Is Tattooing The Right Career For You?

James Withey introduces his video series aimed at helping aspiring tattoo artists determine if tattooing is the right career for them. He shares his motivation for making these videos, which stems from inspiring and assisting people on their journey to becoming professional tattooers. The video will cover both the positive aspects that might make tattooing a great fit and the potential drawbacks that could make it unsuitable for some. James emphasizes the importance of having a passion for art and how tattooing can be a fulfilling career for those who cannot imagine doing anything else, highlighting the current buzz around tattooing and its potential as a form of collected, original art.

James discusses the appeal of tattooing as a career that offers freedom and individuality. He points out that unlike some corporate jobs, tattoo artists have the opportunity to be their own boss, manage their own schedules, and create original art. He contrasts this with other art-related careers where one might only contribute a small part to a larger project. James also touches on the 'maverick' personality type common among tattooers, who often prefer to work independently rather than being micromanaged. He suggests that tattooing is a good fit for those who enjoy being authentic, unapologetically themselves, and living an alternative lifestyle outside the norm.

James highlights the entrepreneurial nature of tattooing, comparing it to other careers like coding that offer the freedom to work remotely. He explains that tattoo artists can live diverse lifestyles, whether it's working in a street shop, from home, or traveling to conventions. The portability of the skill is emphasized, as a tattoo artist's abilities are always in demand regardless of location. James also mentions the potential for a tattoo artist to live an unconventional life, even in unique circumstances such as prison, due to the value and demand for their skill.

James talks about the non-repetitive nature of tattooing and how it differs from typical jobs that involve doing the same task daily. He explains that tattooing offers variety, with each day presenting a new project, subject matter, and client interactions. James admits that he enjoys the pressure that comes with tattooing, as it pushes him to perform better without causing overwhelming stress. He suggests that for those who easily get bored with routine jobs, tattooing could be an exciting career choice that keeps each workday fresh and challenging.

James warns against the misconception that tattooing is an easy career. He shares his experience observing many aspiring tattooers fail to complete apprenticeships, often due to underestimating the amount of hard work and dedication required. He emphasizes that tattooing is physically demanding, requiring extensive practice and skill development. James also addresses the financial aspect, clarifying that while tattoo artists may charge high hourly rates, they do not work a standard 40-hour week and must deal with the business aspects of their career, such as client communication and preparation.

James dispels the myth that tattoo artists make a substantial income simply based on their hourly rates. He explains that many factors, such as the inconsistency of walk-in clients and the time spent on non-tattooing tasks, affect earnings. He estimates that a majority of tattoo artists earn an average or below-average income, and their success is often driven by their passion for the art rather than the money. James advises against pursuing a career in tattooing solely for financial gain, as it requires significant sacrifices and hard work without the guarantee of high earnings.

James addresses the misconception that being a tattoo artist involves a 'rock star' lifestyle with substance use and lack of responsibility. He stresses the importance of professionalism and discipline in the tattoo industry, stating that he personally does not work under the influence and maintains a focused approach to his craft. He also warns against the idea that tattooing is a structured career, noting that it requires self-management and intrinsic motivation. James concludes by saying that the career is not for those who seek external validation or cannot handle the pressure of self-reliance and dealing with naysayers.

In the final part of the script, James introduces Skillshare, an online learning platform offering a wide variety of classes for creators. He highlights a specific class on pencil portrait drawing techniques, taught by Gabrielle Bricky, which covers materials, techniques, and human facial anatomy. James praises Skillshare for its comprehensive and ad-free learning experience, constantly updated with new content. He encourages viewers to try Skillshare with a one-month free trial membership offered to the first 1000 people who use the link in the video description.