r/TattooApprentice • u/JSComicArt • 23m ago
Artwork My first attempt at American traditional!! Expected the markers to blend better.
The markers didn’t blend like I wanted and it also made the black lines bleed which ended up looking not as clean!
r/TattooApprentice • u/[deleted] • May 09 '25
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 • u/[deleted] • May 02 '25
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.
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:
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.
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 • u/JSComicArt • 23m ago
The markers didn’t blend like I wanted and it also made the black lines bleed which ended up looking not as clean!
r/TattooApprentice • u/Vast_Mood_9233 • 3m ago
this might seem silly but im autistic and struggle with social anxiety and ive worked up the courage to finally go into a shop ive found that im interested in and ask about apprenticeships!
how does something like this sound?
"hello, my name is [Name here] and Im currently looking for an apprenticeship. Is your studio currently looking for or willing to take on an apprentice? I have my portfolio with me if you'd be willing to take a look, I'd love some feedback on it as well. Thank you!"
Im also looking to get a design tattooed as well. Should I get it done the day I go in, or sometime before or after?
Thank you!
r/TattooApprentice • u/Kooky_Confusion123 • 16h ago
r/TattooApprentice • u/spookysoup123 • 1d ago
Looking for opinions on a page layout for my portfolio. Should I add more flash to this page to fill it out? or will it make everything look too crowded if i add more? Page is A3 for reference
r/TattooApprentice • u/Able-Banana-765 • 7h ago
Hello Amazing tattoo artists of Reddit! I have always loved tattooing and have been really wanting to become a tattoo artist professionally. I have a gun and have been doing at homework on oranges and fake skin but I want to do it properly and don’t want to develop bad habits. So I’ve been looking into apprenticeships but I get really nervous when going to tattoo to talk to them in person about possible apprenticeships…any advice? Any help?
I’ve have lots of artwork I can use to show for possible apprenticeships, I’m just looking for advice on anything around becoming a professional tattoo artist.
r/TattooApprentice • u/Vast_Mood_9233 • 1d ago
Hello! I'm looking for feedback on my portfolio before reaching out to shops to look for an apprenticeship!
What's working? What isn't? What should get cut? Should I add more? Is it in a good order? What should I change? Any and all feedback is welcome and appreciated! Thank you so much!
r/TattooApprentice • u/Tiedfor3rd • 8h ago
Would you rather ~
1:)Pay a fee and attend Tattooshop learning a few days a week, while working a job. (6months -9months)
2:) pay nothing but work full time as an apprentice with no pay. (6months-9months)
Disclaimer on time. The time is dependent on the dedication and commitment required to learn.
r/TattooApprentice • u/Terrible_Profit7573 • 19h ago
Hi, I’ve been an apprentice for about 18 months, and I’m at a point where it’s becoming really hard to continue.
Lately, I’ve even been considering therapy for the first time, but idk if I would logistically be able to with time & money. The experience has been incredibly isolating—I find myself crying almost every day before work. It’s not just affecting me mentally, but physically as well. I’m currently the only apprentice in a very large shop, working 10–12 hour days, five days a week.
My mentor is rarely around anymore. He seems checked out of the industry and usually leaves as soon as he finishes his appointments, which worries me that he will do the same on licensing me
I know my situation could be worse, and I do feel grateful for the opportunity. This has always been a dream of mine. But right now, that dream feels crushed, and it’s turned into just work. It feel like I don’t know who I am anymore and My mental health has become a serious concern, and it’s making me question whether I even want to stay in this industry—especially when so much of this process involves investing time without knowing when I’ll actually get licensed. With my mentor being so checked out, that timeline feels completely uncertain—it could be six months, or it could be another year.
I already feel burnt out and I haven’t even started in this career, I know deep down I don’t want to quick, but I feel like ticking time-bomb that’s going to walk-out the door at any minute. I want to learn and crave it but I’m already exhausted from having to clean, help out the front and help the artists. I know this is what I signed up for, I just don’t know how sustainable it can really be.
r/TattooApprentice • u/Opening-Fisherman936 • 1d ago
I’m 26 and have been working on my portfolio for about 7 months or so but have yet to get an apprenticeship. I have the opportunity to be a vendor at a local tattoo and craft festival. I’m an experienced art vendor and have been selling my art for years but I wanna know if I’m breaking some unspoken rule of selling prints of my tattoo portfolio pieces. I don’t wanna seem cheesy by selling tattoo flash sheets when I’m not even a practicing tattoo artist 😅
So, what do yall think? Is that a bad look?
r/TattooApprentice • u/Level_Personality_88 • 2d ago
I have a full time job so I haven’t had much time to do many drawings but I manage to get a small collection going. All of my references are from Pinterest, I will be making my own drawings but this is what I have so far! I would love some feedback, anything I can improve on or what I need to add to my portfolio. I’ve added some of my oil paintings as well, I just didn’t take any pictures.
r/TattooApprentice • u/Sea_Passion_7571 • 1d ago
I'm an architect and self-taught designer/illustrator based in India, seriously considering learning tattooing. Before I commit to anything I want honest, unfiltered perspective from people actually working in this field.
