How Much Does a Tattoo Apprenticeship Cost?

Like many artists, you want to learn to tattoo, but don’t know the best way to do it. Are you asking yourself “how much does a tattoo apprenticeship cost?” We’re here to help! Download our guide for a comparison and cost analysis, so you don’t get fooled by hidden expenses or programs that promise a lot in too little time.

Download the Guide to Tattoo Apprenticeship Costs

The popularity of tattoos is exploding and there are more opportunities to make a successful career as a tattoo artist than ever, but getting the right training can be tricky. A Google search for “how much does a tattoo apprenticeship cost?” can turn up countless results, with each option offering different expenses, term lengths, and curriculums. And sometimes the tattoo apprenticeship cost is in time instead of money. This can make for a rather overwhelming decision, and make you wonder if there is such a thing as a tattoo school or tattoo apprenticeship that’s right for you. As people who once asked this question ourselves, we wanted to get all the information into one place to help you see the reality of learning to tattoo in America.

Ask Yourself, What is Important to You?

When thinking about a tattoo school or the training necessary to become a successful tattoo artist, there are several major things to consider.

Quality Training

First, will you receive quality training that gives you everything you need to become a successful tattoo artist? You need to be sure that the option you’re considering could realistically train you for every part of the job. If a tattoo school is promising to train you in a week or two, there’s simply no way that you could learn and practice every skill to tattoo successfully and safely. And this means that the tattoo apprenticeship cost is high even though you are not getting enough training for a real career. You’re looking for training that would provide months, even years, of credible and effective instruction. In the world of tattooing, if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably not legit. 

Hidden Costs

Second, how much does the tattoo apprenticeship cost? While it’s important that the training is affordable, you don’t want something that is so cheap that the training is rushed just so they can get more students or apprentices in and out of the door quickly. On the other hand, you want to avoid a tattoo school that charges a fortune just because they think they can get away with it. And all too often, the real cost of your tattoo apprenticeship is in time and other intangible things like confidence and dignity. 

Location

Third, is the tattoo school close enough that you can actually attend regular training? If you’d have to move just to attend, you’ll need to factor those costs into your total tattoo apprenticeship cost. Online or remote training can work for learning to create flash art, but it’s impossible to accurately learn to tattoo without being in a legitimate tattoo studio. In-person instruction with proper equipment is essential for becoming a skilled and safe tattoo artist. If the tattoo school isn’t thorough about their safety procedures and how to care for your equipment, it’s another red flag.

Supportive Learning Environment

Fourth, does the tattoo school actually care about you? Is it a quick money-grab operation that has an uncertain, confusing curriculum and no individual attention, or does it offer comprehensive, individualized learning plans to ensure you receive quality training? Is the training provided built on the style of a traditional apprenticeship or is it just random and chaotic? 

A Real Start to Your Career

Fifth and finally, what does the tattoo school do after you complete your training? Are you thrown to the wolves or is there a system in place for new artists who are ready to start their careers? If a tattoo studio has pride in what they offer, wouldn’t they want to hire you or help you find a job as a professional tattoo artist? Your best bet is with a tattoo studio that puts their money where they mouth is and offers to hire you after you complete your training. Even if you don’t end up working there, you want a studio that has enough faith in their training to hire their graduates as tattoo artists.

Ink Different Tattoo School Is Looking for You

At Ink Different Tattoo School, our tattoo training is engineered to prepare you for every aspect of your career as a tattoo artist. From the first sketch to the tattoo application, and from the first meeting with a client to brand management, we make sure you can learn everything you’ll need to have a successful career.

Our tattoo apprenticeships are open to everyone, regardless of race, gender, orientation, or background. If you have a passion for art, you’ll fit in with us. We also offer adaptive, apprentice-specific curriculums for both full-time and part-time trainees.

We hope this information helps as you weigh different tattoo schools and apprenticeships. Getting the right tattoo training is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your career and future depend on your getting the best training available!