Dermographist (Skin writer)

These professionals make changes to the skin or body of a person by introducing pigments, rings or other decorative elements. Depending on the type of procedure and technique used, we can talk about tattoos, piercings or lesser-known modifications, such as scarification, gauging, implants, etc.

Among the most demanding techniques, we find tattoos, where these professionals engrave images, symbols or designs on the skin of the person, by applying pigment below the epidermis. Specifically, the introduction of the colouring agents is carried out at a depth of 1.5 mm with disposable needles mounted on an electrical machine which vibrates over 1000 times per minute. To do their job, they must not only have technical and sanitary knowledge of the procedures, but also a high level of drawing and artistic creativity.

Another of the most extensive modifications are piercings, where these professionals pierce and place an earring or other pieces of jewellery, through specific needles or sharp elements, in the part of the body indicated by the client.

In all cases, these are very old techniques used by different cultures as a sign of religion, identity or aesthetics, which have become popular to become common decorative practices today.

• Attend to customers on arrival and inform them about the types of tattoos and body modifications and possible locations, including risks: allergies and healing problems, among others.
• Advise customers on designs and explain the prior preparation required. If it is a tattoo, prepare the drawing, adapting its size and shape to the customer and tracing a replica before transferring it onto the skin. If it is a piercing or other technique, choose the size and shape of the piece that will be placed.
• Observe the anatomy of the person, locate the location where the procedure will be carried out, clean the area with antiseptic, shaving if necessary and anesthetize the area to avoid pain. In some cases, carry out a skin allergy test to check that the person will not have subsequent problems.
• Prepare the tools and material necessary to carry out the modification or tattoo, always unsealing them in front of the client.
• Assemble the electrical machine and the needles or instrument that they will use to make the modification and start the procedure. In the case of tattoos, they begin with the outline of the drawing and outline it, and, later, proceed to shading or fill in with colour, depending on the design.
• During the whole process, these professionals must watch the customer closely, ensuring his/her well-being and comfort.
• Once the intervention is finished, cover the area where the tattoo or modification has occurred and explain the care and hygiene maintenance guidelines that the clientele must carry out.
• Before and after each procedure, these professionals sterilise the instruments, isolate the materials that are not disposable and eliminate waste, in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• It is common for these professionals to have a catalogue with their own designs, to offer customers different types of tattoos and options for appealing and original body modifications.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Personal Image - Intermediate Level: Aesthetics and beauty
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Healthcare - Intermediate Level: Auxiliary Nursing Care
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Personal Image - Advanced Level: Personal and Corporativa Image Consultancy
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Personal Image - Advanced Level: Integral Aesthetics and Wellness
• Grau: Belles arts

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Due to the lack of specific formal training, these professionals give great importance to previous experience to carry out these jobs. Many people enter the profession as apprentices and know the work of an experienced tattoo and body modification specialist.

Analytical thought: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 1

Customer orientation: Level 1

Artistic

People who show an interest in the artistic field enjoy expressing ideas and feelings through the language of art A creative spirit and the motivation to convey concepts or emotions are inherent to this interest. This field includes all the activities that are oriented towards creating artistic products in their various forms: works that are musical, cinematographic or visual in nature, as well as dance and related arts.

Physical well-being and personal image

People related to the field of physical well-being and personal image are interested in carrying out activities aimed at the care, maintenance and improvement of one's image and physical condition. These activities entail personal contact with the client, offering a service that takes into account their needs, as well as their tastes and preferences. Activities that represent this field include advising and the application of aesthetic, cosmetic and physical treatments.

Beautician

Beauty advisor

Expert in micropigmentation

Specialist in post-traumatic and reparatory aesthetics

Specialist in social protocol and social skills

• Other features

  Body art activities can be carried out in beauty centres, although these are mainly provided in specialised, smaller sized centres. In many cases, these centres operate as tattoo and body piercing shops.
  
  It is very important to know the occupational risks of this job: spread of blood-borne diseases, skin diseases, punctures and cuts and postural injuries, among others. Health and safety measures are key to preventing these risks.
  
  These professionals should wear a lab coat, gloves, disposable masks and suitable footwear. The walls and floors of the establishment must be made of easy-to-clean materials (wood or fitted carpet should be avoided) and the area where the procedure is performed must guarantee the privacy of the customer.
  

• Professional category

  Technician

It is the most common modality in this occupation, and it is rare to be a salaried employee.

• Human resources and equipment

  Generally, these professionals work in specialised body art centres. Therefore, they will need a business premises, in which all hygiene and safety measures determined by law are met. In some cases, these establishments are also tattoo and piercing shops.
  
  In addition, these professionals need a series of materials and instruments to perform their work, such as the tattoo machine, disposable needles, rods, pigments, tracing papers, razor, creams, tattoo and piercing chair, etc. It is advisable to have an area reserved for sterilisation machines: ultrasound washing machine, autoclave and needle incinerator machine.

• Initial investments

  The initial investments will be those necessary to have a business premises, adapt it to current regulations and acquire all equipment needed to carry out this activity. Other expenses may be those for hiring personnel, if applicable, or promoting the business in a first stage.