r/femaletattooers

I went to art school and majored in graphic design but I want to make a career change into tattooing. Considered majoring in illustration but was convinced it’s not a good career choice…probably true but the job market just sucks all around right now and I’m stuck in a job I hate.

I’m in Oregon so i’m saving up for tattoo school (it’s mandatory for licensing here unfortunately.) But before I spend all that money I’d love to know—how many people make a living tattooing full time? What does work life balance look like, and are people relying on part time work to supplement bills, insurance, etc.? I know this will vary a lot but just trying to poll a little bit. Especially for those living in expensive coastal cities like me lol…

Also, please don’t tell me “don’t even go there…” maybe it goes without saying but i’ve just gotten a lot of negativity on this topic. I know it’s not easy, I’m just trying to gather info for myself. Thanks everyone I appreciate your input ❤️🫶

hello all, i want to preface this by saying i am by no means unappreciative or ungrateful for the countless amounts of people who interact with my content, choose me as their artist, etc. i’m so glad that i was able to get my foot in the door and actually make tattooing my full time job. this is simply a rant discussing how i can avoid burnout and frustration mainly around social media.

for context, yes i am still an apprentice, about to become artist. i’ve been in skin for a little over a year. i still have SO MUCH to learn. i’m always striving to be better. i’m prepared to always have these highs and lows.

lately i’ve been getting discouraged with the social media game. i know this feeling will come and go as i continue down this career path and i fully anticipate all the trials and tribulations it will hand me. however, it’s very difficult to stay motivated when i try very hard to make cool flash designs, spend hours editing posts, etc, only for certain posts that are designs that i’m honestly not super proud of - or the same regurgitated Pinterest inspired pieces - to pop the fuck off.

i also think part of this is based on location. i tattoo out of a medium sized town in ohio and while i have a lot of clients that have really cool ideas and choose me as their artist, a lot of what pops off around here isn’t super intricate if that makes sense.

don’t get me wrong, i never compromise the quality of my work even if its a design i don’t care for. obviously those will always exist and i’m always so happy to put a smile on a client’s face when they adore their piece. but such a large portion of this field is now reliant on social media. sometimes it can be really fun, sometimes it can really get me down.

trying to constantly look for something i’m doing wrong, something i can do differently, etc. it can really do a number on you. i don’t always feel this way though. i know it will take years to establish a solid foundation and recognition in this career. i have so much respect for those who came before me. but sometimes when i am feeling overwhelmed, its hard to believe that what i’m producing is any good. that’s DRAMATIC and again i don’t always feel this way. i’m sure every kind of creative person experiences these highs and lows. this isn’t the first or last time i’ll feel this way.

to end on a positive note, i have SO many cool as fuck repeat clients that i am so happy i have built connections with and they always uplift me so much. having even one person really love your art absolutely fills my soul. it makes everything worth it.

fellow artists, if you have any advice - wether that be about the mental game or how to play the social media game better, i’d greatly appreciate it.

or if anyone for that matter has some words of encouragement, i’d be very appreciative.

my instagram is @bellagoblin if anyone is curious.

TLDR; experiencing frustration with the social media game of it all and getting down on myself. it’s hard to tell yourself you’re good enough for a creative career sometimes.