Professional Tattoo Artist Advice Pls?

Question

hi to all..

i need advice from all tattoo artists. i jus finish school and im waiting to be enlisted for national service. some of my frens tell me that ill go in at least 6 months time n some say very soon.

i wanna learn more abt tattoo too, but i hear tht i have to be a tattoo artist's apprentice first to prove tht im really into it and such.

so i need advice on whether i shld jus get a normal job for now and wait until after NS to start on being an apprentice or shld i start now and carry on later.

i wanna start now because i just cant wait to find out more abt tattooing. i also have some drawings of my own and some tht i took off the net.

so pls.. advice me well.. thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I'm a piercer, but I'm sure its similar for tattoos. Your apprenticeship would be 1-2 years, after that most shops will want you to stay and work there for up to 5 years afterwards (different shops have different times that they want you to stay after you're done, helps cut down on competition, and it gives them something back after teaching you)
Also keep in mind that it's very competitive to get an apprenticeship.
I think you would have a hard time finding anyone willing to take you on if you need to leave for 6 months, they will want someone who can do the full apprenticeship.
Wait untill you get back before trying in earnest. It doesn't hurt to go out now and get to know people, let them know you would be interested in learning when you get back.

Answer 2

"A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client". I think this extends into other professions as well, not the least of which would be tattooing. Minimally, the art would suffer due to physical restrictions - how many painters paint with their off-hand, one eye closed, gauze over the other and balanced on their toes? Can, yeah, I'm sure they can. Should is another matter entirely, and any artist who'd work on themselves I'd be a little leery of going to to work on me.

Answer 3

if i were you i would go into the shop and intruduce yourself and tell them you are looking for a job see what they say