Breaking into the tattoo industry can be a difficult task – and as time goes on, and tools continue to improve, opportunities are only going to get more and more competitive.
For the vast majority of those wanting to get into tattooing, an apprenticeship is the most logical, safest and easiest way to break through. But there’s a lot you’ll need to do to secure your apprenticeship, and then a lot of work during it before you get to call yourself a tattoo artist!
Read on for more on finding the perfect apprenticeship for you, plus advice from our sponsored artists and studios on the mindset, skills and perseverance you’ll need to succeed.
What is a Tattoo Apprenticeship?
If you’re looking to join the tattoo industry, an apprenticeship is a tried and tested method of learning everything you need to know about tattooing with hands-on experience!
Typically, an apprentice tattoo artist will work for a specific studio and may essentially work as an assistant for one or more professional tattoo artists. Every apprenticeship is different, but in the UK it must be done with a registered tattoo artist or studio.
In some apprenticeships you’ll spend the first six to twelve months making teas and coffees, cleaning, and assisting other artists. The amount of instruction you get from your mentor might vary drastically, and while it’s common to set expectations around the length of your apprenticeship, this will always be subject to change.
Some studios have a habit of taking on tattoo apprentices essentially as free labour, keeping the apprentices to menial, non-tattooing work and extending their trial period indefinitely. If your apprenticeship isn’t progressing at the rate you’d imagined, you should speak to your mentor or start looking for another position!
Tattoo apprenticeship laws and customs will vary by country, and perhaps local authority, so do some research yourself to make sure you know exactly how to stay on the right side of the law!
What Will I Learn In My Apprenticeship?
Tattooing is a complex profession and there’s a lot you’ll need to learn!
Usually you’ll start with the basics – hygiene and drawing skills. Long before you ever touch needle to skin you’ll be educated on the risks of cross-contamination, how to prepare your workstation and tools, and the products you’ll need to keep yourself and your customers safe. Keeping the studio sterile will soon become an important part of your daily life!
Drawing practice will usually involve repeating lines, circles or simple shapes over and over until their creation becomes muscle memory. You’ll then start developing your own designs and styles.
As your drawing progresses, you’ll likely move onto using practice skin. This fake skin allows you to start practising with a tattoo machine – either one of your own or one borrowed from the studio or mentor – so that you can get used to working with machines, needles and inks. This is the best way to understand the tools you’ll want to use throughout your career.
And while your tattooing skills develop, you’ll also learn about client interaction – such as how to set prices, manage bookings, and set expectations – as well as tattoo aftercare. Never forget that tattooing is a people-first industry, and your ability to talk with clients is essential to your success!
How Do You Get a Tattoo Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are few and far between, as you’re asking an experienced tattoo artist to take time out of their schedule to teach you the essentials like how to use machines, which stroke lengths to use, and what hygiene is essential.
Most tattoo studios will want to see a portfolio of your drawings before even considering you for an apprenticeship – you’ll need to display some artistic ability, and ideally some creativity in designing tattoos. While you certainly can become an artist who only ever tattoos basic flash designs, more distinctly stylised artists will have a much easier time finding work. The work in your tattoo apprentice portfolio should be high quality and well-presented.
Ideally you’ll show a passion for diverse artwork – try out different media and style, and research different tattoo styles to ensure you’re not focusing too much on just one style. You can settle into a niche later in your career, but for now you need to be as open as possible and try a bit of everything.
You may also be asked for a CV or cover letter, usually to ensure your work ethic. The studio or artist will want to know why you’re going into this career, if you have any prior experience in related industries, and may want references to ensure you’re a hard worker.
In the UK, you are not considered a qualified tattoo artist until you’ve had supervised, practical experience at a registered studio. You’ll also need to be over 18, registered with the local council for your license, and vaccinated against hepatitis B.
Do I Need To Be Tattooed?
There’s no legal requirement for a tattoo artist to be tattooed themselves – however, customers may prefer to be tattooed by someone with a clear interest in the industry, who knows the tattoo process from both sides of the needle. Finding a tattoo art apprenticeship is likely to be easier for people with visible tattoos.