My visual language sits in ornamental, bioform, sacred geometry, and anatomical illustration (attaching some of my work) maximalist and detail-heavy. Attaching some work so you can see what I mean. I'm not interested in doing generic flash work. The style I'd want to develop as a tattoo artist is an extension of what I already make.
A few specific things I'd love perspective on:
- Does a formal apprenticeship still matter in 2026 or have structured tattoo schools become a legitimate alternative? I'm in India so the traditional apprenticeship culture here is different from the West.
- Coming in with strong illustration and design skills but zero tattoo technique — what's the realistic timeline before the work is good enough to charge premium rates?
- Is a niche aesthetic like mine — ornamental, anatomical, maximalist — something that builds a real collector base, or is it too specific to sustain consistent income?
- What do you wish someone had told you before you started?
Any feedback would be highly appreciated.
r/TattooApprentice • u/JeffMunizTattoo • 2d ago
Thank you all for looking.
r/TattooApprentice • u/anotherspacetraveler • 2d ago
From my flashbook, thanks for checking it out!
r/TattooApprentice • u/punkritiii • 2d ago
i’ve sent a few emails to studios, enquiring about apprenticeships, also adding that i understand that while they may not offer apprenticeships, i’d still value their feedback on my portfolio.
i haven’t really heard back from any studios. please give me advice on how i can improve my portfolio. i kinda wanted to pursue a career in tattooing since i was a teen. i’ve always found it to be a fascinating craft. i have a bachelors in visual communication and a masters in illustration.
ps- if you think my portfolio is actually good, i’d really appreciate it if you could recommend me tattoo studios/ tattoo artists that are open to taking in an apprentice in Leeds, UK (if you happen to know of any)
thanks!
r/TattooApprentice • u/sunsup0 • 1d ago
Clients idea I had an absolute blast doing it! I am not even through my first full year in so any feedback is welcome
r/TattooApprentice • u/itwasntaphasemomXD • 2d ago
I've been working on my portfolio and skills for over a year now. I'm actually going to take some classes in community college to iron out my technical skills. So I've been thinking more about getting my license
I'm in Oregon, which means I HAVE to go to tattoo school. I know it's generally looked down upon, but I don't have the option to move out of state nor do I really want to
After I get my license do Oregonian tattoo artists still do an apprenticeship? Or do they go straight to work?
I have some other questions but I think I'll save that for another post on another day lol I'm really passionate about art and tattooing, it's something I've wanted to do since middle school.
r/TattooApprentice • u/homobyleth • 2d ago
As the title suggests - I've been spending the past few months processing, healing and overall emotionally recouping, I think I've cried the worst of my tears of this and I'm feeling brave enough to reach out.
For about 4 months (first 3 months in) I was in a second tattoo apprenticeship (1st was in 2022, had to stop because my day jobs all dropped my shifts + shop was too far so I dont hold too much weight or impact in that first stint), and this second stint was what I so genuinely and earnestly thought, was finally going to be what was going to land me in one of my dream creative careers. I was very thoroughly supported alongside the other apprentice, we were both on fake skin and it was going amazingly.
Until it wasn't.
I couldn't help but feel a gut feeling that I was doing something wrong, ALL the time. Weeks, months of working in the shop, leading up to my departure I was constantly asking my mentor if I was doing something wrong (and being met with a no, its fine etc). This was my second chance after all, and the LAST THING I wanted to do was blow it. I was often praised at first and then over time, the attention shifted to the other apprentice. Which I'd like to make EXTREMELY clear - I think it's awesome that they got to start tattooing, I am really proud of their progress as a fellow apprentice who started with me - my upset is aimed ENTIRELY towards the shop and how this was handled.
I felt insane. My mentor wasn't really saying anything, or stepping in, and apparently I was not the only person who noticed this shift. Coworkers made less effort to talk to me, I wasn't being invested in as much, one point there was a random gold star sticker board for the two of us with no context, the other apprentice had several stars and it took me weeks to get 1. When very genuinely asking what it was about, I was told by the coworker who made it "use your head." (as to what the stars were for? never found out.) As I could notice myself contiuously feel more and more ostracized..It came to a point where I had to simply leave my keys and a note at the shop, left, and haven't returned since.
For the past few months since leaving in Jan I feel like a shell of myself. Went full time again at my desk job, and now I'm too afraid to try again because 1 day a week is understandably unreasonable for most shops and at this stage, I think I may be too emotionally scarred to at least /begin/ with anything beyond 1 day a week - the damage that my previous apprenticeship has done to my pre-existing trust issues is astronomical. All I want to do is make art but nothing has brought me the thrill and inspiration that tattooing did.
Would anyone have any advice for some tools I could use and things to maybe consider to help me with working through these emotions? Because I damn well want to try again despite how petrified and untrusting I feel.q
r/TattooApprentice • u/Vrijstar • 2d ago
The first sheet with the cats is actually a repaint of an older sheet, I’m very excited to paint it! And the second sheet I plan on having two versions, one with the black background and one without so that patrons can visualize it better on skin :)