In the vibrant and competitive world of tattoo artistry, having a standout application is essential for showcasing your skills and landing your dream job.

A well-crafted tattoo artist resume not only highlights your talents but also emphasizes your professionalism and commitment to the craft.

In this article, we’ll explore the key components of a successful tattoo artist resume, from showcasing your portfolio to detailing your experience.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your journey, these tips and examples will help you create a document that captivates potential employers and sets you apart in this dynamic industry.

Tattoo artist resume examples

Creative tattoo artist resume sample

Creative tattoo artist resume template

Creative tattoo artist resume template
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Resume for creative tattoo artists | Plain text

Name: Mia Rodriguez
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: miarodriguez@gmail.com
Website/Portfolio: www.miarodrigueztattoo.com

Summary

Innovative and passionate tattoo artist with over 6 years of experience in creating unique, custom designs. Committed to artistic expression and customer satisfaction.

Experience

Creative Tattoo Artist

Ink Society Tattoo Studio, Los Angeles, CA

June 2020 – Present

  • Design and execute over 400 custom tattoos, specializing in watercolor and illustrative styles.
  • Collaborate with clients to create personalized designs, ensuring their vision is fully realized.
  • Manage a clean and safe workspace in compliance with health regulations.
  • Conduct art workshops to educate clients on tattoo care and artistic techniques.

Tattoo Artist Intern

Artistic Expressions Tattoo Parlor, Santa Monica, CA

January 2018 – May 2020

  • Assisted lead artists in various tattooing techniques and styles.
  • Developed foundational skills in customer interaction and consultation.
  • Helped maintain studio cleanliness and organization.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

California State University, Los Angeles

Graduated: May 2017

  • Focused on visual arts and design, with coursework in figure drawing and color theory.

Certifications

  • CPR and First Aid Certified, American Heart Association, Issued: March 2023
  • Certified Bloodborne Pathogens Training, California Department of Public Health, Issued: April 2022

Skills

  • Custom design creation
  • Client consultation and communication
  • Tattoo application and aftercare
  • Health and safety compliance
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite

Strong sides of this tattoo artist resume:

  • Highlights a unique artistic style (watercolor and illustrative) that sets the candidate apart from others.
  • Conducting art workshops demonstrates leadership, communication skills, and a commitment to educating others.
  • Relevant certifications underscore a commitment to safety and professionalism in the tattooing process.
How to properly format a resume for a tattoo artist?
  • Choose a clean font that enhances readability. Fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are excellent choices.
  • Avoid overly decorative or artistic fonts, as they can detract from the professionalism of your application.
  • Use a font size between 10-12 points for the body text. Headings can be slightly larger to create a clear hierarchy.
  • Ideally, your resume should be one page long. This allows you to present your information concisely and efficiently.
  • If you have extensive experience, two pages may be acceptable.
  • Set margins to 1 inch on all sides to create a balanced look.
  • Ensure there is enough white space between sections to enhance readability.

To avoid formatting issues, consider using a free online resume builder.

Resume Trick offers customizable free resume templates that ensure your document maintains a professional appearance while allowing you to focus on showcasing your skills and experiences effectively.

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Experienced tattoo artist resume example

Sample experienced tattoo artist resume

Name: Jake Thompson
Location: New York, NY
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: jakethompson@gmail.com
Website/Portfolio: www.jakethompsontattoos.com

Summary

Detail-oriented and experienced tattoo artist with over 9 years in the industry. Proficient in multiple tattoo styles and dedicated to providing a professional and enjoyable experience for clients.

Experience

Senior Tattoo Artist

Urban Ink Tattoo Studio, Brooklyn, NY

March 2018 – Present

  • Perform more than 600 tattoos across diverse styles, including realism, neo-traditional, and Japanese.
  • Lead a team of junior artists, providing mentorship and guidance.
  • Implement client feedback processes to improve service and design accuracy.
  • Maintain high standards of hygiene and safety protocols in the studio.

Tattoo Artist

Eternal Ink Tattoo Parlor, Manhattan, NY

May 2015 – February 2018

  • Developed and executed tattoo designs based on client ideas and preferences.
  • Built a strong client base through exceptional service and word-of-mouth referrals.
  • Participated in tattoo conventions and exhibitions, showcasing personal work.

Education

Associate Degree in Fine Arts

School of Visual Arts, New York, NY

Graduated: May 2015

  • Specialized in graphic design and illustration.

Exhibitions

  • Featured Artist, NYC Tattoo Convention, New York, NY (2024)
  • Solo Exhibition, “Ink and Expression,” Art Gallery, Brooklyn, NY (2022)

Skills

  • Advanced tattooing techniques
  • Strong artistic and design skills
  • Client relationship management
  • Professionalism and communication
  • Proficient in sketching and digital design

Here are a few reasons why this example of a tattoo artist resume will impress recruiters:

  • With over 9 years in the industry, the candidate demonstrates extensive experience that is attractive to employers.
  • Mentoring junior artists shows leadership abilities, indicating readiness for increased responsibility.
  • Emphasis on client feedback processes and building a strong client base showcases a focus on customer satisfaction.
Should I choose a tattoo artist resume objective or summary?

