"This is why Tattoo Apprenticeships are Dying" |
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 พ.ค. 2023
- Welcome back to another Tattooing 101 Podcast episode! This episode is a little special because we have Nathan Molenaar in person! He flew out to the USA so we could film some podcasts together and it's his first time in the US. So for this episode we're going to be talking about why tattoo apprenticeships are dying out and if you do want to get one, how to avoid getting scammed by bad tattoo studios, the reality of an apprenticeship, and why online learning is the future.
If you like videos like these, don't forget to comment and subscribe to stay tuned for more content!
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I tried to find an apprenticeship, and of the few artists I thought were worth learning from turned me down, I got discouraged for a while. Then I thought I've been drawing all my life and I'm a pretty good artist objectively, so I taught myself. I do think my progress would have been helped a lot, but it's so important to me to get better and view myself as an equal to those I look up to. I'm 4 years in now, and I still have the drive to learn every day and invest in myself and my equipment. When I do get to the point where I feel like a equal to my betters and decide to take on a apprentice, I will make a curriculum and treat them like my child since I will probably only have one or two ever. I want them to be my art legacy.
What’s your IG? Would Lille to see you progress I’m also self taught. 3 years in
Same
Hopefully they appreciate it!
Arrogant "artists" gatekeeping is why it's dying. The internet opened things up for the "good guys" to share their knowledge and circumvent the toxic community.
Millennial kids complaining about having to work? Sounds like you had some valuable lessons in how to run a shop, sanitize and earn a living and had a temper tantrum about it.
@@AdamAWarren someone is sad they lost their free slaves. 😂😂
@@BabyJesus66 People who can't do, teach. Why would anyone submit themselves as a slave in the first place? You're triggered on TH-cam I don't expect you to understand.
Definitely gatekeeping crabs in a bucket type thing
@Adam time doesn't stop and things never stop evolving in all aspects of life. You should be happy people can become tattooers without having to take shit from shitty people. Sorry you had to deal with that but I have respect for myself and believe I can teach myself all that.
I started my tattoo journey at 30 with 2 kids. I learned so much from you guys. I was able to make friends with an artist that was tattooing me and he just let me hang around and learn from him small tips and tricks. Booked him for my first client next week!! You guys are really opening up the world.
It’s such a backlash towards self-taught tattooers and at the same time so many online courses… love seeing stories of ppl who left their boring jobs and persuading the dream at any age. I’m one of them. Learning and soaking all the info, practicing and yet read on some pages (Reddit) that tattoo shops won’t take you to work after being self-taught or won’t even take you seriously even when you have great portfolio, as apparently us self-taught artists, we developed bad habits that wouldn’t happened working as apprentice.. The more I read about it the more I feel like going in circles.. it’s so discouraging
My plan is to get good enough to open my own spot no matter how long that takes.
Thank you guys from breaking the cycle of abuse in apprenticeships, In my opinion there is so much information out there, and I have friends that have learned to tattoo without having to go through that shit and now they are tattooing really well. Nowadays I don't think you have to clean toilets to start tattooing, and thank you for being one of those people that actually teach people well. keep it up!
Did an apprenticeship at age 30. I was determined to prove it’s not too late. Gave up 12 year career to do it. Do have a family and a house. I definitely recommend saving up a lot of money before doing so. I drove 2hrs each way to the shop. Daily, till my car couldn’t any more. Eventually found a shop near where I live. Takes forever to get clients built up. Also seen paid apprentice not learn anything from the mentor. And seen free one turn out great. I think it depends on a person
You 1000% have to make a great impression. I’m 21 and I’ve done maybe 12 tattoos so far and about a year and a half in. If you call the shop asking for an apprenticeship you’re gonna get laughed at. I spent about 2 years nonstop building my portfolio, stressing and deteriorating and even had a kidney stone at 19 because I wanted it so bad and wasn’t taking care of myself at all. 1st day of shop hopping i didn’t even bother going in because the shops I went to were absolutely disgusting and smelled like a crack den. It took about 16 shops for me to hit the jackpot and only 4 took me semi serious. The second I walked into the final shop I knew that it was gonna be the one. Great reviews the shop was clean and the owners had good energy. The part I was most stressed about was not having enough money because m&t only let me take out $2500 which I was extremely aggravated about. Walked in there with confidence flying out of my pores and straightened my posture up. I have bad anxiety and getting an apprenticeship made me open up more. I never looked anybody in the eyes up until that day and I knew I had to cut the body language out. After an hour of the owners talking with me they shook my hand and said they loved my attitude. Obviously there’s a lot of people trying to get apprentices that are huge bullshitters and I knew I had to step it up. Loved my portfolio and could tell that I was serious about it. I pulled the $2500 out of my pocket and started stressing about how I knew that it wasn’t enough but it was better than $0 and they told me the apprenticeship was free and it knocked the wind out of me😂 I was definitely looking for a kinda old school apprenticeship not to tough and not too soft on me and I definitely found the perfect happy-medium. When we went over everything and drug tested me (which I’m glad they did after seeing the condition of other shops) I almost puked and shed a few tears😂 I was basically annoyed that the apprentice was free and was trying to get them to take my money. But instead I got my fingers tatted for free and tipped him $800. A week later I went to the shop all calm after I almost puked and was on the verge of a heart attack and now a year and a half later it’s going great! I’m pretty sure what made them take me serious was when they asked what I was gonna do if it didn’t work out and I said to them with the biggest grin on my face “I’m gonna go get a pedicure and a ring light and sign my morals away”😂
Thanks for sharing the story. You in the States? If so what state?
