No tattoo artist is born with needle and inking skills in their hands. All artists in tattoo jobs passed their apprentice stage, and that’s what you are going to do if you dream of being a tattoo artist. It’s not easy to do, and definitely not an easy thing to get. But everyone who’s serious about tattooing will definitely take this path. Tattoo is not something you can master by “self-taught”, no matter how many books and Youtube videos you’ve watch. And if your tattoo dream includes working in studio tattoo Bali, surrounded by tropical vibe and easy access to pristine beaches, this is something you need to read.
Does It Have to Be Studio Tattoo in Bali?
No, really. You can practically start your tattoo career everywhere—even in your home country. But here in Bali, tattoo culture flourish like flowers in rich gardens. Perhaps it’s the holiday vibe—enticing holiday makers to give an artistic gift to their body as a holiday token. There’s always a new tattoo shop every year, each time better than its predecessor. This indicate a healthy growth of tattoo industry which offers a promising tattoo career for your future. And though there are shady tattoo shop in Bali’s most crowded area (we are talking to you, Legian’s Poppy Lane), we’ve found some modern, authentic studio tattoo in Bali like the Koloni Tattoo of Canggu, Artful Ink, or the Gods of Ink.
Practice Being An Artist and Build Serious Portfolio
You cannot be a tattoo artists without being an artist in the first place. When you approach a tattoo studio to be their apprentice, their first look will be your portfolio. Drawing skills is a non-bargain requirement for any tattoo apprentice. And by portfolios, they’ll expect you to show up with an assortment of finished drawings. That means no doodles, rough sketch, or drafts. They want to see clear ideas and your tendency of style.
When you come to studio tattoo Bali, no one will tech you how to draw. They will mentor you, hone your skills, teach you new tricks, and challenge you to be better. That’s why it’s essential to give yourself plenty of time to bake your ideas and prepare portfolios. Grind down the style you love while trying out different style of drawing at the same time.
Start Looking for Reputable Studio Tattoo Bali
Anyone who want to be a good artists should train only at tattoo shop with good reputation. Just because you need an apprenticeship, doesn’t mean that you should take any internship vacancy anywhere. Look for tattoo shops who get plenty of business, good reviews, who take hygiene and cleanliness very seriously, and house excellent artists. Consequently, they might be high in demand which result in tight competition between aspiring tattoo artists.
Read More: Staying at Canggu Villas in Bali? Here’s What You Need to Know
Making Appointment
Treat career in tattoo just like how you treat other companies and business. Introduce your self and state your intention in professional email. Make appointment to speak with the representative at the studio. You can also walk in directly to say hi and ask for internship vacancy. Remember to always bring your portfolio, leave a card (if you have), and ask for their response. Don’t come in the weekend when they are the busiest. They tend to be more relaxed during the weekdays, and thus having enough time to talk with you.
See If the Mentor is Good
A lousy mentor will get you into nowhere. When applying to a tattoo studio in Bali, ask if you can have a talk with the tattoo artist that probably will be your mentor. See if they have good educational background, good manners, responsibility, and the willingness to take you under their wings. One way to judge this is by asking them to see your portfolios and see what advice they can give to you. Choose carefully; it would determine your future career!
