Tattoo Artist Resume examples & templates

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Adam

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Copyable resume examples

Copyable Tattoo Artist Resume examples

Ever wonder what it's like to turn human skin into a living canvas? Tattoo artistry isn't just about steady hands and creative vision—it's a unique blend of technical precision, artistic talent, and interpersonal skills that few other professions demand; The field has evolved dramatically from its counterculture roots into a respected art form, with specialized artists now commanding $200+ hourly rates for custom work. (And yeah, that's a far cry from the $50 flash designs of the early 2000s!)

Today's tattoo scene is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with fine-line minimalism and botanical designs replacing the bold traditional styles that dominated for decades. Digital design tools have transformed the pre-tattoo process, though the actual application remains refreshingly analog. The industry is projected to grow by 17% over the next five years—faster than many traditional art careers—as tattoo acceptance continues to rise across professional sectors. For artists willing to master both traditional techniques and emerging styles, the canvas of opportunity has never been broader.

Junior Tattoo Artist Resume Example

Morgan “Ink” Reyes

Phoenix, AZ 85004 | (602) 555-8917 | m.reyes.ink@gmail.com | instagram.com/morganinkreyes

Junior tattoo artist with 1+ year experience specializing in neo-traditional and blackwork designs. Completed apprenticeship under master artist Diego Vargas at Nightshade Tattoo Collective. Strong foundation in sterilization protocols and client communication. Developing portfolio showcases attention to detail and clean line work.

EXPERIENCE

Junior Tattoo Artist – Nightshade Tattoo Collective, Phoenix, AZ (Jan 2023 – Present)

  • Execute 3-7 small to medium tattoos weekly focusing on neo-traditional style and blackwork designs
  • Maintain spotless workstation meeting all Maricopa County health code regulations
  • Develop custom artwork for clients through detailed consultation process
  • Assist with shop operations including appointment scheduling and supply inventory
  • Built Instagram following from 0 to 876 followers showcasing portfolio work

Tattoo Apprentice – Nightshade Tattoo Collective, Phoenix, AZ (Mar 2022 – Dec 2022)

  • Completed 1,500+ hours of training under master artist Diego Vargas
  • Studied tattoo history, styles, and techniques through hands-on practice
  • Mastered proper sterilization, cross-contamination prevention, and bloodborne pathogen safety
  • Performed first supervised tattoos on synthetic skin before progressing to willing volunteers
  • Assisted with daily shop operations including cleaning, client check-in, and aftercare instructions

Freelance Illustrator (Side Business) – Phoenix, AZ (2020 – 2022)

  • Created custom illustrations and digital designs for 25+ clients
  • Developed technical skills with Procreate and Adobe Illustrator
  • Managed client relationships and project timelines independently

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Associate of Fine Arts, Illustration – Phoenix Community College (2020-2022)

Bloodborne Pathogens Certification – American Red Cross (Renewed Jan 2023)

First Aid/CPR Certification – American Red Cross (Feb 2022)

Maricopa County Tattoo License – #TL-47291 (Dec 2022)

SKILLS

  • Tattooing Styles: Neo-traditional, Blackwork, American Traditional (learning)
  • Equipment: Coil & rotary machines, various needle configurations
  • Art: Line work, shading, color theory, composition
  • Software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate
  • Sterilization & safety protocols
  • Client consultation & aftercare education
  • Custom design development
  • Basic shop operations
  • Social media marketing

PORTFOLIO

Digital portfolio available at: instagram.com/morganinkreyes
Physical portfolio available upon request

Mid-level Tattoo Artist Resume Example

JADE RIVERA

Phoenix, AZ | 480-555-7219 | jade.rivera@email.com | Instagram: @jade_ink_designs

Imaginative Tattoo Artist with 5+ years of experience creating custom designs across traditional, neo-traditional, and watercolor styles. Known for translating client stories into meaningful body art while maintaining impeccable safety standards. Built a loyal clientele of 200+ returning customers through my attention to detail and dedication to aftercare education.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Tattoo Artist – Blackwater Ink Studio, Phoenix, AZ | June 2021 – Present

  • Create 8-12 custom tattoo designs weekly, ranging from small pieces to full sleeve projects
  • Developed and led monthly tattoo safety workshops for new apprentices, raising studio hygiene compliance by 27%
  • Featured in AZ Tattoo Quarterly magazine for innovative watercolor technique (March 2022 issue)
  • Manage client consultations and bookings, maintaining a 4-week waitlist through reputation and referrals
  • Implemented digital portfolio system that increased walk-in conversions from 22% to 41%

