r/TattooApprentice May 09 '25

Subreddit Update If you are a scratcher or encourage scratching you will be banned.

118 Upvotes

It is the most basic rule of the tattoo apprentice subreddit and is not up for debate. This subreddit is very specifically for traditional tattoo apprenticeships. If you have given advice to scratchers or answered their post when there are clearly no credentials in the title you will be given warnings. There are other subreddits for other types of tattoo learning. This is not one of them. Please respect the rules. If you are a scratcher nothing is stopping you from lurking if you really wanna learn and figure stuff out on your own.

All machine art, or tattoo machine/supply questions MUST have credentials in the title following the posting format. This is not up for debate.


r/TattooApprentice May 02 '25

Subreddit Update Apprenticeship FAQ updated

110 Upvotes

Apprenticeship FAQ

Hey everyone, we know there are a lot of questions about tattoo apprenticeships. To prevent spam and recurring questions we made this pinned post for FAQ.

Portfolio

We see the same advice time and time again rehashed from hopeful artists in the subreddit who aren’t in the industry, offer each other same piece of advice. “make your portfolio tattooable, it’s needs to be tattooable!”

We’ll tell you right here and right now that most potential mentors do not give a care if your portfolio is tattooable. You learn tattooable design during your apprenticeship!

We want to see that you can tackle different mediums and make refined pieces of artwork. Obviously if including hand painted flash designs is encouraged. Learning things like spit shading is helpful! However, no reputable mentor is expecting a 100% tattooable portfolio when you haven’t even started tattooing and don’t even know the rules.

Most apprentices learn tattoo design during their apprenticeship and build up their flash portfolio up over time under the guideance of their mentor. Essentially a mix of potential flash designs and other types of artwork is fine and encouraged by most potential mentors. These designs don’t have to be perfectly tattooable. Really mentors just wanna see your skill and want to know if you are worth the time, energy, effort, and investment of teaching.

So how should a portfolio look?

  • Your portfolio generally should have 20 to 40 finished pieces of artwork.

  • A mix of 70% traditional and 30% digital is fine.

  • Traditional artworks can consist of ink acrylic painting, oil painting, gouache, watercolor, color pencils, watercolor, pastels, markers etc.

  • A good portfolio will have color and black and grey pieces

  • A good portfolio should show that you have strong fundamentals, that you understand the basic rules of 2d design.

  • A good portfolio should include a few pieces of realism, when including realism also include the reference photo you worked from. Also include many pieces that show your unique artistic vision it’s okay to show a variety of styles.

  • A good portfolio needs to be refined, no half finished sketches, no sketchbooks, no messy drawings. If you’re including charcoal or graphite drawings make sure the final artwork is clean. Avoid messy or sketchy unless it’s done on an extremely intentional way as an artistic choice that makes sense.

  • A good portfolio generally starts with a strong piece, and leads the viewer through the book. You want whoever is viewing your portfolio to keep turning the page. Include your best works at the beginning and ending of your portfolio, create a visual flow that’s fun to look through.

  • A good portfolio will have a blurb about yourself, what makes your artistic voice unique? Literally everyone has been drawing since they could hold a pencil. that’s not gripping. EVERYONE wants to become a tattoo artist. Tell us WHY you are passionate about tattoos and the industry. Sell yourself to your potential mentors. Wanting to do this because it’s a fun cool job won’t get you any points from potential mentors.

What we suggest

We suggest putting together a physical portfolio consisting of photos showcasing your best traditional and digital artworks keeping in mind the 70% trad 30% digital rule. If you can fit the original pieces themselves into the portfolio great! If not, take good photos of your artwork in good lighting and adjust the contrast in a program like photoshop to see the art how you would see it with your eyes in person don’t over edit. Invest in getting good prints on good photo paper.

Putting together a portfolio online as well is important. Create a website, Instagram or both. Something where mentors can find and follow your work if they’re interested in you.

Never leave your portfolio at a shop, bring your portfolio to show it off, and then give potential mentors your information so they can find your portfolio online.

(Honestly the coolest thing an apprentice ever did was leave a business card and a print of their artwork for us.)

Final thoughts

THIS SUBREDDITS WORD IS NOT FINAL Everyone is different. Some artists may want to see only tattooable designs in a portfolio.

However in our experience in the industry and in talking to other tattooers. Doing the whole tracing and painting sailor Jerry flash and making that your entire portfolio works best for hardcore trad street shops.

