Tattoo Apprentiship Info

Alright, I've been designing tattoos for friends and for myself for a few years, I'm 16 and a Junior in High School. I have been looking into apprentiship's for tattoing, but I can't get any really stright answers. I've talked to a few people, one said I could apprentice for him for at least the 2 years until I can tattoo for $10,000 but another said that was ridiculous and wants to see my portfolio before he gives me any more information. Can someone please tell me the details (yes I know they will vary) of apprentiships? Cost, time, what I will be doing, and do I get paid? I've heard costs ranging from $5000-$10,000, but I have gotten no information on anything else from anybody. They don't really seem to want to discuss it until they see my portfolio. This would be greatly appreciated. ~Feli

Thats because the most important ingredient in tattooing is art. The proper answer is "Here is my killer portfolio". That might take a while, so keep drawing all day every day. Cant wait to see some of your work.

~smiles~ Thanks. I love the art, the only reason I'm asking is because right now I'm trying to make ends meet. I currently don't have a job, thus I am obviously worried about the money issues. I wouldn't have brought it up... but I really needed to know. Guess I'll just go bookin' wiht my portfolio! ^_-"

there are a zillion deals. Basically, the better your portfolio the cheaper the apprenticeship. And research tattoos and tattoo artists every day. Its a long road, though, especially if you do it the right way. Its hard to put food on the table with art, but if you can pay yer dues you can do it. In the end, you will have to get better every day, so stop reading silly message-boards and go create art! And get great tattoos by great artists when your old enough. If your a great artist with a killer portfolio getting tattooed by respected artists and work hard and honest every day, you will learn the proper way to tattoo.

16 years old and in junior high school and worrying about making ends meat.Okay where do I begin,being an appretice is hard work with no pay long hours and the only reward for this is knowing that in a year or two,or maybe more you wil be able to tattoo.Most people nowadays don't have what it takes to stick with it.My advice would be to stay in school and don't be a fool.Get a good education when you turn 18 start to get some tattoos because tou can't tattoo without tattoos and that is the best way to get in good with someone and let them know you are serious and continue to create good art and build up your portfolio and for now find an artist whose work you like and start to get to know them and let them know what you are thinking and most artists I would think wouldn't bother until you are at least 18.Good luck and a word of advice tattooing is not easy either you have it or you don't just because you draw well doesn't mean you will be able to tattoo it is hard work and money doesn't come that easily either so don't think your going to get rich..

stay focused on your art MAKE IT GOOD ENOUGH TO GET A SCHOLAR SHIP keep going maybe by the time ya get to college you will have landed a spot in or for a shop selling flash or getting paid for drawing ideas up however the making ends meet well if your on your own at this point in life which does happen to some then just keep focused on that art and do it when you can this is not a way of life for everyone it has its ups and downs just like all does but if you stay focused keep to your goals and keep strong you will get there

Maybe I should explain more. I going to be staying in school, and plan to get several scholarships. I'm looking into the tattoo line because I want to get a graphics art degree (my father's wish) and that is something I would enjoy. I think that as an apprentice perhaps I could get a job to also help pay for college. After college I will be opening a bar. I'm worried about making ends meet because my father is recently desceased, which brought the count in a five bedroom house from 7-8 down to 2. My mother and I are having problems with our income (even using life inssurance and social security checks) to pay the bills. Understandably I could be worried about monetary issues. If nothing else I could at least create designs for people, as I have been doing. Please try to understand I'm not a 16 year old that is a complete blonde and doesn't want to work at school for a good life and just wants an easy way out. I'm trying to make the best out of a hard time. Please forgive if it appears I asked unneccessary questions. ~Feli

grr bad times have hit ya i wish they wouldnt happen to any of us at all my sincere condolonces for the loss keep up the art make up a set of tattoo flash and see if ya can make some money selling the sets its just a thought here sorry if i misread you post there bud. as far as a apprenticeship goes you will more than likely make no money whatsoever during the stent thats just the way it is in this buiss but keep to your dreams man keep strong and you will suceed best of luck