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majik_6 · 02-03-2004, 01:46 AM

This weekend I spent a good bit of time talking to a few tattoo artists (one I've known much longer than he's been tattooing), and I've started thinking about trying for an apprenticeship. I wanted to tattoo a few years back, but I was too young to even get any ink myself, so I put those plans on the back burner. Now that I'm older and a better artist (still need work, though) I'm starting to give serious consideration to the idea of tattooing professionally.

While I was talking to the two artists, however, I got a couple of offers:

A. the artist I've known forever, who's good, but only recently started tattooing full-time, offered me a definite apprenticeship for $5000

B. The other artist, who I haven't known for very long (obviously I'd have to get to know him better) is one of the best in the state. Although he didn't offer anything definite, he (as well as the artist that worked for him) alluded to the possibility of an apprenticeship for $3000.

Like I said, he didn't outright offer it to me. What happened, is that I asked exactly what solution they used to wipe down my arm to which they replied "Three thousand bucks and you'll find out!" That same answer was used SEVERAL times whenever I'd ask a question about the process of tattooing.

This weekend I started realizing that I could theoretically do my apprenticeship starting next year, and be finished roughly the same time I'd graduate art school (therefore securing me a job after graduation).

Is anyone here (or has anyone here been) a tattoo artist?

If so:

What did your apprenticeship consist of?

If you don't mind, what did you have to pay (ballpark figure), if it was a paid apprenticeship?

How long till you were able to tattoo customers?

Is the job all you thought it'd be?

I'd appreciate any advice.

I'm going to try and cultivate a closer relationship with the tattooist in example b (aka, get more work from him, start hanging around the shop a little more), and see where that goes.

Thanks.

02-03-2004, 01:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
majik_6 narcissist Location: looking in a mirror	Tattooing for a Living This weekend I spent a good bit of time talking to a few tattoo artists (one I've known much longer than he's been tattooing), and I've started thinking about trying for an apprenticeship. I wanted to tattoo a few years back, but I was too young to even get any ink myself, so I put those plans on the back burner. Now that I'm older and a better artist (still need work, though) I'm starting to give serious consideration to the idea of tattooing professionally. While I was talking to the two artists, however, I got a couple of offers: A. the artist I've known forever, who's good, but only recently started tattooing full-time, offered me a definite apprenticeship for $5000 B. The other artist, who I haven't known for very long (obviously I'd have to get to know him better) is one of the best in the state. Although he didn't offer anything definite, he (as well as the artist that worked for him) alluded to the possibility of an apprenticeship for $3000. Like I said, he didn't outright offer it to me. What happened, is that I asked exactly what solution they used to wipe down my arm to which they replied "Three thousand bucks and you'll find out!" That same answer was used SEVERAL times whenever I'd ask a question about the process of tattooing. This weekend I started realizing that I could theoretically do my apprenticeship starting next year, and be finished roughly the same time I'd graduate art school (therefore securing me a job after graduation). Is anyone here (or has anyone here been) a tattoo artist? If so: What did your apprenticeship consist of? If you don't mind, what did you have to pay (ballpark figure), if it was a paid apprenticeship? How long till you were able to tattoo customers? Is the job all you thought it'd be? I'd appreciate any advice. I'm going to try and cultivate a closer relationship with the tattooist in example b (aka, get more work from him, start hanging around the shop a little more), and see where that goes. Thanks. __________________ it's all about self-indulgence