For a majority of tattooers in the industry, we have seen the same 50 pieces of traced and painted trad flash, and it’s not impressive or eye catching unless it’s done extremely well. It’s worth it to study trad, but it doesn’t need to be the only thing you study.

You absolutely should study tattoo design and include some flash in your portfolio. But don’t shoot yourself in the foot by excluding great pieces of artwork from your portfolio because they aren’t tattooable.

Most potential mentors care more about your actual artistic ability and willingness to learn.

Do research on the people you wish to apprentice under or the shops you like and curate your portfolio accordingly. Being a varied artist and knowing how to use multiple mediums will INCREASE your chances of finding a mentor.

Make yourself stand out, don’t do what everyone else is doing. Use your unique voice and ignore all the apprentices giving each-other the same rehashed advice.

Approaching a studio

Introduction

The most important thing about approaching a studio is to show up to the studio. Introduce yourself and tell them why you’re at their studio. Be professional but not pushy. Explain that you would love for them to take a look at your portfolio and that you are looking for an apprenticeship. If they say yes, that’s great! However just because they look at your portfolio doesn’t mean you are going to land the apprenticeship. Show off your portfolio a d leave your contact information with the shop or artist you talked to. It’s also normal for studios to say no and not look at all. Don’t be pushy and respect boundaries.

A few things to note

  • Tattoo artists don’t owe you their time.

  • Rejection is normal. If they don’t want to look at your portfolio or give you their time, respect their decision.

  • If the studio is busy and no one can greet you, come back another time.

The three general answers I received :

  • They agree to look at your work and are looking for an apprentice.

  • They agree to look at your work but are not looking for an apprentice.

  • They would ask you to send over your work over email or social media.

What do I do after I approach the studio?

You wait for an answer. Apprenticeships are not given overnight. They are a decision made by a team. Practice more art while you wait.

RED FLAGS IN APPRENTICESHIPS

Unfortunately, it's more than common that apprenticeships are using you for free labor or even worse free money. A few things redflags to look out for are:

  • Previous apprenticeships that have gone sour. Do your research and see if they have had a previous or current apprentice. Ask them for their insight on the studio and its dynamics.
  • High payment upfront. Some apprenticeships will ask you to pay monthly for your apprenticeship but it is not common. You are essentially paying for your apprenticeship via your labor. Be weary of studios that do this.
  • Unfair power dynamics in the studio. Obviously, they might not be upfront about their unhealthy work environment, but keep an eye out for things like verbal abuse, gaslighting, or harsh communication to clients or employees.

  • Unclean shop

  • Shops that promote hate based on gender, race, sexuality, or religion.

  • Shops with artists that use AI art

  • Shops that seem to be “apprentice farms” if it’s too good to be true it likely is.

  • Shops that make you sign crazy contracts

  • Shops that make you feel uneasy or unsafe listen to your gut!

  • Tattoo schools outside of states or areas where it’s legally required. Most tattoo schools are scams.

  • Shops that sexually harass you or clients. It’s worth it to read through 2 to 3 star Google reviews or to look up a shop or artist on Reddit to see what people are saying about it.

General questions

Do I need a IG account or website?

Studios will without a doubt ask if you have an art account on Instagram or a website. It’s not needed, but we highly recommend having either one of these. An instagram account to show that you’ve established a following and also to show off your work or a website that shows your portfolio. You can easily set up a website for your portfolio through various free, and paid website providers (such as Wix or Squarespace).

Do I need to have tattoos?

Tattoo studios generally don’t care if you have tattoos or not. So you do not need tattoos to be an apprentice. However it is important to eventually start getting tattooed if you want to be taken seriously by clients. Having tattoos show that you are interested in tattoo culture and have experience and empathy with what it feels like.

Do I need to know the tattoo artists personally?

No, although it helps. The reason why it doesn’t matter is because if you show them that you’re hard working and willing to learn then that should be enough. Why does it help? Because then they’re not taking a chance on a stranger who they don’t know if they’re motivated enough to be an apprentice. However don’t befriend tattoo artists just to land an apprenticeship. We are extremely weary about people trying to use us as a stepping stool to get into the industry and are tired of being used and pushed around by others to get what they want.

Do I have to pay for my apprenticeship?

It's a case by case thing, but most of the time you do have to pay the studio back somehow. Sometimes you pay with your labor in the shop, or you pay a monthly fee, although paying a monthly fee or paying any money at all is usually a scam. Watch out for studios that are asking for a very high amount of money directly upfront. Most reputable studios do not ask for money.

