Tattoo Apprenticeships, How To Get Them And Why You Need Them
Tattoo Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is the basis for a great tattoo career. They are not easy to do, not easy to get, not easy to prepare for, not easy to pay for. But all of this is for a reason. This hub will help you learn the ups and downs, pros and cons of getting a tattoo apprenticeship and how to go about getting one.
Please note: Feel free to contact me with questions by clicking the 'Contact Me' button. I will respond as soon as I can!
PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of the article is to help educate and guide you in your journey to becoming a tattoo artist. Every shop and teacher will be different, but what follows is a good jumping off point to knowing what to expect.
Most of all: DO NOT TATTOO UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR APPRENTICESHIP!
There are many reasons why you absolutely need an apprenticeship, but the one that people tend to forget: Apprenticeships are not only a crucial training period, they are a right of passage. Show respect for this community and those who have earned the right to tattoo.
An apprenticeship is what a potential tattoo artist (and piercers) have to go through to become a professional artist. Think of it as earning your wings. Here are the basic steps.
1. Building a portfolio
First and foremost, do not walk into a shop with a portfolio of actual tattoos you've done. This is absolutely unacceptable for several reasons. One, you don't have any idea what you are doing. Two, you can cause irreparable damage to the person you tattoo. Three, that artist will have to take time to not only teach you the right way to tattoo, but wean you off 'scratcher' habits. Bottomline: You should NOT be tattooing unless you have been trained by a licensed professional. Never. No exceptions.
A portfolio consists of 50 to 200 drawings. This means COMPLETED and COLORED. You don't want to walk into the shop with a sketch book full of doodles and half complete ideas. Choose only your best work, what you feel best showcases your talent. Portfolios should be in an actual portfolio, placed and matted in sheet protectors. Choose a portfolio that looks professional, don't just use a three ring binder. Presentation is all about showing how professional and serious you are about getting your apprenticeship.
As far as drawings go, you want to have a wide array of work. Draw things that people usually get tattooed and some of your own creative ideas for tattoos. DO NOT copy other artists work. If that's your idea of tattooing, then you had better find a different career. If you are having a hard time deciding what to draw, think of different life experiences that people would get tattooed. Tattoos are all about commemorating a time in your life, remembering something/someone or simply for adornment reasons. In your career you will constantly be doing these kind of tattoos. Ask your friends what they would get tattooed and draw it. There's no better way to prepare yourself than to talk to people who may be your potential clients someday.
Draw everyday. Make every drawing your best. Don't give up on an idea just because its too hard or boring because you will not always have a choice when it comes to tattooing. Again, all drawings must be complete. Color them using your choice of medium. Watercolor/Ink is widely thought to be the most similar to actually tattooing.
2. Finding a Shop
Find a shop with a good reputation. You want to learn from someone who actually wants to teach you, has a good educational background, and who will challenge you. This person is responsible for helping you learn the basics and some of their own tricks for tattooing so you want the best. Apprenticeships will cost you from nothing to around $5,000+, so you will want to make it worth your while.
Persistence is absolutely key in this process. If possible, get tattooed by the artist you want to learn from. Even better, get tattooed as much as possible (there are many reasons for this advice). Hang out in the shop, if they'll let you. Even volunteering your time there can help you build a relationship with the artists there.
3. The Apprenticeship
When you get an apprenticeship, prepare to be what they call the 'shop bitch'. You don't get paid and you do all the dirty work. Take care of the trash, set up/break down stations, make sure they're stocked, sweeping, run errands, etc. Chances are for awhile that's all you'll be doing. They do this to make sure you're actually interested in doing the job, to weed out the unworthy. So take these tasks as an honor. You're lucky to be there! So act that way. And don't wait to be asked to do these things, just do them.
When you start learning, you will do a lot of watching. You will sit and watch several tattoos being done. Stay attentive. The best way to learn is through watching. You will learn how to make needles, use the autoclave, and all the health precautions to be taken (including blood borne pathogen certification). After, you will start learning to use the tattoo machine (NEVER call it a gun!). At first, you will tattoo on fake skin, fruit and maybe even yourself, depending on your teacher. You will learn about all the different set ups for the machines, the difference between liners and shaders, etc. You will also have to keep drawing, learn how to draw things quickly and well. Its a LOT of hard work so don't get discouraged. Apprenticeships can take 6 months to 2 years, so plan accordingly.
4. Becoming a Tattoo Artist
You will do around 100 tattoos for free during your apprenticeship. But free tattoos mean that YOU will pay for them. So make sure to have a lot of money saved up for supplies. You can tattoo friends, family, whomever you wish. After that, you will possibly tattoo some clients at the shop.