You need therapy bud. It helps
@@STAY-GOLD-VINYL You need to get a job
@@BM-pt6sy New York
Whoa...that was utterly exhausting just reading that lmao...and take care of your health and drink more water...youre WAY too young to be having kidney stones...stress likely didnt cause that
I'm 34 and always wanted to be a tattoo artist since I can remember, but was always too scared of the hazing in apprentice culture. I'm only now starting to learn and actually explore this dream career thanks to people like you guys. And I used this time wisely; I multitasked practicing drawing a page of traditional roses while I listened!
That’s why we have tattooing 101 to teach us…I’m barely getting into tattooing and this guys here literally teach us everything we need to know about tattooing.and tbh you can learn a lot faster by yourself bcus you’re not so paranoid and nervous about ppl watching you and making mistakes…thank you guys for everything you teach us in this channel!🙏🏽
Appreciate the love and support man! This is why we do what we do, to help aspiring tattoo artists get in the industry
Thank you so much for posting this!! I’m so happy these conversations are finally being had on a mainstream level now. After looking for an apprenticeship for about 3 years, I finally gave up and started my self teaching journey. I know how to draw I literally have an art degree lol i just needed someone to teach me about the technical aspect and how to properly handle the different machines, the proper process techniques in general, cleanliness, ect. Every time I asked an artist or a shop I was always rejected, and whenever i asked them if they could offer any advice on how to get an apprenticeship, I was always told the same bs vague answer of “oh just keep drawing and trying” wow. So helpful. one artist told me “honestly, you just have to be really annoying and persistent” That answer was my final straw before I started self teaching lol. I am two years from 30, tf I look like begging someone for a chance like I’m 16?? Also free labor?? We are literally in a RECESSION and unfortunately will be for god knows how long! To ask someone to work for free is honestly evil in my opinion. From my own experience and perspective, I feel like I am already working from the very bottom since I’m a black woman, and there are already so little of us in the industry that I have seen (which luckily IS changing slowly but surely but yea). I have also only heard horror stories from women who went through “proper” apprenticeships and how the experience really traumatized them in different ways. Honestly it reminds me a lot of college hazing for fraternities/sororities which I cannot STAND. and whats worse is when some artists have gone through awful apprenticeships and then turn around and bully and condemn other artists who didn’t go through an apprenticeship. It gives off weird brainwashed vibes, very culty. Very weird. I tried to do things the “right” way and it just didn’t work out like that but it’s fine because things have definitely been working out since I’ve started to do things my way. However, I do get sad sometime when I realize that I most likely may never be able to work in a shop because I’ve heard most shops won’t hire you if you didn’t have an apprenticeship. So that makes me a bit sad but that’s okay, my end goal dream is to have a private studio anyway but I do wish I could experience the community aspect of working in a shop but oh well. So yea thanks for making this video! It has made me feel more confident in my decision to take a less traveled path in this industry! I have so much respect for this channel and you guys! Cheers from Baltimore! :)
Just lie and say you did an apprenticeship in some other town 10 years ago. 😂😂
@@BabyJesus66its not as easy as it looks. You need proof of some sort.
THANK YOU! As also a black woman I found most shops either never gave me the time of day, or were intimidated by my art skills. I had another female black friend get an apprenticeship and it only took a few months before she ended up leaving due to disrespect. About 2/3 of the shops here in Nevada's advice to me was to learn at home because they all did. Half the shops in Nevada want 5k for an apprenticeship and they warn me they're scams. We really gotta be looking out for ourselves out here ❤
I really enjoyed watching this. I am not an apprentice anywhere because I have a career that pays the bills well and I can't afford giving up the stability my spouse/kids need for my personal enrichment. I love art in general (play guitar, did photography, drawing, painting, writing, etc etc etc) and got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday (literally the first thing I did after I got my new ID). I've always loved tattoos and tattoo art but never really fit in to the culture surrounding tattooing. I doubt anyone will give me an apprenticeship due to my not wanting to "commit" to making the art my primary source of income, but I regularly watch your videos with the intent of learning and creating regardless. Thanks for the great content, fellas!
