What It's Really Like to Be a Tattoo Artist
Tattooing is more than just creating beautiful art on the skin; it’s a rewarding and often challenging job that requires creativity, skill, and a lot of patience. If you’ve ever wondered what a tattoo artist's day is like—what goes into each tattoo, how they balance their work, and how they make sure everything runs smoothly—this blog will take you behind the scenes of my daily life as a tattoo artist in Denver.
Whether you’re considering a tattoo, are fascinated by the art world, or just want to know what happens before and after the needle hits the skin, let’s dive into a typical day in the life of a tattoo artist.
Morning Prep and Setting the Vibe
A tattoo artist’s day doesn’t just start when the first client walks in—it begins much earlier. Mornings are spent getting ready, gathering supplies, and mentally preparing for a busy day of creating art.
I generally start my day in the studio by making some tea if I didn’t bring a drink of my own, I’ll light some incense, print out the designs I have ready for the day, and throw on some music.
As an artist, it’s important to have everything organized. I start by prepping my tattoo station: laying out the needles, sanitizing everything, and ensuring I have all the tools I need for the day. This helps ensure that I work efficiently and maintain a clean and safe environment for my clients.
Connecting with Clients & Creating Art
One of the most rewarding parts of my day is connecting with my clients and hearing their tattoo ideas. Every tattoo tells a story, and I love helping people bring their vision to life.
Before starting, we’ll have a consultation to discuss the design, placement, and any other details they want to add. If they’ve chosen a flash design, I’ll go over the artwork with them to make sure it’s exactly what they’re looking for. For custom tattoos, we’ll talk about their personal style, any reference images they’ve provided, and any modifications they’d like to make.
Once the design is finalized, I’ll prepare the stencil and get everything ready for the session. I make sure the client is comfortable before we begin, whether that means adjusting the chair or chatting with them to calm any nerves they might have.
The Tattooing Process
Once everything is ready, it’s time to start the tattoo! This is the moment when all the preparation and design work comes to life. Tattooing is a combination of artistry, precision, and technique. Whether I’m working on a small, delicate piece or a larger, more detailed design, the process is about more than just applying ink to skin—it's about ensuring every line is perfect and that the client feels comfortable throughout the process.
During a tattoo session, I’m constantly communicating with my client to make sure they’re okay. I’ll check in on how they're feeling, offer breaks when needed, and keep the process flowing smoothly. I also focus on maintaining a sterile environment to prevent any potential infection and ensure the healing process goes smoothly.
Aftercare and Wrapping Up the Day
After the tattoo is finished, the aftercare process begins. I go over aftercare instructions with the client to ensure they know how to take care of their new tattoo. This includes everything from cleaning it to moisturizing it and avoiding sun exposure for the first few weeks.
Once the tattoo is wrapped and the client is on their way, I clean up my station and prep for the next day. The cleaning process includes sterilizing my equipment, cleaning the tattooing space, and making sure the studio is tidy and ready for the next client. I also take some time to reflect on the tattoos I’ve done that day, what went well, and areas where I can improve my technique or client experience.
Why I Love What I Do
While every day as a tattoo artist presents its own challenges, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. From connecting with clients to creating one-of-a-kind pieces of art, every aspect of my job is fulfilling and exciting. The journey of transforming a design idea into a finished tattoo is something I’m lucky to be a part of each day.
If you’re considering a tattoo or want to learn more about my process, feel free to reach out! Whether you’re looking for a custom design or interested in browsing my flash pieces, I’d love to work with you to create something special. Let’s make your tattoo dreams come true!