Then the time will come you take your test to become certified. You absolutely need to take this test or you will be risking your reputation and possibly get into some trouble with the law.
Once you've passed your test, you may start tattooing and charging for it! So Congratulations! You've made it.
5. Professional Work
Generally, the shop you learned to tattoo at will have you on contract for at least a year after you've completed your apprenticeship. Keep working hard, take pictures of every tattoo you do, add these to a new portfolio. After your contract is up, you may choose to stay at your home shop or you may find a different shop. A huge part of your work is networking. A large portion of the work you get will be through word of mouth, so get to know other artists, collectors, etc. Go to conventions! Put yourself out there, don't let yourself become complacent. You are responsible for your success at this point, no more coddling or hand holding. Go for it! Your future is yours to shape.
Comments
I know the shops around here only let apprenticeships tattoo basic black and white tattoos. I think this is a good idea because it'll help them with the basics of tatttooing.
Good hub.
hi im hopfully going for an apprentiship to moz at droylsden tattoos i really do hope i get it ive been looking for years an now i found 1 fingas crossed.
ive been tattooing for over 7 years and i still have not masters it completely its not sumthing u can just pick up and cool im gunna be a tattooist it take time and alot of patient for me it all worht it .
i'll be trying to get an apprenticeship once i turn 18 (so soon!), but i'm also going to have to have a job to pay bills and possibly be going to school. i have confidence in my ability to juggle all three (this is really all i want to do), and i was just wondering if anyone could tell me what kind of hours i'd probably be looking at for the apprenticeship. thanks :)
Thanks everyone for your comments. I thought I would respond to some of them!
Whitney05 - I'm actually kind of surprised to hear that's the case. I will suggest that apprentices DO NOT take these apprenticeships. Grey and Black tattoos are a great skill to learn of course, they are the basis of all tattooing. However, color is incredibly crucial to learn as well. Your teacher should show you how to do basic outlining, shading, black and grey, and color. You are not getting a well-rounded education otherwise.
tankdog - Tattooing is a lifelong learning experience. tankdog makes a good example. Apprentices and newly trained artists should not feel discouraged if they are still nervous about themselves as tattoo artists. You will constantly be learning for the duration of your tattoo life. Each tattoo you will learn something new.
boxedclass - Chances are yes, you will have to have another job to cover expenses. The number of hours in the shop learning will vary with different shops. Some might want you to be there just on weekends. Some might want you Monday through Friday. You will have to ask once you land your apprenticeship. Chances are they won't mind making a schedule around your working hours. Good luck!
thanks alot for the info. Ive been reading everything i possibly can about getting an apprenticeship. I actually have an appointment with a tattoo artist this week. I read on this other article and they said if you use references when drawing something that your not cut out for tattooing. I can draw without looking at anything but if its something i havent drawn before or for a while i need to look at something to get the idea down. now could you please tell me im not the only one who does this? or am i. anyways thanks alot for any further help.
adamadam-
The use of references in artwork in general has been a great debate among the endless artist communities. Some frown on it completely, others completely embrace it.
My personal thought on this is yes, it is absolutely ok to use references for your work, as long as it is not completely copying a photograph, a drawing, or especially another tattoo. I believe it is part of a learning process to train your eyes and mind to understand and then transform it into something of your own. If you look at any great artist, they learned from looking at real life. And your subject may not be readily available to complete what it is you are trying to draw. So it isn't wrong at all to look for a source of inspiration or something to even just help you understand what something SHOULD look like.
In short, NEVER completely copy something, but let it influence you to create something of your own.
Regarding looking at other artwork for reference, i would go as far as saying that if your not willing to then your going to be a very narrow minded tattooist. 9/10 times when you tattoo it will not be your choice and as we all have such different tastes in art then as a tattooist you have to be open to study other artists and styles. If not then your not going to go far!!!
I am doing an apprenticeship at the moment and I love it, even if some people call it a "shop-bitch" I enjoy setting up the station, cleaning the equiptment, generally being in the shop everyday is a blessing. I usually work mon-sat noon to six or seven. Then I head over for my night job. I am seventeen and I really suggest to everyone that is looking for an apprenticeship, it is well worth it. Even if you are cleaning and setting up, doing drawings, its all part of the process of tattooing, being sterile and clean, proper setting up, and quick and different ideas and flash art. Honestly, Keep looking and draw draw draw!
Sincerly yours, Dez.
and thank you tattooed Lady!
hi tatooed lady i really really want to become a tattoo artist, i am good at art now especially drawing on a whim, i hav just had a little girl and was thinking of doing an open degree in art is it necessary to have an art qualification before obtaining an apprenticeship?
Hi everyone,
Thanks again for your support!
