IS TATTOOING A GOOD JOB FOR WOMEN WITH ASPERGERS OR AUTISM?

Tattooing as a career for autistic women

Tattooing is a popular form of body art that has become increasingly mainstream in recent years. For many, getting a tattoo is a way to express their individuality and personal style. But for some, tattooing is more than just a hobby or a way to decorate their skin – it can be a career.

And for women with Aspergers, tattooing can be an excellent career choice. In this blog post, we’ll explore why.

Tattooing is a great job for women with Aspergers / Autism. Tattooing requires a unique set of skills that autistic people often excel at, such as attention to detail, precision, technical skill and creativity. The job of Tattooist allows for a high level of autonomy and independence which is crucial for an Autistic Aspie women to be able to succeed.

If you are interested in How to become a Tattoo Artist check out this post

I’m a Tattooist with Aspergers

As an autistic female tattooist with over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have observed a growing number of adult autistic women who are also tattooists.

This realization has led me to form support networks within the industry with fellow autistic women tattooists.

It’s amazing how many of us are out there!

The camaraderie among us is truly inspiring, as we share our experiences, techniques, and tips for success in this field.

It is interesting to note that the tattoo industry seems to attract a significant number of autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

A Neurodivergent person with autism is definitely not out of place here in this industry.

Tattooing is the ideal career for Autistic Skills

Perhaps it is because tattooing requires a unique set of skills that autistic people often excel at, such as attention to detail, precision, technical skill and creativity.

Additionally, the nature of the job allows for a certain level of autonomy and independence, which is important for many autistic women who may struggle with social interaction and in everyday jobs.

Women with Aspergers often struggle in the work environment

While autism and Aspergers is typically associated with males, it is important to remember that women can also be on the autism spectrum.

In fact, research has shown that autism may be underdiagnosed in women, as they may exhibit different symptoms than men.

Many women are finding out in later life that they are Autistic and have Aspergers, or high-Functioning Autism {an old fashioned term I don’t like}

Women with Aspergers often struggle in the kind of jobs that Non-Autistic People or Neurotypical people find easy.

A mundane job in an office building is often their worst nightmare. There is a huge autism employment gap where people with Autism are often underemployed and dont reach their career goals.

There is a great discussion thread here on Wrong Planet Forum About it

However, by finding the right career, women and people with autism can flourish and be successful.

I think that the characteristics of a women with Aspergers make us ideally suited to a career in tattooing and we can make a great success of it.

Let’s look at why.

Why Tattooing a great Job for Women with Aspergers

1 – Tattooing is a great way to monetize your art.

Many autistic women have a natural talent for art and are drawn to creative pursuits. However, finding a way to turn that talent into a viable career can be challenging.

Tattooing provides a solution.

As a tattoo artist, you can use your artistic skills to create unique designs for your clients, and you can charge a fee for your services.

This allows you to turn your passion for art into a lucrative career.

2 – As a tattoo artist, you control your environment.

Many autistic women struggle in traditional work settings because of the noise, sensory overload, and social demands that come with those environments.

As a tattoo artist, you can create a work environment that suits your needs.

You can control the lighting, the music, and the overall atmosphere of your workspace.

This allows you to work in an environment that is comfortable and conducive to your productivity.

3 – As a tattoo artist, you control who you interact with.

For many autistic women, social interactions can be challenging and draining.

In a traditional work setting, you may be required to interact with colleagues, clients, and customers all day long.

As a tattoo artist, you can choose who you work with. You can select clients who you feel comfortable working with and can establish boundaries for your interactions with them.

You are generally working one on one with them which many autistic women find easier

This allows you to have more control over your social interactions and can help reduce stress and anxiety.

4 – As a tattoo artist, you control how little or how much you work.

Traditional jobs often require a set schedule and a certain number of hours per week. This can be challenging for autistic women who may need more flexibility in their work schedules.

As a tattoo artist, you can set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want.

This allows you to have more control over your work-life balance and can help reduce stress and autistic burnout.

5 – Tattooing is a well-paid career.

As a tattoo artist, you can earn a good income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for tattoo artists in the United States is $32,500.

