What will you do?
Whether you work as a tattoo artist, a body piercer or in a tattoo shop, you welcome clients, present the products and services, and clean and prepare the skin before any treatment. You apply permanent tattoos, place piercings, and keep your tools and workstation spotless throughout. Selling products and taking payments rounds out the role.
- Welcome clients and present products and services
- Advise on the choice of tattoo or piercing
- Clean and prepare the skin before treatment
- Apply permanent tattoos safely
- Place piercings hygienically
- Clean tools and maintain the workstation
- Sell products and take payments
Skills to develop
- Strict knowledge of hygiene and sterilisation procedures
- Creative and precise drawing and design skill
- A steady hand and fine manual dexterity
- Clear client communication and after-care advice
- Care in cleaning equipment and keeping the workstation clean
Your foundation for this occupation
Tattooing and piercing are distinct practical trades. Belgium requires activity notification and hygiene training under the applicable conditions. Hygiene training does not replace technical practice. Ask about supervision and assessment before client work.
From preparation to your first day
Develop the practical skills
Discuss designs without pressure. Clarify expectations and placement and follow consent procedures. Practise hygienic workflow in training. Tattoo work needs a drawing portfolio; piercing requires separate practical development.
Check your work
Check documents, materials and workstation. Provide required aftercare and maintain records. Do not diagnose complaints yourself; follow referral instructions.
How can you grow?
Specialise by style or piercing, showing only mastered work. Independence needs suitable premises, registration and organisation. Discuss supervision and design versus client time.
Frequently asked questions
Is hygiene training the complete tattoo qualification?
No. It addresses hygiene and risks, not all practical and artistic skills. Both are needed.