How I Became A Self-Taught Tattoo Artist At 19

Q&A - How I Became A Self-Taught Tattoo Artist At 19
These are all questions I pulled from a Q&A I held on my business Instagram. I am by no means saying this Is a tutorial or the “correct way” to start tattooing, it’s just what I did!!
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Accounts That Helped Me:
1: / @artsomething
2: / @thattattooguyofficial
3: / sanitation_station_
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SOCIALS
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💌 - EMAIL: [e-mail]
⛲️ - IG / desertmousetattoo
🍒 - TIKTOK / littledesertmouse
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Hailey Malin , Jasmine Chann , Cup Of Jasmine , Tattoo , Self Taught Artist , Emma Chamberlain , JennIm , AvaJules , Angelinanicolle , BestDressed , HitomiMochizuki , DIY Tattoo , Beginner Tattoo , How To Tattoo , How To Learn How To Tattoo.a

[@almost_famous_frodo475]

I’ve been tattooing for 17 years and this is proof of what I’ve be en talking about a lot about lately. Apprenticeship is becoming long lost tradition. In all honesty even those of us that had an apprenticeship ultimately taught ourselves. It does make me sad though that the history is lacking in being self taught. One thing I did gain from my apprenticeship is learning who is who and what each person gave to our history. I’m currently working on building a remote apprenticeship program that would include this and could be used as a guide tool to help artists seeking the self taught route. I do hope to work with different states to meet the standards they have for licensing. The industry is changing and a lot of the old guys are freaking out instead of learning how to guide it in the right direction.

[@HaileyMalin]

This is a fantastic way to word it !!! This was just a silly Q&A and I have a lot more I’d like to discuss about the topic. You make great points and I appreciate the comment, have a good day!

[@StarryNightxx]

Omgg if u ever set up that remote apprenticeship I'd love to hear about it!

[@friendlyworm420]

So glad you did your thing. Tattooing is ancient art that everyone is allowed to take part in. There is no one way to do it. There will always be haters/gatekeepers - but yet you succeed regardless. I have been thru hell trying to get apprenticeships! I don’t understand how people can still comment about how you need to “respect the craft” when you very clearly put thought, time, research, and resources into this - RESPECTFULLY. All the best to you. ⭐️

[@HaileyMalin]

Such a sweet and thoughtful response. I appreciate the love and support more than I can express, thank you for your kind words!! 💌

[@elainelee2937]

I see that you're now at Everybody Tattoos!! Thank you for this! I went through the trial and error of a.) paying for a course last summer. It was an 8 week course and barely learned anything. b.) I did go through an apprenticeship this year and then lost it because the person who was supposed to mentor me decided they were not capable of teaching me. However, through those couple of months, I've learned a lot, just from watching other artists. I want to work up my confidence in teaching myself and practice, practice, practice.

[@crystalever]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!! i was living in Oregon and trying to start my tattoo career, but unfortunately you have to pay a pretty penny to go to tattoo school, BUT I just recently moved to Arizona where the laws dont require an apprenticeship or school and this video has been SOOOO helpful. Seriously, I cannot thank you enough because I was totally lost on where to even begin now that I have the perfect opportunity to be self taught and reach for my dreams (:

[@HaileyMalin]

I’m so glad to hear this !!! Thank you for letting me know that it was helpful :) I’m excited to keep uploading tattoo related content!

[@Guitar152lover]

You got this! I understand about the whole Oregon thing, I currently live in Oregon and saving up to go, it really is a lot lol. Glad you moved to Arizona!