To answer your question, reddog, I'd have to say that most shops don't really care. It can be a plus, but when it comes down to it, its not going to sway an artist one way or another to apprentice you. It's what you bring in to show them that counts. Raw talent is the key to a successful career in tattooing. If you have that, you have a TON of room to grow and learn with each tattoo you do.
Congrats on your new little one. :)
hiya tattoo lady, i have over 1000 drawings but most of them are with low quality paper and sometime i just used a normal biro pen but sometimes they turn out to be my best pieces, would i have to redo them all to look more presentable?
I'd be too afraid to tatoo someone!
i've been thinking about becoming a tattoo artist for a while. i have been busting ass on my portfolio and defining my own style. i am hoping that i will find an apprenticship.
This is a good article , Im excited , I've been trying to get an Apprenticeship for a while and I just happen to get one for free. I have tried tattooing myself , and friends but I wanted to learn the professional way of tattooing and Im glad to get this one for free. I am ready to go clean the window and the floor just to be around the shop....
hi im looking for an apprenticeship, but i am also at college 5 days a week 8 till 4 as i want to be an osteopath also so i need my a levels.. i dont doubt i can do both, but will being at college effect my chances badly of getting a tattoo apprenticeship? its something i really want to do and i will work all possible hours in the shop but will a mentor take this offensively? i think i answered my own question as someone who can give more time would be a better candidate..? im 17
thanks, georgia
also im from the uk, but the answer would be similar..?
I am a Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan there are lots of tattoo shops here. I work from about 730 am to 430 pm Monday thru Friday and I am deployable. Do you think I could get an apprenticeship cuz I could only be availiable after work and on weekends. I do make really good money too if that helps. How often is an apprentice at the shop?
hey tattoedlady im 17 n really want 2 become a tattoo artist my drawing skills are quite good been drawin since i was a kid and hav had a couple diff clases. My question is i have seen sumwere that u hav 2 colour sum drawings using photoshop 2 make them look flash i guess is this neccasery? Also how do u set out your portfolio?
hey i just turned 16 and want to become a tatto artist im good at drawing and should be leaving school with an 'a' my question is how i set up a really good portfoilo?and get on the right track to becoming a tattoo artist?.
hey im also 16 and have wanted to become a tattoo artist for some time now, i have great drawing skills on paper but also on skin, im still in high school but i was wondering if i could get an apprenticeship at this level? is this possible?
Hello everyone!
As far as age goes, any respectable tattoo artist will not start training you until you are at LEAST 18 years of age. For now, keep drawing, find inspiration in local artists and spend some time in shops if they will allow you to be there at your younger age.
@lindsay What do you mean "on skin"? I'm hoping you don't mean you're tattooing without training. That could seriously hinder your chances in getting an apprenticeship. If thats what you are doing, don't keep doing it!
@amy All you have to do is continue to draw, CONSTANTLY! Keep improving yourself and your portfolio every day. Spend time getting to know local shops and artists, the best way to do this is getting tattooed yourself!
@kleenboy9191 Apprenticeship terms are decided by the shop and artist you are learning under. It is best to discuss your availability with them after they offer you the apprenticeship.
@Ric You do NOT have to use Photoshop to build your portfolio. There is no right or wrong way to assemble your artwork. I personally hand draw everything. More than likely, tattoo artists will be more impressed with your ability to draw by hand as that is a MUCH more comparable practice to tattooing than using a digital method.
@leeclark Aesthetically speaking, cleaner drawings show more professionalism and care, but if you feel your drawings are something you feel proud to stand by at the point they are at, that's fine too. Just remember there is ALWAYS room for improvement!
Hey. I'm 15 and I really take a shine to tattoos and I really aspire to becoming a tattoo artist. I know, it's along way off because I'm nowhere near the legal age for a tattoo.
My mom knows how much it means to me, but she keeps making me feel bad about wanting to do this for a career by saying 'it's not a money maker'. Any advice?
Hey,
This article has really inspired me. I have been emailing around my local city's such as Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings (were I live ... England) Just trying to get advice off many different tattoo artists. But this article was by far the best piece of advice I have heard. I am doing an A-Level in art at college; I am also always drawing, doodling, if I have no paper it will be on a wall, table, myself. Everything. I know a lot of people just see being a tattoo artist as a 'rock n roll' life style, I know it's not. I can see it's not, yet I am really wanting to pour my heart and soul in trying to be one of the best in East Sussex, even if that means being the 'shop bitch' for a rather long time. The only Issue I have is I don't think my drawing are any where near up to scratch. I am very creative some of my best drawings just come off the top of my head or from a pencil line on a table. I have drawn some pieces I am really Proud of that people are wanting as tattoo's at college people are asking me to draw them tattoo designs, BUT my big issue is I don't know how to feel confident in my work. I get discouraged by other peoples work. And then annoyed when they don't do anything with their talent. Should I just carry on drawing and confidence and pride will come naturally?
