can a girl be a tattoo artist
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Can a girl be a tattoo artist? Is Tattooing The Career For You?

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It’s no secret that the tattoo industry is dominated by men. However, there are many women who are breaking barriers and making a name for themselves in this male-dominated field.

So, the question remains: can a girl be a tattoo artist? The answer is yes! In this blog post, we will explore the career opportunities available for women in the tattoo industry. We will also discuss the challenges that women face in this profession and how to overcome them.


Read on to learn more about this fascinating career option for women.

Can a girl be a tattoo artist?

One of the most common questions that people ask about tattoos is Can a Girl Be a Tattoo Artist?

The answer is yes! There are many talented and successful female tattoo artists out there.

In fact, the number of women in the tattoo industry is growing every year. Its an excellent choice of career for women.

However, it is important to note that the tattoo industry is still very much dominated by men. This can make it challenging for women to break into the field and be taken seriously as artists.

How to become a Tattoo Artist

If you already know that you want to enter the tattoo industry you will find this post helpful. How to become a Tattoo Artist

Tattooing has always historically been a traditionally male environment

The large majority of tattooists since the industry started have been male. Female tattooist pioneers such as Maude Wagner and Jessie Knight were few and far between in the beginning.

They often had to enter the industry by learning from a male figure such as a father or husband.

Jessie Knight. The first female tattoo artist in England
Jessie Knight. The first female tattoo artist in England who learnt to tattoo from her father.
Maude Wagner- Americas first female tattoo artist
Maude Wagner – Americas first female tattoo artist and master of the hand poking tattoo technique

Millie Hull was a revolutionary who honed her own tattoo skills with no male input, paving the way for other women after her to build their career on decorating bodies.

1943 Millie Hull was declared “NYC’s only female tattoo artist”
Millie Hull
Millie Hull was a self taught woman tattoo artist at a time when most women had to learn the skill from a father or husband already in the industry.

However, It was always an intimidating and difficult industry for women to enter.

But things have changed…

However, in the last 20 years or so things have changed a lot. The industry has opened up and become more accepting of female artists.

There are now a growing number of successful women tattoo artists who are making a name for themselves in the industry. These women have paved the way for other females who are interested in pursuing a career in tattooing.

Whilst it is still a predominantly male industry, I would roughly estimate that women make up around 20-25% of tattooists at present.

It’s now so much easier for women to get into the industry on their own terms and to be respected when they get there.

5 reasons why tattooing is a great career for women

1 – There is no gender pay gap in the Tattoo Industry

One of the great things about the tattoo industry is that there is no gender pay gap.

Tattooists are paid based on their experience and skill level, regardless of whether they are male or female.

This is a fantastic career option for women who want to be paid fairly for their skills and experience.

2 – Tattooing gives women the opportunity to be their own boss

Another great thing about tattooing is that you can be your own boss. If you’re creative and entrepreneurial, then this is the perfect career for you. You can set up your own tattoo studio and work the hours that suit you.

In tattooing is easy to create your own business. You can work on your own without needing to rely on others. All you need is a tattoo shop space to work in.

You also have the opportunity to scale by employing others and opening more than one tattoo shop. You have a wide range of business options open to you.

This is a perfect option for women who want to have more control over their careers

3 – Tattooing is a great way to make money if you are a creative woman

If you’re a creative woman it can be difficult to get paid enough for your skills which are often undervalued by the general world.

Tattooing is a great way to make good money from your art and creativity.

Tattooists are paid per hour, so the more skilled you are, the more money you can earn as your prices increase. There are also opportunities for creating spin-offs such as clothing lines, print sales, and licensing designs.

A creative woman can get paid well in the tattoo industry.

4- Tattooing gives women work flexibility

Tattooing is a great career option for women who want work flexibility. As a tattooist, you can choose to work part-time or full-time, whichever suits you best.

Once you are established as a tattooist, especially if you have your own studio, you can choose how many hours you want to work.

5 – Tattooing gives women freedom

If you don’t want to be chained down to a 9-5 in an office then tattooing is a great option for you.

You have the freedom to travel and work as you please. Many people use the opportunities of working at conventions or guest spots as a way to travel and get paid whilst doing it.

Tattooing is a great way for women to be self-employed and have the freedom to work the hours they want, on their own terms. It’s a career that is creative, entrepreneurial, and can be very profitable. If you’re thinking of getting into tattooing, go for it! You’ll love it.

