Nick Colella, 25, works for Chicago Tattooing Company.
He has a Cool Job as a Tattoo Artist.

His Gig:
"I enjoy the whole business from art on the walls to talking to people to doing the tattoos." Colella spends his days in one of the oldest tattoo companies in Chicago. Depending on the weather, he draws tattoos for anywhere from one to eight people a day. "Warm sunny days are the best for business because people see other people's tattoos when they wear skirts or tank tops and it gives them the idea to come in."

Career Path:
Colella didn't want to go to college and was sick of working retail jobs. He loved tattoos and eventually met an artist who offered to train and hire him as a tattoo artist. He's been at Chicago Tattooing Company for seven years.

High Five:
"Getting paid to draw. Getting paid for my art."

Down Low:
"The money is not steady. It's very unsteady." He doesn't get benefits or paid vacations either. î

Words from the Wise :
"Never pay for an apprenticeship."

Wow:
Colella has about 200 hours worth of tattoos on his body.

Did you Know?
In Illinois you have to be 21 to get a tattoo which makes Colella's job harder because fewer young people can get tattoos. In all other states the legal age is 18. He requires state identification before he draws a tattoo for someone because the penalty is stiff. He could face a misdemeanor with a stiff fine and the possibility of getting his license revoked. He also turns away customers who appear intoxicated. When the customers are intoxicated, "The tattoos bleed more and the customers can't make good judgments."

For More Information:
Check out Safe Tattoos for information on how to be a safe tattoo artist. Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals for information on apprenticeships and career information. The American Academy of Micropigmentation for links to information on certification programs.