Tattoo Apprenticeships in Tuscaloosa
A resource for those people looking to obtain a tattoo apprenticeship in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa, Alabama - Competition - Medium
Tuscaloosa has an estimated 12 tattoo studios and competition is medium for tattoo apprenticeships. This competition has been increasing. In the past few years as tattooing has grown in popularity, it has become harder and harder to find studios in Alabama and much of the Southeast willing to take on apprentices. That being said, where there’s a way, there’s a way, and good artists will always be in demand!
What do I need before I apply?
Getting an apprenticeship within a tattoo studio takes solid preparation and hard work whether you're applying in Arizona ….or Athens! Before applying, at Tattooing 101 we encourage all our students to take the time to prepare properly:
- Portfolio of drawings
- Mix of styles presented well
- Tattoo certifications completed
For more detail read our comprehensive article on How to Get a Tattoo Apprenticeship.
Finding the right studios in Tuscaloosa
There are approximately 12 tattoo studios in Tuscaloosa, and most will have 1-2 apprentices in the shop. Not every shop will have an open spot, so you will need to spend the time approaching each one directly. Ideally, you want to start with known, high-quality shops and artists. We’ve found some of these below.
Top Studios in Tuscaloosa
Name | Address | Rating |
|---|---|---|
1700 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, United States | ||
3401 Greensboro Ave #17, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, United States | ||
4801 Hargrove Rd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, United States | ||
University Mall, 1701 McFarland Blvd E Space D35, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404, United States |
Top Studios in Tuscaloosa
Name | Address | Rating |
|---|---|---|
1700 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, United States | ||
3401 Greensboro Ave #17, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, United States | ||
4801 Hargrove Rd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, United States | ||
University Mall, 1701 McFarland Blvd E Space D35, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404, United States |
Tuscaloosa, Alabama Tattoo License Laws & Certifications
While these are not required before you accept your apprenticeship, it’s best to be proactive.
Requirements
Experience
Must have minimum 36 hours under a licensed tattoo artist
Citizenship
Must be a US citizen
Certification
Must have blood-borne pathogen certificate
Requirements
Experience | Must have minimum 36 hours under a licensed tattoo artist |
Citizenship | Must be a US citizen |
Certification | Must have blood-borne pathogen certificate |
How to Apply for a Tattoo License in Tuscaloosa
To be a tattoo artist in Alabama, individuals must have a “Body Art Operator Permit” issued by the state of Alabama. Body Art Operator Permits cost $50.00 in most counties.
You must renew your permit every two years. Renewal costs $25.00 in most counties.
The Application
To apply for a Body Art Operator Permit, you need to have the following: |
|---|
Print and fill out a permit application. You will need confirmation from a licensed body art facility (licensed tattoo shop) that you work in their space. (You will need to list the shop name where it says “Primary Facility Name” on the application.) |
Provide proof of attendance in a bloodborne pathogen course. Attach a copy of your certificate to your application. You must have taken the course within the last 36 months The course has to be approved by the Health Department. You can find a list of Health Department-approved BBP courses here. |
Provide one of these three and attach a copy to your application: A copy of your Hepatitis B vaccination record Your declination form (paper providing legal proof explaining that you have refused to get the vaccine) Proof of immunity. |
Have a photo ID (driver’s license or passport). Attach a copy to your application. |
You will need to be prepared to pay the $50.00 fee when you turn in your application. |
If your county has additional regulations, you can find them here
The Application
To apply for a Body Art Operator Permit, you need to have the following:
Print and fill out a permit application.
You will need confirmation from a licensed body art facility (licensed tattoo shop) that you work in their space. (You will need to list the shop name where it says “Primary Facility Name” on the application.)
Provide proof of attendance in a bloodborne pathogen course.
Attach a copy of your certificate to your application.
Provide one of these three and attach a copy to your application:
Have a photo ID (driver’s license or passport). Attach a copy to your application.
You will need to be prepared to pay the $50.00 fee when you turn in your application.
If your county has additional regulations, you can find them here
Turn in Your Application.
Take your completed application to your county’s local health department office. They will review your application right then. If approved, your license will be printed immediately and given to you that day at the health department.
Things You Should Know:
Tattoo shops MUST have this health disclosure document displayed. However, as an individual artist, it is always good to have a copy to show to clients:
You CAN tattoo minors, as long as you have their guardian’s consent. The guardian must consent in person at the time of the tattoo and sign their agreement.
You will also need a copy of their ID. Keep those two documents (their signed consent and their ID copy) together in your permanent records.
You CANNOT tattoo anyone who is intoxicated/impaired in the state of Alabama.
You can only tattoo in a licensed facility. While there are a few exceptions for temporary setups (see pages 20-21 here), all tattoos have to be done in a body art facility (tattoo shop) with a current, valid tattoo license from the health department.
What if I can't get an apprenticeship?
Is there another way into the tattoo industry?
Traditional tattoo apprenticeships do not suit everyone. The spots are limited and many people are unable to accept a full-time job without pay. The good news is there is another way to become a professional tattoo artist.
Tattooing 101 is the largest online tattoo artist education platform in the world, now with over 3,000 graduates - Turning beginners into professional tattoo artists within 90 days. Many of our students go straight into shops as
paid artists or end up starting their own!
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