My first thought on becoming a tattoo artist myself was while i got my 3rd tattoo..ich just asked the tattooer what woud be a good way to learn how to tattoo? and he said well you coud try to find a shop to teach you but be prepared to search forever and have a high risk of learning nothing and waste your time...like high risk high reward...or do it like him and gather 150% motivation and dedication,start to learn EVERYTHING you can find aboud the theorie like about needles,hygiene,maschines etc and after like 3 month of learning everything you can find just buy a maschine,a bottle black and some fake skin and start to practice and i was like okay so learning everything from scratch without someone who can correct me if im wrong? and he was like sure you will learn slower by yourself then you woud in a GOOD apprenticeship BUT you WILL learn slow but steady and thats the route i chose
Wow… what you guys are saying is echoing exactly how i feel about tattoo apprenticeships. And honestly this is not something that people express openly so for one i feel very understood. The financial hardships and the toxic culture… really no one talks about it
Really enjoyed this discussion! I had 8 months of an in person apprenticeship and I went in with really none of these expectations or concerns and now that I’m looking for an apprenticeship again discussions like these help me figure out where to start again 💕
Nice to read everyone's experiences. Im a self thaught tattooist/ i did some kind of a apprenticeship for 1 year. But i learned the biggest part by looking on youtube. I Started from home one pig skin , after that my own legs , than i found someone that dind give a shit about "crappy tattoos". When i had enough skills and some costumers i send a message to the tattooer that tattooed me allways. I took my costumers to him and tattooed there for 1 year, in exchange for his teachings. I dind felt at home in his shop so we seperated. Now i got my own small private studio and building my dream further. I started when i was 30 , im now 32 (allmost 33) its never to late to learn this beautifull craft 🙏🙏🙏
My apprenticeship experience was quite the norm in those days (started in late 1999), the only time I touched a machine was cleaning the machine and putting it where it should be, really started to tattoo on an orange after 4 months I think, sweeping floors, and cleaning the stations, toilet sometimes was all I did before and my Mentor being the same age as I am now was a good man, as an excuse he used to let me hold the light so I can watch him tattoo, helping him make tattoo needles etc, since he was not the owner he convinced the owner to let me work in the shop after my apprenticeship, I don't know how many monolíthic and kanji type tattoos I have on my right thigh which I practiced on myself before I really tattooed on a client, now we have online tattoo classes from genuine tattoo artist for less than 5$ a month which I think is great with a pre tuned rotary machines and pens, but that don't take away the importance of having a mentor/being an apprentice, another great content, keep up the great work Brandon🤘🏻
I just want to say that this was a awesome podcast .awesome tips and very helpful so thank yall m
I want an apprenticeship so bad just started tattoos too
Keep working on your drawings and designs for your portfolio! You got this 👊🏼
Thanks for all the help and info, you guys are the best 🔥
I'm starting to learn to tattoo by myself at 40, with two kids and while relocating to the interior of the country. It's a very daunting experience and what I feel is one of the biggest hurdles is not the motivation but what I should be focusing on to better myself, you get doubts on everything you try to do. I'm a mediocre artist and try to divide my time between improving my drawing skills and improving on the practice of tattooing. Sometimes I wander if I should be focusing solely on the tattooing part, but I've learned quite a bit on the drawing side by investing my time on it, be it color theory, line weights, or shading. I know this will improve my tattoos in terms of design and knowledge is never a waste but I'd really could use someone to guide me. Am I tattooing at the right depth and speed? Should I invest in a better tattoo machine? (I have those cheap coil machines that come in a begginners kit) Why do the lines always seem to be a bit scratchy even when I turn up the voltage or slow down my hand? One thing I'm sure, I will be a tattoo artist, no matter what it takes. I'm gambling on myself at this age but I can't imagine myself not following my dream and being forced to go back to the type of job I used to do. Cheers on the podcast and for all the information you put out there, you have been one of my main sources of information to improve, that's priceless. Sorry for the big testament. Much love! ❤
I feel seen!!! Thank you for posting this.
Great video insight I've had an apprenticeship, and they are so on point with all this. My biggest issues was the pressure put on me they wanted me to do things I weren't comfortable with but at the same time they believed in my ability and wanted me to improve. But I'd rather take longer to improve than deal with the pressure. My mentor didn't have time to really teach me coz he was grinding everyday and his business was and still is booming.
what an awesome interview! both these artists are great i love them!! :D
So many artists take advantage of apprenticeships here in the United States. Using people as errand boys/girls, & not being serious at all. Apprenticeships can be great with the right shop or person, which are far and few between. States, such as mine (New Mexico) you are forced to do 8 hrs a day, 5 days a week, for 8 months to even be CONSIDERED to apply for a license which is ABSOLUTE BS! Most shops and artists don't give 2 💩's about it.
