Getting Into the Body Art Industry: Then vs. Now
The body art industry has always been about more than just tattoos and piercings—it’s about self-expression, culture, and connection. But if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to break into the industry today, the truth is: it looks very different than it did even a decade ago.
The “Old School” Way
Traditionally, the only path into tattooing or piercing was through a long apprenticeship. Apprenticeships could last several years, often unpaid, and they weren’t always accessible. Artists had to prove themselves by cleaning shops, running errands, and slowly earning the right to pick up a machine or needle. Basically, paying for their training with two years of labor.
For some, that tough-love training created resilience and skill. But for many, it kept talented, creative people out of the industry altogether. If you didn’t have the right connections or couldn’t afford years without income, breaking in was nearly impossible.
The Industry Today
Fast forward to today and things have changed. The demand for body art has skyrocketed. Tattoos and piercings are no longer “counterculture”; they’re mainstream, professional, and celebrated forms of personal style. This shift has created a need for more trained artists and new ways to learn.
Modern training programs, like accelerated tattoo and piercing courses, are bridging that gap. Instead of waiting years, students can now get hands-on training in safe, structured environments and start building their careers in months rather than decades.
Technology has also transformed the industry:
Better Equipment: Machines and needles are lighter, quieter, and more precise than ever before.
Social Media: Artists can showcase their portfolios instantly, building global clientele without waiting for walk-ins.
Sanitation Standards: There’s a stronger emphasis on health, safety, and professionalism, which raises the bar for everyone.
Why This Matters
For new artists, this means there’s more opportunity than ever to enter the body art world without the barriers of the past. You still need discipline, creativity, and passion, but now you can focus on developing your craft instead of struggling just to get your foot in the door.
The Future of Body Art
The industry continues to evolve. With permanent makeup, fine line tattoos, and specialty piercing styles on the rise, the body art world is expanding beyond traditional boundaries. Clients expect luxury experiences, high-quality artistry, and safe practices which opens the door for artists who treat this not just as a trade, but as a career.
Final Thought from ATA:
Getting into the body art industry today isn’t easier, it’s different. You don’t have to follow the old path of apprenticeships and gatekeeping. With the right training, dedication, and vision, you can build a career that’s profitable, creative, and uniquely your own.