iv been doin tattooin for just over a year nw and i love it just knowing that my art is goin on to people and thy love it the thril u gt is just sumthng els im just about to turn 18 and im a bit stuck because my cuzn is a tatoo artist and has been teachn me but he can not du it anymre and because ive been tatooing dose that ruin my chance of getting an apprentership?. And "boing" im know how u feel hun wn i first startd my mum wantd nothng to du with it no suport at al bt now she knows that its not going anywere and im gettn better she is starting to suport me what i say to u love no1 can make the choice 4 u and u have dreams so u hav somthng to achive so if its what u want to do dont let anybody get in ur way . Good kuck :)
i need to know what to do. i'm already a great tattoo artist. i taught myself. is there a way to get my license without school or apprentice?
With years of searching, blood sweat and tears, I found a free apprenticeship. A fantastic one. Who say they will also teach me piercing. They say you can learn piercing in as little as three weeks. Along with the portfolio advice, draw lightly, as far as, don't make huge sure dark lines as this is like being a 'scratcher' and listen to everything tattooed lady is saying, she's not telling you wrong. I say good luck to every one of you, especially the kids. And also don't follow suit if there's drugs around, be a role model yourself! -havoc harris
Remember: I'm always available via e-mail for faster responses!
Boing- My mother was the same way. In all honesty, how much money you make depends on your talent, your reliability, your location, and your clientele. It's definitely taking a risk getting into tattooing as a career. However, both you and I know that tattooing is worth taking the chance. Remember, money should never be a deciding factor when following your dreams.
Lauren- You're feeling something natural for any artist of any medium, its especially prevalent in younger people. I myself suffer from the same complex. While yes, it is very discouraging and frustrating, its important for you to just keep working. Remind yourself that it doesn't matter if someone is "better" than you. Art is a never ending learning process that even the greatest artists ever known have never perfected. Strive to be great and know that there is always always room to improve. I can't honestly say if you will ever feel completely confident, but I can say that you will learn to trust yourself in your work, and that to me means much more.
Bling- It doesn't necessarily mean you can't get an apprenticeship. It does mean that if you haven't been trained properly, you will have to be untrained in bad habits and retrained in techniques. I strongly suggest you retire the tattooing for awhile until you get an apprenticeship!
Sean- While you think you may be a great tattoo artist, it would not hurt at all to get training. Its the fundamentals that count the most when learning tattooing, and I have to wonder what you have missed out on because you "taught yourself". As far as what to do next, I would strongly suggest a proper apprenticeship, however it being your decision, just look up your state laws on tattooing. That'll give you an idea of where you need to go next...
"Tattoo schools are the biggest joke in the industry. If someone comes into a decent studio looking for a job after 'graduating tattoo school' they will be laughed out of the shop and maybe roughed up a little." Is this true? I'm seventeen and planned on attending this place called "Tattoo Learning Center", just for the hands-on training.
I actually had an Intrest in tattooing my whole life, I am currently in a job I hate to death!!!
I studied Graphic and Web design and hate it to bits I am in the current stage of deciding what I want to do, I deffnatly know that tattooing is what I want to do the rest of my life. except that I live in SA and the amount of great even good tattoo artists is very limited.
I'm in the process of doing my portfolio, updating redrawing, making new ones etc. seeing as there is so little amount of great tattoo artists. How do I increase my chances of getting the apprentinceship??
I do have a few parlors in mind but would like to know what would be the best to land the aprentinceship??? and will my Graphic knowledge be a plus?? And do you recomend me keeping the job I have currently even though I hate every second I'm still young and willing to do more in my life...
I know that this is hard to find but every suggestion and/or positive advice is helpfull.
Thanks
hi TattooedLady,
Great article - First off.
I have an interview for an apprenticeship coming up soon in a really respectable studio that has Four amazing artists working there, and I'm just over the moon!
I found it quite a lot more difficult putting together the Portfolio than I expected, as I'm more comfortable with a pencil or charcoal than paint or letrasets, but I got it done and I'm really proud of myself.
I'm 21 now and I've been preparing my Folio non-stop since the age of 18 - and luckily I have had a lot of advice and input from a close friend who's been Tattooing for about 12 years and has done some of the most incredible work I have seen to date (if only he hadn't moved halfway around the world, I'd be hounding him for an apprenticeship!). Even to get to this stage it's been a lot of hard work and I can't wait for the next stage :)
Basically I just wanted to say to everyone in the same place as me right now - We can do it!
