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Gaining a Tattoo Apprenticeship

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bluestarr

about 1 year ago

1 article submitted

Draw. Really, draw all the time. This advice may seem very obvious but there are a shocking number of career tattoo artists out there who either can’t or don’t draw. If you do you’re already ahead of the game. Do not limit yourself to drawing “tattoo designs”, but do study those designs so you can gain an understanding of what can and can’t be done with this medium.

A portfolio is a fantastic thing to have on hand. Way too many people wander into tattoo shops and announce that their friends tell them they can draw and so they thought they’d tattoo. This is the first thing you should not do. Most tattoo artists hear this all the time and it holds no weight with them. A portfolio, however, is only “ok”… what really impresses is a few sets of flash (the sheets you see papering the tattoo shop walls). Standard size is 11×14 inches, minimum 5 sheets to a set and include line sheets. Colored pencil is a very common medium, water color was traditionally used “back in the day” and there are some sheets done digitally. I would recommend either of the first two, digital flash looks cool and works fine, but you want to show proficiency with more traditional media. Your flash may also generate a little income. Have a few copies printed in case the artists you meet want to add your flash to their collection.

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Canvas your area’s shops, check out the work that’s being done, and show off your flash. You don’t want to apprentice under just any Joe-Shmo so find a shop you like the feel of, that is reputable and that puts out quality work.

Now get tattooed. This is the best and easiest way to introduce yourself to the artists. And after all, not many artists will take you seriously if you don’t have some work done.

Once you have found what you are looking for offer to be the “shop bitch”. This job pays nothing and you will basically be cleaning, running errands, answering the phone, etc. the artists may tip you but you won’t be able to live on it. Let them know that you’re interested in apprenticing, find out what they expect of an apprentice and what you can expect to get out of the apprenticeship. Apprenticeships offered will vary widely in cost, time involved, instruction ect, so don’t be afraid to ask around and compare.

Some shops prefer to hire counter help that have no desire to apprentice. If you know this going in, and you should, don’t let it keep you from working there as long as you understand you will not apprentice there… it’s still all experience you can use and tends to get your foot in the door a little more at other shops.

A note on where some artists may be coming from: What most people don’t realize or understand about this business is that just a generation back it was almost a secret society so to speak… artists did not share information with each other let alone anyone else. There is a whole lot of “proving yourself” that needed to be done. Some apprenticeships now are much easier than they used to be, but going into it thinking “boot camp” will help you alot. You don’t get to whine, nag, or act like you are owed something. You will not get your hand held or be encouraged, they are doing you a favor in apprenticing you. Show gratitude, respect and draw, draw, draw.