Unfortunately thats the sad reality of these traditional apprenticeships. Nathan and I had to go through similar experiences as well and it's why we're so passionate about Tattooing 101!
I love the videos, super informative!! Brandon, we share the same bday!! Different year I'm sure, but same day!! Yall keep up the good work!!
Great video! I have no tattoos and don't want to be a tattoo artist, but this video was great to listen to and learn about the culture. This is a great channel.
Have a good one
Thanks for your support! Hope you managed to learn abit more about the industry and culture
I appreciate the legitimacy of your videos definitely transparent
God this is so accurate. Exactly what I went through, my apprenticeship left such a bad taste in my mouth about the industry
I enjoyed this watch. I like how open you are with your experiences. This video can really help an aspiring tattooer on how they can go about getting an apprenticeship. My shop where I’m at we only offer free apprenticeships. Let me tell you these guys/girls have to put in some serious work. So seeing this perspective really was nice.
I’m 39, I’ve been a “professional artist” for the past 10 years but with regular acrylic paint and airbrushing. I’ve invested thousands of dollars into tattooing and I am 100% relying on my experience as an artist in a whole nother medium. I can make great money just painting but there’s something about tattooing that just lights a fire in me to get good at it. The process of doing a tattoo is relaxing. I am not seeking an apprenticeship with anyone, TH-cam and online classes are fine, there’s soooo many resources.
Thanks for your time. I could follow the sequential order of the start.
So much info yall!! TY!
Make the tattoo world better! 🤗 Thank you so much!
Lotta hard truths here. Thanks for sharing
As someone who had a horrible apprenticeship. I’m glad that thing are changing for the better.
So basically…most “veteran” artists enslave their apprentices for years instead of teaching them the science of tattooing. Copy
In 2023, most of things needed to be an artist takes your self discipline and dedication to the craft. Research your states or countries criteria for certification and become a student of the art.
Wow! This is the total opposite of my tattoo apprenticeship. I’m in Australia. I’m almost through my first year as an apprentice working in a tattoo studio. I jumped in the deep end. I did my first tattoo after being in the shop after a few months. I now have my own tattoo station in our studio. I have my own regular clients that I tattoo. I only get paid for the the tattoos for I do, and I pay a commission to the boss, and I have a decent weekly income. But in saying that, I have my boss who is awesome, he’s supportive and a fantastic teacher. I also have a senior tattooist and she helps me and gives me loads of advice and tips and checks my work. I’m 50 years old (started at 49), and have found the best workplace if ever been in. I work hard. I’m always grateful to my senior tattooists because they share their knowledge, so I try and buy them lunch when I’m working on the same day as them. I can work my own hours, and also have my own set of keys to the studio. Geez, I could keep going with a huge list of stuff that is great about my work place. I have to say though, trying to fit in to a new workplace, expressing your gratitude to your senior artists/teachers (even though I’m the oldest in the studio), showing respect to your co-workers goes a long, long, long way. I’m only a first year tattoo apprentice, but I’m 50 years old, so here’s a tip. Work smart, take the initiative, push to start tattooing, seize opportunities, follow up with potential clients. Do what you can to bring customers into the shop. Even taking a $50 tattoo matters, because your boss is watching. I have even chosen my own hourly rate.
My guess is a lot of the respect is probably due to your age. They're probably a lot more comfortable being in their 30s, bossing around 19 year olds, and telling them to clean their toilets, compared to a 50 year old... but I'm sure there are good shops out there to apprentice in.
Wow what a dream. Thank you for sharing your wisdom 🙏 I have many fears going into this your definitely inspired me.
Amazing I’m 34 and was worried so much about my age that I would be laughed at when asking for an apprenticeship. You just gave me hope!
Thank you for sharing this information. ☮️
Any time!
Apprenticeships are a waste of time. If you have the heart and drive and are talented. You can teach yourself anything!!
100% agree
What I hate the most is no one wants to teach anyone… but then bitch and complain that tattooing is a dying culture. Yeah no shit I wonder why 😂
Im fortunate to find my mentor, everyone else is intimidated of him cause of the face tattoos and his rough attitude. But he's actually a great man and very lenient when it comes to dealing with my hyper activity 😅 im getting there and very driven towards my dream.