Thank you to everyone that commented on this page and of course tattoo lady yourself. I've loved drawing since I was a child and have carried on this love throughout, I'm 18 and about to start a fine art degree at university. I am constantly doodling as well as drawing large scaled images on myself and my friends just with pen, but my friends are always fasnitated watching me do it so I prosume I'm at least kinda good, I became interested In tattooing about 3 years ago and since then it's become my main dream. The main question I wanted to ask is if it possible to carry out a tattooing apprenticeship while undertaking my degree, as I'm going to spend 3 years having not much money being a student and it would be a great advantage to be able to learn both at the same time. Great article tattoo lady you've really inspired me
i really wanna do an apprenticeship and i understand that its gonna be hard work,. but im glad i came upon this site,. kinda helped me out a bit to what i seriously need and thanks!
Had a question about the portfolio...should I put there my actual artwork or just take photos of them???
Amazing, very informative article. I've read a lot on the internet about apprenticeships and a lot of it is quite off putting. Thanks for putting my mind at rest about a lot of questions I had, and giving me an extra kick up the bum to get my portfolio done and dusted!
tattoos are a story line meant to help u complete a great part of your life. weather the creation of the art is to remember a past love one or the changes in life that have happened for the good from the bad .
Hi guys!
Thanks for all the kind words. Remember, if you have questions it is better to send me an e-mail rather than leave a comment. Just click the little envelope icon under my picture. I'd be interested to see what everyone is working on. Send me pictures of your drawings if you'd like some extra guidance!
This article was very helpful., because I wanted to understand all the work that went into apprenticeship. I'll be 18 in July, but for now I'm going to start building up my portfolio & working hard. Thanks for the information Tattoo Lady
I've been tattooing for 5 years learn some things from a friend pro tattoo artist I draw my own work I'm not a scratcher I know how to ink never had any problems ! My point is some people have a gift not all tattooists get the opportunity to get the apprentice job! Remember tattooing never started in a studio ppl I've got lots of respect but if nobody willing to give you the chance ya gotta go for it draw tattoo ya self small stuff then work up clean lines !
i am 16 and i have been wanting to start apprenticing asap. i already asked my rents if it was ok and they said yes.... does anyone know any places that are looking for apprentices or any numbers i can call to start finding out?
Where would I look for an apprenticeship?
My sister whom has been tattooing for over 10 years is considering giving me an apprenticeship. She is giving me a discount for it. Should I take it? I'm 15.
Is this yours? I just happened to see this on reddit today and the user's name is thetattooedlady. So I was just wondering.
Very good article. i did an apprenticeship for almost 3 years, it took lots of patience and perseverance but it for sure showed me the real thing.
been tattooing for 9 years after that and i might offer an apprenticeship to the right person.
Check my work at:
WWW.TATTOOPANCHO.BLOGSPOT.COM
LAPOSTO@GMAIL.COM
Iam 36 years old and want to get an apprenticeship. i ahve been looking for a while now and even have found through friends, shops that want this position filled. i'm not super ugly or brad pitt. i do pride myself on good hygene though. i have my portfolio and am ready to do all that is needed of me without any bitching... but nobody is willing to give me a chance with so many young guys out there. please help!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been on my tattooing journey for three years and no apprenticeship no one wants take a chance on someone new I have a portfolio and I draw every chance I get I've done over 100 tats is there anyone I'm the ny area I'm in yonkers.still looking to learn more and if if not I'm still doing me and Ive been doing good work if you can guide me to a apprenticeship would be nice
I'm currently in a career that i feel isn't what I'm supposed to be doing...I'm 33 years old now and I've been drawing ever since I was a little kid. I actually went to school for art for a little but when finances were tight had to switch career paths and learn a trade in construction to make ends meet. I feel like I'm wasting my talent and always wanted to do this, but the question i have is...is it too late for me to start this appreticeship?
Hi, im 15 turning 16 in june, this article has helped alot, but i was wondering, what classes and certifications do you need? Ive asked around but have never really gotten a good awnser. Also would i be allowed to work a front desk at a tattoo parlor with parental conscent? Ive been drawing since i was a young girl, ive taken many classes, and i know that tattooing and drawing are two completly diffrent things, but i really want this, and im wiloing to do anything it takes to make it out there. Im passionate about this, i feel it has great meaning and its a big responsibility, this means alot to me, please help. Thank you so much.
true words. :-)
I'm 14 and I have been drawing my whole life. I plan on being a great tattoo artist and be the best there is. My goal as a tattoo artist is to prove that I am somebody and color the world with ink.
