What does a tattoo aprenticship consist of?

Question

Like what do you do?

Answer 1

Have a good portfolio of stuff you doodle or actual pieces of work you've drawn up.
But..
For the most part you're going to be the shop b*tch.
You're going to be drawing up a lot of other artists stencils, and setting up their station before tattoos.
Also you're going to, hopefully, be observing lots of techniques (how to make a good clean line, shading, coloring, etc.)
More than likely you'll be doing tons of cleaning and errands.
You'll be able to practice on yourself and fake skin later on and eventually get to start tattooing (only if your mentor agrees that your ready, they could be an *** and make you wait longer than you think is necessary).
But yeah, hopefully you'll be able to work off the cost of apprenticing, or else you'll be paying a lot, and having to work a job on top of that because you're working for free.
Hope you get it though, it'll be quite the journey, fun time, and ultimate job if your skills prove to be good enough for the industry.

Answer 2

A prospective mentor is going to be looking for someone with a lot of enthusiasm and a real love for the art. If you walk in with the attitude that they owe you something, you're sure to leave empty handed. Knowing at least a little bit about the business is also helpful, and it doesn't hurt if you have a few tattoos!

To show a prospective mentor your artistic abilities, you will need to carry along a portfolio of your best work. This can be drawings or paintings, but can also be pictures of wall murals, sculptures, or anything else artistic you have done. If you have had any formal training, bring along any certification you have received. This is not absolutely necessary though - if you have enough raw talent, your mentor will help you to hone these skills over the time of your apprenticeship.

Answer 3

at first you trace drawings and practice drawing them freehand. there is lots and lots and lots of drawing. also you have to clean the shop and get your tattooers station ready, clean it, set up and prepare it for tattooing. you really do whatever they say to do. tattoo apprenticeships are not fun. my tattooer has apprenticed a few people and he said every one of them hate it. but it is about deserving to learn how to tattoo and learning to respect artists and the trade. finally you will start watching the artist tattoo. they will tell you things about different techniques. then you'll start practicing on oranges because they are curved like skin. then you'll probably have to tattoo yourself once you think you are ready. you probably won't be... but you'll learn. then when they trust you enough you'll get to tattoo a friend. a simple design but something to get practice in. then you'll go from there. an apprenticeship lasts anywhere from months to years depending on the artist and how fast you learn.