[@GoodVibes-on7ps]

Same girly I’m In Oregon and I’m broke as a joke. It’s very discouraging knowing what you want to do but need money for the simple things. Nonetheless I know I will get there. Thank you 💖

[@M16Alex]

Where are you located in AZ? I have a tattoo shop in Tucson, AZ

[@thatoldcrow]

tattoo school should never be required and is usually a scam! a lot of licenses artists even look down upon it. i always recommend just checking into your state regulations as tattooing is a sort of trade/art and not so much something you go to school for. arizona really is the wild west with their tattoo laws! wishing you the best with this oppurtunity and hoping you’ve begun to create something beautiful already :)

[@s.k.henkle]

This is awesome, thanks for sharing! I just got a tattoo gun recently and have been starting that journey of research and practice! Who knows what’s to come

[@LizMillerDesign]

The Mast Archer was my first machine too! I love it! Your video is very helpful in starting out as a tattoo artist! ♥

[@BabyyFairyy]

This is LIFE CHANGING. I literally live in murray so very close haha and have been desperately trying to figure out how to become a tattoo artist without the apprenticeship. I have been doing stick and pokes since i was 13-14 which i’ve been told look like professional work and i recently got a machine which i’ve been learning more and more about by the day long story short i have been teaching myself for YEARS how to tattoo and don’t feel i need a full apprenticeship so this is so helpful. I would LOVE to reach out to you and talk to you a little more about becoming a self taught artist in utah

[@moonfacedgirl9962]

Thank you! Motivating & inspiring.

[@may-pn2ph]

i'm a 17 really lost girl i always loved the tattoos idea, this days i was crying a lot and having all the mental break problems now this video just pop up i love it and make me have hope to do what i like again ty so much

[@anoukl3616]

Could you make a video on pricing? I find it SO hard to ask for a reasonable amount of money. I feel like I'm severely undercharging lol. It'd be great to see a breakdown video on what costs to include in your tattoo price!

[@thr33forty4]

thankful the universe brought me on your channel im following a similar path! wish you love and light and success **

[@Sphinxnominx]

Self teaching rn and this is such a huge motivator.

[@millaarmstrong1427]

I'm from SLC as well. And wanting to get into the industry. So thanks for the heads up❤️

[@evanwoodacre]

I am also a self taught tattoo artist and I am signing a lease for a studio tomorrow... Instantly subscribed since our stories are so similar

[@millaarmstrong1427]

Also, blood born pathogens you can learn online. And they have books in the library.

[@joshuasmith9587]

Subscribed, I’m also a self taught professional spray paint artist/tattoo artist. Thanks for the video

[@amberscoofficial8752]

I wish I knew you in real life I have more questions- I feel like I CANT be a tattoo artist because my LINES aren’t perfect. I can’t draw a perfect straight line, I can’t draw a perfect circle, my art has always been what I call “perfectly imperfect art” “trashy art” I paint and I draw but there are flaws. With tattoos I see them so CLEAN and perfect. I don’t think my art style fits. My friends and family always told me to tattoo.

[@HaileyMalin]

Hi Amber !!! It sounds like you’re a great artist and have the potential to be a great tattoo artist! There are a few options. There are tattoo artists who tattoo “careless style” tattoos (more illustrative, doodle designs). This could also be a situation that would be worth seeking an apprenticeship as they would have you doing certain drawing exercises to tighten up those lines !!!! So many factors to consider but I hope that this response is even mildly helpful!!!

[@Lukekassidy]

Thank you so much! This has been exactly what I’ve been looking for. There’s a lot of courses that I see online and in person for the tiny tat and fine line tattooing that give you a certification. I’m assuming that certification is not something that’s required in Utah?

[@HaileyMalin]

Hi !!! No absolutely not it’s purely a piece of paper that says certificate but means absolutely nothing to Utah’s health and safety guidelines for tattooing. Not to say that you can’t gain some valuable information from those “courses” but it is just a made up certificate. So glad I could help ! =)

[@lorenzo.larios]

this video is everythinggg

[@fumibad]

Ok I have that same matise painting and I work at trader joes and I want to be a tattoo artist. Hello soul sister lolol

[@ariannarohde]

lovely video 🩶

[@fae156.93]

we love to see it

[@trapbabyBee]

Mood🤞🏾

[@ameliapeters2938]

Ily post more please bae ily

[@sarahswanson7745]

Do you just have to have a business license to start buying from licensed tattoo suppliers? And where do you buy those things. I live in Arizona so it would be different but is there an online supplier that is professional and reliable?

