There is a tattoo shop in my neighborhood offering free tattoos if you let their apprentice do it. I guess I would, but where would I have them put it incase this newbie screws up?
2007-05-10 01:28:22 · 29 answers · asked by Jill S 5 in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body ➔ Tattoos
Every tattoo artist has to start out as an apprentice, so it seems hypocritical to say you'll get a tattoo, but only by a veteran.
The thing is, it is still risky. In my experience, apprentice tattoo artists work a lot on themselves--if they aren't willing to ink themselves, then no, I wouldn't do it. If they have inked themselves, take a look -- this is a good way to judge -- it is *hard* to tattoo one's own body, not only because of the pain/keeping a steady hand, but also because of perspective and odd angles.
If that looks good, your next step is to discuss, in depth, precisely what you want. You should go with something simple and w/clean lines--that way, if he messes up, you can have another artist clean it up/fix it. Also, that way, if it starts to look bad, you can have him stop and have it adapted into something else by someone else later. Watching him do any sketches/adaptations is a good way to see his artistic ability first hand, which is important for a tattoo artist.
Finally--a tattoo is going to be there your entire life. It is a worthwhile investment. So if you're only considering doing this because you don't want to spend the cash, don't be cheap. There are plenty of excellent tattoo artists who will give fair prices. Shop around.
2007-05-10 02:02:48 · answer #1 · answered by Thursday 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Free Tattoo Apprenticeship
2016-10-30 06:30:29 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I wouldn't do it, even for free. But alot of tattooists have probably an apprentice at some point, so they've got to start somewhere. If you do it see how long the apprentice has been an apprentice, if they have anything to show and talk to the tattooist they work under to see what they think. Also put it somewhere no one will see it in case he/she messes up. And don't have real high expectations that it's going to be good. Good luck!
2007-05-10 04:51:02 · answer #3 · answered by tweenklegirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't do it, but I'm pretty conservative when it comes to a permanent alteration of my body. Also, I've seen a bad tattoo first hand: a friend actually *paid* someone who either didn't know what he was doing or who used lousy inks: in addition to messing up the design, the ink is now all faded and blurry.
I say, if you want a nice tattoo, do your research: find an experienced place with a great reputation. You'll pay more for it, but in five years, your tattoo will still look good.
2007-05-10 01:33:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow that's a scary question. I would have to see the apprentices work, just because they are new doesn't necessarily mean they are not talented. But it would have to be a GREAT portfolio before I let them tattoo me, even for free. I am very concerned about who inks me after my first tattoo turned out the way it did!!
2007-05-10 04:20:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good shop won't let their apprentice do anything they feel is too difficult for them.
My ex-boyfriend was an apprentice and he was very carefully watched when he was doing a tattoo. The only time they let him go free-will was an easy conji, heart, or something simple.
Check it out and if you don't feel comfortable then don't do it.
2007-05-10 05:46:42 · answer #6 · answered by swimbike21 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
im actually apprenticing right now and i could not believe how many people wanted me to give them a tattoo.people were asking before i even knew how to set up my machine!!ya crazzy!!i dont think i would let an apprentice do work on me unless i had seen a portfolio of other work.and only if the tattoo shop was willing to fix the tattoo if it got screwed up real bad!!!i know thats not saying much about myself being an apprentice and all but thats permanent stuff!!
2007-05-10 04:20:58 · answer #7 · answered by these r my people 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had my 2nd tatt done by someone's apprentice, but he had been an apprentice for 2 years, and had done other tatts before mine. I seen his work, it looked good so I let him do it. It actually turned out great and I have no regrets. I would want to see somehthing he did before getting it done, but yea why not. It's free, get something small, maybe on your hip so if it doesn't turn out well it can be covered easily. But def. look at his work so far before getting it done. You have to think, every seasoned artist, was once someone's apprentice, how else are they suppose to improve their skills.
2007-05-10 01:37:43 · answer #8 · answered by catmomiam 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Everyone deserves a fair shot....but a tattoo is something that you can't wash off if he does a bad job.....
If you really want to give the guy a chance, do something VERY small and in a very discrete place... Hip, Butt, Lower stomach. Maybe get your initials in some fancy script. That is pretty easy for them to do.
If he does a good job then maybe get another.
Better idea,,,, go and watch him do a few before you make up your mind. See his work. Then make the final decision.
Me... I love my tattoo's but I would perfer having a tenured vetern do mine!
2007-05-10 01:36:33 · answer #9 · answered by me a 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Probably not, personally.
BUT.... if this person has evidence of a good volume quality work (testimonials and portfolio), maybe. An apprenticeship can be more like a junior staff position in a tattoo shop sometimes. Experience counts for a lot, but great skill combined with a little solid experience can still be OK.
Go with your gut. If you like his/her work so far, it's not out of the question.
2007-05-10 01:34:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