Though it might sound exciting to commute from being a hobbyist to a professional tattoo artist, are you made for such a choice? Notwithstanding that you can’t neglect the shaky groundwork if you want creative freedom, these two are in opposition.
Tattoo artists can do their work responsibly, righteously, and according to the regulations because they understand the profession’s regulations.
Licensing and Permits: The Gatekeepers of Safe Tattooing
The first obstacle you’ll encounter is the initial barrier to getting a license or permit. In contrast to barbering, tattooing is not subject to the same cosmetology regulations, so local requirements vary significantly for tattoo artist. Here’s where research comes in:
- Contact your local health department. They will provide a detailed explanation of the application process, the payment of license fees, and any conditions attached to the training session required.
- Check with your state’s health board. Certain states may have additional licensing or permitting requirements that you must consider before making any decision.
Necessarily, this is no single shot—it is a continuous process. Some states require the renewal of a license after a designated time, frequently in conjunction with the completion of refresher courses to ensure the uninterrupted sharpness of your skills and information.
Sanitation and Safety
This section will examine some ways you can protect yourself and help your clients maintain theirs. Public healthfulness initiates those activities that surround tattooing. Consistently maintained hygiene rules, especially for controlling infections, and customer safety are the foremost needs. Here are some key areas to focus on:
1-Sterilization
They use disposable needles and ink cups to ensure the utmost hygiene standard. Any reusable equipment should be cleaned and sterilized in accordance with the current health department standards.
2-Proper Waste Disposal
Sharps receptacles and biohazardous medical waste disposal processes are absolute necessities to prevent accidental exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
3-Workstation Hygiene
It is paramount to keep these workspaces clean and disinfected to prevent any type of contamination. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is a regulatory body that gives the necessary guidelines on how bloodborne pathogens can be avoided and how working in a safe environment is established. Practice yourself with these regulations to guarantee your professional safety.
4-Age Restrictions
If you are an underage person and you have a tattoo, you could face criminal charges, and the effects can be very bad. Implement a strict requirement for clients to present a valid government-issued photo ID to prevent underage individuals from subjecting themselves to tattooing. The fact that parental consent might be necessary according to the common government law for teenagers wanting tattoos could be true in some places. Besides, learn what age restrictions are in your area and never transgress them if you want to consider this factor essential for your baby’s safety.
After taking these legal steps, you will dive into the tattooing world with greater confidence. Keep in mind that an “informed and compliant” client is safer, and it works this way to bring you constant peace of mind, knowing that you don’t have anything to worry about other than the art that you love to create.
