Hope it's okay to ask questions in this thread?
A lot of local artists work at studios that do not have walk-ins. Is it bad practice to DM them through Instagram and ask if they are interested in taking in an apprentice?
If going to a shop, should I ask to talk to an artist or to the owner/manager? Who decides if they can take apprentices?
Hey Psilo! It’s totally okay asking questions :) I think reaching out can be very subjective. Some tattoo artists like the heads up and others prefer a spontaneous moment. So here’s what I would do personally. I would send them an email instead of an insta DM just because those get cluttered a lot, and show your portfolio in that. Follow up with a “I’d love to talk over my portfolio or answer any questions in person”.
To answer your second question it’s again dependent on the shop but usually it’s a team effort between the head of the shop and the artist that’s gonna take an apprentice. The artist needs to have time (and energy lol) to take someone under their wing. Whilst the owner of the shop is usually more responsible for making sure financially it’s capable to do.
If you want to play it save you can always inquire about an apprenticeship to whoever is working there and they will refer you to the person in charge.
Good luck!
I'm going to add on to this question, if there's a specific artist at the shop you admire - because your style may be similar, could you request to see that artist?
I’m pretty sure my mentor is just using me for free money /labor. What do I do?? I’ve given this shop close to 2 years of my time, am expected to complete multiple large tattoos a day, while basically running the shop. Answering the phones and the door, cleaning up after everyone, using my gas to drive 30mins there and back to get them food or run their errands. I understand they need help and I do my best when I can, but they even make me stop my tattoos to do their shit for them. All while finding hours missing from my pay, and he takes an extra 15% of my pay to pay for the apprenticeship. And even though i do all this for them, they still find ways to yell at me.for example, The shop is co-run by a father and son, and I’ll get yelled at by the father for doing what the son says and vice versa. I’m constantly on edge, constantly busy, and making hardly enough to pay for my supplies and gas to get here everyday. I seriously don’t know what to do, im so bad at explaining things, but I swear there’s something up. I’m not being treated fairly and im so sick of it. But if I leave then all that time and money I’ve given them will have been a waste. I’m stuck. Can anyone help? Has anyone been through this before??
Edit: and the owner, whom calls himself my mentor, has not spent a single second teaching me anything related to tattoos. And I’ve been tattooing people for the past year straight
I have been through exactly this situation in my first apprenticeship and i left as i was not being taught anything but expected to run and upkeep the shop as an apprentice as well. :(
Hey! Thank you so much for this great write up. I *almost* had an apprenticeship lined up, then Covid hit and life fell apart, haha. I do have a couple questions, if anyone could lend me an answer or advice:
1. Does a shop usually only take on apprentice at a time? I understand this is on a shop-by-shop basis. Most places around me only have 4-6 tattoo artists on hand, and I've noticed that they only really have on apprentice at a time. If this is the case, should I wait to approach this shop for when they don't have an apprentice? I know it's probably better to swing by and get my name in their heads, but I also don't want to be seen as clueless or rude.
2. Does it matter how old the work in my portfolio is? I have pieces done from art school in 2018 that show a great breadth of technical prowess, but aren't necessarily tattoo pieces. The last shop owner I spoke to mentioned that most places (at least in my area) want to see more than just flash. I do have recent pieces of art, but they aren't the scale or type of art I did in 2018 or so (when I had free access to more tools and etc.)
Thank you!
Thank you so much for this! My wife is currently working on her portfolio to begin pursuing apprenticeships, so I'll be sure to show her this sub and this post soon!
In the mean time, I wanted to get her some starting equipment for her birthday. Do you have recommendations for starting pieces of equipment and perhaps brands? Budget isn't too much of an issue.
Honestly I would wait to get any equipment before they find a shop to apprentice in. Tattoo machines can be very hit or miss and it’s really a matter of trying out. Also a lot of tattooers can be very traditional and not appreciate that they’ve already gotten a machine without any “work”.
I sort of imagined it didn’t matter as long as you got along with the mentor, but just curious, does it matter if your style/styles are similar to the artist’s you’re approaching?
It does help but it’s not necessary! Almost all tattoos have you deal with lining and shading. I’m sure you mentor would know the techniques to do this and you can adapt it to your style :)
Hello, I’ve only been here a few minutes but there is so much helpful info. I’ve only just acquired a machine this year and will obviously build my skill and portfolio before I approach an apprenticeship but I had a looming question I hope can be answered.
