Tattoo Artist Resume: Examples & Tips
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Tattoo artists create temporary or permanent designs on clients’ skin. In addition to natural creativity and talent, this job values the ability to communicate with clients, create custom designs as needed, and apply tattoos safely. Proper understanding of tattoo equipment, tattoo care, knowledge of state and federal health guidelines, expert communication skills, and organizational skills are required.
Make sure you have a resume for a tattoo job that has the right look as well as the right content, using our tips and template designs on this page.
Get inspiration from 800+ resume samples and explore our 40+ resume templates to find the best one for you.
Tattoo artist example (text version)
Name: JASON BENNET
Address: City, State, Zip Code
Phone: 000-000-0000
E-Mail: email@email.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Creative Tattoo Artist skilled at design, business operations and team leadership. Offering extensive book of experience. Fully licensed and certified professional.
WORK HISTORY
Tattoo Artist,
12/2016 to Current
Company Name, City, State
- Commission up to 15 medium- and large scale tattoo projects per
month. - Strong client following.
- Collaborate with clients to make their vision in a design.
Tattoo Artist,
03/2014 to 11/2016
Company Name, City, State
- Effectively communicated with customers to design detailed
graphics and build clients. - Created up to 40 commissioned tattoo projects and accepted
walk-ins. - Maintained hospital-level cleanliness of the establishment.
Tattoo Apprentice,
07/2011 to 06/2014
Company Name, City, State
- Presented template design sheets for customers to review.
- Utilized photographs and sketches from customers to develop ideas.
- Collaborated in team-based environment to maximize customer
satisfaction with services.
SKILLS
- Customer Relations
- Tattoo designs
- Sanitation procedures
- Business knowledge
- Composition
- Material selection
- Payment processing
- Non-toxic ink
- Staff collaboration
EDUCATION
Associate of Arts, Design,City, State
CERTIFICATIONS
The Alliance of Professional Tattooists (2013)
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Tattoo artist resume FAQ
1. What are some examples of the skills that can be included in a tattoo artist resume?
- Design skills and knowledge
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Works well under pressure
- Flexible
- Adept in basic computer applications
- Knowledge of state and federal hygiene laws
- Business acumen
- Knowledge of different types of inks and applications
- Customer relations
2. How do you use keywords in a tattoo artist resume?
The best way to choose the right keywords for your resume is by scanning the job description, and circling words and phrases that are key to the job, such as good drawing ability or a strong work ethic. Then make sure you address these keywords in your resume. For example, you could include “strong work ethic” as a skill, or mention a previous job experience in your work history section where you gained recognition for your drawing abilities. Using keywords in this way will help you pass muster with employers, and the applicant tracking systems (ATS) they use to scan resumes.
3. How should you update your resume to take the next step forward in your career?
Consider including the following as you look to advance your career as a tattoo artist:
- Examples of flexibility and variety in your work, and an ability to keep up with current trends.
- Examples of your work that you can present online (e.g., links to images, or a portfolio website) and in your resume under an additional “Portfolio” section.
- Show evidence you’ve improved your design and inking skills over time, giving details on successful projects.
- Gain relevant art-related certifications or additional training that show you’re committed to improving your skills.
4. Which resume format is ideal for the position of a tattoo artist?
Your resume format will depend on your work experience. A functional resume format keeps the focus on your skills and qualifications, and is a good choice if you’re new to the profession or lack work experience. A combination format can be considered if you have up to five years of relevant work experience you can display, along with your best skills.The chronological resume format is best for senior positions that require more experience, as it focuses on your work history and how you’ve grown your career over time.
5. What are some essential certifications for tattoo artists?
While the art of tattooing is mostly about experience and creativity, there are some certifications that most employers prefer for their employees in addition to a basic art degree or diploma, including:
- State license for tattoo artist by the concerned authorities
- Advanced degree in Art or related subject
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Training or certification in BBP (Blood Borne Pathogens) and communicable diseases
When should I use a CV?
While similar, CVs and resumes differ in three key ways:
- Length: CVs tend to run several pages because they detail your professional experience and often include additional sections, while a resume focuses on the most relevant aspects of your work history.
- Purpose: CVs are typically submitted for scientific, medical and academic positions. Resumes can be used to apply to any job.
- Location: Resumes are the standard document for applying for U.S.-based positions, while CVs are the standard worldwide.
If you’re applying for an artistic position in the academic field or outside the U.S., consider using an artist CV instead.
Do’s and don’ts for your resume
- DO eliminate first-person pronouns. As you’ll notice from our resume examples, first-person pronouns like “I,” “me” and “my” just aren’t needed in resumes. Instead of wasting useful space on these pronouns, keep your bullet points and phrases short and punchy. For example, instead of writing, “I completed 40 body-size tattoo projects and over 345 small and medium-sized tattoo projects,” write “Designed and applied 40 body-size tattoos and 345 small and medium-sized tattoo projects.”
- DO quantify your achievements. Quantifying your achievements by using concrete numbers gives your achievements weight, and gives you an edge over resumes that use vague statements. So instead of writing “Designed and applied tattoos in a professional studio for customers,” write “Designed and applied 40+ tattoo projects in professional studio each week, with loyal client base of 200 customers.”
- DO use action verbs. Using strong action verbs will make you sound confident, proactive, and make a stronger impression on employers. Writing “Created tattoo designs and implemented body piercings” reads better than “was responsible for tattoo designs and body piercings.” Some action verbs you could use include “applied,” “created,” “designed,” “developed,” “consulted,” “managed,” “organized,” “defined” and “executed.”
- DON’T make your resume too long. Employers take a few seconds to read a resume, on average. Make sure your resume is to the point, and not overstuffed with information not directly related to the position you’re applying to. Sick to your most notable accomplishments and skills. Ideally, your own resume should be two-pages long at most.
- DON’T submit your resume without proofing. Experts agree: A resume with even a single error can be a big turn-off for employers. Review your resume after you write it to delete any spelling or grammar mistakes, and make sure the information you’ve provided is accurate and fits what the job needs. If you use our Resume Builder, the included tools will scan your resume in all these areas before you send it out.
- DON’T forget: your summary should be an elevator pitch.An elevator pitch is a quick, peppy sales pitch that’s marketing the most important product: you. In your summary, introduce yourself by explaining the top qualities, experiences and skills you have. Once employers read your summary, they should know exactly what’s most important about you. For example: “Versatile and creative tattoo artist with five years of studio experience, skilled at shading techniques and non-toxic inking.”
Top 4 characteristics of a best-in-class tattoo artist resume
Summary
In a few concise sentences, outline your top skills, qualifications or certifications, as well as an example or two of your work experience. For example: “Versatile tattoo artist skilled at custom designs, with four years of professional experience.” Focus on attributes that best fit the specific job you’re applying to.
Skills
Include technical skills such as proficiency in specific inks and techniques, as well as experience maintaining a client-safe environment, as well as key soft skills such as attention to detail, interpersonal skills, and time management.
Work experience
In general, stick to the last 10 years in describing your work experience. Focus on top achievements rather than daily tasks, and supply details for your accomplishments whenever possible, to give employers more insight about your abilities. For example, instead of writing, “Applied tattoos using permanent and temporary ink,” consider writing, “Applied tattoos using permanent ink for 5+ clients per day, at tattoo parlor that regularly received five-star Yelp reviews.”
Education
Along with your highest academic credential (e.g., high school diploma or college degree), present your professional certifications and license for tattoo art.
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Tattoo Artist Resume Example
Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
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