Ideal for experienced tattoo artists, a summary highlights your key qualifications and accomplishments.

  • It provides a snapshot of your career and can include specific skills, achievements, and years of experience.

Tattoo artist resume summary sample:

Creative and detail-oriented tattoo artist with over 5 years of experience specializing in black and grey realism. Proven track record of customer satisfaction and a strong portfolio showcasing diverse styles.

Best for entry-level artists or those transitioning to a new specialty, an objective focuses on your career goals.

Tattoo artist resume objective example:

Aspiring tattoo artist seeking an apprenticeship position to develop skills in custom designs and enhance client relationships in a reputable studio.

How to showcase your tattoo artist resume skills?

A well-rounded skills section can show that you’re not only technically proficient but also possess interpersonal qualities.

  • Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured. They are often gained through education, training, or practical experience.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal qualities that relate to how you work with others. They are often more subjective and harder to measure than hard skills.

Tattoo artist hard skills:

  • Tattooing techniques (e.g., line work, shading)
  • Design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop)
  • Sterilization and hygiene practices
  • Color theory
  • Machine operation and maintenance
  • Skin anatomy knowledge
  • Portfolio development
  • Custom design creation
  • Time management
  • Customer service skills

Soft skills for a tattoo artist:

  • Communication
  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Adaptability
  • Empathy
  • Collaboration
  • Professionalism
  • Conflict resolution

Tattoo artist technician resume template

Tattoo artist technician resume sample

Tattoo artist technician resume sample
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Resume for tattoo artist technician | Text version

Name: Ethan Carter
Location: Seattle, WA
Phone: (555) 345-6789
Email: ethancarter@gmail.com
Website/Portfolio: www.ethancartertattootech.com

Objective

Dedicated and skilled tattoo artist technician with over 5 years of experience in the industry. Proficient in tattoo machine operation and maintenance. Seeking a position at Precision Ink Tattoo Studio to leverage my technical skills and passion for art.

Experience

Tattoo Technician

Precision Ink Tattoo Studio, Seattle, WA

April 2021 – Present

  • Assist in the setup and breakdown of tattoo stations, ensuring optimal cleanliness and safety.
  • Maintain tattoo equipment, including sterilization of tools and supplies.
  • Support artists during tattoo application, providing necessary supplies and tools.
  • Educate clients on aftercare practices for optimal healing.

Tattoo Apprentice

Black Rose Tattoo Studio, Tacoma, WA

January 2019 – March 2021

  • Completed extensive apprenticeship, mastering the fundamentals of tattoo application and design.
  • Gained experience in client consultation and design creation.
  • Helped manage studio operations, including scheduling appointments and maintaining inventory.

Education

Tattooing Fundamentals Course

Tattoo School of Seattle, Seattle, WA

Graduated: December 2018

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Artist, “Tattooing for a Cause,” Seattle, WA (2023)

  • Provided free tattoos for cancer survivors to promote healing and self-empowerment.

Community Workshop Facilitator, “Art for All,” Seattle, WA (2022)

  • Organized workshops teaching basic tattooing skills and safety to aspiring artists.

Skills

  • Tattoo machine setup and maintenance
  • Sterilization and hygiene practices
  • Strong understanding of tattoo styles
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills
  • Knowledge of skin anatomy and aftercare procedures

This sample tattoo artist resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Strong focus on tattoo machine operation and maintenance emphasizes technical skills essential for this role.
  • Experience as a tattoo technician demonstrates an understanding of studio operations and a supportive attitude towards artists.
  • Completion of a specialized tattooing fundamentals course indicates up-to-date training and knowledge of current best practices.
What educational credentials should I add to my tattoo artist resume?

A well-structured education section demonstrates your dedication to the craft and your willingness to learn and improve.

  • List any relevant degrees or certifications, such as a degree in fine arts or a diploma from a tattooing school.
  • Include the name of the institution where you received your training.
  • Add the city and state of the college or university.
  • Provide the years you attended, or if you graduated, the year of graduation.
  • If applicable, mention any coursework that is particularly relevant to tattoo artistry, such as courses in design, anatomy, or color theory.
How to organize the experience section in a tattoo artist resume?
  • Start each entry with your job title, followed by the company name and location. This makes it clear what positions you’ve held and where you’ve worked.
  • Include the dates you were employed, listing the month and year you started and ended each role. If you’re currently working, use "Present" for the end date.
  • Add bullet points to outline your responsibilities of a tattoo artist and accomplishments in each position. Start each bullet point with an action verb to convey a sense of proactivity.

Focus on quantifiable achievements when possible.

Conclusion

Creating a compelling tattoo artist resume is your opportunity to make a lasting impression in a competitive field.

By emphasizing your unique skills, showcasing your portfolio, and presenting your experience in an engaging manner, you can effectively communicate your passion for tattoo artistry.

Remember, your resume is not just a list of accomplishments; it’s a reflection of your identity as an artist.

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