If you are serious about becoming a tattoo artist, you must have the proper training. An apprenticeship with a well-established tattoo studio is crucial when learning to tattoo. The main reason why? You acquire invaluable information, tricks of the trade, and other methods that established artists use daily – stuff you can’t always learn from a quick how-to-video on YouTube. Plus, in most states, an apprenticeship is required to obtain your tattoo artist license and bloodborne certification.
The right apprenticeship can be a game-changer for your career. Yes, we can already hear you asking, “How do I find a tattoo apprenticeship near me?”
It’s no secret that finding a good mentor is hard—especially if you’re looking for someone willing to give up their time. But when you find someone who understands your passion for tattooing and can help you develop your own style and technique? It can set you up for life.
We’ll explain how to find a tattoo apprenticeship and everything you will need to prepare when searching for your mentor. But first, let’s start off with the basics.
A tattoo apprenticeship is a learning opportunity for aspiring tattoo artists. The training will let you learn the ins and outs of the trade and develop your customer relations skills. During your apprenticeship, mentors will teach you how to use equipment, the different styles of tattoos, and how to market yourself as an individual tattoo artist.
Becoming a professional tattoo artist is like becoming a surgeon — you can’t just jump into an operating room fresh out of med school. Instead, you must work your way up, using and developing your skills as you go along. Bloodborne certifications are required and most tattoo shops hiring will only consider licensed artists with at least a few years of experience.
Looking for an apprenticeship right now? Call/Text 1-310-413-0709
Tattoo apprenticeships are a great way to work alongside seasoned tattoo artists, who can offer you their time and experience while you learn the ropes. In addition, a tattoo apprenticeship can teach you many skills, including how to work with clients, the importance of sanitation and cleanliness, and how to create a safe environment for your client.
But beyond the actual tattooing, you’ll also learn skills that will help you beyond your apprenticeship—for example:
Now, let’s get to the gist. The first thing you need to remember is that finding a tattoo apprenticeship is not easy. Having a love for artistry and talent is only half what you need to become a tattoo artist. Learning to tattoo is a job in itself.
Sometimes it can take years to build a network and even find an artist willing to give up their time to show you the ropes. If you go knocking on doors, the other things you need to think about, which we know you won’t be happy to hear, yet it’s the truth are, “do I look like the people in this shop?” and “are these my kind of people?”
For an industry that cares a lot about not being judged by their appearance, make no mistake, you are being judged. You will get a lot of “maybes,” “come back later,” and “Do you want to get a tattoo from me?” If you are lucky enough to get a “yes,” it is overwhelmingly likely that you will be handed the mop and the broom, and the squeegee, for months.
Did you just think someone else would quickly hand you the keys to the kingdom and train you to be their competition? The answer is no. The reality is that finding an inviting apprenticeship is as unlikely as getting into the top medical schools.
So what other options do you have? Well, what if there was a school for tattooing? Something like medical school where other professionals know that part of their job is to help you become their colleague? My goodness, there is!
Signing up for a Tattoo School is the best and easiest way to find an apprenticeship. In the state of Oregon, in fact, it’s the only way. You will fast-track your training by completing a tattoo apprenticeship at a Tattoo School. The sooner you learn how to tattoo from a working tattoo artist, the sooner you can impress the world with your passion and talent. Many Tattoo Schools are run by and for tattoo artists, most of which are already part of a more extensive network of artists. Ink Different Tattoo School provides a guaranteed job offer and a network of tattoo studios you can choose from across the country.
Contact one of our advisors today for more information.
There are a lot of things to consider when you’re looking for an apprenticeship, but here are some tips that might help:
1. Establish Your ‘Why’
If you get a chance to interview with a potential mentor, they’ll likely ask about your goals and what you want to get out of the opportunity. Make sure you’re clear with what you want out of the apprenticeship. Tattoo Apprenticeship Programs do not want to take people who are unsure of what they want to do.
2. Build Your Portfolio And Refine Your Art Skills
Start building your portfolio dedicated to your tattoo work and sketches. You’ll need something to back up your credibility and artistic talent. Apprenticeships aren’t designed to teach you how to draw. But, if you want to refine your style, taking tattoo art courses can also help you at this career stage. When you join Body Art & Soul’s Tattoo School, your art classes are included in your apprenticeship.
3. Start Saving Up Or Enlist Help From Your Friends And Family
Tattoo Apprenticeships are not free. Your equipment and your apprenticeship all cost something. At first, paying for experience may seem unnecessary, but it works. Securing the training you need right away will save you years of trying to do things the hard way. Think of it as an investment for your career. Once you can go pro, the experience will pay off big time.
Looking for an apprenticeship right now? Call/Text 1-917-227-2842
Getting the basics of becoming a tattoo artist is essential to growing a career. It’s also challenging! There’s no question that the industry is evolving daily. Many new techniques are constantly being developed. That’s why joining a tattoo school can be so helpful: you’ll have access to mentors who can teach you more about the industry, help you get your foot in the door, and give you guidance along the way.
One of the most prominent challenges artists faces when building their careers is finding a tattoo shop that gives them a chance to thrive. Our Tattoo School and Tattoo Apprenticeship Programs understand that experience is essential in learning how to tattoo. However, we know how hard it can be to find the proper training. We can help you find the right apprenticeship and build your skills as an artist and a future teammate.
We’re a team of professional tattoo artists who have been in this business for decades. Even though we’ve been doing it for years, many of us still remember what it was like starting out. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from us. Also, you’ll gain the experience you need to learn to tattoo and reach your career goals.
Our culture is a big reason why our apprentices stick around. We only take on artists who are serious about their careers. Those who have the potential to be wonderful teammates. Also, those who can deliver fantastic customer service to our clients. If accepted into the program, we will work with you to ensure you make the most out of your tattoo apprenticeship. We will welcome you to start your tattoo career in one of our studios. Set up an interview with one of our advisors today.
We currently have tattoo schools in Los Angeles, New York, New Haven, Philadelphia, and Tampa – but we’re still expanding, so stay tuned for updates!
Call or Text 1-917-227-2842, move to the front of the line, and interview for an apprenticeship today.