Tattoo Artist – Inked Canvas Collective, Tempe, AZ | August 2019 – May 2021

  • Specialized in neo-traditional and geometric designs, completing ~375 tattoos annually
  • Collaborated with 6 other artists to develop flash sheets for Friday the 13th events, which generated $4,300+ in a single day
  • Built personal client base from 0 to 120+ in under 2 years through social media marketing and word-of-mouth
  • Maintained perfect health department inspection record while adhering to all bloodborne pathogen protocols

Tattoo Apprentice – Desert Ink Tattoo, Scottsdale, AZ | January 2018 – July 2019

  • Completed 18-month apprenticeship under master tattoo artist Miguel Sanchez
  • Practiced line work and shading techniques on synthetic skin before progressing to supervised client work
  • Maintained studio equipment and assisted with sterilization processes
  • Designed custom flash art that generated $2,100 in sales during first year

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Associate of Fine Arts – Phoenix College, Phoenix, AZ | 2017

Bloodborne Pathogens Certification – Renewed Annually

CPR & First Aid Certified – American Red Cross | 2022

Workshop: Advanced Color Theory for Tattoo Artists – Eternal Ink Convention | 2020

SKILLS

  • Custom tattoo design
  • Traditional & neo-traditional styles
  • Watercolor technique
  • Black & gray realism
  • Client consultations
  • Sterilization procedures
  • Digital design (Procreate, Photoshop)
  • Tattoo aftercare education
  • Studio management
  • Social media marketing
  • Cover-up specialist

PORTFOLIO

Full portfolio available at: www.jaderiveratattoos.com
Instagram: @jade_ink_designs (21K followers)

Senior / Experienced Tattoo Artist Resume Example

RAVEN BLACKWOOD

Seattle, WA | (206) 555-8732 | ravenblackwood@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/ravenblackwood
Instagram: @ravenblackink | Portfolio: ravenblackwood.com

Versatile tattoo artist with 9+ years of experience specializing in black and gray realism, neo-traditional, and custom designs. Known for exceptional attention to detail, flawless line work, and creating meaningful pieces that tell clients’ stories. Built a loyal clientele of 200+ recurring customers and mentored 7 apprentices who’ve become successful artists in their own right. Health department certified with perfect sanitation record.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Lead Artist & Studio Manager | Black Raven Tattoo | Seattle, WA | 2019-Present

  • Oversee daily operations of 6-artist studio while maintaining personal clientele of 15+ appointments weekly
  • Spearheaded studio rebrand that increased walk-in traffic by 47% and boosted social media following from 3.2K to 17.8K
  • Implemented digital booking system that reduced no-shows by 32% and increased overall revenue by $76,800 annually
  • Curate and participate in quarterly art shows featuring tattoo artists’ fine art, generating $12,400+ in additional revenue
  • Mentor junior artists in technique development, client communication, and business practices

Senior Tattoo Artist | Emerald City Ink | Seattle, WA | 2016-2019

  • Specialized in large-scale pieces including back pieces, sleeves, and custom cover-ups
  • Grew personal client base from 70 to 175+ through word-of-mouth and social media marketing
  • Featured in Seattle Ink Magazine’s “Top 10 Artists to Watch” (2018)
  • Created flash design books that generated $9,400 in passive income
  • Developed studio-wide aftercare protocol that reduced infection complaints to zero

Tattoo Artist | Iron & Ink | Portland, OR | 2014-2016

  • Completed 2-year apprenticeship in 2014 and transitioned to full-time artist position
  • Mastered various tattoo styles including American traditional, Japanese, and blackwork
  • Built initial client portfolio through flash events and walk-ins
  • Assisted with ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and shop sterilization

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Illustration
Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, OR | 2013

Certifications:

  • Bloodborne Pathogens Certification (renewed annually)
  • CPR & First Aid Certified, American Red Cross
  • Advanced Sterilization Techniques, Washington Dept. of Health
  • Japanese Tebori Hand-Poke Method, Tokyo Tattoo Academy (2017)

SKILLS & EXPERTISE

  • Tattoo Styles: Neo-traditional, Japanese, Black & Gray Realism, American Traditional, Cover-ups
  • Technical Skills: Line work, Color theory, Shading techniques, Custom design, Freehand
  • Equipment: Rotary machines, Coil machines, Hand-poke/Tebori, Pen & tablet digital design
  • Business: Client consultation, Pricing strategy, Aftercare education, Social media marketing
  • Software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, Square POS, Tattoo Management System
  • Languages: English (native), Japanese (conversational)

GUEST SPOTS & CONVENTIONS

  • Seattle Tattoo Expo (2016, 2018, 2021)
  • Portland Tattoo Arts Convention (2017, 2019)
  • Guest Artist at Dark Arts Tattoo, Vancouver, BC (quarterly since 2018)
  • International London Tattoo Convention (2019)

How to Write a Tattoo Artist Resume

Introduction

Landing that dream position at a respected tattoo studio requires more than just an impressive portfolio. Your resume is often the first impression you'll make on potential employers, and in the competitive tattoo industry, it needs to showcase both your artistic talents and professional approach. I've helped dozens of tattoo artists revamp their resumes over the years, and the difference between a mediocre resume and a great one can mean the difference between getting an interview or getting ignored.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your resume clean and professional—much like a well-designed tattoo should be. Busy layouts with excessive graphics can distract from your content (ironically, even in this artistic field).

