How to Become a Tattoo Model

Co-authored by Burak Moreno and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References

Models with tattoos are becoming popular in the industry, so you’re in luck if you aspire to become a tattoo model. Tattoo models have inked bodies, but there’s no minimum number of tattoos to get started. If you want to become a tattoo model, start by creating your modeling persona. Then, assemble a portfolio of your best photos. When you’re ready, start looking for modeling jobs.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Creating Your Persona

1
Get tattoos that show when you’re photographed. To be a tattoo model, you’ll need at least 1 noticeable tattoo. You’ll likely be more successful if you have several tattoos, but don’t alter your body just to get into modeling. Being true to who you are is what’s most important, so only get tattoos that you want.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- For instance, you might start with arm tattoos because they’re very noticeable. Leg, chest, neck, and upper back tattoos are also very visible.
- Choose designs that you think look attractive or that have meaning for you. For instance, you might get religious symbols, your favorite flower, or lines from a poem you wrote.
2
Determine what type of modeling you want to do. You have several options when it comes to modeling, especially if you’re a tattoo model. Focus on the type of modeling that appeals to you most. For instance, a tattoo model might do the following types of modeling:^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Fine art modeling
- Fashion modeling
- Commercial modeling, such as print ads or commercials
- Live modeling, like at trade shows or on the runway
- Stock photo modeling
Advertisement
3
Practice posing for photographs or live modeling. Look at photos of models you aspire to be like and mimic the pose or expression they’re portraying. Additionally, watch videos that show you how to do various poses. Try these poses in front of a mirror or film yourself doing them. Keep working on posing until you feel comfortable in front of a camera or on a runway.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- When you’re practicing facial expressions, you might take selfies to help you practice. Similarly, ask a friend to photograph you as part of a mock photography session so you can practice your full-body poses.
4
Assemble a variety of outfits that show off your best looks. When you’re first getting started, you’ll need to create your own looks. This will help you get attention from people who may hire you. Additionally, you’ll be able to use these looks to help build your portfolio. Choose clothing, shoes, and accessories that help you feel and look your best.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Pick the types of clothing you hope to model in the future.
- Once you start getting hired for jobs, you may be asked to wear certain clothes. However, it’s helpful to have a few go-to outfits that you can wear when you need to supply your own clothing.
5
Decide what you’re comfortable doing during a modeling shoot. Once you’re on set, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and feel like you have to do something that pushes you too far outside your comfort zone. It’s best to establish your boundaries ahead of time. Then, communicate them when you apply for modeling jobs and when you arrive at a photo shoot.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- For instance, decide if you’re willing to pose in your underwear or nude before you start working with photographers. Similarly, decide if you’re okay with posing intimately with other models.
6
Pick a name to use as your modeling name, if you like. Using a different name for modeling is more common with tattoo models than with traditional models. However, it’s not a requirement. Consider if you’d like to have a separate modeling persona, then come up with a name that fits.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Do an Internet search on the name you choose to make sure it’s not already taken.
- For example, you might use a name like “Roxy Fire” or “Jax Up.”

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Building Your Portfolio

1
Get friends or family to photograph you for a low budget option. When you’re first getting started, don’t feel like you need to invest a lot of money in your portfolio. Initially, get your friends and family to take photos of you, then choose the best ones to represent your work. Do several shoots with different outfits so you have a lot of photos to choose from.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Try to get different people to photograph you so you have different perspectives. This will also help you ensure that at least a few of the photos are good.
EXPERT TIP

Burak Moreno
Tattoo Artist
Burak Moreno is a Professional Tattoo Artist with over 10 years of experience. Burak is based in New York City and is a tattoo artist for Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he has worked as a tattoo artist throughout Europe. He works on many different styles but mostly does bold lines and strong color. You can find more of his tattoo designs on Instagram @burakmoreno.

