How to Get a Tattoo Apprenticeship in New England
As an aspiring tattooist living in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, or somewhere else in New England, it can be frustrating to figure out how to get a tattoo apprenticeship. Though hundreds of tattoo shops and tattoo artists exist in metropolitan cities like Boston, Providence, and New Haven, few are looking for tattoo apprentices. And even fewer who want to spend time answering questions from aspiring tattoo artists about their business and career. So you may be left feeling like you’re on your own as you try to figure out how to land a tattoo apprenticeship in New England.
At this point, you might be on the verge of giving up your dream of a tattooing career because the obstacles seem too great.
Maybe you have a steady job and simply can’t make ends meet if you quit it to start an apprenticeship working reception in a tattoo studio. Or perhaps you’ve just been told “no” when you’ve shown your portfolio to your favorite tattoo artist and asked them to teach you. Just because someone is a great artist doesn’t mean they would make a great teacher.
We’ve heard these stories and more! It might seem nearly impossible to get a tattoo apprenticeship in New England. But we’ve got good news for you: you can learn how to tattoo! And we’re ready to mentor you through every step of the process at Ink Different Tattoo School! From learning how to create solid tattoo designs to getting the 2,000+ hours of experience you need for your license! We’re there for you. And our tattoo studio in New Haven, CT, is an easy commute from anywhere in New England.
We’ve trained over 150 tattooists, so we know a lot about what it’s like when you’re trying to figure out how to start your tattoo career. That’s why we’ve pulled together our top 5 pieces of advice for aspiring tattoo artists about how to get a tattoo apprenticeship in New England.
1
Don’t Tattoo on Your Own
The most important advice for aspiring tattoo artists is to not tattoo on your own! Whatever you do, don’t buy a (hazardous) tattoo kit online and just start inking up yourself or your friends. Not only will you endanger them (bloodborne pathogens are bad news), but those kits aren’t even meant for human use!
Even if you manage to get your hands on professional equipment! You need skills, techniques, and a CT, RI, or MA state license necessary to keep yourself safe! Creating quality tattoos can’t be learned from a video on YouTube.
To learn to tattoo safely and effectively, you must undergo in-person, hands-on training with experienced professionals. Don’t endanger yourself or your friends by tattooing without proper instruction or a license.
Looking for information for parents of young Tattoo Artists? Continue reading about parents who want to help their children become Tattoo Artists
2
Commit to Your Future and Take that First Step
Now that you’re looking into learning to tattoo from a professional apprenticeship or training program, you’re probably scared. There are a lot of tattoo shops in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, but how many are actually offering an apprenticeship? How many want an apprentice? Or how many just want someone to answer phones and clean for free? As far as other options you might find online, which ones are genuine, and which ones overpromise and under-deliver? Which ones have a real studio and a job offer at the end or help you get a license and start your career?
Regardless of which resource you’re looking at, getting answers to those questions can be scary. We’ve been there, and the best advice we’ve got for aspiring tattoo artists at this point is just to dive in. Even if you’re just doing a one-day introductory workshop! Go ahead and try it out! The only way to be sure that a career as a professional tattoo artist with is right for you is to walk into a tattoo studio near you, ask questions, and find out for yourself.
3
Great Art Can’t Be Rushed
The following most crucial piece of advice for aspiring tattoo artists is to avoid training programs just out there to take advantage of you. Beware of an “apprenticeship” that pretends the art of tattooing can be taught to you in a few days or weeks. That’s simply not true.
You might be able to quickly wrap your head around the concepts of a tattoo flash portfolio or have answers to the questions on a bloodborne pathogen exam. However, you’ll still need 2,000+ hours of practical experience to get a license. The nuances and techniques required to create professional quality tattoos take a long time to learn, so we always recommend looking for tattoo training in New England that isn’t obviously too good to be accurate and allows a reasonable amount of time to teach you everything you need to know to start a prosperous career!
Learn more about the profession on our website or read how to change careers and become a Tattoo Artist!
