How to Find a Tattoo Apprenticeship in Chicago

Published by Paul-Anthony Surdi at February 2, 2023

Everything You Need To Know About Getting A Tattoo Apprenticeship in Chicago

Everyone’s path toward getting a Tattoo Apprenticeship in Chicago is different. However, as every successful career deserves a solid base to be built on, we must not forget that the source of your education is essential to determine your artistic goals.

If you’re serious about becoming a Tattoo Artist, your next step is getting educated. A tattoo apprenticeship in Chicago with a tattoo studio that has a track record of success is paramount when learning to tattoo. Why? You obtain priceless information and guidance through the difficult process of learning how to create art on human skin. This is complicated and has health risks. In the right apprenticeship, you will learn the art form, the tools of the trade, and the safety methods experienced Tattoo Artists use daily.

The proper tattoo apprenticeship program can be a life-changing step toward a successful career. We know you are wondering: ”But where do I start?”

Finding the right tattoo mentor is hard—primarily when searching for someone willing to teach you what you need to know to become part of their industry. However, finding someone who understands your thrill for tattoos and their techniques can help you create your tattoo style and technique. This will lead you toward long-term success.

We’ll explain how to find a tattoo apprenticeship in Chicago and everything you will need to prepare when searching for your mentor. But first, let’s start with the basics.

Want to learn all about how to become a Tattoo Artist? Apply for the apprenticeship program at our Tatto School! Find a tattoo apprenticeship near me

Let’s Define A Tattoo Apprenticeship.

A tattoo apprenticeship program is an educational program for aspiring Tattoo Artists. This mentorship will guide you through learning the ins and outs of the trade and developing your tattoo customer service skills to build a career. During your apprenticeship, you will learn how to use tattoo equipment, how to stay safe from the spread of infectious diseases, the diverse tattoo styles, and how to use social media to create your Tattoo Artist brand.

Why Do I Need A Tattoo Apprenticeship?

Tattooing is a very delicate craft — just like being a doctor, you can’t jump into an operating room without the proper training. So instead, you work your way to developing your skills as you move forward. Bloodborne certification is required, and most tattoo studios in Chicago will only consider licensed artists with a few years of expertise or an extensive apprenticeship.

Looking for a guaranteed job offer as a Tattoo Artist? Start your tattoo apprenticeship today!

What Can I Learn From A Tattoo Apprenticeship?

Tattoo apprenticeships are a great way to work alongside seasoned Tattoo Artists from Chicago, 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:

The Business Side of Being a Tattoo Artist: Learn how shops operate and how to market yourself as an individual artist.
People Skills & Customer Relations With Local Chicagoans: Asking questions, listening actively, and communicating to help build trust with your clients.
Equipment usage and sanitation according to the State of Illinois and the city of Chicago: this program will also give you the practice needed to understand your tools, fix your machines when they break, and the proper way to protect yourself and your clients from diseases while following official protocol from the state and city authorities.

How Do I Find A Tattoo Apprenticeship In Chicago?

The gist is that finding a tattoo apprenticeship in Chicago takes work. Having a love for the craft and talent is only a tiny step of the path you must tread to become a Tattoo Artist. Learning to tattoo is already a job on its own.

Sometimes it can take a long time to build a network or even find someone willing to give up their time to show you how to tattoo in The Windy City. So if you go looking, the other things you need to think about, which we know you won’t be happy to hear, yet it’s the truth: “Is this my kind of place?” and “are these my kind of people?”

You are being evaluated by an industry that cares a lot about not being judged by their looks; yet you are being evaluated by how you look. You will get a lot of “Sure,” “possibly,” and “Are you trying to get a tattoo from me?” If you are lucky enough to get a “yes,” it is very likely that you will be handed the mop and the broom for months.

Did you just think someone else would quickly give you the keys to their house and train you to be their competition? We are sorry, but no. The reality is that locating an apprenticeship that has a welcoming environment to offer to their apprentices is less unlikely than getting into the top law schools.

What about a school for aspiring Tattoo Artists in Chicago? Something like law school where other professionals are looking forward to mentoring you as part of their job? That’s where we come in!

Looking for information for parents of young Tattoo Artists? Continue reading about parents who want to help their children become Tattoo Artists.

Ink Different Tattoo School Chicago

Signing up for a Tattoo School is the fastest method to start an apprenticeship in The City That Works. Achieving a tattoo apprenticeship at a Tattoo School in Chicago will jumpstart your training. The faster you learn how to tattoo from an experienced artist, the quicker you can wow the world with your style and passion. Many Tattoo Schools are started by and for Tattoo Artists, who are already part of a more extensive network of artists. For example, Ink Different Tattoo School provides a guaranteed job offer with a many tattoo studios you can choose from all around the country.

Learn more about the profession on our website or read how to change careers and become a Tattoo Artist!

How Do I Get Ready For A Tattoo Apprenticeship In Chicago?

There’s a lot of stuff to think about when searching for an apprenticeship in the Great Lakes area. Still, some tips might help:

Understand Your ‘Why’

If you get an opportunity to interview, you’ll be asked about your motive and what you hope to achieve from this opportunity. Ensure that you’re transparent with what you want out of the program. Tattoo Apprenticeships do not want to take people unsure of what they want to do.

Start Your Portfolio And Refine Your Art Skills.

You’ll need a base of artistic know-how to build on. Apprenticeships aren’t created to instruct you how to draw, yet they help you learn how to draw and think like a professional artist who creates tattoos that can last a lifetime. Nonetheless, taking art classes at all stages of your career is helpful, especially in the beginning as you refine your sketching techniques. When you enter Ink Different Tattoo School, your education in drawing and designing tattoos is incorporated into your apprenticeship.