Do Tattoo Apprentices Get Paid?
Not all apprenticeships are equal, and not all will pay. You have to think of it like school or education – you don’t get paid for those either, and this is just another form of education. Some studios will provide a low wage to make up for the fact that their apprentices do a lot of the grunt work like making teas and coffees, dealing with customers, and cleaning. Others will consider the work and opportunity payment enough!
If you absolutely cannot survive on a low or no wage apprenticeship, you’ll need a secondary source of income throughout your apprenticeship. As tattoo apprenticeships have no fixed length of time, you could be working two jobs for several years!
How to Build Connections
As established, tattoo apprenticeships can be hard to find, and it can be even harder to plead your case with the studio or artist!
You can help your cause by immersing yourself in the tattoo industry, going to tattoo conventions and workshops, engaging with artists on social media and getting tattooed by artists you respect. The sooner your name is known, the easier it’ll be to find opportunities!
It’s important that whenever you’re dealing with other people in the industry you present yourself as someone who’s passionate about their work, has a good work ethic and is in it for the long run. Anyone looking for shortcuts or with a bad attitude will struggle to find artists to take them on!
Advice for Apprentices
Over the years we’ve spoken to various artists and studios to get their advice on how wannabe tattoo artists can pursue their dream!
These owners and managers of tattoo studios had this to say about what they look for in apprentices:
Billy, owner of La Machine Infernale: “If it’s an apprentice I don’t care about the level of skill or experience they have, the most important thing for me is that they need to be a real, passionate, and dedicated artist. Hard work pays off!”
Alexandra, studio manager at Abrakadavra: “We prioritise artists who demonstrate a fervent dedication to their craft and ongoing personal growth, coupled with commitment to integrity and trustworthiness in their interactions both professionally and personally.”
Nikole Lowe, owner of Good Times: “We prioritise personality fit, strong work ethics, and a passion for creativity. Music taste is also important for fostering a positive atmosphere in our studio.”
Anna, studio manager at Semper Tattoo: “We look for artists with a unique style, enthusiasm for their craft, and who fit in well with the team.”
Tattoo artists on the importance of hygiene in your tattooing apprenticeship:
Makkala Rose: “First off – before you tattoo anyone, ever, learn about how to safely handle bloodborne pathogens. There are plenty of online courses and I strongly encourage anyone considering the craft to upskill and learn as much as you can about the subject…learn how to keep yourself and your clients safe. Then focus on the art.”
Veda Ink: “1. Draw everyday. 2. Learn about the medical aspects of tattooing like skin types, cross-contamination and hygiene.”
On hard work and taking your time:
Void Vitriol: “I’d say don’t rush, learning takes its time. Be patient and persistent.”
Ruben Langsted: “Tattooing is about mileage – focus on where you are right now and enjoy the bumpy ride.”
Josh Hurrell: “I see it a lot nowadays where people want to fast track the process to making money, but really, tattooing takes time. Experience is the most valuable tool a tattooer can implement, and that’s not something you learn. It’s something you earn. “
Sudanim: “Work harder than everyone. Study harder than everyone. Be more professional than everyone. Be the first one in and last one to leave every day. Make sure your time is spent productively. Ask all the questions you can – all knowledge is good knowledge.”
Helen Warren: “I would advise them to watch and listen, take it all in. Practise and persevere: it will come together but there will be hard work, and you have to put the hours in.”
Advice for anyone looking for an apprenticeship:
Igor Mitrenga: “Everyone should realise that even if tattooing looks like fun on the outside, you need to be aware of the great responsibility involved. After all, this is a tattoo that stays with people for life, and there is no room for any mistakes.”
Daria Stahp: “You have to make room for social media and try to not hate it from the beginning. Many great tattoo artists struggle with getting clients because they don’t take care of their socials, and this is the best portfolio that we can have these days.”
On creating your tattoo portfolio for apprenticeship:
Joshua Beatson: “Be better than everyone else, and don’t go into a studio with a portfolio of digital drawings, because that isn’t impressing anyone. Work hard, get a solid portfolio of traditionally drawn pieces, go get tattooed by artists you want to learn from, and show them your work!”
