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Body Artist

Also known as Tattooist and Piercer.

Body artists decorate or modify the bodies of their customers using techniques such as tattooing and piercing.

While some body artists perform a combination of these techniques, it is not uncommon for a body artist to specialise in one area, such as tattooing or piercing.

Body artists work indoors and may be required to work evenings and weekends.

TASKS

Body artists may perform the following tasks:

consult with customers to discuss the services they require
maintain, clean and sterilise equipment and rooms to meet the skin penetration regulations of the state or territory
design tattoos, make line drawings from photocopies and make stencils for tattoos
make piercings using needles and tattoos using a tattoo machine, ensuring high standards of hygiene and contamination control
advise customers on after-care procedures
promote themselves to increase client numbers

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

mature
good interpersonal skills and an ability to put the customer at ease
steady hand
good personal hygiene
responsible attitude to work (to eliminate risk of transmitting blood-borne diseases)
comfortable with needles
self-promotion skills
artistic ability (for a tattooist)

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a body artist, extensive on-the-job training is usually required. Before a reputable studio will consider you for training, you will need to display a high level of motivation and dedication, as competition for such positions can be extremely strong. In order to be considered for training as a tattooist, you will also be required to possess a high level of drawing skill and be able to produce a portfolio of your designs.

The length of training can vary considerably and may range from eight to 12 months for a body piercer and up to five years for a tattooist. You will be required to observe all procedures before attempting them and will then be closely supervised the first time you attempt a new procedure. Typically, you will not be paid during this period of observation and training. During this training period, you will learn about sterilisation, cross-contamination and other health and safety issues. You may also learn about different piercing and tattooing techniques, equipment maintenance and repair, jewellery quality and selection, customer service and anatomy.

Additional Information

To work as a tattooist in NSW, you will need to hold a Tattooist Licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. To apply for a licence you must be at least 18 years of age, be an Australian Citizen or resident and undergo a National Police Check. Contact NSW Fair Trading for more information.

Many studios prefer to train individuals in their mid-twenties or older. Body artists are usually required to possess a Provide First Aid Certificate.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Despite the growing popularity of body modification, body artistry is a highly competitive field. The majority of body artists work on a subcontractor basis and are paid for the work they do rather than a fixed salary.

Job prospects may depend largely on an individual's reputation and self-promotion skills.

As it is difficult to predict customer demand for body art, a body artist's income can be unpredictable.