to follow. For example, you may need to obtain a permit to tattoo in a particular location. You may also need to comply with specific health and safety regulations.

Your physical health 

Tattooing can be physically demanding, so it is important to be in good health. You will also need to be able to stand for long periods of time and to work with your hands.

Your financial situation

Starting a new business can be expensive, so you need to make sure that you have the financial resources to get started. You will also need to be prepared for the possibility that it may take some time to build up a client base.

Your time commitment

Tattooing is a time-consuming career. You will need to be prepared to work long hours, including evenings and weekends.

Your passion for tattooing

Tattooing is a creative career, so it is important to be passionate about it. If you are not passionate about tattooing, it will be difficult to succeed in this field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How Old Are Most Tattoo Artists?

According to a study by Zippia, the average age of an employed tattoo artist is 42 years old. However, tattoo artists can be of any age, as the profession does not have strict age requirements or limitations.

What Degree Is Best For Tattooing?

About a quarter of tattoo artists have degrees in graphic design. However, the prevalence of people with only a high school certificate is even higher. Tattoo artists can also have majors in the visual arts or commerce.

Can Anyone Learn Tattooing?

Yes, anyone can learn how to tattoo. However, not everyone becomes a professional tattoo artist. Tattooing can be a challenging career that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It’s important to consider if you are cut out for this career before going all out.

Conclusion 

And with that, we can see that Becoming A Tattoo Artist At 40 is very much in the realm of possibility. With the right mindset, age will never be a barrier. 

Good luck if you want to start a career. Hopefully, the article was of some help for this huge decision.