Tattooing is also a great job for Autistic and Aspie Women – Find out more in this post Is Tattooing A Good Job For Women With Aspergers / Autism?

Ways in which the tattoo industry can be difficult for women to enter

Although the tattoo industry offers great opportunities for women it also holds some difficulties. The industry is still highly male-dominated. This can sometimes make it difficult for women to be taken seriously as artists and to get their foot in the door. Thankfully a lot has changed in the past few years and this is much less of a problem than it used to be.

There are more and more women who are successfully breaking into the industry and making a name for themselves.

However, if you are trying to break into the industry you may come up against the following issues.

1 – Women often have to prove themselves

A man who is starting out in the tattoo industry will often be taken more seriously than a woman. He will be given more opportunities and his work will be judged less harshly.

A woman has to prove herself more, she has to be better than her male counterparts to even have a chance of being successful.

However, sadly this is the case in most male-dominated industries. Not just tattooing

2 – Women will often have to deal with some sexism

Even though things are changing, there is still some sexism in the tattoo industry. You may find yourself being treated differently to a man by your colleagues or customers. This can be anything from being objectified and sexualized, to having your work skills undermined and dismissed.

It’s also quite common for women tattooists to be mistaken for a receptionist and have customers asking “to speak to the tattooist”.

I also know one woman tattooist who had a customer who refused to be tattooed by a woman.

However, this kind of reaction is thankfully rare and should not put you off.

In reality, any more customers prefer to be tattooed by a woman so it is often an advantage.

3 – Women will have to deal with an industry that can be macho and ego-driven

The tattoo industry and tattoo culture can be quite macho and ego-driven. This can make it a difficult environment for women who are not used to dealing with this kind of thing.

You may find yourself having to put up with a lot of banter and ‘banter’ that can be quite sexist, misogynistic, and objectifying.

However, there are many ways to deal with this and you will quickly learn how to stand up for yourself and handle it.

4 – Apprenticeships can put women in a vulnerable situation

When you are starting out as a tattooist you will often do an apprenticeship. This can sometimes put women in a vulnerable position as they are often the only woman in the studio and are working closely with older, more experienced male tattooists.

Because there is a power imbalance this situation can become exploitative and put a woman in a vulnerable situation.

However, there are ways to deal with this and the vast. majority of women have had positive experiences with their apprenticeships.

The key is to do your research, make sure you are comfortable with the people you will be working with, and to speak up if you ever feel uncomfortable.

5 amazing and inspirational Female Tattoo Artists

5 amazing women tattoo artists to inspire you.

Rose Hardy

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Rose Hardy (@rosehardy)

Kat Von D

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kat Von D (@thekatvond)

MaudeWagner

Emily Rose Murray

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Emily Rose Murray (@emily_rose_murray)



Can you be a self taught tattoo artist?

If you want learn to tattoo you may find this post helpful.

Can you be a self taught tattooist?

Frequently asked questions about – Can a girl be a tattoo artist?

What percent of tattoo artists are female?

The percentage of female tattoo artists is slowly but surely rising. In 2012, it was estimated that around 14% of professional tattoo artists were women. This number has likely increased in the past eight years as more and more women are breaking into the industry and is likely around 20-25%.

Is the tattoo industry still male-dominated?

The tattoo industry is still male-dominated but this is slowly changing. There are more and more women who are successfully breaking into the industry and making a name for themselves. Kat Von D is one famous female artist who has paved the way for other women to enter the industry.

Are female tattoo artists better?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people prefer to be tattooed by a woman because they feel more comfortable with them or because they feel like the work is more delicate. However, this is purely subjective and ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Conclusion: Can a Girl Be a Tattoo Artist?

So, can a girl be a tattoo artist? In short, yes! In fact, not only can girls be tattoo artists, but they make great ones. With the right training and some hard work, any woman can enter the field of tattooing and make a name for herself decorating the human body.

It is a great career choice for women and one with longevity as body modifications and body art show no sign of going out of fashion after 1000’s of years.

That’s why we created our free guide on How to Enter the Tattoo Industry – to help aspiring artists like you take those first steps towards a successful career in tattoos. Sign up below to get started on your journey!

The information on the site is for entertainment only. Anything you do is at your own risk. Consult with your own Tattooist, Piercer or Doctor for advice.
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