Tattooing is more than just an art form; it’s a thriving industry with immense potential for growth. Whether you’re just starting or aspiring to be among the top artists in the world, tattooing offers career stability, creative freedom, and a lucrative income. Here, we’ll compare tattooing with other popular art careers like graphic design, animation, and interior design and discuss why tattooing stands out as a great career choice.
Salary Comparison with Other Art Professions
Graphic Designers In 2023, graphic designers in India earned an average salary of ₹3.5 to ₹5 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals making around ₹10 to ₹12 lakhs per annum. While this can vary, it’s much lower than the potential earnings of tattoo artists.
Interior Designers In India, interior designers earn between ₹2.5 to ₹6 lakhs per annum starting out, while experienced designers can make ₹12 to ₹20 lakhs per annum.
Animators The animation industry is booming, with beginners earning ₹3 to ₹6 lakhs per annum in India, and experienced professionals making ₹15 to ₹25 lakhs per annum.
Tattoo Artists Entry-level tattoo artists in India earn between ₹25K to ₹45K per month (₹3 lakhs to ₹5.4 lakhs per annum), but within 2-3 years, they can make ₹75K to ₹2.5 lakhs per month (₹9 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs per annum). Within 7-10 years of experience, one may earn ₹2 lakhs to ₹7 lakhs per month (₹24 lakhs to ₹84 lakhs per annum). With mastery, top artists can make crores annually.
Why Tattooing Pays Better
Tattooing has a much higher ceiling, and experienced tattoo artists can reach income levels that far exceed graphic designers, animators, and interior designers, especially those who master unique styles or develop a large client base.
Shorter Learning Timeline
Unlike graphic design or animation, which often require 2-4 years of formal education followed by internships and portfolio-building, tattooing can be learned in a 6-9 month structured course. With the right training, aspiring tattoo artists can start earning much earlier than their counterparts in other fields.
Fast-Track to Success
Tattoo schools, such as Aliens School of Tattoo Art, offer courses designed to take students from beginners to professionals in less than a year. Compare that to an animation or design degree, and you can see why tattooing is a more attractive option for quick career entry.
Lower Time and Financial Investment
Cost of Education: Graphic design and animation degrees can cost
₹3 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs, while interior design courses often cost upwards of ₹5 to ₹15 lakhs. In contrast, tattoo courses typically cost
₹2 lakhs to ₹4 lakhs, making it much more affordable.
Return on Investment:Tattooing offers a quicker return on investment. A new artist starts earning right after completing their course, whereas designers or animators often spend years before seeing substantial returns.
Career Flexibility: Tattoo Artist or Studio Owner
One of the key advantages of tattooing is the dual career paths it offers:
As a Tattoo Artist: You can work in studios or as a freelancer. Freelancing offers flexibility, while working in a studio provides stability.
As a Studio Owner: Many tattoo artists eventually open their own studios, turning their craft into a business. This provides an additional stream of income through studio services and products.
Income Growth Potential: From Artist to Industry Leader
Entry-Level Earnings A new artist starting at ₹25K to ₹45K per month builds their portfolio and gains skills. This phase is critical for developing personal style and gaining client trust.
Mid-Level Earnings After 2-3 years of experience, artists start earning ₹75K to ₹2.5 lakhs per month, comparable to or surpassing other art professionals.
Expert-Level Earnings Within 7-10 years of experience, one may earn ₹2 lakhs to ₹7 lakhs per month (₹24 lakhs to ₹84 lakhs per annum). With mastery, top artists can make crores annually.
Top League Earnings The true earning potential lies at the top. Artists like Anil Gupta, who charges $500 per hour, or Steve Butcher, who charges ₹2 lakhs per session, demonstrate the global demand for top-tier tattoo talent. These artists make ₹2-3 lakhs a day, showing the unlimited growth potential in tattooing.
Why Choose Tattooing Over Other Art Careers?
Global Industry Growth: The global tattoo market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.7%, reaching $4.10 billion by 2031. Tattooing is one of the fastest-growing art industries in the world. Read detailed facts and figures, statitics which indicates Why Tattooing is One of the Most Promising Art Careers Today
Creative Freedom: Tattooing allows artists to explore endless creative possibilities, from traditional styles to hyper-realistic pieces.
Personal Connections: Tattooing is not just art on canvas; it’s art on people. The personal connection and satisfaction of leaving lasting, meaningful art make tattooing a unique career.
Opportunity to Travel the World: Tattoo artists have the unique opportunity to travel globally as the demand for skilled artists is high. With international tattoo conventions, guest spots at renowned studios, and the possibility to work abroad, tattoo artists can experience different cultures and work environments, expanding their skills and networks.
Earning in High-Value Currency: Working internationally or serving clients from high-income countries allows tattoo artists to charge in foreign currencies, significantly boosting their earnings. In regions like the U.S., Europe, or Australia, tattoo artists can charge much higher rates than in many other parts of the world, increasing their income potential.
Is Tattooing Right for You?
If you’re passionate about art and looking for a career with fast growth, high income potential, and creative freedom, tattooing is the perfect choice. Whether you want to work in a studio or build your own business, the future of tattooing is bright, and the earning potential is immense. Start your journey today and tap into one of the most rewarding art careers available.
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