How to Become a Tattoo Artist Through an Apprenticeship

When you decide you want to learn how to become a tattoo artist, you will find that there are a lot of different paths you can take.

Some tattooists become “scratchers,” learning the basics the hard way and practicing on whoever will let them.  For someone who is really serious about learning how to become a tattoo artist, however, the true path to a professional position usually requires an apprenticeship.

What is an Apprenticeship?

The concept of apprenticeships is thousands of years old, and there aren’t a lot of fields left today that still require this kind of intense training from someone who has already mastered a craft.  Throughout time, someone who wanted to join a particular profession would have to go to work for a master, sometimes for years, and usually without pay.  This was especially common in skilled trades such as carpentry, masonry, and metal smithing.  Even bakers and tailors would often live with a master craftsman for years, learning the trade before going on to either be a journeyman working in the field or become a master apprentice with a workshop and apprentices of his or her own.

The Tattoo Apprenticeship

A modern-day tattoo apprenticeship is obviously going to be a little different from those of medieval times.  The apprentice is probably not going to live with the master tattoo artist, for example.  This actually can pose some problems, as you will likely not be getting paid for your time during an apprenticeship.  This means that you will need to have some money saved up to live on during this period of time.

The length of the apprenticeship is determined by you and the master artist. When it comes to learning how to become a tattoo artist, you can’t really speed things up too much.  It takes a lot of time to learn techniques and then to practice them over and over until they become second nature.  A year-long apprenticeship is not unusual, and it may be even longer.

At the beginning of an apprenticeship, you may wonder if what you’re doing has anything at all with actually teaching you how to become a tattoo artist.  This is because most apprenticeships start out with a lot of “grunt” work. You will probably be expected to clean up the shop, spending your time sweeping, dusting, and washing windows, rather than actually inking clients.  This is the time when an apprentice can really start to make a good impression.

The master artist wants to see that you are dedicated and motivated, that you’re a hard worker who is eager to do everything necessary to be a success.

After a while, you may be asked to start working with the equipment.  For example, it may become your job to sterilize needle bars and other tattoo machine parts.  Hygiene and safety is a huge part of the tattoo business, and even though it may seem like a hassle, understanding and respecting the process is an important part of learning how to become a tattoo artist.

As you continue to prove yourself, you will be allowed to take on a more active role. You may start  creating stencils from flash, for example.  Some master artists may even allow you to create flash of your own, which you can then add to your portfolio.  If the tattoo shop makes its own needles rather than buying them, this chore may become one of your duties.  You will also get to start observing the artists in action, sitting quietly while he or she tattoos clients, and possibly even helping to position clients or hold the skin taut during sessions.

The next step may require you to learn how to tattoo by practicing on fruit, animal skins, or fake practice skins. The master artist will watch you work and offer advice and critiques.  Once he or she is feeling confident about your skills, you will be allowed to start working on clients.

Generally, you will only be able to do a small amount, perhaps a bit of lining or tattoo shading to start out.  This is a really exciting time in a tattoo apprenticeship because not only are you learning how it really feels to put the needles to the skin, but you also know that your master artist is impressed with you and has confidence in your abilities.

Getting an Apprenticeship

Even though getting an apprenticeship is a major part of learning how to become a tattoo artist, it is not all that easy.  Master artists have their pick of apprentices, and the competition is fierce. It can take years of waiting to get the apprenticeship you want…or even to get one at all.  Many apprentices have found that they must actually relocate in order to find opportunities to train in the field.

One way to improve your chances of learning how to become a tattoo artist from a true master artist is to have a stellar portfolio. This is a file that holds your best artistic work.  It will likely contain flash you’ve done, even stuff you’ve designed yourself.  You may also include some of your favorite assignments, if you took classes to improve your art skills.  (Another way to possibly improve your chances of being chosen for an apprenticeship.)

A good place to start is probably at the tattoo shop where you’ve had your own work done, assuming you like what they do and the atmosphere they provide.  Even if they don’t have an apprenticeship opportunity available, they might know of a good artist who would consider taking you on.  Generally speaking, tattoo artists don’t go looking for apprentices because they don’t have to.  It’s up to you to find opportunities.

When presenting yourself, always be aware of your appearance. Even though some tattoo artists have a tendency to be tattooed and pierced, they still present themselves professionally.   You are expected to be clean and presentable.  It’s OK to let your personality shine through, but again, remember to be professional.  Avoid being vulgar or disrespectful.

If you find that you’re having a hard time finding a master who is willing to teach you how to become a tattoo artist, you may not be presenting yourself in the best way possible.  Politely ask for advice on what you can do differently to ensure that you will have better luck with the next place you try.

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Photo Credit: Philippe Leroyer