  • Stick to 1-2 pages max—studio owners are busy people
  • Use clean fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica at 11-12pt
  • Include subtle artistic elements if you wish, but don't go overboard
  • Organize sections with clear headings and consistent spacing
  • Save and send as a PDF to preserve your formatting
While you might be tempted to create a wildly artistic resume to show off your skills, remember that readability trumps creativity here. Save your artistic expression for your portfolio—that's where it counts most!

Profile/Summary Section

Start with a punchy summary that captures your style, experience level, and specialties. This is your 15-second elevator pitch to grab attention.

Example: "Detail-oriented tattoo artist with 6+ years of experience specializing in neo-traditional and Japanese styles. Known for clean linework and vibrant color saturation. Committed to exceptional sanitation practices and creating comfortable client experiences."

Professional Experience

List your experience chronologically, starting with your most recent position. For each role, include:

  • Studio name and location
  • Your title and dates of employment
  • 3-5 bullet points highlighting achievements (not just duties)
  • Numbers when possible (e.g., "Completed 30+ custom pieces monthly")
  • Special mentions of guest spots or conventions you've worked

Focus on client satisfaction, waiting list length, repeat business percentage, and any specialties you've developed. If you've apprenticed, mention who you trained under if they're well-known in the industry.

Education and Certifications

Formal education isn't always required for tattoo artists, but include what you have:

  • Apprenticeship details (who with, duration, skills mastered)
  • Bloodborne pathogen certification (with renewal date)
  • First aid/CPR certification
  • Art-related education or degrees
  • Workshops, masterclasses, or conventions attended as a learner

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many larger studios and chains use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. Include these terms naturally throughout your resume:

  • Specific tattoo styles you specialize in (traditional, realism, watercolor, etc.)
  • Technical skills (linework, shading, color packing, cover-ups)
  • Equipment knowledge (rotary machines, coil machines, specific brands)
  • Health/safety terms (sterilization, cross-contamination prevention)
  • Client interaction skills (consultation, design collaboration)

Industry-specific Terms

Sprinkle these throughout your resume to demonstrate insider knowledge:

  • Flash vs. custom design experience
  • Specific needle configurations you're proficient with
  • Familiarity with vegan inks or specific brands
  • Aftercare protocols you recommend
  • Terms like saturation, blowouts (prevention of), stencil application

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I've seen these resume blunders sink otherwise talented artists:

  • Focusing only on artistic skills while ignoring business/customer service aspects
  • Including inappropriate or controversial tattoo samples
  • Failing to mention health/safety knowledge
  • Using slang or overly casual language
  • Not proofreading (spelling errors look unprofessional anywhere)

Before/After Example

Before: "Worked at Black Cat Tattoo doing various styles and dealing with customers."

After: "Created 200+ custom designs at Black Cat Tattoo, specializing in botanical and geometric blackwork. Maintained a 4-week booking waitlist and 78% client return rate through attentive consultations and meticulous linework."

Your resume should be as clean and professional as your workstation. Pair it with a stunning portfolio link, and you'll be well on your way to inking that next career move!

Soft skills for your Tattoo Artist resume

  • Active listening – understanding client stories and visions to translate personal meaning into meaningful art
  • Conflict resolution – handling difficult conversations about design changes or managing client expectations when ideas exceed practical limitations
  • Empathy and emotional intelligence – creating safe spaces for clients during potentially painful or vulnerable experiences
  • Adaptability – shifting artistic approach when skin texture, placement challenges, or client feedback requires on-the-spot adjustments
  • Mentorship – guiding apprentices through technical skills while fostering their unique artistic voice
  • Time management – balancing walk-ins with scheduled appointments without sacrificing quality or rushing through important work

Hard skills for your Tattoo Artist resume

  • Proficient in American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, and Blackwork tattoo styles
  • Experienced with rotary, coil, and pneumatic tattoo machines
  • Skilled in custom stencil creation and application techniques
  • Advanced knowledge of tattoo ink composition and color theory
  • Certified in Bloodborne Pathogens and First Aid (Red Cross)
  • Proficient with Adobe Photoshop and Procreate for digital design preparation
  • Expertise in coverup and rework techniques for existing tattoos
  • Knowledgeable in proper sterilization processes using autoclaves and ultrasonic cleaners
  • Familiar with skin anatomy and how different skin types respond to tattooing