Tattoo apprenticeship?

Question

i live in Anaheim, am 16, and am really interested i maybe becoming a tattoo artist. What do i need to know and does anyone know of a place i can go that would teach me or does anybody have a tattoo shop who is willing to apprentice me? i go to shool in Orange and live in Anaheim so somewhere close to there would be great.
Thanx in advance :)

Answer 1

Most places won't take anyone under the age of 18. In fact even if they did your parents would have to sign for your apprenticeship. Your best bet is to take any art or graphic classes you can while in school and then once you finish go round some of your local shops and see what they think of your art work. Make sure you draw your *** off basically. also see the sticky thread under apprenticeships in http://www.everytattoo.com/tattooforum/index.php tattoo forum. Do not try and go it alone. NEVER START OUT AS A SCRATCHER.Dont buy machines or anything else because you will have no idea what you are looking for. IF the shops wont take you ask why, ask for advice how to get to that point. See if they'll even take you as a receptionist just so you get to know how a shop works.

When you start in there you need a lot of health and first aid classes. Bloodborne pathogens, CPR, and First Aid should be a minimum. Check your local red cross or DPOR for classes (online may not be valid for licensing). Ask at the local studios where they get theres. These are necessary for working in a shop in any capacity!!

You wont be paid off the bat, it takes months or even years before you can start tattooing for money unfortunately, so you may have to keep your dayjob aswell!! It is an art you are learning, not simply sticking pretty pictures on people with sharpie. We make this job look very easy but it takes a lot of hard work. You have to REALLY want it, its a lifestyle and a job that takes over your life.

Exact licensing requirements vary by state and in CA even by County.

OH and BS to what evryone will tell you about abusing apprentices. you might have to clean tubes and stuff but that can be a good learning experience.If u want it that bad ull go through it and if a studio respects u enough they wont do it.

Answer 2

All you can do is ask around I'm afraid. Go to all your local tattoo parlours (by local I mean as far as you're willing to travel) and ask if they are looking for an apprentice, and make sure to show them your portfolio. Right now a lot of people are trying to get into tattooing (blame Kat Von D I guess) so right now not many places are taking on. It helps to know somebody who's already tattooing, that could get you a foot in the door. Try networking - join groups on Facebook or whatever SN you're on, and ask about on there. Whatever you do, don't just buy a gun and some ink on Ebay and start scratching out of your living-room. No reputable tattoo artist will take you on if you do. Chances are, even if you get an apprenticeship, you won't be inking people for a good few months, so you need to be very patient. It'll pay off :) Good luck

Answer 3

I can't help on specifics, but see the below URL to get some general ideas.
All of the (real) tattoo artists I know of were artists first, so you'll need that talent just to get in the door. At 16, well... Without some stunning talent or at least some post-high school art-related schooling, it will be a challenge.

I think there will be at least some issue of you being under the age of 18 as well. Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

i also want to be a tattoo artist.i have a talent for drawing and wanted to do something that would let me express myself in that way.i bought a tattoo machine and have been practicing.alot of artist i talk to say they did the exact same thing.im giving myself at least a year of just practice before i go and try to tattoo anyone.even though ive had tons of idiots say they want me to tat them already.i will tell you that even though you can draw it doesnt mean that you can tattoo.its totally different then holding a pencil in your hand.good luck and i hope you become a great artist!

Answer 5

You need to become an artist first.....and I mean a classically trained artist. You should be able to drawn, paint....and work in more that one medium....Go to art school or college for a degree in art. Once you are an artist THEN you look for someone to apprentice you in the ends and outs of tattoo work....You have to be able to put your stuff on paper before you put in on skin.....

good luck

Answer 6

Buy yourself a tattoo gun and practice on a piece of fruit, or yourself.

Answer 7

Do somethign else artistic!