Changing careers can be difficult, especially if you don't know where to start. Sometimes, our social circle and surroundings influence how we view the world and our capabilities; however, when you want to pursue an artistic career like tattooing, it's something only you know deep inside! You see, you must make a move! You may be working at the office or the bar, and suddenly, something just clicks: you want to start tattooing. We get you! It's a great time in human history to change careers and become a tattoo artist, yet there is still a lot you need to know before taking the first step - starting your tattoo education. So here is everything you want to know about a tattoo apprenticeship.
For those starting their journey in the tattoo industry, one of the most common questions is, how long is a tattoo apprenticeship for beginners? Typically, a tattoo apprenticeship can last anywhere from one to three years, depending on the program and the mentor’s structure. This period provides ample time to master the craft, learn proper sanitation practices, and develop artistic skills under the supervision of an experienced Tattoo Artist. It’s an investment of time that ensures new artists build a solid foundation for their future careers.
Aspiring tattoo artists with prior art or related experience often wonder, how long is a tattoo apprenticeship for those with a background in art? While the duration may still range from one to three years, programs like Ink Different Tattoo School can streamline the process, focusing on honing specific tattooing skills. By offering a structured curriculum and mentorship without distractions like menial tasks, these apprenticeships enable artists to transition into professional roles more efficiently.
Many aspiring tattooists also ask, how long is a tattoo apprenticeship for fulfilling state licensing requirements? The answer depends on local regulations. In states like Connecticut and New Jersey, apprenticeships must meet specific hour and procedure requirements to qualify for licensing. Typically, these mandates align with the one-to-three-year timeframe. Completing an apprenticeship ensures that artists meet legal standards and equips them with the knowledge to practice safely and professionally.
Getting a tattoo apprenticeship is one of the first steps to becoming a Tattoo Artist. Tattoo apprentices watch established Tattoo Artists’ work, learn the business, and learn how to make a career from their art. Their daily routine includes:
Tattoo apprentices also do their work. They practice a lot and work on building future client connections. Tattoo apprentices learn tattoo techniques and develop their styles while the experienced Tattoo Artists share tips and tricks for tattooing and dealing with clients.
The average apprenticeship lasts from one year to three years. At Ink Different’s tattoo school, we can reduce the time to about a year, given we don’t make you scrub toilets, get us coffee, or wash our cars as you would in a “traditional apprenticeship.” Either way you go, one year or three is a lot of time for beginning Tattoo Artists, but in the long run, tattoo apprentices will be rewarded for the time they invest in themselves and their future. It is 100% worth it to secure a tattoo apprenticeship.
Getting and completing a tattoo apprenticeship guarantees the best possible preparation for a Tattoo Artist career, which is why it is super important that you learn absolutely everything you want to know about a tattoo apprenticeship before choosing one for you.
Did you know our tattoo school, Ink Different, has locations in several vibrant cities across the United States? We do! We have locations in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Chicago, Tampa, Miami, Philadelphia, and Connecticut.
Are you the parent of a Tattoo Artist in the making and looking for more information on how to support your child on this journey? Continue reading our article Parents Who Want to Help Their Children Become Tattoo Artists.
What if I told you that there are ways to make a living from your art and avoid being one of those indebted graduates? What if you could CRUSH IT as an artist and avoid crushing debt? That would be much better, right? Okay, here is some advice:
Getting a tattoo apprenticeship is one of the first steps to becoming a Tattoo Artist. Tattoo apprentices watch established Tattoo Artists’ work, learn the business, and learn how to make a career from their art. Their daily routine includes:
Tattoo apprentices also do their work. They practice a lot and work on building future client connections. Tattoo apprentices learn tattoo techniques and develop their styles while the experienced Tattoo Artists share tips and tricks for tattooing and dealing with clients.
It’s challenging to secure a tattoo apprentice, but it is possible. Tattoo apprenticeships are in limited supply and hard to come by, yet they make your dreams about becoming a Tattoo Artist come true. Ink Different Tattoo School can help! Not only are we the only nationwide tattoo apprenticeship program, but we also provide every graduate of our complete tattoo apprenticeship program with a Guaranteed Job Offer. Yep, it’s the real deal. Feel free to contact our team if you are looking for a Tattoo Apprenticeship near you.
Also, you must wonder what personality traits create a good Tattoo Artist. Your apprenticeship and later work in the tattoo industry require patience, determination, flexibility, accuracy, and personality. As a Tattoo Artist, you must be ready for hard work and never give up. You must also always be learning, growing, and improving.
You are probably thinking: “Can I become a Tattoo Artist without drawing skills?” Technically, the answer is yes, but only in theory. Practically all Tattoo Artists start by sketching and drawing. Art skills are required to become a tattoo apprentice and a Tattoo Artist.
Have you always thought about being a Tattoo Artist? If yes, you have to learn how to draw first. You can develop your skills by drawing and sketching regularly and pushing yourself to keep practicing! Remember as a Beginning Tattoo Artist. You need to develop the ability to draw in various styles that can become tattoos.
Firstly, you must get in the habit of drawing for at least 1 hour daily. You can work from various source materials to practice sketching realistic, surreal, American traditional, neo-traditional, and minimalistic images. If, as a beginner, you learn the most popular possible styles, then over time, you can develop your unique style.
Look before getting a tattoo apprenticeship and a tattoo license. You must gain basic knowledge of Bloodborne Pathogen and Communicable Diseases Prevention, First Aid, and sometimes CPR… Sounds a little too medical? Yep, but you still need to know these things and pass exams. In addition to disease prevention test results, beginning tattoo apprentices should highly consider bringing Hepatitis B vaccine certificates with them to show they are earnest about the seriousness of tattooing. We are serious, and we hope you are too!
Knowing how to create digital graphic tattoo designs for realistic or surreal tattoos has become a modern requirement. All visual art skills increase your chances of getting a tattoo apprenticeship and a dream job. Think about it! This is just another aspect of everything you want to know about a tattoo apprenticeship.
Tattoo apprentices must understand personal protective equipment (PPE) and how to get it. Also, different age requirements exist for getting a tattoo in other states and cities. As a Tattoo Artist, you are committing a crime when a minor, as defined by the state you are in, gets a tattoo without their parent’s or legal guardian’s written consent form. You must check an ID and inform clients about the contraindications and potential risks of getting a tattoo. Being a Tattoo Artist is not just a regular, predictable job. It is a huge responsibility to mark other people’s bodies permanently. As a Tattoo Artist, you are in charge of keeping the tattooing process safe for clients and yourself. You are a spokesperson for the whole industry.