Do you want to turn your love for ink into a job? Enrolling in a professional tattoo course at a reputed tattoo academy is a great idea. But before you start creating and dreaming, you should know about some common mistakes that many beginners make. These mistakes can cost you time, money and even your self-esteem. Tattooing is an art, a skill and something you have to do. A little planning can make your trip go more smoothly and be more successful.
Mistake 1: Ignoring research on the course
You might want to choose the first course you see online, especially if it promises quick certification or a job placement. But not every professional tattoo course is the same. It’s very important to look into the course material, the teachers’ experience, the hygiene standards and the chances to get hands-on training. Instead of just giving you a certificate, a reputable tattoo academy should give you detailed instructions, teach you how to use the tools correctly and be a mentor.
Mistake 2: Skipping portfolio preparation
It may seem like an afterthought, but a portfolio is your way into serious training. Many people who are just starting out think their sketches don’t matter because “real practice happens in class”. The truth is that teachers look at your designs to see how creative, stylish and good you are at using your hands. Having even a small collection of art shows that you care about learning and are serious about it.
Mistake 3: Not understanding the commitment
Tattooing isn’t something you do on the weekends. Some new students think that signing up for a class and going to a few classes is all it takes. In reality, it takes time and effort to learn how to do things like sterilisation, anatomy and customer service. Every serious artist should be ready for the discipline and practice that come with a professional tattoo course.
Mistake 4: Not following health and safety standards
This is a classic. Some new students think that just having technical skills is enough. However, a responsible tattoo artist should put safety and cleanliness first. It’s not fun to learn about sterilisation, infection control and allergic reactions, but it’s necessary. A certified tattoo academy teaches students safety rules to keep both the artist and the client safe.
Mistake 5: Thinking you’ll be successful overnight
Tattooing is a skill that gets better with practice. Many people who are just starting out think that finishing a course will make them an expert artist right away. In reality, it takes time to get better at what you do, gain confidence and find clients. You can grow by practicing regularly, getting feedback and learning from your mistakes. The key is patience, not perfection.
Concluding Thoughts
Taking a professional tattoo course is a big step towards turning your love of art into a job. If you avoid these common mistakes, you’ll be able to start off on the right foot, with the right mindset and tools.
Check out the Academy of Sam Tattoo if you’re ready to take the plunge, learn from experienced mentors and build a strong foundation. This is where your ink journey begins, and it will be one you remember.
