[Linus]

I actually talked with my artist in Toronto when she did my work about how she got into the business. She had a Fine Arts degree from the Ontario College of Arts. Additionally she told me that the ink behavior of tattoo ink is very different from that of pen and paper ink. It "bleeds" different (and no this isn't actual blood in this case but ink behavior).

You will need a portfolio of work (whether on skin or paper to show your creativity. I would suggest finding an artist near you and talking with them about how they got into the business and any advice they could offer. Bring any artwork to show them what your skills are now and if they would be good to transition to tattooing.