[@absolutelynothingggg]

GIRL I WANNA TATTOO AS WELL AND I WORK AT TRADER JOE'S, I LITERALLY GOT OFF FROM A 6-2 SHIFT 3 HOURS AGO, WTFFFFF!!!!

[@HaileyMalin]

Let me be ur sign bb ! Do it !!

[@_mids]

im just getting into tattooing and i live in ut in cottonwood heights wow what a small world what is the name of your tattoo shop?

[@dr4g_sho7]

I tattoo aswell.. just got a machine.. ill be posting soon🌹🔥

[@carlostrevino2990]

How exactly do you skip a appreciateship? Isn't that required in order to get a license? I'm not exactly sure how it all works so forgive me but I'm curious.

[@HaileyMalin]

I’m glad you asked this ! It all depends on the state you work in. I tattoo in Utah and you are not required to have an apprenticeship or license to tattoo here, the requirements in our city are a blood born pathogens certificate, a business license, and a health department certified space. You’ll want to look into what specific requirements there are for your area, this was more just a Q&A on my personal experience becoming a tattoo artist rather than a “how to” video. Hope this helped! :•)

[@carlostrevino2990]

@@HaileyMalin yeah I'm looking into getting a apprenticeship in order to be certified to tattoo but most shops don't want to do apprenticeships so I'm like 🫠

[@jashhley]

felt u at 6:30 😭😭😭😭 CANT DO ANYTHING BUT BE CREATIVE

[@HaileyMalin]

So real 😔✊

[@huytrinh5579]

I am on the way to get in that way by myself too . Hope u can do everything u want the way u want and enjoy the journey of life ! ❤

[@KCTattooist101]

You are lucky enough to live in a state that doesn't require an apprenticeship? Missouri we were Granfathered in 2005

[@smolenbyy]

Thank you for your story!! Im an aspiring tattoo artist and have been struggling to land an apprenticeship for 2-3 years now, so I’ve been thinking to possibly start myself and I love hearing others stories of succeeding at the same thing. Sub from me ❤

[@kensavanh]

i

[@krookedburger]

4:34 tattoo artist here. An apprenticeship will not teach you drawing. Drawing is only 10% of tattooing. An apprenticeship teaches you everything else. Cleanliness, materials, customer service, patience, culture, history, business and ethics. Apprenticeships are extremely important to tattooing and its sad to see the tattoo industry losing that.

[@HaileyMalin]

I am by no means telling people to not get apprenticeships, however I believe that people discredit self taught artists far too often. I can happily say that I am very well versed in every single thing that you listed and am extremely proud to say that I got there by myself :•) I hope that the rest of your apprenticeship goes well so that you can enjoy this line of work as much as I do!

[@krookedburger]

@@HaileyMalin I honestly believe you are the exception instead of the rule. Alot of self taught artist do it to take short cuts out of the "work" so they can just tattoo. I've completed my apprenticeship now, and I'm happy that it's working out for you as well

[@matthewbecknell664]

Nah, adults working for free for 1-2 years if antiquated ideas and the only reason gatekeepers are gatekeepering , is same as old heads getting tore up about student loan forgiveness.

[@krookedburger]

@@matthewbecknell664 there's alot of things you learn from an apprenticeship that you don't learn on your own. It's the same as going to school. People don't pay you to go to school. All the artists that I've talked to personally that have skipped an apprenticeship have said that they wish they did one. Most say that you learn things twice as fast because you have someone to guide you. She is the exception, and she clearly cares about her clients. Most self taught tattooers skip all the important parts like cross contamination and cleanliness just so they can start making money faster. Apprenticeships are very important to tattoo industry and culture, and they aren't the same as they were 5 years ago, or 15 years ago. Gatekeeping is no longer the norm and hazing is nonexistent so there's no reason NOT to get an apprenticeship