Thanks guys. I have my own apprenticeship horror stories. My advice is interview the mentor just like your hiring him and thoroughly check if it is a reputable shop first. Don't try to learn at a shop in the bad part of town that turns out to be a front for some ....dealer. cheers from Texas
Sometimes you can do all the right steps but only for your mentor to actually show their true colors down the line when you're in too deep 😕
@Tattooing101 pretty much happened to me. Never know how disappointing these "professionals " can be
I've wanted to start tattooing since 2022 after being encouraged to do so. I come from a decently artistic family and gotnluckywhen it came to being able to draw and just all around creativity. All that said I'm 33 and in the Army and having to move kind of messes up the process of trying to obtain an apprenticeship, which i want so bad. At the same time, I came cross you guys and tattooing 101 is at least a decent way for me to start moving forward. Hopefully things pan out with or without an apprenticeship and I'm able to make this happen because i I legit want it
Honestly I just want to learn to make unique art that'll feel as life-changing for others as my first tattoo did for me. I'm not interested in pursuing it "professionally," more so just being able to work as if I were so that I don't injure my loved ones or botch the tattoos themselves. It'll be a long journey of practice before I take that needle to real skin, but your content is invaluable in learning the practice in terms of safety, sanitation, and technique. I am looking into the online course, though right now I can't really afford it even on the payment plan, but even the free resources are excellent right now, so thank you.
great talk guys
Oh damn. Teaching myself and tattooing from home it is 👍
You rock thank you!!
This upload came at a good time. I'm from Oregon, which means we have to pay in to attending an actual tattoo school to get licensed. One it's not cheap, about 15k on average. And two, you only have select people who are licensed to serve as a tattoo teacher so for me its been hard to mull over in my head if it seemed worth it to try in this state, but after hearing the podcast I felt more assured that perhaps paying in to apprenticeship might be a better way to go. I did have one question though. In your opinion, what is the best way to set up booth rent? Or perhaps is it better to own a small shop as a new tattoo artist?
Honeslty reading those horrible stories from bad apprenticeships I cannot get off the feeling that USA is really at 3rd world country. Like I'm from Europe and tattoo community and work ethic is completely different here. WTF guys, beight mentally and phisically abused and saying OK to that, its a part of the journey and staying in such place? This shouldn't be the industry standard in 2023
That's why so many people are choosing to do online courses like our Artist Accelerator Program to learn tattooing! Most of them can't get an apprenticeship due to the lack of shops around or they've had very bad experiences in their tattoo apprenticeships
i paused when you said there are shops that will supply your inks and needles- the first and only shop I worked at would supply all the small stuff like caps razors gloves and vaseline but I had to buy my needles and inks, sure there was a "shop set" but that was kept in the owners station lol
Some have like 3 apprentices.. I prefer one at a time so the mentor can dedicate their full time and knowledge to the apprentice present.
Thanks!
Welcome!
I'm 37, working a corporate job, I have 2 kids and a fairly expensive lifestyle too :( But I've been drawing for a while and I am planning on learning myself through awesome informative and educational channels like yours. I've set myself up and I'm learning bit by bit every day. I'm looking forward to getting better and developing the skills I need. Thanks guys, you are awesome. Peace
It also depends on the state you live in if you are in the u.s some states they require 2000 hrs apprenticing under a licensed tattoo artist and i live in one of those states who just have you go through the most. It has been very discouraging at times and I feel like sometimes a little bit luck may need to come your way.. I haven't inquired about the online courses and weather they accept it as official hrs towards getting licensed. The industry has been changing alot especially over the last 5 or so yrs. And it will be interesting to see how it effects state guidelines
We've been working hard trying to push for our program to be accredited towards apprenticeship hours in all states in the US, so far we're recognised officially in Summit county, Ohio. And also the state of New York does recognise the course towards your apprenticeship hours
Where do you go after being self taught? do you open your own studio? do you go into a shop asking for a position? im confused
I feel like most artists just set a high untenable expectation like "Your portfolio needs to be flawless realistic work and you need to be here 6 days a week". Idk a single person who can do that without some caveats. I got a job I need to keep and bills.
And unless you're a genetic freak or a prodigy artist, to be capable of producing hyper realistic portraits and art like that is so small of a % of people to even draw from.
Hey you’re super dope, I’ve been watching you for about 1.5 years now, one thing I’d love to be a topic of discussion is how is your booking process as a tattoo artist? For in home artists, what are some of your tips for booking clients, how a hand written or online booking process would look, managing time in between appts, and what other tidbits should we note whilst making the appt? I’d love to hear from your perspective 👐🏽✨
Wow, one of our very first supporters then! Thanks for your support throughout this channel's journey. And yeah, that sounds like a potential topic we could do
My first apprenticeship, they gave me a list of duties, and then would get mad at me when I didn't do duties NOT on the list, or did the duties on the list TOO WELL. Once I built my own machine and started on fake skin, they asked me to leave. My second apprenticeship is going MUCH better. It's my one year anniversary at this shop, and I've been tattooing for 10 months! Every day tattooing gets easier, and I learn new things to improve on or new tricks
Thankfully shops like that are disappearing. From what I've learned from my cousin who's a traveling tattoo artist, most shops don't actually want to teach new people cause it means less money for them in the future
do you get paid for your tattooing work?
