Tattooing has become more popular than ever, so it’s no surprise that aspiring artists are turning to the internet to learn how to do it. Between YouTube tutorials and thousands of online forums, there’s an endless amount of information just a few clicks away for anyone excited to get started. 

But just because it’s available doesn’t always mean it’s right.

And here’s the truth: tattooing isn’t something you can master just by watching.

While the internet can offer helpful tools, learning to tattoo alone without supervision from a mentor comes with real risk that can cause harm to yourself and your clients, as well as stunt your growth as an artist. 

In this article, we’ll explain:

  • The biggest dangers of learning online and what to look out for

  • How to get feedback from artists in a shop, even if they’re not taking apprentices

  • What you can do to learn responsibly 

The #1 Risk: Tattoo Safety

While they might not look like it, tattoos are considered open wounds. You’re dealing with blood and plasma, and cross-contamination is a serious health risk. 

YouTube tattoo tutorials will often skip over essential hygiene practices like how to properly clean, prep, and dispose of equipment to get to the actual tattooing because it’s more entertaining to watch. Because of this, just following YouTube tutorials can lead to artists risking the spread of bloodborne pathogens. 

Take a Bloodborne Pathogens Certification Course

If you’re serious about tattooing, you need to take an OSHA-approved Bloodborne Pathogens course for tattoo artists. In almost every state, you must have an in-date certification to tattoo in a studio. 

Your Reputation as a Tattoo Artist

In the tattoo industry, all it takes is causing one infection to destroy your reputation, making it impossible to get into a shop or gain clients. Making sure you’re taking sanitation seriously is the best way to prevent you from getting a bad reputation.

Unqualified Sources of Education

Just because an artist has a large following online doesn’t mean they’re a good teacher (or even a good artist). 

Because online platforms aren’t regulated, there’s no quality control over the information being shared. This is how many beginners accidentally pick up bad habits or outdated practices. When that happens, they have to relearn the entire craft from scratch once they get into a shop. 

This can be dangerous if you want a tattoo apprenticeship later on because many artists will not take on an apprentice with bad habits. If you’re watching tattoo content, make sure the artist has been putting out quality work for years and stays up to date on best practices.

No Feedback From Professionals

Tattooing is a very technical craft that requires precise hand control. Without a tattoo mentor watching you, it can be hard to know you’re doing something wrong until it’s too late and you’ve caused a blowout or scarring. 

This is why watching a professional tattoo isn’t the same as having a professional watch you tattoo. Without professional feedback right away, it’s hard to fix your technique on the spot or know if your work is technically sound. Guessing that your technique is “good enough” can lead to bad tattoos and additional chances of creating a bad reputation.

Learning in Isolation Leads to Gaps in Knowledge

Tattooing is a community-driven craft. Without being around other artists, it can be hard to pick up on shop etiquette, and it’s harder to grow creatively and professionally. 

How to Get Feedback From Artists in a Shop

Apprenticeships can be hard to come by, especially if shops in your area are full and not taking on any aspiring artists. 

That said, you can still ask for help without asking for an apprenticeship - if you do it the right way. 

The best way to do this is to go to a shop you’ve been tattooed at with artists you admire while the shop is slow. Instead of asking for an apprenticeship, ask for feedback on your artwork and show them your portfolio of tattoo design drawings. (If you have already tattooed yourself or someone else, do not ask for feedback on the tattoos.) 

If they provide feedback, make sure to implement what they’ve said before coming back to the shop. Let them know you used their advice and show them your improved artwork. This will not only improve your drawing skills, but it will also show that you value their input. Taking action in this way will make them more likely to consider you for an apprenticeship when a position opens up.

What You Can Do to Learn Responsibly

If you're passionate about tattooing but don’t have access to a traditional apprenticeship, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There are still smart, responsible ways to begin learning the craft without putting others at risk or picking up bad habits.

1. Start With Tattoo Design

Building your tattoo design skills will help you learn how to draw with the human body in mind and build up the muscle memory you need to create clean lines and smooth shading with a tattoo machine. 

2. Get Your Bloodborne Pathogens Certification

Being prepared with the proper sanitation training shows tattoo shops that you’re serious about tattooing safely. Look up what other safety requirements your area has for tattoo artists and retain records of your certifications. 

3. Learn on Fake Skin With a Trusted Source

If you are going to begin tattooing on your own, do it on silicone fake skin with professional-grade equipment and a comprehensive course like Tattooing 101 that connects you with professional tattoo artists to receive feedback. This will get you as close to the tattooing experience as possible while remaining safe. 

Final Thoughts

Tattooing isn’t just about putting ink into skin. It’s about building trust with your clients, handling the craft responsibly, and being dedicated to the art form. While it’s tempting to take a DIY approach, the risks of going it alone without help from professionals are real. Bad habits and safety mistakes can follow your career or end it before it’s had a chance to begin.

This doesn’t mean you should stop learning. But it does mean you should take your time and ensure you’re building your skills safely and professionally. 

Tattooing is a lifelong journey, so enjoy the process and keep away from shortcuts that could put your passion at risk.