[FunkyMonk]

How's it going people.

I want to break into the tattooing industry. I am self teaching and a friend of mine is sharing his knowledge with me as well. I'm building up a portfolio, improving my skills and i'm getting good enough to start working professionally soon.

Is Vegas a good city to get into it? Are there a lot of opportunities, especially for someone without any connections in the city?

Any info or feedback is appreciated. Thanks a lot.

[aqualung8705]

As a whole, Vegas is heavily inked. While sleeves would turn heads in the Bible Belt, here it's no big deal. I personally have ten tatts, with plans for four or five more. Being self taught is one thing, but it's better in the long run if you go through an apprenticeship with an established artist. Besides, the Board of Health is pretty strict on anything blood related. Visit some of the local shops, and ask the artists questions. If they're any good, they'll be willing to help the next generation make their big break.

So, what styles are your specialty?

[FunkyMonk]

Originally Posted by aqualung8705

As a whole, Vegas is heavily inked. While sleeves would turn heads in the Bible Belt, here it's no big deal. I personally have ten tatts, with plans for four or five more. Being self taught is one thing, but it's better in the long run if you go through an apprenticeship with an established artist. Besides, the Board of Health is pretty strict on anything blood related. Visit some of the local shops, and ask the artists questions. If they're any good, they'll be willing to help the next generation make their big break.

So, what styles are your specialty?

I've done a lot of tribal, totem, wildlife and Japanese style pieces. I recently did a dragon and a coyfish. I'm trying to learn a little bit from every style. I'm still pretty new to it and have only been doing it for a few months but I think i'm a natural at it.

I plan on getting an apprenticeship. But before that I wanted to improve my technique and know what I was doing a little bit. And in the city i'm currently living in, I havn't had much luck at the tattoo shops, but I plan on moving anyway, possibly to Vegas???

I have a college degree but it's turning out to be pretty worthless. So i'm going to try this out next. I figure it is good to learn a trade, especially one like tattooing that is so versatile.

[aqualung8705]

You mean Koi, Monk. If you're going to do them, you need to spell it correctly. A fair number of the local artists also cross train into piercing. Tribal isn't as popular as it once was, but you do see a fair amount of Japanese style work being done. Do you have any pictures of your work that you can post here. It always helps to have a fellow enthusiast critique your work.

[chop509]

Regulations for tattoo artists in Clark County are quite stringent compared to some other states (a good thing).

You must obtain a Health Card and have written proof of a minimum of 6 months continuous training in a licenced establishment in Nevada, or another state or country. You will also need written proof from a Clark county Health Permitted Establishment where you will be working.

To apply for a Health Card, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be free of communicable diseases.
2. Be 18 years of age.
3. Have a minimum of 6 months experience.
4. Score of at least 80% on a written examination.
5. Be tested for Tuberculosis by skin or chest x-ray.
6. Be immunized against Hepatitis A & B.
7. Possess current Red Cross certification in Preventing Disease Transmission.

Hope this helps.

[dr.gomonas]

are you an artist yourself, chop? That is some really interesting info to know. Glad to hear NV has safe guidelines.

[FunkyMonk]

Originally Posted by chop509

Regulations for tattoo artists in Clark County are quite stringent compared to some other states (a good thing).

You must obtain a Health Card and have written proof of a minimum of 6 months continuous training in a licenced establishment in Nevada, or another state or country. You will also need written proof from a Clark county Health Permitted Establishment where you will be working.

To apply for a Health Card, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be free of communicable diseases.
2. Be 18 years of age.
3. Have a minimum of 6 months experience.
4. Score of at least 80% on a written examination.
5. Be tested for Tuberculosis by skin or chest x-ray.
6. Be immunized against Hepatitis A & B.
7. Possess current Red Cross certification in Preventing Disease Transmission.

Hope this helps.

No problem. I can do that.

I don't have any pics to share. But I know how to make a nice, clean tattoo for sure. Most of my portfolio is on my own leg too so it's not going anywhere.

And if the tattoo artist thing doesn't work out, then i'll just get rich at the craps tables.

[chop509]

Originally Posted by dr.gomonas

are you an artist yourself, chop? That is some really interesting info to know. Glad to hear NV has safe guidelines.

I am not but my son, who also has a fine arts degree, is finishing up his apprenticeship in Oregon. We have researched the LV area and are considering opening up an establishment there.