Become a Tattoo Artist

Tattoo artist day in the life, this is it! Everything that you need to know to get started as a career tattoo artist.

In this tattoo artist podcast episode, we meet Holly Danesi of Black Vulture Gallery. From getting started to education to financial expectations, Holly shares what it's really like so that you can prepare for a career as a tattoo artist for 2026.

From hygiene and safety to creativity and professionalism, Holly reveals the realities of life as a tattoo artist and offers valuable advice for anyone considering a career in tattooing. Whether you’re curious about the industry, thinking about getting your first tattoo, or dreaming of becoming a tattoo artist yourself, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss.

Topics Covered:

• How Holly Danesi became a tattoo artist
• Apprenticeship and training in the tattoo industry
• Tattoos as personal storytelling and human connection
• The balance of creativity and professionalism
• The importance of hygiene and safety in tattooing
• Advice for aspiring tattoo artists

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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:39 - What is a typical day like for a tattoo artist?
1:33 - How long at a time is a tattoo artist inking?
3:01 - Custom tattoos.
5:06 - Lead time for booking appointments for a tattoo.
5:45 - The sun and fresh tattoos.
6:30 - Getting started in the tattoo industry.
11:30 - Tattoo artist apprenticeships
12:54 - Piecing and tattoo artists.
13:36 - Creating stencils for tattoos.
14:48 - Education requirements for a tattoo artist
16:19 - Type of person you need to be to be a tattoo artist
17:51 - Women tattoo artists.
18:28 - Stigma, tattoos, professionals
19:48 - Stigma towards tattoo artists
20:32 - Getting started as a tattoo artist
21:48 - Getting clients
22:42 - Hours for tattoo artists
23:48 - Talent has the floor
24:34 - Outro

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Guest Information:

Holly Danesi

• Holly Danesi's Website
• Black Vulture Gallery
• Holly Danesi on Instagram

Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:

• Becoming a Mentor with Doug Lawrence
• What Does a Prosecutor REALLY Do?

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