There are more than 25,000 tattoo artists in India and around 60 to 100 studios in each metropolitan cities. It is predicted that in the coming years, the number is going to go up, says Vikas Malani
With a rise in the number of people getting themselves inked to their favourite symbol or thought, the demand for professional tattoo artists has grown by leaps and bounds. In the last five years, the industry has grown more than 10 times resulting in a heavy demand of professional artist. As per the recent statistics, there are more than 25,000 tattoo artists in India and around 60 to 100 tattoo studios just the metropolitan cities. It is predicted to to go up in the coming years.
About the field
Tattooing is not just restricted to art but it also deals with the Science of skin. Practicing ethical and hygiene tattooing could bring India on the global map of professional and skilled tattooing and tattoo artists.
Tattooing is one of the most expressive art forms which is in existence from the ancient times. Tattooing in India is not just for trend or fashion, people deeply connect it with their self-expression, dreams, thoughts, and life story. It is a work of pure art and depiction of culture, trend and cult.
With a tattoo on you, you become a moving canvas carrying your personality on the outer of your body for-evermore. There is no such art except tattooing which would stay with you till the end of time.
Skills required
Tattooing is a full time profession just like a doctor and an engineer. One has to dedicate his time and efforts to this profession to be a successful artist. It is very important to be disciplined and have ground rules, only then you will be able to find the scope to grow.
The artist needs a proper training and experience before he gets his/her hands on it.
Tattooing requires patience and skilled knowledge. Tattoo artist has to be very dynamic and creative. He should update himself every month with what’s new in terms of art and products like machine and different type of colors and style so that one could match up with pace in product and technology and how to use them theoretically and practically onto the skin. As there are different types of skin types, so the tattoo artist has to have a basic knowledge and characteristics of the skin. The mantra to sustain in tattoo industry is to be open in learning and travelling abroad that helps in grooming and developing new art forms and styles.
Courses
As the industry is growing bigger, it is also offering tattoo courses and training facilities with experienced faculties. Courses available are not just related to art and skill form, but also about learning after sales service and customer relationship management. It is important to have a basic art background. In case if person doesn’t have an art background but have a zeal for learning tattooing then the individual can go for basic art classes which would teach you sketching and rendering. There are many tutorials and tattoo seminars happening across the globe including tattoo conventions. This opens the mindset of the tattoo artist so he can evolve himself from one level to another, tattooing is competitive and an uber-creative industry.
Job prospect
Creating awareness and establishing your brand by opening chain of tattoo studios and academy, would be the best example of an individual’s entrepreneur skills. Tattooing is a personalised job, therefore every client wants a unique tattoo and 100 per cent attention. Therefore, it is important to keep a balance between art and business. Most of the clients in tattooing comes by word of mouth, so it is important for a good tattoo artist to have good communication skills, rapport building qualities and people management.
Remuneration
A basic tattoo artist with an experience of one-year can make minimum Rs3 lakhs per annum whereas a professional artist with an experience of over five year can make Rs30 lakhs per annum. More recognition and out-of-the-box creativity with unique execution in inking can bring in more revenue.
(The writer is founder and owner of Bodycanvas)