Are you wondering how to get a tattoo apprenticeship? Congratulations on your interest in an expressive and artistic career. Before you can earn a good living honing your craft, you'll need to learn the basics of tattooing, and be trained under a reputable artist. Otherwise you might be labeled a "scratcher" who does poor-quality tattoos. Who wants that?
Here's a few tips on how you can get a tattoo apprenticeship.
How to Get a Tattoo Apprenticeship Quickly
If you come from a family of tattoo artists or are involved with the community through friends or mutual interests, you are much more likely to get a tattoo apprenticeship quickly. Now of course that means you'll also need to have a verifiable skill and natural talent as an artist before anyone takes you under their wing.
Wandering into a tattoo shop without any prior experience (let alone your first tattoo!) is not the best way to get a tattoo apprenticeship.
First, you should compile a portfolio of your drawings and work. You should also possess something that makes you a little different than the "rest."
As tattoos continue to gain in widespread popularity, many tattoo artists are merging into the career from other art backgrounds. They are graduating from art schools or earning their graphic design degrees. From there, some are lucky enough to land apprenticeships at some of the most respected tattoo shops. How is that possible?
Although you may have an indisputable talent and skill, the tattooing industry still has a "who you know" mentality.
If you're already considering becoming a tattoo artist but have not taken all the necessary steps to build a tattoo design portfolio, you might want to get your start working at a tattoo shop answering phones and booking appointments before dropping your career goals. You'll get your "foot in the door" and learn the ways of the shop, and you'll be introduced to the industry as an enthusiast first, rather than a wanna-be tattoo artist.
If you're certain you've got the skill and have zero connections, the road is going to be tougher. It will be worth it. You'll be turned down at many shops before someone finally gives you an opportunity to interview and share your work. Even then you may find your personality's clash, or they aren't ready to train an apprentice. You should keep going, This, and any other artistic career, takes determination dedication, and a lot of closed doors.
How Long Training Takes
If and when you find a professional tattoo artist willing to train you, you can expect to serve a tattoo apprenticeship anywhere from six months to several years. State laws and requirements vary. During your tattoo apprenticeship you'll learn all the basics before you begin tattooing clients. You'll be excited to get to work, but these months are truly serving you for an entire future. Be sure to pay attention and learn as much as you can so that you can become a phenomenal tattoo artist.
The road to becoming a professional artist will not be easy. Unlike many careers, you can't expect to walk into a tattoo shop without any professional experience and start tattooing. You'll be making permanent art, and that takes time. Once you become a master of your skill, that small investment of time will have served you well. Soon it will be your turn to pass the torch and encourage other budding artists to follow their dreams.
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