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.
An apprenticeship is what a potential tattoo artist (and piercers too) have to go through to become a professional artist. Think of it as earning your wings to take flight as a full fledged artist. Here are the basic steps.
1. Bulding a portfolio
A portfolio consists of 50 to 200 drawings. This means COMPLETED and COLORED. You don't want to walk into the shop and have a shoddy portfolio. Choose only your best work. Portfolios should be in an actual portfolio, placed and matted in sheet protectors. Choose a portfoilo 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 better find a different career. When drawing your own creative ideas, think of different life experiences that people would get tattooed. Tattoos are all about commemorating a time in your life, remembering something or other people and representing yourself artistically. 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. At least four drawings each day and ALWAYS finish them. Make every drawing your best. Don't give up on an idea just because its too hard or boring because you will not have a choice when it comes to 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 challange 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 (good luck finding that!) to around $5,000, so you will want to make it worth your while.
Make an appointment with the artist to come in and show your portfolio. bring your portfolio and a good attitude. Make a dazzling first impression! Be friendly, smile, be yourself!
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 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. 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. 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 becomed 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 Congradulations! You've made it.
5. Professional Work
Finding a shop to set up at in a permanent position is your next step. Keep tattooing, take pictures of every tattoo you do, add these to your portfolio. Find a shop that is looking for an artist. This may require you to relocate. If you're lucky you might be able to stay at the shop you apprenticed at. Keep working hard and meet as many other tattoo artists as you can. You will learn from each other, inspire each others work. Go to conventions! Put yourself out there. Make your way in this world as a great artist.