A career in body art breaks any of the stereotypes about impoverished artists, it is very well paid. KERRY ANN EUSTICE chats with a world record holding tattooist.

Qualifications:

There were no specific training schools or courses you could take to become a tattooist when I started out 15 years ago. I simply learnt the art by buying my own equipment and practising on myself I've still got all the mistakes I made as a reminder.

After teaching myself the basic skills, I eventually found a tattooist who would take me as an apprentice, when I was 18.

I studied art in school and had the creative flair needed to master the skill.

A number of private organisations now offer a Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) Level 3 Certificate and Diploma in Body Piercing and Body Art.

All tattooists and their premises have to be registered with their local Environmental Health authority.

I am the 2003 world record holder for tattooing for 33 hours non-stop.

Place of work:

Electric Pencil tattoo studio, Plumstead

Earning potential:

If you are operating out of someone elses studio you have to submit 50 per cent of your earnings over in rent. But if you have your own studio you could earn between £50,000 and £60,000 a year.

What hours do you work?

I open 1pm until 11pm Monday to Friday and on alternate Saturdays.

What is your typical day like?

I arrive at the studio around 12pm and sterilise all the equipment and make sure the studio is clean.

On average I see one person per hour, but some tattoos can take three hours.

Clients often come in with their own ideas and I talk with them to develop their designs.

You can either apply the tattoo freehand or make up a transfer to use as a guide.

I then get the inks ready to apply and also prepare the needles. An average tattoo will need 12 needles to complete.

Why did you decide to become a tattooist?

I toyed with the idea after having a few tattoos of my own and after seeing how body artists work, I thought, I can do better. The wage also attracted me and I was keen to make use of my artistic skills.

Where do you want to go from here?

I'm currently building a website and looking for bigger premises so I can expand the business.