@@BM-pt6sy yes?
@@krookedburger nice, many apprentices work for no pay.
The reason apprentices work for no pay is because they’re working for knowledge.
An apprenticeship shouldn’t be slave labor with being talk shit on. For people to let that happen is wild
Thank you. I've tried apprenticeships, but as a single Dad I can't do 40+hrs of free labor.
My question is, with apprenticeships falling by the wayside because of all this information being online now and any can learn, will the tattoo artist market be flooded?
It depends on where your location is at. Chances are if you live in a big city, there might be higher competition. However if you live in a small town, there's a good chance there will be less competition. Of course both scenarios have trade offs. For instance if you're based in a city you would probably be able to charge more per piece while if you're in a smaller town you would have to charge less than city prices.
I have a question, does this course you do replace an apprenticeship? Or will I still need to do that?m
This is really good. I just think you guys have a different perspective compared to Europe
I hope apprenticeships in Europe have a much more healthy and respectful environment!
@@Tattooing101 sometimes they do not always of course
The hole point of having the apprentice clean up and stuff like “labour” is more of an old school mentality of breaking them down and rebuilding them. Just like a mechanic. Break the engine down and rebuild it to be better.
It’s also to teach the teacher something about the apprentice to see if there patient enough to work for the knowledge that they so so badly want. Yes it should be done respectfully but ultimately it’s to teach the apprentice discipline and patience
@@Tattooing101 in my eyes , someone who treats there apprentice disrespectfully isn’t ready for an apprentice and most probably just likes having the power
If a tattooer already has an apprentice (or two) is it not worth even trying to get in with them? Since they’re already busy with those apprentices. Or is it still worth talking to them and showing them your portfolio?
This is where you would have to do your due diligence. Say if the mentor already has two apprentices, are they looking to taking another one onboard? If they are, will the mentor have the time to teach you and 2 other apprentices?
The boys trying to hide the 💨 impact is the best part of the video 😂. 🌲 ✍️ repeat !!!
This just sounds like they want commitment from you but don't want to give you anything. Its ridiculous.
I just served 14 years in prison and I tattood for a little over 10 years constantly while inside. I have been released this past December 2022 and have purchased all my equipment, taken my blood pathogens course and I have produced some tattoos that look better than some other artists that have been working in shops for a long time. Can I go and rent a chair in a shop now? I watch everything tattoo related and take some online stuff just to try and learn everything I can. I have had so much experience but now I am getting used to real ink , needles, and machine's. I can replicate pretty much what I can see, but my drawing takes a while, I mostly used to graph. Just wondered what your thoughts were. Thank you for your time.
Depends on the state or country you're in. Most states in The U.S. are pretty strict.
Don't listen to other dude, stick your head In some shops with a folder of some of your drawings sketches and pics of tattoos, spit your story taking an apprenticeship doesn't need any licenses and in AZ most the people that gave me ink are Ex con
I’m 29 and turn 30 this year 😭 I started with permanent make up and got into piercings and that alone took me forever to get a mentor for and now it’s been super hard to find a job 😢 but since I’m body art licensed in my state now I’m getting into fine line tattoo 😊 I bought you guy’s book along with many other online courses. The book is so so helpful I e learned so much already and I’ve seen about 70% of your videos. Thanks you guys for opening the gates to those of use that might feel like we’re too old too
I’m going to tell you why there’s no tattoo apprenticeship because everyone is a hater, I’ve personally been trying for yrs to get an apprenticeship and honestly it’s only ppl that know you & like you that’ll get down with & break bread bunch of wack haters in my home state of New Mexico
Many of our students in the artist accelerator program have had a similar experience as yours too!
I need to have completed 2000 hours of apprenticeship to be licensed in Connecticut .. can that be achieved with an online course?
I was working on my piercing apprenticeship in Texas in 03. Was months from finishing and the shop owner and senior tattooist came to me and said if you want to finish then you have to agree to be "the shop toy" I laughed in their faces, left and never finished my piercing training.
😠 Absolutely terrible situation. Glad you left
Teaching myself to tattoo now. I'm a great technical artist and I'm doing it the right way including my BBP training and certification. I will never let it be said that I'm a "scratcher". 💯
Hi guys.
I asked about learning from tattooer.. Got answer that if she would start to teach anyone it would pay 500e for the trainer.