Start Saving Or Gather Help From Your Friends And Family

Tattoo Apprenticeships just like any educational program cost money. Your tools and your training all cost money. Firstly, paying for a Tattoo Artist’s time to transfer their knowledge and oversee your progress is worth it. Securing the training you need will prevent you from wasting time, scaring up your friends, and learning things the hard way. The challenge of course is finding an apprenticeship that works with a tattoo studio committed to your success, and a track record of successfully training apprentices. The experience at Ink Different Tattoo School will pay off. As long as you complete your full apprenticeship, you get a Guaranteed a Job Offer.

6 Best Neighborhoods To Open a Tattoo Studio In Chicago

Tattoo Apprenticeship in Chicago It’s always important to research the market and competition before opening any business, so you may want to consider certain factors when you decide to move further in your tattoo career and open a Tattoo Studio in Chicago.

Factors such as the atmosphere, the client base, accessibility (location), the population, and lack of competition; can help you have a successful tattoo shop in one of these six neighborhoods:

1. East Village

Firstly, the East Village neighborhood in Chicago is known for its lively atmosphere, diverse culture and abundance of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The area is a mix of residential buildings, vintage architecture, and new development. It is also home to various independent boutiques, art galleries, and cultural events. Therefore, it becomes one of your best choices for opening your tattoo studio.

The East Village is also conveniently located near public transportation options, making accessing other parts of the city easy. Overall, the neighborhood is a vibrant and eclectic community that attracts a mix of young professionals, families, and students who may become your future customers.

2. Humboldt Park

Secondly, we have Humboldt Park! It’s a culturally rich neighborhood located on the West Side of Chicago. The name comes after one of its parks, being one of the biggest in the city. Also, it features a boating pond, a beach, a nature preserve, and various cultural festivals throughout the year, attracting many body art fans.

The neighborhood is predominantly Puerto Rican and has a strong community and cultural pride. There is also a vibrant food scene, with many authentic Puerto Rican restaurants and a thriving music and arts scene. Humboldt Park has a mix of residential and commercial areas, with a mix of vintage buildings, newer developments, and public housing. Despite some areas of poverty, the neighborhood has a strong community spirit and is actively working towards revitalization.

If the community and cultural pride are part of your future tattoo shop’s values, this is the place to be!

3. Cicero

Cicero is a town located in Cook County, Illinois, just outside Chicago. It is a densely populated and diverse community with a large Mexican and Mexican-American population. Tattoos hold significant cultural meaning in many Mexican and Mexican-American communities. Subsequently, this could lead to a strong demand for tattoo services in the area.

The town is popular for its affordable housing, community spirit, and easy access to public transportation. Therefore, it is a very convenient location for commuters to Chicago.

Cicero has a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. It is home to several parks, recreational facilities, cultural events, and fests. The town is also home to several schools and educational institutions, providing opportunities for families.

Cultural heritage is very important here. While the town has faced some challenges in the past, yet it is actively working towards revitalization and improvement. A story of rebirth can always be the perfect epicenter for the start of a successful tattoo business.

4. Logan Square

This neighborhood is located on the northwest side of Chicago. It has a trendy and artsy atmosphere and is home to a mix of young professionals, families, artists, and students. It is home to various restaurants and cafes, including hip coffee shops, local bakeries, and several dining options.

The neighborhood has a thriving nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and music venues that stay busy late into the night. It is home to the Logan Square Arts Festival and the Logan Square Farmers Market. It’s also well-connected to public transportation, making it easy for residents to travel throughout the city.

Did you know that Logan Square has a lot of historic architecture? Well yes! It has a beautiful landscape filled with vintage greystones, apartments, and bungalows.

As you can see, Logan Square is already a popular destination for those seeking a lively and urban lifestyle within Chicago!

5. Bridgeport

This one is a neighborhood located on the south side of Chicago. It has a rich history, and its community is a mix of residents, including blue-collar workers, artists, and young professionals. Bridgeport provides a diverse pool of potential customers, in fact it has been voted as Chicago’s Most Diverse Neighborhood by Hotels.com

Bridgeport is known for its more affordable housing than other Chicago areas. Therefore, it is a more accessible location for residents who may want to get tattoos. As you know, tattoos are becoming increasingly popular and mainstream, and a tattoo shop in the area could tap into this trend.

The neighborhood is home to many small, locally-owned businesses, including shops, restaurants, and bars. We believe a tattoo shop could be a great asset to the community. It is also home to several cultural institutions, including the Chicago Chinese Cultural Center and the National Museum of Mexican Art. Bridgeport is a cultural hub among the many neighborhoods of our beloved Chicago.

6. South Loop

The South Loop is conveniently located near downtown Chicago, providing easy access to many of the city’s attractions and amenities. It houses a mix of high-rise buildings, townhomes, historic brick homes. South Loop also has several cultural institutions, including the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium.

It has a thriving nightlife scene with bars, restaurants, and music venues that stay busy late into the night. However, it has several parks and green spaces, including the sprawling Grant Park and the Chicago Lakefront Trail.

It’s a very joyful, vibrant, and vigorous neighborhood that offers residents. Whenever someone visits, they get a unique urban living experience in the heart of Chicago. What better place for you to start your tattoo studio-owning journey?

How Do I Enroll In Tattoo School?

Obtaining the basics of becoming a Tattoo Artist is crucial to growing a tattoo career. It’s also demanding—there’s no question that the industry is constantly increasing. Many new techniques are being developed every day. 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 guide you along the way.

One of the most prominent challenges artists face 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 to 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. But, even though we’ve been doing it for years, many of us still remember what it was like starting. So, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from us and gain the experience you need to know 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. Artists who have the potential to be wonderful teammates and deliver fantastic customer service to our tattoo clients. If accepted into the program, we will work with you to ensure you make the most out of your tattoo apprenticeship and 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!