Whether you’re considering a career change or simply want to pursue your passions, becoming a female tattoo model can be an exciting and rewarding pursuit. To be successful, you’ll need to build your portfolio and network.
You’ll also need to understand the rules of the tattoo industry and how to represent yourself accordingly. The best way to get started is to find an agency that promotes tattoo models.
Get a professional headshot
Tattoo models are a growing part of the fashion industry, as more and more people get inked. In the past, tattoos were taboo in the fashion world, but now, more and more companies are willing to hire tattoo models to demonstrate how their clothes look on people with body art.
The first step to becoming a female tattoo model is to build your portfolio of professional photos. You can start by hiring a photographer to take pictures of your tattoos and other features. Once you have a collection of images that showcase your work, use these to start networking with other tattoo models.
Another important step to take when becoming a female tattoo model is to build a professional Instagram account for your business. This will give you a better chance of getting the attention of tattoo magazines worldwide. It also gives you access to analytics that show you what days and times your posts are performing the best, which can help you improve your business.
If you want to take the most attractive pictures of your clients’ tattoos, it’s best to focus on capturing them in action rather than in still poses. Try to ask your client to move their arms, stretch their back, and even put a sketching tool in front of their body to add context to the image.
You can also use smoke or flames to create a mysterious atmosphere in your photos. You can easily do this in Photoshop with the help of some ready-made effects or with a few simple actions.
To make your tattoos stand out in photos, try to adjust the brightness and contrast of your images. You can do this by using a photo-editing software or by having a retoucher do it for you.
When taking tattoo photos outdoors, it’s best to choose a diffuser or a reflector so you can soften the lighting. This will make it easier to capture details of your subject’s tattoos.
In addition, you should avoid taking photos during the day because the harsh daylight can make some details of your tattoos less visible. The best time for taking photos is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and diffused.
Create a portfolio and resume
If you’re interested in becoming a female tattoo model, you’ll need to have an effective portfolio and resume. This will help you stand out from other tattoo models and increase your chances of landing a modeling job with an agency.
Your portfolio should include images of your body and the tattoos you have on it. These should be in high-quality, professional-looking photos. You should also have several professional headshots to use as well.
For your portfolio, you can choose to make it digital or to make a hard copy version. Either way, your portfolio should be easy to find and accessible to potential employers.
As with any type of modeling, your portfolio should be professional and streamlined. It should contain a few important details about your age, height and other measurements, as well as eye color, hair color, and distinguishing features such as tattoos.
You can also include awards or other recognitions for your work. This can include athletic honors, community leadership awards, and so on. However, avoid including any honors or awards that reveal proprietary information or are too political or religious in nature.
Your portfolio should also feature examples of the different tattoo styles you can do, as this will demonstrate your range and expertise. Try to display a variety of styles, such as American traditional tattoos, lettering, and realistic portraiture.
Keep in mind that some modeling agencies may not be comfortable with certain styles, so it’s up to you to decide which ones will work best for you. You can choose to stick with the most common styles or go for a more specialized aesthetic that will better fit the industry’s standards.
The most important thing to remember is to avoid getting any explicit or offensive tattoos, as these can be a turnoff for clients and might make it difficult to land a modeling job with an agency. Additionally, you should always get your piercings done by a reputable tattoo artist.
Once you’ve created your portfolio, be sure to network with other models and tattoo artists. This will ensure that you’re constantly working to build your skills and improve your artistic abilities. It can also help you connect with other potential employers and clients who will be able to help you grow as a tattoo model.
Network with other tattoo models
Whether you are interested in becoming a tattoo model or you already have a tattoo, it’s important to network with other tattoo models to help you learn how to succeed in this career. This will give you a clearer understanding of what the industry is like and allow you to build your portfolio.
There are a few different ways to find modeling work as a female tattoo model, including joining a modeling agency or working independently. You can also find opportunities by attending casting calls and submitting your portfolio to potential clients.
If you are interested in becoming a tattoo model, it is important to research the agencies that are best for your style of work. These agencies will connect you with clients that are looking for models with alternative body modifications.
Once you have a list of agencies in your area, you can begin applying for jobs. You can also network with other tattoo models to see if they have any recommendations for you.
Another option is to find a clothing brand that is looking for tattoo models to promote their products on social media or in magazines. These companies may pay you for your work or provide free clothing.
You can also try contacting local brick-and-mortar tattoo shops to see if they are looking for models with visible tattoos. These businesses are often open to accepting freelance models and are a great way to get started in the industry.
When you are first starting out as a tattoo model, it is important to create a strong portfolio of photos that show off your unique look. This will help you stand out from other tattoo models and can lead to more opportunities for you.
A good portfolio will include photos of your tattoos in various positions and on different body parts, including your face. This will help prospective clients to get a better idea of how you will fit into their design or marketing concept.
Investing in professional headshots is also an essential component of building your portfolio. Getting a photographer who has experience taking photos of tattoos can help you ensure that your photos are high-quality and represent your artwork in its best light.
Build your social media presence
Whether you’re interested in becoming a tattoo model or are already a tattooed model, building your social media presence can be a great way to promote your work and connect with potential clients. You can create galleries of your tattoos, engage with followers and build your brand. Having a large following can be a powerful tool for finding and winning sponsorships.
One of the most important things to do when you’re trying to build your social media presence is to start an Instagram account. Having a strong Instagram presence can open up lots of opportunities for you as a female tattoo model, including sponsored posts and influencer marketing. You can also use hashtags to find potential clients and get their attention.
The next thing you need to do is build a portfolio and resume. Your portfolio should contain your headshots and photos of your tattoos. Your resume should include relevant experience, skills and accomplishments.
You may want to get some professional photos taken by a talented tattoo photographer to help you stand out from the crowd. You can also hire a friend or family member to take the photos for you.
Once you have some professional photos of your tattoos, it’s time to start promoting them on social media. Posting both process and finished photos will allow viewers to see how you create your tattoos and allow them to become more connected with your work.
Keep your photos well-lit and sharp, with a blank or soft-focus background to reduce visual noise. It’s also a good idea to include a caption that includes your name and Instagram handle in case you receive any reposts or shares.
Another great way to build your tattoo model portfolio is to get your work published in a tattoo magazine. Some magazines are looking for tattoo models and you can apply directly on their website to submit your portfolio.
Having a portfolio of your tattoo work is key to getting started in this industry and securing paid modeling jobs. It’s also a good idea for new models to build up their social media presence and network with other tattoo models to increase their exposure and potential bookings.