Maybe because working alone in own shop and not every single day.. Dont know but it felt quite i dont even know word for it.
In today's economy trying to become a tattoo artist without pay is impossible unless I'm bloody homeless.
I just decided to go into tattooing and this aprentership thing is driving me crazy. Im a professional photographer (full time over 10 years, pretty successful in my field), can i have an aprenter who will wash my car and work for free as an assistant, clean my house while I'm editing ,mybe also pay me for that? Thats nonsense.
Im from Russia originally and there you go to curses or paying to the artist per lesson which sounds more logical, what can you learn by cleaning toilets?
No way I’m working for free ever. Especially while the person that’s supposed to be teaching me is making over 100 an hour and watching me starve
Does people just have 90 days to finish your online course? Or can they do it at their own pace?
You can go at your own pace! Once you've completed the full payment, you will have lifetime access to the course
@@Tattooing101 Thank you for the quick response.
I’m definitely signing up for this. I’m good at drawing but I have never touched a tattoo machine before and I’m very excited to learn.
I'm considering face neck tattoos but don't want to disappoint and make my mother cry. Can I ask, how long did it take for yours to forgive you and how long did she cry for?
Seems all states in the US require so many hours of apprenticeship. Otherwise ya cant do it unless you have the money to open your own shop. How can we change these laws
If it is "Unless you have the money to open your own shop" .... Find a small spot in a mall.. might even have to live at the shop to cut expenses of an apartment or home... However, I don't see how being able to open a shop averts needing x-hours of apprenticeship
I dont wanna be someone's free labor or pet project, I just wanna learn to tattoo safely, jesus christ people can be insane.
I’m just starting and have a question. I bough eternal ink and the white ink dries out and shells up on the tip of the needle making it difficult to get into the skin. Is this normal or should I do something about it? If so what are your tips?
It depends on how long ink dries naturally after a long time I pour my inks first black and gray then do all that part of the tattoo then colors. But if it’s happening fast they could be fake or not shaken enough
@@Tattooing101 the ink was drying out within minutes. It is a brand new bottle I will try shaking it a lot more. Thank you
Eternal sell a bottle of make it wet, a drop of that into a cap with any color makes that issue stop, although I've seen white still do what you describe If my machine is running to high, hope it helps. And instead of white try white knight if your just using it for highlights
I do a apprenticeship in germany. I have to pay a shop fee and have to get my own customers but I can keep the money I make
Definitely very different from how it's done in the US!
But how is someone supposed to get their tattoo license without working in a shop? My state requires you to work "X" amount of hours under an already licensed tattooist. I Don't like the people in the shops around here and I just want to get my license so I can open my own shop.
You have to get what you can and get out. Get your license and finish your contract and go in business for yourself.
My apprenticeship is with a gd friend of mine. We went straight to business for the basics and the rest ive studied on my own or ive visited him at his shop. Doesnt want to pay him but when i work at his shop i guve him a percentage from what the clients pays me. Or be kind enough of bringing him lunch or help him upgrade his tools. Im one of the lucky ones 😆
What’s your opinion on tattoo schools? I’m thinking of enrolling in an 11 week academy that I’ve heard good things about, it’s $5k.
🖕tattoo schools! You’ll get laughed out of every reputable shop in the country.
You can’t learn to tattoo in 5 weeks 🤡
So where can i look at online apprenticeships
You can learn how to tattoo with our Artist Accelerator Program! It'll teach you everything you need to become a professional tattoo artist.
And is there a website you guys my have where i can read up on the program and get some more information
bro are you the guy from the movie "road trip" ??????
I am not
My concern is that no one would hire me at their shop if I don't have a "real" apprenticeship. What's your honest opinion on that?
We have students that make over 6 figs a year opening up their own private studio after working with us. Those artists that refuse to hire people that learned online make less than some of our students do.
At the end of the day the only thing that matters is the quality of your work. If you walk into a shop with a red hot portfolio and the owner knows they can make an extra 40k a year just by having you in the shop, they’re not going to care how you learned.
@@Tattooing101 so basically if you get good enough, set up your own biz location and self advertise you can tattoo while avoiding the terrible gatekeeping culture?
Don't you need a apprenticeship in order to get licensed to tattoo?
Wait... So are we able to get an online Apprenticeship nowadays?? Where?
with us ;)
To me, these podcasts make the tattoo industry seem like a scary and dangerous world, especially for women. I am very afraid my mental is not strong enough to go through this. Please tell me there are also shops that are safe spaces.
There’s no reason to be scared you can tell almost immediately if it’s not the right fit
Of course there are definitely shops out there that are unproblematic!
Lady tattoo apprentice here! There are always good people and bad people, and from my experience you will know right away. Trust your gut, and maybe talk to other female artists in your area! I got tattooed by a lady tattooer so I could talk to her about her experience, and where I am, there are even women-owned studios!