Ive been browsing the net for the last hour trying to put together an idea of what a proper artists portfolio should consist of. (your site came up as #7 under google search "what does a good art portfolio consist of")
Anyways, Im confused about still life. I believe doing it builds foundation and its something you should display in a college acceptance portfolio but what about the world of tattooing?
Hate to say it but I think the whole apprenticeship is a bunch of bull.
Let me clarify. Im a commercial artist. I airbrush, paint, etc. And I get paid well for my work. I never had to get an apprenticeship to do those things, so why should you do for tattooing. Its just a different medium. Its just another way for the people who are tattoing now to keep everyone else from taking there work or money. I know people who 'scratch' from home that blow away people who have been tattoing for years. Don't take offense for all you tattoo artist that had to apprentice but I don't care if you paid your dues or not. If your a bad tattoo artist who went thru an apprenticeship or a scratcher who does phenomenal work. Guess who im choosing.
I really want to be a tattoo artist when I'm older. I am seventeen years old, and almost done with my junior year of high school. I live in a small town, and I currently and unemployed. how should I prepare myself to get a good aprentinceship? should I go to college and study art, or would that just be a waste of money? I'm very passionate about drawing, and I know I can be a good tattoo artist. what should I do?
Hey there I have been reading through all the comments and would really love a professional opinion on my dilemma,So I have been drawing my whole life and started getting really influenced on the art of tattooing I soon realised this was what I was born to do, So started putting my portfolio together, After endless searching for a apprenticeship I found one and was amazed, So I was working for 11 months at the tattoo shop and realised they were quite unprofessional as I could see the mistakes and risks they were making so ended up leaving, To my suprise I had the best news that another shop was eager to take me on, It didn't take long to realise I had picked up a few minor bad habits from the other studio which was through no fault of my own, The other studio have seen this and now are been very BITCHY with me and not in the sense off been treated like an apprentice but more on a personal level they make remarks like your work is not worthy when I know and other artists have told me I am doing really well and can notice the improvements after days of sly comments I find my self coming home with no confidence, feeling down, Stressed out So my question to you Tattooed Lady is should I be putting up with this as I am grateful and feel very blessed but its knocking my confidence especially when tattooing in the studio and plus I am not learning anything they are just been straight up rude and disrespectful. Oh yeah and the best bit is the person that makes these comments are coming from is not a artist but a business owner. I can not wait for your reply.
amen mark!!! i taught myself from youtube, and practiced on my prision buddies going over picked tattoos by making them look better and smooth. Ive done about 15 tattoos and everyone says my work looks like a shop did it but for half the price. i dont understand why shops have to be so stuck up and such haters when it comes to sharing the wealth and the fun. and common sense helps out a lot when it comes to tattooing, its key in knowing what to do for all situations. and if i never get an apprentinceship im still going to side hustle what i do know and have learned on my own and let the haters hate!
Hells yeah Joseph! They can't hold us down!
so let me get this straight. no matter what in order to be recognized as a tattoo artist you need an internship. so would this mean that in order to do lettering you would need a street internship. maybe some jail time behind yer belt? who dictates an artists work. practice creates perfection, an understanding of the medium, paper, paint or flesh. true an internship will shortcut the time needed to engage and understand. but a good artist is a good artist no matter what. so who is the authority. a few white folks trying to police ink? the cleanest lines have came from behind bars, and that clutter and color is cover up. i have seen some good trained tattoo artists, but they are also good artist regardless the medium. just like graffiti there is very few original work from real artists, most everything is recycled ed hardy garbage. Mr. Cartoon was famous before his internship, and he said he did learn from it, but i dont think he payed for it? some chumps been mainstream for years and cant do portriats, some folks got half a decade and do perfect portriats in ink! so who really dictates these rules? you MTV kids crack me up. whats next to try and dictate? gonna say u need an internship to skate, did Van Gogh create his style through an internship?
I think the thing that you are missing is that no matter what other medium you work in, whether it's writing, graffiti, painting, digital, etc... You can always erase it, paint it white and start over, or undo. Tattooing is permanent. It's the only medium where you can't go back and start over. Not only that, but the canvas you work on walks, talks, eats and breathes. Is it really fair to have them stuck with a bad piece of art on them? That's a lot of responsibility, and you should understand the gravity of the situation before ever even thinking of picking up a tattoo machine. This person is entrusting you to put something on their body for life.
Hey, killer article tattooed lady, i was just hoping to get some advice.... I just turned 17 in january and have taken a realll interest in becoming a tattoo artist. I'd say im an all right artist, but my art is better when i have a reference... and even then i dnt think that its "tattoo portfolio" material. And i tend to get real disappointed when my work comes out bad...