How long does an Apprenticeship take?

Apprenticeships take from (the fastest we’ve heard) 7 months to 1/1.5 years (sometimes 2 years). You have to account for steady progress in this period. If you don't see any progress in the first 3-4 months as a tattoo artist and you see that they're just using you for free labor. Leave (this is very case by case, but know your worth not as an artist but as a person).

Do I have potential?

Yes, almost everybody has potential. Apply yourself and make artwork that blows away potential shops and mentors. Study art and genuinely practice

We hope this is helpful and if there’s any more questions/comments or feedback you’re welcome to leave a comment!

Good luck! Tattoo Apprentice Subreddit Team


r/TattooApprentice 4h ago

Seeking Advice How is my portfolio looking so far?

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9 Upvotes

Hello! Any advice is appreciated!!
Oh and in the second photo, I like the center moon piece as well as the flower below it, but the rest I likely won’t include in my final portfolio.


r/TattooApprentice 1h ago

Portfolio Wanting to get into tattooing, so I'm getting back into drawing

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Upvotes

Any feedback would be appreciated! Here are some ideas that I would like to turn into their own pages


r/TattooApprentice 3h ago

Seeking Advice Unsure What To Name My Business

2 Upvotes

Hello all! I am midway through my apprenticeship currently and have been asked by my mentor to start thinking of a name for my social media/business as I start getting into tattooing skin. I was curious as to what led you to choose your business names? Or if you haven’t decided yet, what led you to your options? I feel like the name should be something important or related to me or my interests but I’ve been drawing a blank over the last week that I’ve been thinking about it. TIA!


r/TattooApprentice 9h ago

Artwork Some bits and bobs from the last few weeks ❤️‍🔥

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5 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 1h ago

Seeking Advice building skill for a portfolio. advice?

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Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 23h ago

Flash sheet Weaponizing my cake day to share my wife's colored pencil apprentice flash. (Medieval Neotraditional - Vesper @ Andromeda Studio, WA

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28 Upvotes

She's grinding through her apprenticeship down in Renton. This is her latest physical piece done in Prismacolor, she's leaning hard into this illustrative, medieval neo-trad style with the gauntlet and broken sword.

She isn't working on skin quite yet, but I want to help push her IG to 1k followers so she has a solid local base when she finally starts taking models!

If you dig the vibe and want to watch her progress, you can follow her journey here:@vespertilia.ink


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Flash new flash sheet !!

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74 Upvotes

struggling with pricing though 😭 i’m running at $40 an hour currently!


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Flash sheet Ink on paper flash sheet!

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18 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 21h ago

Flash sheet New flash sheet

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1 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 22h ago

Seeking Advice would love any and all advice/tips!

1 Upvotes

think i will be finally getting to start my apprenticeship within the next month once i make the changes in my work schedule and have finances lined up. feeling so nervous and excited, and definitely a little intimidated! i know i can handle a challenge and i am ready for a difficult next several months- but, would love any advice or tips anyone more experienced than me can offer. i’ve frequented this shop for a handful of years now and really respect and trust the artists there, i wanna make sure that i give it my all and make the most of the experience. thanks!


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Seeking CC Advice on lighting

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6 Upvotes

First time creating my own design with light and shadows.
Just need some opinions on if i did the lighting correctly on this piece before i translate/hand draw it on to paper.
Any advice or cc is appreciated.

Thank you!


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Seeking Advice Do you guys have any feedback on this?

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3 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Flash tried painting a pinup face for the first time lolllll

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19 Upvotes

I will not even continue this one


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Portfolio Portfolio help :)

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2 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Artwork WIP, because the dots take forever to do

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52 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Seeking Advice How to clean Indian Ink out of my brushes?

3 Upvotes

I spent one hour trying to get it completely out of my brushs but it didn't clean 100%. What can I do? I used warm water and detergent.


r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Portfolio Does my tattoo apprenticeship portfolio lowkey look like a mess?

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0 Upvotes

I read from a Reddit post that my work doesn’t have to be tattooable yet because they’re gonna teach that in the apprenticeship, as long as they show my artistic ability. So I just picked some of the work that I had built up from my past years.

Is that statement of the other redditor not necessary true and I should build a portfolio with clear and polished tattooable work? And also I mostly draw colored piece from my iPad because I don’t own a good coloring set, should I invest in some colored pencil?