@@krookedburger Omg! So cool that you repilied. I have literally been binge watching your video's this week. What a coincidence.Thank you for the advice. I am literally in contact with an all female artist studio atm. Def got great vibes from that place. I am starting to see a different side of the industry and I am so happy about it. I really want to become a tattoo artist.
@@lunatek260 that's awesome!!! Best of luck to you!!!
Tattoo apprenticeship is total bull shit, its a waste of time. Why apprentices have to run errands for 3 to 6 months, in that 3 to 6 months I would have worked somewhere else eran and save enough money to open my own studio or buy real quality equipment. Apprentices are not auditioning for shaolin temple entrance exams. The time wasted for the apprentices, they would have learn something. Stop wasting these apprentices time and teach them something which they can learn. Time is the essence and stop wasting it. Actually self taught is much faster than having a mentor who just wants to waste your time running errands. To all those newbies including myself, if you want to learn tattooing, go and teach yourself and I stead of depending on a professional mentor who just wants you waste your valuable time. The professional tattoo artist are not gonna respect you or give their time to teach you. Save your self respect and go learn on your own. Like these guys from tattooing 101, they are doing a great job in educating newbies about the tattoo industry.
I tried but no artist wanted
Keep working on your portfolio! Remember that no just means for now
@@Tattooing101 I am I started doing my works now, I watched tones of videos mainly from you and used fake skins, took courses from you, now Im good, still practicing and using fake skins, and also tattoing. Thank you for channel because peiple can learn alot from here. Only now Im struggling for new machine choice
We're actually going to release a new podcast episode on tattooing equipment same time next week, so keep a lookout for that video if you would like to see our recommendations for the different price ranges
@@Tattooing101 niceeee. And you advice Inkjecta Flight nano, fk xion, axys valhala or peak solice pro. Doing tiny tatts and scripts mainly ( 1RL & 3RL) from time to time polynesian
I hope you guys make this a regular thing. Loved it. Very informative
When i dont charge for the apprenticeship people dont stick with it and they turn into scratchers.
So it’s not an apprenticeship then? It’s an internship…
Why do they call it an apprenticeship then? They make it seem less bad lol
Fukin straya! Get it in ya
😎🇦🇺
I'm actually from NZ but I'll always get behind our ANZAC brothers. Thank you for all the teachings. Glad I didn't do an apprenticeship. Sounds like prospecting for a club
Kia Ora brother!
My tattoo artist is an apprentice and I pay her and she keeps the money lol just a diamond in the mud
tf else is she suppose to do with the money 💀
Any time you put your career in? Somebody else's hands you've lost already. Generally speaking, with this much information as there is out there today besides, I have never seen an so-called
apremiership in any industry, benefit the apprentice
I found a girl that Purchased a bunch of the most lifelike fake skins she could find and worked them and then proceeded to tattoo herself And I would put her work up against almost any tattoo artist, she is in control of what she is doing .
Hahahahahahahahahha. Yeah fuck an apprenticeship. It's too competitive in my area and I'd be fucking myself over if I listened to the advice of the tattooists that told me to wait until I could find an apprenticeship!! I'd never be touching skin or expressing myself creatively. I'd never be making watercolor tats or experimenting with techniques since it's all trad and neo-trad bullshit. They dont change the formula and treat newbies like idiots that don't understand basic hygiene.
Can't wait until all this over saturation in the industry comes crashing down and everyone will not be able to pay their bills with their "art" and realize what this is really about. Folks before the influx of self taught "tattooers" had to work really hard to get to where they were at, and that didn't include just learning how to tattoo. It took a lot of trial and error to see what worked in tattooing and what didn't. Guess what? All these rules still apply today. Skin didn't change, and neither did the way we do it. I know people have dreams, and do not want to work a thankless 9-5, that's understandable, but assuming that all older tattooers are all "gatekeepers" is very disingenuous, and basically takes a dump on all the tattooers that came before, whether you know their names or not. Sorry to say but apprenticeships whether they are good or bad build thick skin which is important to have in this industry. I wanna know how all these new news will handle themselves in a busy street shop where you are basically serving the public and not doing rad stuff all the time. Sure, I would loooooove to do cool shit all day, but sometimes folks, that is not the reality. Some will survive, others will slowly learn that is really not for them. This is just a response to the constant use of the word 'gatekeeping'. But, just like everything else today no one really cares much about principles anymore, or doing things correctly. I wish the best of luck to everybody.
Tattooing is a privilege not a right
Any job is a privilege not a right
Waaaaa😭. I wanna be a rockstar but I don’t want to spend years learning to play an instrument for free hahahahahaha
Weird take but okay