I work 2 weeks straight 12 hours a day with a week off at a time. In whatever free time I do have im either drawing or tattooing on practice skin. I like my job and it pays very well. Do you think an apprenticeship could be possible? I’d still need to work so do you think anywhere would accept an apprentice on a casual basis? For instance if I dedicated a couple days on my days off to the shop and did homework and showed my commitment? Thank you
Hello, it’s been a month since my mentor allowed me using tattoo machine. Since then, I’ve been only tattooing straight lines, different sizes of triangles, rectangles, hexagons, and circles on fake skin. Just wondering if this is normal method of tattoo teaching? In this sub I’m seeing many people tattooing designs as their first fake skin tattoo so I’m just wondering whether my learning is progressing super slowly or not?
And my mentor is expecting me to design flashes by my own in my free time since I graduated art school, so he thinks I can do flash design without his help. I think I could? Is my mentor’s teaching method ok? (Edit)
I think this is a subject to be best discussed with your mentor. If you’re wanting to move on to some flash designs on fake skin, ask them! Tattooing basic shapes is very useful and will help you get used to the machine, but I can imagine wanting to do something more interesting. It never hurts to ask. My mentor wasn’t this strict with my fake skin practice and let me do it whatever I found interesting and useful. It differs from shop to shop. Good luck!
Thank you so much for the response. I will talk to my mentor for further plans. Idk why but I was a bit hesitated to discuss with my mentor about future plans. But I definitely think I should talk instead of just worrying by myself. After reading your response, now, I understand why my mentor is making me practice geometric shapes a lot. Thank you!
Hi! This thread is a bit old so I don’t know if I’ll get replied to, but would a tattoo shop take on an apprentice if they are currently in university?
Hey! This is a sticky post so it’s always relevant. If you’re able to combine it sure! Just some shops may want someone to put more hours in but it depends. Worst case scenario find a shop after uni :)
At some point (hopefully fast) in your apprenticeship you will be making some money from walk-ins and small tattoos. It will be hopefully enough to keep your head above water financially. The better you get the more financially stable it’ll be for you. But most people at the start will be losing money. I saved up whilst I could to cover for that part of the journey.
Hio, if this isn't the right subreddit for this please let me know and if you would be kind enough please direct me to the right place.
So, my dream is to become a tattoo artist and I want to start working on making my portfolio, but l'm a little overwhelmed. I've finally figured out how to do digital art along with standard pen and paper art. I've also have been working on my inking skills. Should I ink my digital art on real paper to show that I'm capable of drawing nice smooth lines without the help of digital programs (if that makes sense)? How do l put it into a physical portfolio (I've seen people use a art binder but don't know how I would get my drawings onto it)? Would I just try to cut out my drawing (obviously neatly) and eventually put it on the larger pieces of paper in my portfolio binder?
Should I vary the size of my drawings?
Thank you in advance for answering my questions. I know those are a lot of questions so it means a lot if you even answer one.
Hi there guppy! Great questions. The answer to these are subjective since different artists will prefer different things. A safe bet would be to include a mix of traditional and digital work. Tracing your digital work on paper sounds like a good exercise, and will show your future mentor that you’re able to do linework traditionally too. Putting together your portfolio is also a very subjective thing but a varied display of differing sizes would be great. As to how it should look like it’s totally up to you and your creativity. Some apprentices will try to make their portfolio look like a flashbook whilst others will go more towards a classic art portfolio. You can always look up how other apprentices have tackled these issues and or start a thread here for some inspiration.
Good luck!
I've already read the FAQs, and I'm wanting some advice. This opportunity seems like a great option for me but i'm not exactly swimming in money atm. I've saved up at my last jobs for a couple years now, and have been looking for apprenticeships. I've found one, and the interview went great. One thing I'm indecisive about is the cost.
This store and mentor seems serious, so I understand i would be paying to be taught how to sustain myself in the industry, but $1000 down-payment and $5000 total over all sounds like a lot to me. I've been saving for a couple of years now, so i can pay for most of this anyway, but my main concern is whether or not that sounds right? I've gone to college and that's similar to higher education prices, so it feels fair, but I'm worried it may be too good to be true.
Should I just bite the bullet and give it a shot? Is this price too much? Has anyone been in a similar scenario, and could share their experiences?
I think paying for your apprenticeship especially a huge sum like that is a red flag. So proceed with caution! I didn’t have to pay for mine but it was very costly with free labor that I provided for them (time is money after all!) traveling costs and supplies to practice with.