Any suggestions to help me out with my probelems would be greatly appriciated!:)
What age can I get a apprenticeship?
I'm only 17 and being wanting to find a tattoo apprenticeship for atleasta year now, but the only trouble is i live in a small town and both the tattoo shops around here dont really want to teach young people. should i make my search range wider and what is best to use for a portfolio and should the pictures consist of pictures you have drawn for ideal tattoo's for yourself and what friends have asked you to draw for them?
you can't erase ink off paper. no shit you can't take it off skin ( actually you can with the innovations in technology, if you got the cash). my point is who are you people? a good artist is astute, learns from mistakes and know their tools. Practice is paramount to understanding. and no a tattoo wont look perfect for ever. sun, weight change and ultimately time will ruin it. my point is, practice on yourself, give discounts to homies who know it ain't gonna be perfect. stay away from portriats that involve serious detail. Don't do lettering if you suck at straight lines or have no skill to letter on paper. beware what people ask for. I know clowns that had shit put on them that they lost teeth over! you ain't a killer you don't need no tears! regardless of what main stream society has convinced you into believeing, some places still live by different codes, those unwritten ones you can't learn from TV. 20 years ago you had sleaves and knuckles done, and you were starting shit, we had the green light to stop your heart. nowadays you its hard to tell who's who just cause they got tat shops in malls? and if you got the money these clowns will put anything on you! I've personally had to smash clowns with sleaves thinking just that tats make you hard? so no. if shit is this out of whack you shouldn't need an internship to learn how to tattoo. just practice. even trained cats can fuck up! internships were a concept brought about by a few folks trying to limit the amount of artists engaging. this shit ain't being a mechanic working on motors. Kids don't let these fags trick you and tax you into being a shop bitch, and paying for the privilege. keep it real, practice, don't get loaded when working and do Yer research. your portfolio will show yer progress. unless you learned in the joint, cause everyone knows who tats good. fuck the establishment, no matter what. art wasn't made to be controlled. and all these white bread fools talking bout you need an internship just trying to use you. suppose you guys gonna go to Hawaii or Samoa and tell them cats the ain't really tattoo artist? cause they didn't get an internship from the greater white establishment! if this internship is for real I would love to see the family tree!
I am 20 years of age. I have been doing my own tattooes and my friends for about 3 years now. I have my high school diploma I am interested to get into appreniceship
Toooonighttttttt wee areee youngggggg WE'LL SET THE WORLD ON FIREEEEEE TONIGHTTTTTTTT
WICKY WICKY SCRATCH
HULA HULA BABANGBANG BOOGIE
As someone who has an apprenticeship the scratcher comments are missing a really important point. Hygiene.
Regardless on how good or neat a tattoo looks (wether it will still look good in 10 years remains to be seen, as learning depth and pressure is something you cant get off youtube) unless you are using an autoclave your equipment isn't clean. Unless you are trained in how to sterilise your equipment you are risking spreading hepatitis C not to mention various other diseases and infections.
I don't know about the States but the UK it is illegal to dispose of needles in general waste and it has to be put in bio hazard medical waste bins.
Everyday we have people coming in to get god awful tattoos done by home tattooists covered up. Patchy work, shaky linework and stuff that is just technically god awful.
Get yourself checked.
omg i love tattoos and who ever made this site i frekin love u lol jkjk but thanks for makeing this info so easy to find
I am looking into the world of tattoing, ive have about three portfolios of my own recorded flash, it just seems that somehow, everytime I go to relocate, my portfolios come up missing, generally because people want to claim my work themsleves. I know im an artist, so what can I tell my "master" when I want to see about an apprenticeship?
Hey guys!
I've been getting TONS of e-mails just about every day, so I'll be using a new e-mail address specifically for answering your questions from this hub. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND: I don't often visit this hub to read the comments because I am very busy, so if you have questions PLEASE send an e-mail if you are looking for a response!
Thanks for all your support! This hub remains the number one search result on Google for tattoo apprenticeships!
No, that is not my work.
Hey There,
I've been looking into becoming a tattoo artist for several months and I'm a little anxious that I may be looked upon as too old to start. I'll be 29 this year and have done a few different things for jobs in the past few years and I'm looking for something I can commit to. Currently I work as a skin tech for a tissue bank, so obviously I work with sharps, biohazardous materials, and skin all day. I also spent 3 years as a commercial photographer and got to work with some big celebrities and photographers here in Denver and in NYC. Finally, I have a degree in microbiology from CU. Are any of these things worth bringing up when I do go looking for an apprenticeship (I'm still working on a portfolio)?
Cheers!
