Tattooist
Use needles and ink to draw permanent images, symbols or words on people's skin.
Also known as: tattoo artist, body artist
About the job
A day in the life – Tattooist
What it's like
You would use needles and ink to draw permanent images, symbols or words on people’s skin.
This job requires a lot of technical skill as well as creative talent. Your customers would be placing a lot of trust in you, so it would be important to very careful while you work.
You would:
Advise each client on suitable tattoos
Make sure that the chosen design is exactly what the client wants
Make sure that the client understands that tattooing is permanent
Place the chosen design onto the client’s skin, either by drawing freehand or using a transfer
Follow the lines with an electrically-operated needle, which injects ink under the skin
Use different shapes and numbers of needles depending on the type of tattoo
Keep up to date with the latest fashions in tattoos
It would be important to follow strict hygiene and safety procedures at all times.
Hours
You would usually work a five-day or six-day week, including Saturdays. Studio hours are usually 9am to 5pm, but you may schedule your work into short sessions during the day because of the level of concentration and attention to detail you need.
Environment
You would work in a tattoo studio.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- upselling
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- creative
- designing
- observation
- respecting
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- concentrating
- time management
- reliable
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
It is usual to become a tattooist by completing training on the job which tattooists refer to as an apprenticeship.
You’ll need to approach local registered tattooists and ask if they will agree to take you on as a trainee. A tattooist may expect you to demonstrate that you have a real interest in tattooing and that you have artistic ability. Your apprenticeship may not be paid and you may be expected to provide your own equipment and sterilising units.
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this training though some tattooists have qualifications in fine art or graphics.
Qualifications and experience that show:
Artistic skills
An understanding of health and hygiene
Business skills, as many tattooists are self employed.
A portfolio of your work.
A keen interest in tattoos.
Good eyesight and normal colour vision
As a tattooist you will need to register both yourself and your premises with the local environmental health department. It will carry out regular inspections of your premises and equipment.
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