Burak Moreno
Tattoo Artist

Try building a following on social media. If you want to be a tattoo model, having enough Instagram likes can help you get a job with tattoo magazines worldwide.
2
Volunteer as a model for photographers who are building their portfolio. Photographers also need a portfolio of their work, and they need models. Reach out to local photographers who are just getting started in the business, as well as those whose work you admire. Send them a few of your photos and let them know you’re interested in volunteering as a model in exchange for free photos that you can use to promote yourself.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Look for ads requesting models on your local classifieds or modeling networking pages. However, be careful when meeting people you don’t know. You may even want to bring someone with you just to be safe.
3
Hire a photographer for a modeling session for the best results. A professional photographer will likely provide you with the best images. They’ll be able to give you direction, adjust the lighting to make you look good, and edit the photos when you’re finished. Plus, they can help you get an idea about what it will really be like to be a professional model on set. Look for a photographer online or ask other models for recommendations.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Let the photographer know that you’re planning to use the photos to promote yourself for a modelling career.
- The photographer will probably post your photos to their own website and social media page, which is a great way to get your photo seen by people you don’t know.
Tip: It’s best to also invest in a professional hair and makeup artist, unless you’ve been trained in these skills. If you’re going to invest in a professional photo shoot, don’t waste the opportunity by not having your hair and makeup perfectly done.
4
Assemble a portfolio of your best poses. Print your photos to create a hardcopy portfolio, such as a flipbook. Either order the prints yourself or get your photographer to do it. As another option, upload your photos to a site that helps create portfolios, then order a book from them. For a simpler option, create a digital portfolio by posting your photos to a website.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Take a look at other portfolios of models you admire to see how they put theirs together.
- Ask your photographer for their advice about which poses to include.
- A digital portfolio is cheaper and easier to make than a hard copy version. Plus, it’s accessible to more people. However, you might prefer a hard copy portfolio if you plan to apply for modeling jobs in person.
5
Get a composite (comp) card to use as your business card. A comp card is usually a 6 in (15 cm) by 9 in (23 cm) card that features your headshot on 1 side and 3-4 of your best poses on the other side. These photos should show you at different angles. Then, you’ll include your personal details on the back of your card in small type.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- The back of your card should state your name, height, weight, measurements/size, eye color, and hair color. Put this information at the bottom of the card below your photos.
- Your photographer may be able to help you make your comp card. Otherwise, you can find several websites that will help you do it yourself.
- If you get signed with an agency, they’ll make your comp cards for you.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting Modeling Jobs

1
Post photos of yourself on social media using tattoo modeling hashtags. Make a habit of posting daily, using both candid and posed photos. Each time you post, include a variety of tattoo modeling hashtags. Additionally, consider tagging popular tattoo parlors, especially where you got your tattoos. This can get you noticed and shared by people in the business.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- For instance, you might use hashtags like #tattoo, #tattoomodel, #inkedmodel, #tattoogirl, or #tattooartist.
- Look at the hashtags your favorite tattoo models are using to find the best ones to use.
- To make things easier, you might copy and paste your hashtags every time you post so you don’t forget one.
Tip: Posting on Instagram can help you start a career as an influencer. If you build a good following and brands like your look, they may pay you to promote their products.^{[13]
X
Research source}
2
Create a website to advertise your services. Your website can get you noticed for jobs and allows you to easily promote yourself. When you apply for gigs, send the photographer or brand a link to your website so they can view your work. Use a platform like Wordpress or Squarespace to build your site using a template. Include the following on your website:^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Your age, height, measurements, size, eye color, hair color, and distinguishing features, like your tattoos.
- A digital portfolio of your best photographs.
- An "About Me" page to introduce yourself.
3
Join a modeling networking site. Modeling networking sites let you talk to other models to get advice and share opportunities. Additionally, photographers and brands may post about jobs on these sites. Choose a site that has an active group of tattoo models.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- For example, Model Mayhem is a popular model networking site.
- Visit these sites at least once a week to keep up with what’s going on in the tattoo modeling world.
4
Go to events and festivals to network with photographers, models, and artists. Meeting people is a great way to get hired for jobs. When you go to events or festivals, always dress to portray the look you’re selling. Then, talk to people and handout your comp card. After the event or festival, connect with the people you met on social media to stay in touch.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- For example, go to concerts, art openings, music festivals, and tattoo conventions.
- Look on sites like Meetup and Facebook to find photography and modeling groups that meet in your area, as well.
5
Contact local photographers and tattoo artists to tell them about your services. Send them a copy of your resume, your comp card, and a link to your website or social media pages. Tell them the type of work you’re interested in doing, as well as why you’d like to work for them. This could help you land a gig.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- Review the photographer’s or artist’s work beforehand so you can tell them what you like about it.
6
Apply for representation from an agency that features tattoo models. Research your options to help you decide which agency is the best fit for you. Then, find their rules for submitting photos. Some agencies allow you to contact them on your own by filling out a short application and attaching photos.^{[18]
X
Research source} If the agency is interested, a representative will contact you.
- Don’t pay an agency up front to work with you. Unfortunately, some companies may take advantage of you by selling you unnecessary services. You should only be charged when your agency books paid work for you.^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
- Agencies you might look into include Tattoo Models, H2Ocean Models, and Model Management.
Variation: Look for open calls for models, which allow aspiring models the opportunity to audition for agency representation or a specific modeling job.

Warnings

If you feel uncomfortable at any time during a shoot, excuse yourself and leave. No one should be making you feel uncomfortable.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0