At one time, tattoos were considered the property of sailors and circus freaks. They are still associated with the criminal element through the term “prison tattoos.” Yet, tattoos really have come a long way since they were introduced to European and North American Society. Today, anyone over a certain age and of any class or social standing can opt for a tattoo. Moreover, they tend to get them in sterile shops where many of the tattoo artists have not only been apprentices, but may also have attended Tattoo College.
History of Tattoo College or Schooling?
Tattoo College is a relatively new approach to Tattooing. That being said, Milton Zeis (1901-1972) offered a mail-order version in 1951. It was called Zeis’ School of Tattooing. Previous to this, the closest thing you had to tattoo schools were actual apprenticeships, although you could read how-to manuals. The best known of this type was released in 1929 by Alabama born, Detroit tattooist Perry Waters (1888-1952).
In fact, until recently, tattooists learned almost completely from doing. They may have attended art school or take art classes as part of their regular or further education. Nevertheless, no matter what their background, they picked up the trade by apprenticing with another tattoo artist. They did not attend, no was there an option of going to a Tattoo College or School.
Why Tattoo College?
The world of tattooing has changed. Since the 1960s and 1970s, tattooing has truly gone mainstream. It has become an accepted practice. Interest has increased and been piqued further by the airing of such shows as:
• America’s Worst Ink
• Bad Ink
• Best Ink
• Ink Master
• La Ink
• NY Ink
• Miami Ink
• Tattoo Rescue
People are now looking not for a tattooist, but a tattoo artist. This has raised the bar considerably for what is expected. As a result, people want to become better skilled than their competition. They want to learn from the best. This often involves attending a Tattoo college such as the Master Tattoo Institute where the instructors are professionals.
Another reason why Tattoo Colleges have come into existence is to provide guidance in a business that is more than about tattooing. Today’s practitioners need to know about two other vital aspects if they ever want to be successful in the business. They must:
1. Be aware of all the health issues and practices involved
2. Learn how to manage and run the business aspects. This is specifically applicable if the tattoo artist wishes to set up his or her own shop after they have completed their apprenticeship.
The changing business and character of the tattooing world has resulted in change. Among the perceived needs is for a form of formal schooling. In this way, future tattoo artists can become aware of all aspects of this art and craft. By attending a school such as the Master Tattoo Institute, he or she can emerge better prepared to become successful in the business.
