Apprenticeship Questions.

My name is Justin, I'm currently a design student focusing on video game art, and I'm expecting to graduate in December. I know a lot of line weight and quality, and i focus a lot on tattoo art as well a conceptual art. Design work is really great but since I can remember I've had a love for tattoos and really want to do that for the rest of my life. Being in school really helped me with my art work and I plan on taking some fine arts courses after graduating to help further my knowledge in different types of art. I know that a portfolio is a key thing when getting a job in art, so my question is what kind of work do I need to put in my portfolio that would better help me gain an apprenticeship? Can i do fine art pieces, conceptual pieces such as character design, and obviously tattoo art? Also I have to pay rent and take care of myself and my fiance, and I know that you certainly dont get paid to learn to tattoo, and even sometimes you have to pay your mentor, but how can I manage to do an apprenticeship and still be able to afford to live? Is it kind of an open scheduele where I come in when I can, or do I come in and lean at night? I fear that I may not be able to persue my passion if I dont have the option to work aswell, and I I know I'll cut my self short in life if I dont at least try to be a tattoo artists. Please any comments and information would help out greatly! I'd like to hear some other people got an apprenticeship, and managed to get through it. I have a great respect for the art and do not want to be a self taught artists because I'm somewhat old school in the sense I think you need to pay your dies to learn the trade. Not bashing any self taught artists out there because i know there are a lot that actually are decent, but still id like to hear your approach to getting into the industry. Thanks -Justin

I appreciate the take back on the "self taught artists" being good. I, like you, love art...in all forms. I have found myself consumed by art the last year of my life. Enough about my life story haha. To answer your question. Most artists will look at your artistic ability. They are not going to waste their time on someone who has no talent. Some artist want to see your tattoo's you have done before they will apprentice you (ass backwards ehh). I love when I hear that. Half this industry shuns us "scratchers" and the other half tells us we need to "scratch" before they will teach us. Sorry, I went off on the preMadonnas in this industry, more commonly known as "pros". As for how they will apprentice you, that is up the whoever you ask. Most artist are just that, artists. They work to pay the bills and run a shop, plus, they have lives of their own. Look at it from their stand point. They have to sling ink all day, come home and draw for upcoming appointments. It is hard work. So some artists CAN'T take apprentices, or if they do, it will be on their watch. If you are truly interested in learning the trade...you have to be willing to do what it takes man. I know, I am apprenticing myself at the moment. So, my day is spent stenciling and scrubbing tubes and bagging tubes. Being an apprentice is NOT fun. Not to mention, the information he is teaching me, is shit you can find on the internet. Then when I get home, I am drawing for MY upcoming appointments and checking MY inventory. I also am a "scratcher", which is a term used for artists who tattoo not in a shop/studio...more generally their home. If you are still interested in joining this media of art, good for you. Commitment is the key to success. Ask local shops about if an artist is interested in taking you aboard. But do not limit your search to just local shops. Maybe your local artists are not your style. For example, if you are more into organic designs, being apprenticed by someone who specializes in old school designs will not help you. But ask around, use the internet as well. Costs vary for apprenticeships. It is a possibility that an artist will be so struck by your artistic ability, that they will trade you their services, for yours (drawing flash for them). I hope this was informative. Good luck and remember, ask around. This business isn't part time :)

#2 Scratcher, Thanks for all the info it definitely helps out. So you do an apprenticeship as well as learn on your own. How do you make a source of income in between all of that to pay the bills. One of my big concerns is working full time at a shop and not being able to afford to live. Any suggestions?

Like my handle hints...I am a "scratcher". Don't be shy to tell whoever you ask if they are accepting apprentices, that you have a full time job. Do not stress it too much though. Commitment is one of the factors they will look at. However, most artists are human, they understand you have to make a living. So, just play it by ear and shop around man. Best of luck in your search.

Thanks a lot definitely helps out a lot!

Just get a starter kit and practice on your friends. You can sterilize the needle by first dipping it into a flame and then straight in the skin. After a while you'll pick it up. Hope that helps.

Wow...I am so glad you can actually read. He was asking about an apprenticeship, not on how to tattoo. Keep your negative comments to yourself, because what you just said right there, makes you look like a "tool".