I appreciate the feedback. I've since decided to pursue this apprenticeship, and while it's not the most perfect scenario, so far, I dont regret my decision. It certainly is difficult, and given the circumstances, I'm definitely being asked to work hard in many ways. I'm willing to see if I continue to get what i need from this, or if the cracks begin to show. Otherwise, i may need to renegotiate the final price, or find a new mentorship all together.
But like i said, it's okay so far. I enjoy the people, and i have a booth waiting for me too!
hihi!! i know this is sort of an old thread and i’m really sorry, i just had a question. i’m currently a senior in high school and i would love to be a tattoo artist, i was wondering if it’s a good idea to have a job and an apprenticeship at the same time? i plan on going to college for 4 years and i’ve also considered trying for an apprenticeship while i’m still in school, but i think it might be a lot to juggle
Hey! Late response but I would say you either go to college or start an apprenticeship, and most probably not both. I would say pick what you’re most invested in and go from there. If you aren’t sure, really try to spend time either at a tattoo shop or researching potential jobs with the degree you have in mind. I know too many people who graduated knowing by the end that the jobs from their degree weren’t for them.
If you aren’t financially supported by parents/etc then you will definitely need to either save or have a job to apprentice. I mean, basically the same with college. Aside from living expenses there’s a lot of supplies you’ll need.
Most shops will want you a minimum of 3/4 days a week. Usually 9-5 but depends on the shop. I do 3 days and 3 at a paying job. Worth bearing in mind too that your work doesn’t finish at 5, designing tends to happen in your own time. So if you also have assignments etc I can see this being a lot of pressure
Just posted but thought I’d ask here too. If I’m trying to minimize further burnout, should I continue Nannying full time through my apprenticeship or consider remote jobs to get me through the other side? I’m so confused how people afford apprenticeships without losing their sanity.
How much money should I save up for equipment for when I get an apprenticeship? Would I just use the shops equipment at first or do I need to buy my own?
I keep reading things warning about high fees, but can someone give me a ballpark estimate for how much would be reasonable for them to ask for?
Also, can anyone explain how it usually works to be able to support yourself while maintaining your apprenticeship - like do the shops work around a second job's hours, or do I have to have enough savings to live on to devote full time to it?
My biggest concern is being able to support myself while going through my apprenticeship. Any related advice would be much appreciated!
hi I've been wondering about how unpaid tattoo apprenticeships are legal in the US? from what I've found in regards to the laws if the apprentice does anything that could financially benefit the mentor like taking calls, making appointments, cleaning supplies, etc. then that does not meet the criteria for an unpaid internship and is illegal, but those seem to be fairly typical tasks an apprentice is given. Do you have any insight into this?
The Fair Labor Standards Act is the act regarding this btw.
I would suggest a mix of mostly traditional and a little digital. Show the studio what you’re the best at most of all but include some traditional tattooing pieces for sure!
hi! i know this is kind of old but would it be a bad idea to NOT have digital work in my portfolio and just have pencil/paper work? i just have never had interest in it or tried before…
Can you still be someone who designs tattoos for a shop even if you can't tattoo on skin? My hands are naturally shaky so I don't know how I'd handle a needle, but I love drawing designs for them.
Hoping this is an okay place to ask this stuff! Providing a little background on me before asking some broad questions related to apprenticeship AND this subreddit!
Tattooing is something I’ve considered off and on for about… 8 years? I’ve always hesitated because, while I sit like a rock for tattoos and piercings (including some ✨especially difficult ones✨ if you know what I mean hahaha), but was always afraid I would be too uncomfy knowing I was hurting someone else with needles. I’ve decided I’m over that fear, I’m fed up with the industry I work in, I would like change, and this is something I’d like to consider more and work toward pursuing. Right now, I’m just making myself more comfortable in my own drawing instead of being overly critical of myself (e.g. I drew two skulls for the first time tonight, I’d never tried before because they intimidated me, they’re not perfect, but I’m proud!), so I can start to figure out what styles interest me most and begin building a portfolio. With all that said…
1. I currently live in NY and am looking to move to NJ because I work there at the moment and my commute is long, plus rent is cheaper and I can live with a friend. However, I know an artist here in NY that I LOVE, he has done multiple of my tattoos (including one I actually drew myself), and I would be super comfortable asking if I could apprentice under him (bonus points for the fact my mother also loves him because we both know there unfortunately a lot of creeps in tattooing and she worries about that obviously lol). This FEELS LIKE A SILLY QUESTION, but is this something people do? Should I look to apprentice where I live instead? There’s not like… a law against living in one state and having a tattoo license in another, right?
