Tattoo artists work in their own studios, or established studios with other body artists and assist with a range of tasks associated with the tattooing of clients bodies.

Explains tattooing procedure to client; ensures client is certain about wanting a tattoo; helps the client chose an image, interprets the client’s ideas to form a suitable image, copy or design image for the client, resizes image to fit the body part it is going on and makes a stencil of the image; shaves the area being tattooed and applies disinfectant to the skin; puts the stencil on the skin to ensure it fits with the body part; solders the group of needles onto the needle bar; draws the outline, colouring and shadowing of the tattoo with inked needles; applies cream and antiseptic covers to the finished tattoo; tells clients how to properly care for the tattoo; ensures all sterilisation equipment is kept in good working order; ensures the studio and equipment meets with sterilsation, waste management and health and safety standards; and trains people.

• Tattoo artists work in their own studios or in established studios with other body artists.
• Working conditions need to be hygienic and the workplace must be set up according to occuaptional health and safety requirements

• Sedentary to light physical demand levels.
• Stands and walks frequently around the studio.
• There is an occasional requirement for lifting within a light physical demand range.
• Repetitive hand and arm movements are required on an frequent basis when tattooing
• There is occasional use of office machines, including telephones, faxes, computers and printers.
• Bending, twisting and reaching is not a significant component of the job.
• Use of protective clothing and gloves and adherence to safety procedures is necessary.
• There will be frequent use of tattoo equipment and materials including tattooing machines, sterilisation machinery, disposable needles, medical ink for marking.
• Use of hand-held objects and equipment such as tattooing equipment, pens and telephones will be occasional to frequent.
• Mental skills necessary include knowledge of different artistic styles, human anatomy, health and safety standards and procedures, infection control, disinfectants and which ones to use on certain areas of skin, first aid and good hygiene practices, good listening and other communication skills.

There are no specific entry requirements (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). Tattooists are trained on the job and there are no formal qualifications gained.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.