Broaden Your Horizons

Tattooing is an art form all of its own, but that does not mean that tattoo artists only stick to that one talent and nothing else. Tattoo art is usually started or enhanced by exploring other artistic mediums. Drawing and sketching would be the more obvious choices, seeing as they go hand in hand with tattooing. But there are so many other ways that you can explore your creativity, and we will cover some of those here.

Sculpting

Sculpting is a wonderful way to get a true feeling for what you see. Your materials can be anything from soft clay to marble or stone. Creating "images" in the 3-dimensional provides you with skills you will also need for tattooing. Portraits are one of the most difficult things to draw and to tattoo, and sculpting can be a way to enhance your skills in creating realistic figures.
Comprehensive Resource for Sculptors

Pottery

Pottery is somewhat similar to sculpting, but is far more fragile and has much less detail. Pottery is a good way to learn control - you have to have a steady hand and be able to concentrate on what you are doing, as with tattooing. Creating a beautiful vase or bowl while a pile of clay is spinning around and around is not as easy as the experts make it look.
Pottery Making Illustrated

Silversmithing/Jewelry Making

Creating beautiful, intricate jewelry might be the thing for you. This again requires a steady hand, and an open artistic mind. There are so many things that can be created it is limitless. Let your creativity flow.
Jewelry Making From Your About.com Guide
Creating Fine Jewelry

Leather Crafting

When I go to a fair or flea market, one of my favorite things to see is all the leather work. From jackets to purses to keychains, this is an art that challenges your sense of style and your creativity. Working with leather will also build up the muscles in your hand, which is helpful when you have to hold a tattoo machine for hours at a time.
Leather Basics and Beginner Projects

Photography

Open your mind and see the world like you never have before. Find beauty in everything, and freeze that moment in time. Photography can be an enjoyable hobby, but can also challenge your artistic eye. A picture really is worth a thousand words if you capture the right image.
Learn Photography From Your About.com Guide

Drawing/Sketching/Painting

Last but not least, expand your talent through the tip of a pencil or paintbrush. There is no limit to what you can do with a blank canvas. You can also use charcoal, pastels, or colored pencils to add variety. You can paint landscapes, draw animals, sketch portraits - the possibilities are limited only to your own imagination.
Drawing/Sketching From Your About.com Guide
Painting From Your About.com Guide

There are many other venues where you can explore your creative inner-child. Anything that opens your mind, challenges your ability, and sharpens your skills can bring out more in you. Tattooing may not be your greatest skill - but it can be a stepping stone to these other mediums, or they can even help to enhance your artistic ability. Art is about expressionism. Express yourself in any way you want, and share it with the world.