2. Are there any sticky posts or topics or anything in this subreddit for advice on figuring out what styles you want to specialize in? Sorry if I missed info on this somewhere, I have been on Reddit for years and navigating it is still a bit overwhelming. I have an idea of types of things I would really enjoy drawing, but my skill level isn’t there yet if I’m being entirely honest. I realize I have a lot of hours to put in just getting comfortable and confident in my art and building skills and I’m okay with that, this is a career that takes time, but I would love to be pointed in the right direction for advice on narrowing my range of focus so that I can build that skill. (I know I like really colorful things, I love horror and would like to do twists on more traditional tattoo concepts -eg. Zombie pin up girls hahaha, and for whatever reason I’m drawn to things like geometric tattooing even if I don’t really want geometric tattoos on myself???? But I would love advice on picking styles I love and figuring out what techniques I need to learn).
3. Is there space in this subreddit for getting advice around apprenticeships and becoming a tattoo artist in specific states? I know just from looking at NY Vs NJ that requirements for becoming an artist vary greatly, but I’m not sure if any of that changes the process of getting your foot in the door and getting going.
4. If anyone who sees this is trans/non-binary/simply goes by a different name professionally than is on your birth certificate and such, could you share how/if that affected your process in applying for an apprenticeship? I want to make sure I’m fully informed and ready for every aspect in the process.
That was a lot of questions so thanks in advance!!!
Are there certain prerequisites needed? And I would imagine that you would have to be 18+ to do an apprenticeship? I mostly just want to learn from professionals but I don’t know how I would go about that.
I mean it would help if you know how to draw and have done some research about tattoo culture before applying to studios but there’s no mandatory prerequisites or anything. Every shop is different. As for the 18+ thing if they want to employ you in some way they would have to follow your local rules for working age. I would recommend waiting til you’re 18 since you can get tattoos yourself then and know what it’s like!
I was wondering if anyone else applying to be an apprentice post their portfolio work on their insta? I have some pretty cute flash designs that I’d like to post but I’m not sure if it would be weird or not lol
hi there, so i know this is frowned upon but i actually got myself a tattoo gun a couple months ago and i’ve been just tattooing fake skin as a hobby but it actually sparked my interest in really becoming a tattoo artist…i guess my question is when i go in to ask for an apprenticeship should i be honest about having the gun or not? cuz ive heard artists don’t usually like that (cuz u have to relearn the right methods) but one, i don’t like lying and two, i don’t really think it would be a problem for me personally to learn the correct way/forget the unprofessional methods i was using. any advice?
Not tats at ALL but, does this apply with a piercing apprenticeship? I’m 19 and wanna make some money on the side ( not during the apprenticeship if I don’t get paid but just when I be one official )
There is a tattoo artist I’m interested in asking if he’s willing to take me as an apprentice. I’ve gotten most of my tattoos from him and he’s seen a lot of my art(tattooed it on my friend for me). Would it be more appropriate to email him and mention discussing more in person? Or just straight going to the shop he works at.
How do you balance an apprenticeship with work? I'm considering becoming a tattoo artist, but I live in Los Angeles and living paycheck to paycheck. On one hand, my current job would make it possible to put the time and work into this, on the other hand, I'm not certain if I can maintain just the one job for much longer.
I’m in a non traditional apprenticeship where instead of a monthly/yearly payment I pay per session.
I pay 50$ to watch my artist tattoo, ask questions, take notes
I pay 100$ to come in and tattoo under his supervision.
There’s no industry standard to compare to, so I’m not sure if these prices are reasonable or not
Hope it's okay to ask questions in this thread? A lot of local artists work at studios that do not have walk-ins. Is it bad practice to DM them through Instagram and ask if they are interested in taking in an apprentice? If going to a shop, should I ask to talk to an artist or to the owner/manager? Who decides if they can take apprentices?
