Apprenticeships
The allure of this career is that it’s creative and freeing. But that freedom comes at a price. You get to be your own boss, make your own schedule, draw everyday, connect with people on a personal level, and it’s cool as f*ck. But there is no safety net unless you create one yourself. There’s no retirement plan, no health insurance, no paid time off, no HR department, and you will work 24/7. It’s also not easy money. It sounds good when you say “yeah, I charge $200/hr” but that rate has to cover all the time you spent drawing, marketing yourself, answering emails, and it has to cover expenses (not to mention taxes!). At the end of the day I actually make less than minimum wage. So if that still sounds great to you, congratulations! You’re just at crazy as I am!
So I haven’t scared you away yet. Now, to begin your tattoo journey, start drawing. I don’t care what it is. Just draw stuff. In any style. When you draw you create an inner dialogue about the relationship of lines, shapes, and shading. You should flex that muscle as often as possible because you will be doing that every time you design and tattoo. And it will give you something to show potential mentors.
What you’re NOT going to do is start tattooing at home. This is not gatekeeping. Trying to teach yourself will only hurt you in the long run. You can’t know or understand the nuances of technique, safety, or client care. And you will leave a wake of terrible work behind you. The better way is to find an established artist whose work you admire and who you respect as a person. The apprentice-mentor relationship is an actual relationship. You will work closely with this person and if you don’t like them you’re not going to take to heart all the delicious little nuggets of advice they offer you.
It will take a long time. It will take a long time to find the right mentor, the right shop. Then when you do find your place, it will take a long time to start tattooing. And then it will take a long time to get good. Your ideal mentor might not be accepting apprentices. You should try to understand that having an apprentice can be really draining. It’s another job on top of all the other jobs we’re already doing as tattooers. If you can, hang around the shop you want to be at (try not to be annoying) and show that you’re serious. Show your potential mentor that it will be worth their mental/emotional energy to teach you.
You will have to prove yourself. I don’t mean hazing. I mean you need to show up and engage in the whole process. You can’t learn if you’re not there. And yes, answering the phone, greeting clients, and even cleaning are all part of the gig. I still clean the toilet and I own my shop.
That’s it. Show up. Be a sponge. Don’t be a dick. And if you can’t hang and you still want to be a kitchen wizard I will gladly cover up all your mistakes :)
