Tattooing abroad - Working as a guest tattoo artist in faraway countries

BodyCult Tattoo Supplies
2021-03-22 18:00:00 /
Tattooing abroad - Working as a guest tattoo artist in faraway countries - Guestspot - Tattooing abroad

In the past, it was common for sailors to get tattoos from the locals on their travels. Today it is the other way around, today the tattoo artists travel to foreign countries to tattoo customers with their desired motif.
But what do you need to become a guest tattoo artist and where can you find the right studio for you?

3 reasons to travel as a Guestartist

Apart from the most obvious point, which is to travel the world and pursue your passion, we'll show you 3 more good reasons why you should get started as a Guestartist.

Reason 1

If you are a young, aspiring tattoo artist and don't have too much experience yet, Guestspots can help you gain new experience and learn from other artists.
Also the tattoo artists where you work on site are always happy to welcome guest artists in their studio. They are torn by new artists from their everyday routine and also gain new experience and knowledge. So it's a win/win situation for both sides.

Reason 2

Guestartist doesn't always mean traveling to a foreign continent, sometimes you can make a stop in your own country. This gives you the opportunity to expand your customer base. If you already have a social media account, it is also a good idea to analyze your target group and their origin. This way you can choose your destination based on your target group and you will surely be well booked on site.

Reason 3

You learn from the best. In addition to the craft, you can also exchange ideas about the latest machines, colors or needles at your guest spot and gather new knowledge. You look over the shoulder of other tattoo artists on site and can make important connections and friendships.
Thus, you get the opportunity to learn not only professionally but also personally. If you travel to foreign countries, you will also get to know the customs of other cultures.

What do you need for the stay and what do you have to pay attention to?

In order to travel the world as a guest artist, you need to keep a few things in mind. Good preparation is half the battle.

Basically, you should not assume that the chosen tattoo studio provides you with the complete equipment. Therefore, be sure to clarify this point with the studio in advance. Maybe you like to work with a certain machine type or even a certain color, but which may not be allowed in your chosen country. You should also inform yourself about such regulations in advance.

In addition to your equipment, you should also clarify in advance whether you need a work permit. Within Europe, for example, the whole thing looks different for you as a German than in America or Asia. You should also inform yourself about the laws that apply in the country. Just because something is allowed in Germany does not mean that it is also allowed in other countries.
For some countries you may also need a visa. Without this you are not allowed to enter the country or work there.

Different country, different customs. While tattoos are becoming increasingly popular in Germany and many other European countries, there are still countries where tattoos are absolutely taboo.
In some countries, tattooing is even illegal.
You should also inform yourself about the type of motif for each country. What is considered "normal" in our country may be considered vulgar in many other countries. For example, motifs of naked bodies or even religious symbols in foreign countries can land you in jail. So for the love of your customers, inform yourself about the country's customs.
Did you know that Japan is one of the countries with the fewest tattooed inhabitants? This is because tattoos are still associated with organized crime. If you are a tattoo artist and you ever go there on vacation, you should make sure to keep your tattoos covered.

How do I find a Guestspot?

You're in the starting blocks and want to go on the road as a guest artist, but don't know how to find a studio yet? Then read on, we'll tell you ;)

Conventions

A convention isn't just about catching up on the latest trends in the market, it's also about networking. Have the guts to talk to artists and studios on site and ask about a guest spot opportunity. In advance you should think about where you want to go and maybe you already have a favorite studio in mind. Then just ask proactively, because asking costs nothing ;)

Social Media

Today, nothing works without social media. And tattoo studios and artists know that. Therefore, you should also create a representative account for yourself. Here you can show your work, network and win new customers. Many studios also have directly on their website a contact form specifically for guest artists. Just google it and find the right studio for you. And again: It doesn't cost anything to ask, you won't get more than a "no" for sure :)

For sure, tattooing abroad brings initial problems and obstacles, but once you overcome them, you may not want to do anything else.