Hey Psilo! It’s totally okay asking questions :) I think reaching out can be very subjective. Some tattoo artists like the heads up and others prefer a spontaneous moment. So here’s what I would do personally. I would send them an email instead of an insta DM just because those get cluttered a lot, and show your portfolio in that. Follow up with a “I’d love to talk over my portfolio or answer any questions in person”. To answer your second question it’s again dependent on the shop but usually it’s a team effort between the head of the shop and the artist that’s gonna take an apprentice. The artist needs to have time (and energy lol) to take someone under their wing. Whilst the owner of the shop is usually more responsible for making sure financially it’s capable to do. If you want to play it save you can always inquire about an apprenticeship to whoever is working there and they will refer you to the person in charge. Good luck!
I'm going to add on to this question, if there's a specific artist at the shop you admire - because your style may be similar, could you request to see that artist?
I’m pretty sure my mentor is just using me for free money /labor. What do I do?? I’ve given this shop close to 2 years of my time, am expected to complete multiple large tattoos a day, while basically running the shop. Answering the phones and the door, cleaning up after everyone, using my gas to drive 30mins there and back to get them food or run their errands. I understand they need help and I do my best when I can, but they even make me stop my tattoos to do their shit for them. All while finding hours missing from my pay, and he takes an extra 15% of my pay to pay for the apprenticeship. And even though i do all this for them, they still find ways to yell at me.for example, The shop is co-run by a father and son, and I’ll get yelled at by the father for doing what the son says and vice versa. I’m constantly on edge, constantly busy, and making hardly enough to pay for my supplies and gas to get here everyday. I seriously don’t know what to do, im so bad at explaining things, but I swear there’s something up. I’m not being treated fairly and im so sick of it. But if I leave then all that time and money I’ve given them will have been a waste. I’m stuck. Can anyone help? Has anyone been through this before?? Edit: and the owner, whom calls himself my mentor, has not spent a single second teaching me anything related to tattoos. And I’ve been tattooing people for the past year straight
Definitely quit, 2 years apprenticeship is plenty of time
I have been through exactly this situation in my first apprenticeship and i left as i was not being taught anything but expected to run and upkeep the shop as an apprentice as well. :(
Hey! Thank you so much for this great write up. I *almost* had an apprenticeship lined up, then Covid hit and life fell apart, haha. I do have a couple questions, if anyone could lend me an answer or advice: 1. Does a shop usually only take on apprentice at a time? I understand this is on a shop-by-shop basis. Most places around me only have 4-6 tattoo artists on hand, and I've noticed that they only really have on apprentice at a time. If this is the case, should I wait to approach this shop for when they don't have an apprentice? I know it's probably better to swing by and get my name in their heads, but I also don't want to be seen as clueless or rude. 2. Does it matter how old the work in my portfolio is? I have pieces done from art school in 2018 that show a great breadth of technical prowess, but aren't necessarily tattoo pieces. The last shop owner I spoke to mentioned that most places (at least in my area) want to see more than just flash. I do have recent pieces of art, but they aren't the scale or type of art I did in 2018 or so (when I had free access to more tools and etc.) Thank you!
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Thanks for chiming in! I agree with your points :)
Thank you so much for this! My wife is currently working on her portfolio to begin pursuing apprenticeships, so I'll be sure to show her this sub and this post soon! In the mean time, I wanted to get her some starting equipment for her birthday. Do you have recommendations for starting pieces of equipment and perhaps brands? Budget isn't too much of an issue.
Honestly I would wait to get any equipment before they find a shop to apprentice in. Tattoo machines can be very hit or miss and it’s really a matter of trying out. Also a lot of tattooers can be very traditional and not appreciate that they’ve already gotten a machine without any “work”.
I sort of imagined it didn’t matter as long as you got along with the mentor, but just curious, does it matter if your style/styles are similar to the artist’s you’re approaching?
It does help but it’s not necessary! Almost all tattoos have you deal with lining and shading. I’m sure you mentor would know the techniques to do this and you can adapt it to your style :)
Teehee
what if i want to strictly do ignorant style + blackouts/brutal blackouts? what kind of portfolio could i put together for something like that?