[@jamesmichael9341]

@@krookedburgerI have recently just started tattooing (fake skin). About 6 months in. I believe I am doing great, the tattoos I’m doing on fake skin are crispy and beautiful. BUT I need to work on shading more and learning how to draw. And I do want to eventually be an apprentice. I truly am the type to sharpen a lot of my tools before starting classes, I’ve trained mma/Muay Thai/kickboxing off and on my whole life. Even before going back to training I get in shape again and THEN go back lmao. So it feels like I’m doing that with tattooing. Going to get as good as I possibly can and then apply everywhere to be an apprentice. SO what I’m getting at is could you give me a list of things I should do? Like if I were to apprentice for you but I needed 6 months until I go to you, what would you tell me to do so that when I do get to you, I’m already doing great? Hope that all makes sense, text to speech lol. But either way, I would highly appreciate it and thank you 🙌🏼

[@sqmbo5258]

Banger video

[@jessicacurless729]

Yesssss! We don’t deserve you 🥹❤️

[@Cherryboyriot_official]

The title sounds not real

[@moosewrangler4953]

But did you do it for the rizz

[@electricedits2046]

We know it was for the rizz Hailey.

[@tattoo_artist_silchar]

Wow ! U look like CLAIRE in the movie The King of staten island , uff! She's so beautiful u know all the time I'm just watching her 😊✌️

[@HaileyMalin]

Oh my goodness I haven’t heard this before but it’s my new favorite compliment, thank you !!! =D

[@tattoo_artist_silchar]

by the way I am also a self taught artist, Nice Video 👌

[@L.O.C.1990]

It’s all common sense🤣 but nice that you’re answering the questions even if some are dumb. Thanks for the knowledge though

[@HaileyMalin]

Haha I’m so sorry that was very vague looking back at the video, I’m still learning how to educate/talk about this. Thanks for sharing a laugh with me ! 😁

[@heyjavin]

💃💃🕺🕺

[@yenvyren]

honestly u act to mature to be19 in my opinion

[@bronsonfeller]

W

[@horicomoseyama967]

Where are your tattoos ? Just asking

[@HaileyMalin]

On me personally? All over ! Legs, arms, neck, they are just hidden in this video !

[@jjjacobjjjames]

Disclaimer! I DID NOT WATCH THE FULL VIDEO Find an apprenticeship though. Sure you can do whatever the hell you want like tattoo at home, outside, in the restroom lol BUT! if you want to be taken serious in this industry go get an apprenticeship, and a good one, youre young. You said, in Utah it don't matter, so you "Decided" to teach yourself.... Is that out of Fear? Ill stfu now but i didnt apprentice till i was 30 from fear so maybe that is relatable.

[@HaileyMalin]

Hi Jacob ! Thank you for adding that disclaimer. I am not telling people that this is exactly how you become a tattoo artist, I’m just answering frequently asked questions on how I personally became one. I wasn’t scared of putting in the work for an apprenticeship, I had just been warned by multiple people that a lot of our local shops had been taking advantage/scamming apprentices-especially young girls !! I have no issue with apprenticeships and give huge props to those who commit to them. I fully agree with your comment about being taken seriously in the industry, but only by other tattoos artists. I have never had any fear or doubt from clients and I am very transparent about being self taught but it is a reoccurring issue for traditionally trained tattoo artists. Thank you for the kind comment, I appreciate it. I hope you have a great day, thank you for watching!

[@tatukelz6194]

Having some sort of guidance is very helpful; but i do kno a few great artists who run a shop n were self taught, but bn self taught in anything tbh requires real dedication to the craft; but true getn an apprenticeship gives u more of the hands on experience n i guess on spot help. As long as u tke da steps to bn professional n safe.