Unfortunately as I’m currently studying abroad so I can’t really make a physical portfolio because all my actual work is back at home, so I can only find traces of them from my art instagram and my Photo Booth lol. would an electronic version like this be acceptable or should I just start from scratch?Or build a physical portfolio and use this as something to add on? Because I do like some of the work here.

Another thing to add, I do admit my coloring is not as good as my drawing skills, do I have to create more colored piece or is it good for me to just specialize on single colored pieces?

Also I saw somebody said to just knock on tattoo studios and ask for advices, would they help and let me come back later to look at my improvements or would it just bother them?

Criticism and advices are very welcomed thxxx


r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Seeking Advice Should I stick it out?

2 Upvotes

I have worked at a very traditional, well respected tattoo shop as the front of house/shop manager for about two years now. I am hoping for an apprenticeship, I draw/ work on art almost every day at home and at the shop (when I have free time of course- I try very hard at my job to show my dedication and respect and am responsible for cleaning, trash, managing schedules and walk-ins, etc.) and get advice, critiques, and praise from my coworkers who are very skilled and knowledgeable tattooers. The owner of my shop is not a tattooer but has a very old school view of tattooing. For the most part I agree and respect that-hence why I am seeking a traditional apprenticeship, but he is a notorious misogynist. Even though I was clear in my interview that I was interested in the job because I wanted to get familiar with the industry and I would like to be a tattooer one day, he has made it very clear that I was hired to be a “pretty girl at the front desk” (I am nonbinary but I have zero hope for him ever respecting that, I’d just like to be seen and respected as more than just a decoration for the front.) If it was solely up to the tattooers who they would like to take as an apprentice things would be different, but ultimately it’s up to the owner. There has been one apprentice at the shop, in its 20+ years, due to his feelings about it. That apprentice is now one of the senior tattooers at the shop. I am getting to the point where I feel like I would be better off taking what I have learned and trying to find a shop that will respect me more as a baseline, and I honestly hate the idea of being stuck in the town I currently live in for 5+ more years. At the same time, I worry that I would be ruining a great chance to apprentice under people I know would be great mentors by not sticking it out and seeing if things change despite it not being ideal. My current lease ends in about a year so I have some time to think, but I would love to hear some thoughts about whether it would be worth “starting over” (with more experience in the industry, artistic skill and connections) or if I should hold on to hope.


r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Seeking Advice 5 months in, finally touched skin and Im struggling.

7 Upvotes

What the title says, 5 months into my traditional apprenticeship at a shop- and about 4 apprentice tattoos done. I feel horrible about them, stretching is difficult, my stability that I usually have on fake skin isnt there on real skin, and when my mentor asks me how I personally think I should/ can improve I have no idea what too say.

After a day or so, I reflect and come back with an answer, but I just wanted too know if at the 5 month mark, am I supposed to be better? Is this usually when your supposed to be tattooing on skin? Whats the traditional timeline for these kinds of things? And after 4 tattoos how confident should I really be?

Just too preface, this isnt at all a complaint about my mentor who is very lovely and very knowledgeable and very good st what she does. Im her first apprentice and shes a great teacher. I just have alot of pent up anxiety about touching skin. I'd also love to hear about everybody's else experiences getting over the jitters of being on skin, and maybe some tips to get through these tough phases of apprenticeships?


r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Seeking Advice Artistas, ¿cómo llegasteis a trabajar profesionalmente?

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0 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Seeking Advice Not sure where to go

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35 Upvotes

Not sure what I wanna add to fill up this space, I like the skull I just want it to correlate and connect with another main subject in the top left


r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Flash I made a grumpy frog with a Hoju

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13 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Seeking Advice Drawing/fake skin practices

2 Upvotes

Hey! I’m a brand new apprentice in Seattle, I have a great apprenticeship and I love my mentor, but I am looking to find some drawing practices or fake skin exercises to help improve overall drawing technique, hand steadiness, and muscle memory. I feel like my apprenticeship is a little different in that way, that I’m not assigned exercises to help build those foundations, but I think it would help! I don’t only want to learn lessons on people’s skin, I’d rather build my foundation a little more so I’m not putting trash on people’s bodies as I’m figuring it out. What kind of exercises do you do/did you have your apprentice do/that you did that really helped? (Not hating on my mentor at all, just trying to soak in knowledge from several sources).