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Do you have to become an apprentice before you start tattooing?

I want to know if that’s something that I also have to do instead of just learning from an online course.

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Thank you comment icon Essentially yes. But it's like that with most skilled trades. Practice makes perfect and apprenticeship allows you to get schooling and on job training to develop your skill Where's Waldoe
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Joseph’s Answer

It is suggested that an apprenticeship be the way to enter the field of tattooing. A lot of artists and shops are big on tradition and traditionally apprenticeships are how one would become a tattoo artist. many people find ways to buy equipment and practice on themselves and friends, but the ideal way would be to find a mentor and learn before doing.

Joseph recommends the following next steps:

contact artists
contact shops
build portfolio
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Eric’s Answer

You will have a really g hard time getting a job in anyone’s shop if you haven’t been an apprentice you will have a really hard time. My friend of 25 years is now an amazing solo artist but not after at least being an apprentice for 6 months to a year. Most places will treat you quite poorly as in taking out trash and cleaning up all the messes from tattoo clean up

You will also have to pay to become someone apprentice and you also won’t be getting paid the whole time you’re apprenticing.

It’s a LOT of time and effort but if you have the skill and the drive to do it then I would 100% recommend becoming an apprentice for a least 6 months with a shop. Most shops will hire you after you finish your apprenticeship.

Best of luck
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Audrey !

Yes, you will have to be chosen for and do an apprenticeship at an already established tattoo salon. Tattooing has gotten rather competitive so I will advise you on the preferred path for becoming a professional tattoo artist.

Unfortunately, I would not suggest doing online learning for this career, rather my advice is to go to college and major in art with a minor in business. While in college, you will study the many facets of drawing and techniques and additionally important, be able to network and make contacts that will know you when it comes time to be chosen for an apprenticeship. You will also have to be 18 or older in most states to start working as a tattoo artist. It takes a bit of time to learn everything one needs to know about tattooing because it's not just drawing and applying ink.

I caution you that it is very important that you do not start working on people or yourself until you have been educated and fully trained with supervision on all aspects of applying ink to skin. Many bloodborne illnesses can occur. Do a search online to read more about it.

I would advise going in person to a professional, accredited tattoo school if you do not want to go to college for preparation. There aren't that many schools, but you can do a search on line to find one and decide if it's what you'd want to do. Whenever you do hands on work on people, you should never do an online study, it should always be in person with instructors that guide and help you.

I hope that this can give you some insight about the preparation process and I wish you all the best !
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