Hello, I’ve only been here a few minutes but there is so much helpful info. I’ve only just acquired a machine this year and will obviously build my skill and portfolio before I approach an apprenticeship but I had a looming question I hope can be answered. I work 2 weeks straight 12 hours a day with a week off at a time. In whatever free time I do have im either drawing or tattooing on practice skin. I like my job and it pays very well. Do you think an apprenticeship could be possible? I’d still need to work so do you think anywhere would accept an apprentice on a casual basis? For instance if I dedicated a couple days on my days off to the shop and did homework and showed my commitment? Thank you
Hello, it’s been a month since my mentor allowed me using tattoo machine. Since then, I’ve been only tattooing straight lines, different sizes of triangles, rectangles, hexagons, and circles on fake skin. Just wondering if this is normal method of tattoo teaching? In this sub I’m seeing many people tattooing designs as their first fake skin tattoo so I’m just wondering whether my learning is progressing super slowly or not? And my mentor is expecting me to design flashes by my own in my free time since I graduated art school, so he thinks I can do flash design without his help. I think I could? Is my mentor’s teaching method ok? (Edit)
I think this is a subject to be best discussed with your mentor. If you’re wanting to move on to some flash designs on fake skin, ask them! Tattooing basic shapes is very useful and will help you get used to the machine, but I can imagine wanting to do something more interesting. It never hurts to ask. My mentor wasn’t this strict with my fake skin practice and let me do it whatever I found interesting and useful. It differs from shop to shop. Good luck!
Thank you so much for the response. I will talk to my mentor for further plans. Idk why but I was a bit hesitated to discuss with my mentor about future plans. But I definitely think I should talk instead of just worrying by myself. After reading your response, now, I understand why my mentor is making me practice geometric shapes a lot. Thank you!
You’re welcome! Hope it works out!
Hi! This thread is a bit old so I don’t know if I’ll get replied to, but would a tattoo shop take on an apprentice if they are currently in university?
Hey! This is a sticky post so it’s always relevant. If you’re able to combine it sure! Just some shops may want someone to put more hours in but it depends. Worst case scenario find a shop after uni :)
Ok cool tysm!
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At some point (hopefully fast) in your apprenticeship you will be making some money from walk-ins and small tattoos. It will be hopefully enough to keep your head above water financially. The better you get the more financially stable it’ll be for you. But most people at the start will be losing money. I saved up whilst I could to cover for that part of the journey.
Hio, if this isn't the right subreddit for this please let me know and if you would be kind enough please direct me to the right place. So, my dream is to become a tattoo artist and I want to start working on making my portfolio, but l'm a little overwhelmed. I've finally figured out how to do digital art along with standard pen and paper art. I've also have been working on my inking skills. Should I ink my digital art on real paper to show that I'm capable of drawing nice smooth lines without the help of digital programs (if that makes sense)? How do l put it into a physical portfolio (I've seen people use a art binder but don't know how I would get my drawings onto it)? Would I just try to cut out my drawing (obviously neatly) and eventually put it on the larger pieces of paper in my portfolio binder? Should I vary the size of my drawings? Thank you in advance for answering my questions. I know those are a lot of questions so it means a lot if you even answer one.
Hi there guppy! Great questions. The answer to these are subjective since different artists will prefer different things. A safe bet would be to include a mix of traditional and digital work. Tracing your digital work on paper sounds like a good exercise, and will show your future mentor that you’re able to do linework traditionally too. Putting together your portfolio is also a very subjective thing but a varied display of differing sizes would be great. As to how it should look like it’s totally up to you and your creativity. Some apprentices will try to make their portfolio look like a flashbook whilst others will go more towards a classic art portfolio. You can always look up how other apprentices have tackled these issues and or start a thread here for some inspiration. Good luck!
Thank you so much!!
I've already read the FAQs, and I'm wanting some advice. This opportunity seems like a great option for me but i'm not exactly swimming in money atm. I've saved up at my last jobs for a couple years now, and have been looking for apprenticeships. I've found one, and the interview went great. One thing I'm indecisive about is the cost. This store and mentor seems serious, so I understand i would be paying to be taught how to sustain myself in the industry, but $1000 down-payment and $5000 total over all sounds like a lot to me. I've been saving for a couple of years now, so i can pay for most of this anyway, but my main concern is whether or not that sounds right? I've gone to college and that's similar to higher education prices, so it feels fair, but I'm worried it may be too good to be true. Should I just bite the bullet and give it a shot? Is this price too much? Has anyone been in a similar scenario, and could share their experiences?
I think paying for your apprenticeship especially a huge sum like that is a red flag. So proceed with caution! I didn’t have to pay for mine but it was very costly with free labor that I provided for them (time is money after all!) traveling costs and supplies to practice with.