However, many tattoo artists earn much more than that, especially if they build a strong reputation and a loyal client base.

This allows you to support yourself financially and achieve financial stability.

What are the challenges of the Tattoo Industry for women with Aspergers?

Working as a tattooist can be a challenging career for anyone, but it there are areas that can be particularly difficult for autistic women and adults with autism.

Its a good idea to think about how these things may affect you before taking the plunge into a tattooing career.

Here are some of the areas where you may struggle:

1 – Close contact with clients is needed:

As a tattooist, you are in close physical contact with your clients for extended periods of time. This can be uncomfortable for autistic women who may have sensory processing difficulties, it can be overwhelming.

The feeling of someone being in their personal space may cause anxiety or distress.

However, you do have a degree of control over how you do this so need to find a way that works for you

2 – Sensory overload in some environments

Tattoo shops can be noisy, with the sound of buzzing tattoo machines and music playing in the background.

The environment can also be visually overwhelming, with bright lights and colorful designs covering the walls.

For someone with Aspergers, these sensory inputs can be overwhelming and cause sensory overload and difficulties with auditory processing. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and even physical pain.

The key here is to find a place of work with a vibe that suits you and which you find calming. Not all Tattoo shops and noisy and chaotic.

3 – The Tattoo Shop is A Social environment:

Tattoo shops are often social environments, with clients coming in to chat with their tattooist or hang out with friends while they wait.

For autistic women who may struggle with social communication, this can be challenging.

It can be difficult to navigate conversations with clients, especially if they are not familiar with the social norms and cues of the tattoo culture.

4 – Tattooing is still a Male-dominated industry:

The tattoo industry is still largely male-dominated although there are many more women now entering the industry. Its probably approximately 80% male.

This can be a barrier for autistic women who may feel out of place or overlooked.

Women in male-dominated industries often have to work harder to be accepted and appreciated, and this can be even more difficult for someone with autism who may struggle with social interaction.

Despite these challenges, there are many autistic women who have successful careers as tattoo artists.

Find out more Can a girl Be A Tattoo Artist?

Tips for Aspie /Autistic Women to get a job as a Tattooist

Here are some tips for Autistic/ Aspie women who are interested in pursuing a career in tattooing:

1 – Find a supportive work environment:

Look for a tattoo shop that values diversity and inclusivity.

There is much more understanding of Neurodiversity these days although the Tattoo Industry is probably quite behind in this knowledge.

Seek out a work environment where your colleagues and clients understand and respect your needs and accommodations.

2 – Create a sensory-friendly workspace:

If you work in a tattoo studio you can create a workspace that is comfortable for you. This may involve adjusting lighting, controlling noise levels, or using scent-free products.

If you then go on to open your own tattoo studio you can control everything about your work environment in order to make it comfortable to your needs.

3 – Communicate your needs:

Be open and honest with your colleagues and clients about your needs and accommodations. Let them know what you need to be successful in your work and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

4 – Practice social skills:

If you struggle with social communication, practice your skills in a safe and supportive environment. Join a social skills group or seek out a therapist who specializes in working with individuals on the autism spectrum and autistic adults.

5 – Network and seek out support:

Connect with other autistic women in the industry or seek out mentorship from a more experienced tattooist.

Join a beginner Tattooists support group.

Having a support system can help you navigate the challenges of working in the tattoo industry and build confidence in your skills and abilities.

In conclusion, working as a tattooist can be great job for women with Aspergers.

Tattooing can be a great career choice and job for autistic women with Aspergers. It allows you to monetize your art, control your environment, choose who you interact with, work on your own schedule, and earn a good income.

But it can also be challenging. By finding a supportive work environment, creating a sensory-friendly workspace, communicating your needs, practicing social skills, and seeking out support, autistic women can succeed in this industry and make their mark in the tattoo world.

The world of work is just starting to appreciate the power and creativity of Autistic and Neurodivergent women and this can only improve going forward with much greater awareness.

If you’re an autistic Aspie woman who loves art and is looking for a career that provides flexibility and control, tattooing may be worth considering

PS – You can find out more in this post Can Anyone Learn To Tattoo?

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.