4
Decide What You Want from an Apprenticeship
For decades, the traditional path toward becoming a professional tattoo artist has been to find a local tattoo parlor, show your portfolio, and ask for an apprenticeship. This usually leads to a years-long process of sitting at the front desk, mopping the floors, and eventually learning the art of tattooing. This is a time-honored and absolutely valid way of learning to tattoo. We encourage you to check out our tattoo apprenticeship program if you receive rejections or can’t afford to work the front desk while waiting to learn something. We’ll never waste your time with busy work. We have a curriculum that you can work through at your own pace. This way, you can learn everything you need to become a successful tattoo artist, including getting your tattoo license. And the best part? We offer jobs to each person who completes their training with us because we believe in your future! Once you finish your Ink Different Tattoo School apprenticeship, we’ll have a job offer at our New Haven, CT studio waiting for you!
5
Never Give Up!
Whether you start an apprenticeship at another tattoo parlor in New England or learn the art of tattooing with us at our New Haven studio, our final piece of advice for aspiring tattoo artists is never to give up! Tattooing is a complicated but rewarding art form; persistence and patience are crucial to success. We take the time to ensure that our apprentices are ready to apply a needle to their client’s skin.
Remember, it takes time to develop your skills. Just because you hold a license doesn’t guarantee that you know how to use it well. From day one, focus and dedication to your craft are a must! This will ensure you’re doing your best work and avoiding mistakes. So keep your head up and press forward! Be happy knowing that you’re bringing beautiful art into this world and helping your clients to express themselves!
Want to learn all about how to become a Tattoo Artist? Apply for the apprenticeship program at our Tattoo School! Find a tattoo apprenticeship near me
Next Steps for Your Tattoo Career in New England
We hope this advice for aspiring tattoo artists helps you in your journey! Looking for a tattoo apprenticeship in New England doesn’t need to be overwhelming if you follow our advice:
- Trying to create tattoos on your own is dangerous and discouraging, so don’t do it
- Believe in yourself and take a professional route
- Remember that learning a new skill takes time
- Find a tattoo apprenticeship in New England that works for you
- Stay focused and dedicated to the craft
While this career isn’t easy, it’s tremendously rewarding! We love to help aspiring tattooists achieve their dreams! If you have any questions about your future as a tattoo artist, please contact us! Start a chat to find out more.
Tattoo Apprenticeship at Ink Different
Ink Different Tattoo School prides itself on offering a comprehensive tattoo apprenticeship program that sets aspiring Tattoo Artists on the path to success. Our program is designed to provide hands-on training, guidance, and support to help our apprentices develop their skills and artistic vision. With experienced Tattoo Artists as mentors, apprentices at Ink Different learn the art of tattooing in a creative and inspiring environment.
Enrolling in a tattoo apprenticeship with Ink Different Tattoos can be highly beneficial for aspiring tattoo artists looking to break into this vibrant industry. Ink Different Tattoos is renowned for its commitment to excellence and its dedication to nurturing emerging talent. Under the guidance of experienced artists, apprentices at Ink Different Tattoos can learn not just the technical skills of tattooing but also gain insights into client interactions, design principles, and studio management. This comprehensive training prepares apprentices not only to create beautiful tattoos but also to thrive in the competitive world of tattooing.
Guaranteed Job Offer
One unique aspect of our apprenticeship program is our guaranteed job offer upon successful completion. We are committed to helping our apprentices transition from apprentices to professional Tattoo Artists, and our job offer ensures that they have a place to begin their careers. This commitment sets us apart from other tattoo schools. It reflects our dedication to supporting the next generation of Tattoo Artists.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Ink Different Tattoo School, we understand the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the tattoo industry. That's why we are proud to offer our program in multiple locations across the United States, including Brooklyn, Chicago, Tampa, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale. Our commitment to diversity is also reflected in our staff, many of whom are bilingual and speak Spanish, ensuring that our apprentices feel welcome and supported regardless of their background.
Submit your art today for enrollment consideration and start your journey toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist! Call/Text 1-917-227-2842