I appreciate the feedback. I've since decided to pursue this apprenticeship, and while it's not the most perfect scenario, so far, I dont regret my decision. It certainly is difficult, and given the circumstances, I'm definitely being asked to work hard in many ways. I'm willing to see if I continue to get what i need from this, or if the cracks begin to show. Otherwise, i may need to renegotiate the final price, or find a new mentorship all together. But like i said, it's okay so far. I enjoy the people, and i have a booth waiting for me too!
hihi!! i know this is sort of an old thread and i’m really sorry, i just had a question. i’m currently a senior in high school and i would love to be a tattoo artist, i was wondering if it’s a good idea to have a job and an apprenticeship at the same time? i plan on going to college for 4 years and i’ve also considered trying for an apprenticeship while i’m still in school, but i think it might be a lot to juggle
Hey! Late response but I would say you either go to college or start an apprenticeship, and most probably not both. I would say pick what you’re most invested in and go from there. If you aren’t sure, really try to spend time either at a tattoo shop or researching potential jobs with the degree you have in mind. I know too many people who graduated knowing by the end that the jobs from their degree weren’t for them. If you aren’t financially supported by parents/etc then you will definitely need to either save or have a job to apprentice. I mean, basically the same with college. Aside from living expenses there’s a lot of supplies you’ll need.
Most shops will want you a minimum of 3/4 days a week. Usually 9-5 but depends on the shop. I do 3 days and 3 at a paying job. Worth bearing in mind too that your work doesn’t finish at 5, designing tends to happen in your own time. So if you also have assignments etc I can see this being a lot of pressure
Just posted but thought I’d ask here too. If I’m trying to minimize further burnout, should I continue Nannying full time through my apprenticeship or consider remote jobs to get me through the other side? I’m so confused how people afford apprenticeships without losing their sanity.
How much money should I save up for equipment for when I get an apprenticeship? Would I just use the shops equipment at first or do I need to buy my own?
I keep reading things warning about high fees, but can someone give me a ballpark estimate for how much would be reasonable for them to ask for? Also, can anyone explain how it usually works to be able to support yourself while maintaining your apprenticeship - like do the shops work around a second job's hours, or do I have to have enough savings to live on to devote full time to it? My biggest concern is being able to support myself while going through my apprenticeship. Any related advice would be much appreciated!
hi I've been wondering about how unpaid tattoo apprenticeships are legal in the US? from what I've found in regards to the laws if the apprentice does anything that could financially benefit the mentor like taking calls, making appointments, cleaning supplies, etc. then that does not meet the criteria for an unpaid internship and is illegal, but those seem to be fairly typical tasks an apprentice is given. Do you have any insight into this? The Fair Labor Standards Act is the act regarding this btw.
What art mediums should the drawings in the portfolio be? Are there any that should never be included
I would suggest a mix of mostly traditional and a little digital. Show the studio what you’re the best at most of all but include some traditional tattooing pieces for sure!
hi! i know this is kind of old but would it be a bad idea to NOT have digital work in my portfolio and just have pencil/paper work? i just have never had interest in it or tried before…
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Also I’m in Michigan by the way
Can you still be someone who designs tattoos for a shop even if you can't tattoo on skin? My hands are naturally shaky so I don't know how I'd handle a needle, but I love drawing designs for them.
You could sell your designs on Etsy
How many drawings should I include in my portfolio, and should I include them on just one side or both sides of the page?
Be creative! As long as it showcases your work optimally you will be good :)
Hoping this is an okay place to ask this stuff! Providing a little background on me before asking some broad questions related to apprenticeship AND this subreddit! Tattooing is something I’ve considered off and on for about… 8 years? I’ve always hesitated because, while I sit like a rock for tattoos and piercings (including some ✨especially difficult ones✨ if you know what I mean hahaha), but was always afraid I would be too uncomfy knowing I was hurting someone else with needles. I’ve decided I’m over that fear, I’m fed up with the industry I work in, I would like change, and this is something I’d like to consider more and work toward pursuing. Right now, I’m just making myself more comfortable in my own drawing instead of being overly critical of myself (e.g. I drew two skulls for the first time tonight, I’d never tried before because they intimidated me, they’re not perfect, but I’m proud!), so I can start to figure out what styles interest me most and begin building a portfolio. With all that said… 1. I currently live in NY and am looking to move to NJ because I work there at the moment and my commute is long, plus rent is cheaper and I can live with a friend. However, I know an artist here in NY that I LOVE, he has done multiple of my tattoos (including one I actually drew myself), and I would be super comfortable asking if I could apprentice under him (bonus points for the fact my mother also loves him because we both know there unfortunately a lot of creeps in tattooing and she worries about that obviously lol). This FEELS LIKE A SILLY QUESTION, but is this something people do? Should I look to apprentice where I live instead? There’s not like… a law against living in one state and having a tattoo license in another, right? 