Tattoos are part of our life’s art, which records each person’s life’s important and unforgettable imprints. Having one is great, but becoming an artist who is capable of creating them by yourself will make you feel far more than “great.”
The first step to pursue this passion is to get a tattoo apprenticeship. Different from learning from books, it offers students a chance to explore and learn everything they can from an established tattoo artist. So, how to get a tattoo apprenticeship? Are you curious about the apprenticeship process? If yes, read this article to have more ideas.
Why Is A Tattoo Apprenticeship Important?
Since almost all tattoo shops nowadays require you a license to apply for a tattooist position, it is therefore crucial to pursue one. Unlike education certificates, tattoo licenses often include training periods, and the only way to fulfill this criterion is an apprenticeship with a licensed artist.
During the tattoo apprenticeship, you can gain new skills, knowledge and develop vital connections to make your dream come true. Besides contributing these factors to your resumé, the apprenticeship also prepares you for the fast-paced design world by introducing and teaching you to all aspects of the industry.
It’s reasonable to find an artist who has much experience in the tattoo industry to train you. However, a seasoned tattoo artist who believes you have enough talent to be worth his time and effort would be your ideal instructor.
How To Get A Tattoo Apprenticeship?
Below we present some crucial ideas on how to tackle this challenge.
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Get Tattooed
When artists seek apprentices, they often look for someone who truly has the passion and interest in the industry. How could you be an enthusiast if you have no tattoo on your body? Starting with a tattoo somewhere on your skin will make a good impression.
Also, getting such arts will allow you to learn from other artists and understand what it takes to be a professional tattoo artist. You can utilize this occasion to seek their guidance and learn how they obtained their apprenticeship.
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Getting Knowledge
Before taking any job, it’s important to screen through the information first thoroughly. Getting to know whether the studio matches your tattooing styles would best benefit you for further work. Moreover, this preparation would best support you to win over the interview and get this job in no time.
To be more specific, you need to investigate the studios and artists you would like to accompany. Note that knowing something about the artists you are talking about will help you get some brownie points.
Some tattoo shops may be better renowned for taking on apprentices than others, so it’s a good idea to reach out to them first.
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Drawing Regularly And Build A Portfolio
This artistic job usually best suits those with nice drawing skills because you will be animating stuff on the client’s skin. Practicing this skill time and again helps you upgrade it rapidly.
Aside from having great skills, you must have your unique selling point. A portfolio packed full of creativity and uniqueness would help you stand out from the crowd.
Compared to normal jobs, you do not need to prepare a CV or even a covering letter. A decent-sized portfolio of drawings to show your abilities would do. In this case, a portfolio of drawings, which will serve as the foundation for your tattooist career, seems convincing enough.
Hence, getting a clean book with protective sheets and displaying your work with pride is essential in your tattoo apprenticeship. One more point to keep in mind, you are building a tattoo apprenticeship portfolio, not a tattoo artist one, do not try to make it look fancy.
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Visit The Studios
Now let’s get out there and start taking a closer look. Visiting the studios of tattoo artists is the greatest approach to seeing how they serve customers and how they do it professionally.
It would be better if you always aim to get in front of artists instead of emailing them. When you speak to an artist in person, they are far more likely to remember you and somehow grow a liking towards you, who dares to ask.
Thus, let’s step out there to explore new things rather than sit behind a laptop or phone.
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Don’t Do It At Home
There is a misunderstanding that pros would appreciate tattooing experiences at home. The truth is they don’t; many professionals in the industry consider tattooing on your hand yourselves disrespectful of the art.
Not to mention, DIY tattooing kits are not qualified enough for this job and may harm your skin.
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Be Prepared
Many tattoo apprenticeships demand unpaid long hours, and you may find yourself spending a significant amount of time cleaning the studio, making drinks, and answering phone calls. If it does not deter you, and you are likely to labor this way for as long as it takes, you are probably in the proper trade.
How Long Does It Take To Complete An Apprenticeship?
A Tattoo Apprenticeship usually takes 3 or 4 years to complete. However, it mostly depends on your performance during the training time. It is usual to switch employers to learn the skills you will need to finish your apprenticeship.
As inking on other skin might affect their health, there are usually regulations on getting a certificate. Make sure to follow up with your state law to prevent unexpected scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Conclusion
Getting a tattoo apprenticeship is neither hard nor easy; consider you live with your passion and always keep crazy fire the peacock. More importantly, a thorough understanding of the process of getting tattoo training on your way toward becoming a professional artist is always beneficial.
With our article on how to get a tattoo apprenticeship, we hope you will quickly find a suitable place to study and get it as soon as possible. Thank you for reading, and see you in our next post!
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