[@wafflewarriorthe3rd]

"Want to be taken serious in this industry" I keep seeing tattoo artists who completed their apprenticeships and still tattoo with major issues. Wobbly lines, blowouts in the skin, etc. I am a digital artist and do not tattoo, but I have had multiple designs of mine all but destroyed by "professionals who are taken seriously in the industry." Maybe skill and value in the craft is the real important thing here... I have been looking into this industry and am repeatedly appalled by how much there is a holier than thou attitude. I don't know if I would touch it with a 10 foot pole at this point.

[@knowartist3383]

@jjjacobjjjames, to be honest, it's this whole newer generation scared of "gatekeepers" and the actual professional industry, at large. truth be told, 99 percent of people who are wannabes would never be accepted by the community, so they've created their own online, haha. if you've talked to 10 to even 100 artists in whatever town/city/state/country you live in and NOBODY cares to take the time to teach you...think about it...there's probably a reason. nowadays people love to include themselves and then declare themselves whatever it is they wish to be. "look mom! I'm a unicorn!" of course you are; of course you are.

[@cortc3177]

I think I’m going to post a video about how I’m a self taught electrician with no images of my work or experience brb.

[@HaileyMalin]

Like I said in the video, social media portfolio is listed in the description !💌

[@alkalionpower]

Imagine someone Elses success triggering you lmfao couldn't be me.

[@alexanderratliff2452]

Scoped her work out. It’s that “fine line” books closed will be washed out in 10 yrs tattoos. Get an apprenticeship.

[@HaileyMalin]

And yet I’m fully booked! 😋

[@alexanderratliff2452]

@@HaileyMalin cool, no body cares

[@kalismith7564]

@@alexanderratliff2452Oh wow, get a load of this guy.

[@alexanderratliff2452]

@@kalismith7564 literally don’t care what you have to say. Unless you are a tattooer too, buzz off

[@Thirdfish]

You're more interested in social media that tattoo art. Fake.

[@HaileyMalin]

You’re so right 😍

[@dsposse4140]

Tattooing really lost its magic 💔. Thank god for the gate keepers. PLEASE make sure you guys take up an apprenticeship. You WANT that lineage. Very happy that this worked for this gal, just hope this doesn’t make people feel like ANYONE can become a tattoo artist. With out a proper lineage or teaching from someone who Really knows how to tattoo will just end with you being ANOTHER scratcher. The least y’all should tell each other is to LEARN TATTOO HISTORY!!!! Actually care for the craft and not just to rip people off for social media and your pockets.

[@christophersmith8028]

It’s good to see this comment from someone who likely understands the tattoo culture and history along with it. I’ve got a few different ideas for sleeves/pieces, and have no tattoos at the age of 28(looking to change that this coming year and get started) and love any and all information that I can find on the subject and history along with the art. I agree fully with your thoughts on the apprenticeship thing. Yes it’s likely a hard, costly, time consuming(as in work nights/part time, and learn/apprentice all other hours) endeavor to make that happen but I feel like the in shop, hands on experience with not only tattooing, but with customers and the business aspect of the craft are invaluable to anyone who wants to make a long term career of it. Again, I’m happy this has been a good journey for her, and wish the best for anyone looking to make this form of beautiful art a career, but make sure to consider learning from someone who is and has invested time to the culture and craft. Cheers! ^talk about a pointless ramble. 🤣

[@PathOfDistrAction]

What fucking history lmao y’all mfs sound like these patriotic folks that get butt hurt when someone steps on a fucking flag. If someone wants to be a tattoo artist then let them, we all start somewhere. Who the fuck cares about learning some fucking history. Most of these folks that have this mindset are the ones that say they’ve been tattooing for 30+ years yet all they focus on is cartoony ass traditional and their line work still questionable gtfo 😂

[@sarahswanson7745]

I’m working to become a handpoke artist. There is 1 stick and poke artist near where I live and they are unable to apprentice me. What am I supposed to do now? Just give up and not become a tattoo artist. Everyone has a different journey.

[@TheRochaFam]

Hi there is there an email or IG account you have where I can correspond with you regarding starting out as a tattoo artist?!