Depending on how it's asked, this question probably receives the most amount of flames when posted to RAB. The general concensus is that there is only "one way" to do it, and that is to apprentice, period. There is far more to be learned about the art and business of tattooing than what can be obtained simply from a book (e.g. customer service, etiquette, running a business, dealing with emergencies).

Tipping is a really nice gesture! But, there are no real solid ground rules for tipping, still a tip is greatly appreciated. See similar questions...

Choosing the right artist to execute your design ideas should involve a certain amount of investigation on your part. Because they are artists, most tattooists have developed an individual style to their art. Look at the artist's portfolio to see if you like their style and technique. Ask questions. Be patient when choosing the artist for your tattoo, it's going to be on you for the rest of your life. See similar questions...

First you must find and artist who is willing to take on an apprentice, then you must be able to pay for your apprenticeship. Mine cost me 10 grand. See similar questions...

The bane of the tattoo world is the shadowy, unprofessional person called the "scratcher. See similar questions...

The following is a list of artists who are personally reviewed by RAB readers. This list is now maintained in a database, and this list is generated out of the database. A posting on this FAQ does *not* constitute approval, and is the personal opinion of the reviewer. For liability purposes, it is YOUR responsibility to check out the artist. See similar questions...

Gloves should be worn when ever a procedure is being done that will break the skin. This protects both you and the artist from any blood borne pathogens that may be present. See similar questions...

Answer: Short answer: because I don't want to. Long answer: I'm not confident enough in my skill as an artist to permanently mark someone. I love painting people, I can erase mistakes, and if they don't like it, it washes off in the shower. See similar questions...

The success of any artistic tattoo depends on a collaborative relationship between receptive client and skilled artist. As in any field, there are interlopers, dabblers, and inept hucksters jostling for space on the bandwagon, but with creative tattooists now in almost every city, no one should settle for hack work. A poorly executed art work has profound implications when it is part of your epidermis for the rest of your life. See similar questions...

A good rule of thumb, is tip as you would for your beautician, massage technician, nail artist, or a good meal. 20% means you love the work and were very pleased with the service you received while in the tattoo shop. 15% means the service was good. 10% means it was OK. 5% means you probably should not tip. And, 0% means you probably will not be coming back to that shop. This is only a rule of thumb. And, it is ok to tip the owner as well as the piercer. See similar questions...

Of course the dynamic answer to this question is the same as with any other viable trade or profession - it all depends upon your effort, professionalism, and performance. However, we can glance at the particulars, which seldom tell a untruth. The average cost of today’s tattoo, due to size and/or color, is $120. See similar questions...

No, you do not. Of course it helps to be artistically gifted (especially for aspiring shop owners), yet it is not required. You will learn that proper mechanics along with precision are equally important to perfecting a tattoo. Also, there are different machinery which assist the artist in performing their procedures. See similar questions...

A permanent make up technician has been trained in that particular field, and usually has a background in the beauty or cosmetic industry. A background in the cosmetic or beauty industry is very important to the permanent make-up technician this allows them to have a vast knowledge of the balance and proportioning of the face. Although a tattoo artist may be very talented, if the wrong pigment is used the results could be dissatisfying. See similar questions...

Yes. Electrology has never been a problem for tattoos. In fact it is one of the few hair removal methods that doesn't affect the design. See similar questions...