The Apprenticeship

So you want to be a tattoo artist’s apprentice, eh? Prepare yourself to be the "shop bitch." Your name is no longer… whatever you name is… it is now “Shop Bitch.” Live with it.

Meet your new best friends.

First things first: Yeah, it’s going to suck to do the shop’s bidding but it’s also very important. It builds character and all that.

Your apprenticeship isn’t just about learning how to tattoo and perfecting your artistic abilities. You are going to learn a lot about running a business just by being at the bottom of one. Even more importantly, you’ll have time to learn about proper cleaning and sanitation: your health and your future clients’ is a priority. So while scrubbing surfaces down and properly sterilizing needles doesn’t sound like fun, it’s all necessary in the tattoo industry.

But hey –there is no apprenticeship without an established artist! So how do you go about choosing one? Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll most likely develop a style. Perhaps you already have an idea of what you like. Do your research. Find an artist that you really admire and who is active in the industry.

Reality side-note #1: You may not get your first-choice artist. You may go through a couple people before you get an offer. All you can do is constantly work on your portfolio and keep networking. Oh... and uh, don’t quit your day job... yet.

Get your portfolio together and draw up some flash. Any kind of art you’re involved in should be in there, whether it’s graffiti or sculpting. Don’t half-ass it; take the time to make your portfolio a good representation of all your current artistic abilities.

Remember: You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your tattoo artist and the other artists at his/her shop! It is to your benefit to get to know this person before you mention you want to be an apprentice. Even if they can’t take you on, you’ve still made a valuable connection within the industry.

Reality side-note #2: Let’s talk timeline. Your apprenticeship will not be short. It could be a year. It could be less. It could be way more. Money-wise, there won’t be a whole lot of it coming in for a while. Sorry ‘bout it.

Your artist is not going to allow you to tattoo a client until he/she knows you are ready. You may start tattooing on oranges and honeydew melons.

"We can still cut this up later for snack-time, right?"

If you’re up for a splurge, you’ll be practicing on a nice pig leg or pig ear.  Once you start tattooing humans, a lot of them will be free. Your artist will be there to observe and guide you through this –and to make sure you don’t horribly screw up.

Reality side-note #3: Nothing in life is free. That includes your apprenticeship. Sometimes it’s enough that you’re cleaning and running errands for the shop. However, there are artists who will charge you a fee in addition to your “shop bitch” responsibilities. The price of an apprenticeship can go into the thousands. Make sure the amount is clear and agreed upon, and figure out a payment plan if you have to.

Long story short: Your apprenticeship is like a college degree. There’s an annoying application process and it’s going to cost you. It’s an investment in your future. Do your research, take everything your artist says seriously, and remain positive. Your patience is going to pay off.