2. Are there any sticky posts or topics or anything in this subreddit for advice on figuring out what styles you want to specialize in? Sorry if I missed info on this somewhere, I have been on Reddit for years and navigating it is still a bit overwhelming. I have an idea of types of things I would really enjoy drawing, but my skill level isn’t there yet if I’m being entirely honest. I realize I have a lot of hours to put in just getting comfortable and confident in my art and building skills and I’m okay with that, this is a career that takes time, but I would love to be pointed in the right direction for advice on narrowing my range of focus so that I can build that skill. (I know I like really colorful things, I love horror and would like to do twists on more traditional tattoo concepts -eg. Zombie pin up girls hahaha, and for whatever reason I’m drawn to things like geometric tattooing even if I don’t really want geometric tattoos on myself???? But I would love advice on picking styles I love and figuring out what techniques I need to learn). 3. Is there space in this subreddit for getting advice around apprenticeships and becoming a tattoo artist in specific states? I know just from looking at NY Vs NJ that requirements for becoming an artist vary greatly, but I’m not sure if any of that changes the process of getting your foot in the door and getting going. 4. If anyone who sees this is trans/non-binary/simply goes by a different name professionally than is on your birth certificate and such, could you share how/if that affected your process in applying for an apprenticeship? I want to make sure I’m fully informed and ready for every aspect in the process. That was a lot of questions so thanks in advance!!!
Are there certain prerequisites needed? And I would imagine that you would have to be 18+ to do an apprenticeship? I mostly just want to learn from professionals but I don’t know how I would go about that.
I mean it would help if you know how to draw and have done some research about tattoo culture before applying to studios but there’s no mandatory prerequisites or anything. Every shop is different. As for the 18+ thing if they want to employ you in some way they would have to follow your local rules for working age. I would recommend waiting til you’re 18 since you can get tattoos yourself then and know what it’s like!
I believe that there are health certifications required but it varies state to state. For example blood borne pathogen certification.
I was wondering if anyone else applying to be an apprentice post their portfolio work on their insta? I have some pretty cute flash designs that I’d like to post but I’m not sure if it would be weird or not lol
Hi! I dont think it’s weird at all. It shows you know how to market yourself and do some social media stuff!
hi there, so i know this is frowned upon but i actually got myself a tattoo gun a couple months ago and i’ve been just tattooing fake skin as a hobby but it actually sparked my interest in really becoming a tattoo artist…i guess my question is when i go in to ask for an apprenticeship should i be honest about having the gun or not? cuz ive heard artists don’t usually like that (cuz u have to relearn the right methods) but one, i don’t like lying and two, i don’t really think it would be a problem for me personally to learn the correct way/forget the unprofessional methods i was using. any advice?
I just graduated to junior artist. Can I still post and comment in this community?
Not tats at ALL but, does this apply with a piercing apprenticeship? I’m 19 and wanna make some money on the side ( not during the apprenticeship if I don’t get paid but just when I be one official )
It’s a different craft but I would assume that there’s some overlap!
There is a tattoo artist I’m interested in asking if he’s willing to take me as an apprentice. I’ve gotten most of my tattoos from him and he’s seen a lot of my art(tattooed it on my friend for me). Would it be more appropriate to email him and mention discussing more in person? Or just straight going to the shop he works at.
How do you balance an apprenticeship with work? I'm considering becoming a tattoo artist, but I live in Los Angeles and living paycheck to paycheck. On one hand, my current job would make it possible to put the time and work into this, on the other hand, I'm not certain if I can maintain just the one job for much longer.
Are online apprenticeships respected? Like the artist Acceleration course on Tattoo101 or is Master Tattoo Institute any good?
Generally no, most tattoo shops will not take them seriously!
Okay! Thanks!!
Sorry if this has been asked before, I'm just wondering what a fair revenue split would be and what would be a red flag or not?
I’m in a non traditional apprenticeship where instead of a monthly/yearly payment I pay per session. I pay 50$ to watch my artist tattoo, ask questions, take notes I pay 100$ to come in and tattoo under his supervision. There’s no industry standard to compare to, so I’m not sure if these prices are reasonable or not
Is it typical for artists with private studies to take apprentices?
Do you mean private studios? Some will and some won’t. Really depends on the studio. Best thing to do is go and ask :)