Hey great article! :)
i dont know if this question has been asked, but i have 2 haha, my first: do you have to have tattoos to become a tattoo artist? also my second question: what kind of art do you have to be good at? graffiti, portraits, landscapes etc.
i may sound stupid, but please help? thankyou :)
How can u tell youre not being used.... Like being at the shop often without your mentor being there.?...letting the artist go home on call and expect me there mon~saturday. And must give advance time off. Plus i work another job to pay for this apprenticeship.... I know that if u want somethng u gotta do it... But does it crossed the line of respect..... I would do anything for the shop....
hi i live in england and most of the tattooist that i know have been tattooing for 20+ years i know this because i was at school with them and that was when they started tattooing most of them have tattoo shops now but never did proper apprenticeships. but having said that they are still really good tattooist. most of them were around thirteen or forteen years old when they started thats what happens when you go to a all boy school.
i mean this with the upmost respect. y are established tattooists contancaras bastards. my partner has tried getting into the game for 12 years. she cant afford the 12 grand she has been qouted for the apprentiship so you guys are saying she shouldnt tattoo??? thats her dream man and how would u feel all them years ago if u hadnt been given the chance in the first place. u look down at these so called scratchers but remember u all started somewere. just think u could be a lil fairer. i understand that u need to be trained proffesionaly but if u cant find someone to do that then u stop isi. makes no sense man. ure all artists with the same love for a beautiful hobby. grrrrrrrrrrr
Im prolly on of the youngest people on here im only 14 been drawing ever sence i can remember ive been doin graffitti for 2 years now i already have 2 tatoos just gott em done not to long ago ive wanted to be a tattoo artist sence i was ten but like u said they want aprentiship people under 18 , i draw shiit everday i already got 3 tattoo machines ,i just wanna know what i should doo sence i cant get an aprentiship ?
Keep drawing, but DO NOT use those machines. You are still developing your skill as an artist and part of being any kind of artist is patience and discipline. I know its hard to wait, but if you want a solid future as a tattoo artist, remember to respect the industry and those who work within it!
Best of luck!
Some of the comments on here about apprenticeships just sound like they were written by big babies. Tattooing is different from drawing or any other trade. There is a reason you need to spend various months, if not years to learn how to be sanitary and how to properly tattoo. If you really want to learn the trade, then you better be willing to spend at least 6-12 hours a day at the shop, with very little days off in between. That's including juggling jobs and school and life. Tattooing consumes you. You better be ready to test your relationships and friendships and say good by to your self respect and self confidence. It's not for everyone, and there is always a reason for the long hours and endless cleaning.
Survival of the fittest.
This is amazing im seventeen and looking to apprentice one day the funny thing is I learned all this when I was five growing up in a shop
Hey I found a shop thats not quite the cleanest and who a friend works for that is willing to take me as an apprentice. I'm 38 and time is getting short, I haven't been drawing too much but I am passionate about learning. It seems to me that this is the only place that is willing. My friends work is great! , Its just not that reputable of a shop. What is your advice?
tattooed lady could you email me at thejohnlennon86@gmail.com... would like to ask a few questions and send a few pics to you... it would be greatly appreciated thank you
Richard VanIngram 3 years ago
Good article, tattooed lady.
I did a year as an apprentice before I became a professional -- that was how it was done at the shop I worked at. Anyone who isn't prepared to spend at least a year just learning and paying their dues has no business thinking about putting ink on people.
I also tattooed myself -- it was a rite of passage in our shop. I have two relatively nasty pieces on my left calf for my troubles, blew out the lines on one of the things because I had a heavy hand, and then let another young tattoist do a hellish coloring job on one of them so he could practice. But there's no better way to learn -- you fairly quickly figure out how to avoid giving your customers unnecessary pain (a tattoo can be painful enough, of course, without an inexperienced hand jamming in the needles or overworking an area).
Hands down, my least favorite task was making needles. In itself, the construction of quality needles is a real craft. It takes time and patience. Like everything to do with tattoing, it's work.
My bachelor's degree was in Fine Art, with a concentration in printmaking. I graduated near the top of my class; I draw very well with pencils and pens. I say this, not to brag, but so this next sentence carries the proper weight: Tattooing, by far, was the most difficult thing I have ever learned to do in my life. It isn't for everyone, even if you can draw and paint. It takes a person who has a good intuitive grasp on what a client really wants and will like; it takes a person who understands that human flesh is three dimensional and mobile, and working on it is an entirely different thing than working on paper and canvas. Most of all, it takes someone who understands that making permanent marks on another human being to commemorate a stage in their life is a privilege and a heavy responsibility -- yet, the tattooist has to be able to perform the work in an unselfconscious way, without undo nervousness.
Tattooists deserve respect. Hats off to you, tattooed lady.