What Does A Tattoo Artist Do?
Once clients step into a tattoo shop, they are not only curious of what designs are suited for their body part. Along with the will to have a body art comes a question of what does a tattoo artist do? What procedures are they going to perform? And what safety measures do they observe to keep their workplace, employees and customers safe and free from getting any contagious diseases.
The following is a list of the duties and responsibilities of a tattoo artist:
1. Guide clients through the process.
Clients have the right to receive adequate information before getting inked. Before anything else, the artist and customer set a meeting to agree on certain terms and conditions. This would usually include the design, placement, color, and necessary measures to be performed upon applying the work of art. Inspection of the body part is also conducted to ensure there is no harm or compromise in terms of the tattoo’s placement.
During this time, an artist can give suggestions and advice to improve the client’s idea. Samples and sketches of patterns are also made and presented in order for the client to have a clear idea of the expected outcome. Oftentimes, a down payment is also charged by the tattoo artist before the procedure. Customer satisfaction is always important. Therefore, you must listen to what the client needs and wants. Remember to give attention to every detail and information they provide.
2. Check client credentials.
Tattoo artists must require clients to provide a certificate regarding his/her physical condition. It must state that he/she is physically fit to have a tattoo and free from any blood borne infection or diseases.
3. Always be clean and sterile.
Cleanliness and sanitation are important considerations. Before performing their job, tattoo artists must make sure that their equipments are clean and sterile. Needles and other materials are sterilized using an autoclave machine to ensure that there is no transfer of blood borne diseases from one person to another. This also ensures their own safety in case of unpredictable needle pricks. It is also necessary that disposable materials should be used only once. Chairs, tables and other equipments in the workplace must also be cleaned before and after each tattoo procedure. Germicidal chemicals and sprays are recommended in doing this. Remember that the state regulations set hygiene rules for tattoo shops to gain licenses and certifications.
4. Mix inks.
If the client prefers to have a colored tattoo, inks or paints to be used must be mixed properly using the correct amount and formula.
5. Ink the tattoo.
Before pricking the skin, it is important to shave and clean the area using a germicidal soap to avoid any possibilities of skin infection. After this, they make an outline of the design by placing a stencil and tracing it on the customer’s skin. By using an electric needle, the colored pigment or indelible ink is then inserted to the skin following the design of the outline. In the middle of the procedures, tattoo artists adjust and set the tattoo machines according to the needed frequency or pressure.
6. Provide aftercare and information for the client.
Once done with the tattoo application, the artist then covers the body part with a sterile dressing to avoid any infection to the area. Clients must also be reminded when to change the dressings and be given written reminders and instructions regarding skin care. Inform them also not to touch the body part every now and then. In instances wherein the tattoo is not healing properly, the tattoo artist must be accountable and gives further explanation to the client. A referral to the physician can also be done if things get worse.
7. Tattoo removal.
Tattoo artists can also erase tattoo designs. They can do this by either removing or covering it with a new tattoo. However, this would be depending on their potential, creativity and abilities.
8. Paperwork.
It is important to keep a financial record especially if you are the shop owner. Inventories of stocks and other supplies are done every now and then. Orders of materials are also monitored to ensure that your business is earning well.
9. Continued education.
Part of your responsibility is to update your knowledge, license and certification. You can attend conventions and seminars if this would be beneficial to your talents and improve your potentials.
I hope this list had given you the information you needed. However, if you really like to experience and see for yourself how a tattoo artist’s day goes, you can go to a tattoo shop and observe how they work. If this would let you learn more regarding the basics of the tattoo basics, we suggest you do so.
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- How Much Does A Tattoo Artist Make?
- How To Become A Tattoo Artist
- How Much Does A Comic Book Artist Make?
- How To Become A Comic Book Artist
