Apprenticeship Information

 

How to Get a Tattoo Apprenticeship: Licensed Facilities, Strong Mentorship, and Hands-On Training are key. 

Apprenticeships begin with relationships.

Securing a tattoo apprenticeship is an essential step in becoming a professional tattoo artist. It’s not just about learning the craft—it’s about mastering safety, building skills through mentorship, and gaining hands-on experience in a regulated environment. This guide will walk you through the key elements of a successful apprenticeship, including how to find a quality mentor, why one-on-one training is crucial, and how to identify green and red flags in potential opportunities.

1. Start with a Licensed Facility

Tattooing is a regulated industry, and working in a licensed shop ensures you learn in a safe, professional, and compliant environment. Licensed facilities adhere to strict health department standards, which set the foundation for safe and ethical tattooing.

Why a Licensed Facility Matters

  • Compliance with Regulations: Licensed shops meet legal standards for cleanliness and safety.
  • Exposure to Professional Practices: You’ll learn proper protocols and observe experienced tattoo artists working in a professional setting.
  • Building Credibility: Training in a licensed facility establishes trust with clients and future employers.

How to Choose the Right Shop

  • Look for visible health department certifications.
  • Observe the cleanliness and professionalism of the workspace.
  • Research the shop’s reputation through reviews, social media, and personal recommendations.

2. Find a Quality One-on-One Mentorship

A tattoo apprenticeship should always be a one-on-one experience between you and an experienced mentor. This relationship is the cornerstone of your training and should last a minimum of one year under the same mentor.

Why One-on-One Mentorship Matters

  • Personalized Learning: A dedicated mentor can tailor their teaching to your skill level and progress.
  • Consistent Guidance: Staying with the same mentor for at least a year ensures continuity and mastery of the fundamentals.
  • Hands-On Training: A good mentor provides real-world experience, guiding you through the process of tattooing step by step.

What a One-Year Apprenticeship Should Include

  • Observation: Start by watching your mentor tattoo clients, learning technique, workflow, and client interaction.
  • Practice: Move on to drawing, stencil creation, and working on practice materials like fake skin.
  • Supervised Tattooing: Transition to tattooing real clients under your mentor’s supervision, with detailed feedback at every step.
  • Safety Protocols: Learn and implement sanitation practices, proper equipment handling, and client care.

3. Prioritize Safety and Sanitation

Tattooing involves working with clients’ skin, needles, and ink, making safety and hygiene paramount. A good apprenticeship will start with teaching these principles, ensuring you operate responsibly from day one.

Key Safety Practices to Master

  • Sterilization: Learn to clean and sterilize tools using autoclaves and ultrasonic cleaners.
  • Single-Use Materials: Properly handle and dispose of needles, gloves, and other disposables.
  • Workspace Hygiene: Disinfect workstations and maintain cleanliness to prevent cross-contamination.

Health and Safety Training

  • Complete a bloodborne pathogens certification course.
  • Understand local health department regulations for tattooing.
  • Learn how to provide clients with aftercare instructions to promote safe healing.

4. Work with Organizations Like the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) (APT Link here)

The Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) and similar organizations play a vital role in maintaining high industry standards. Partnering with these organizations can provide you with the resources and connections needed to succeed.

Benefits of Working with APT

  • Safety Education: APT offers resources on health and safety practices, such as their PDTT class (Preventing Disease Transmission in Tattooing)
  • Industry Standards: Learn the ethical and legal expectations of professional tattooing.
  • Networking: Connect with reputable shops and artists who align with APT’s values.

How to Get Involved

  • Explore their membership options and educational resources.
  • Attend APT-sponsored workshops and conventions.
  • Use their directories to find mentors and shops committed to industry standards.

Alliance of Professional Tattooists Page Here

5. Green Flags and Red Flags for an Apprenticeship

Knowing what to look for—and what to avoid—in a tattoo apprenticeship is crucial for finding the right fit.

Green Flags

  • Licensed Facility: The shop meets all local health department requirements.
  • One-on-One Mentorship: A single mentor provides dedicated, personalized training.
  • Structured Program: There is a clear progression from observation to hands-on work.
  • Safety-Focused: The apprenticeship prioritizes health and sanitation protocols.
  • Professional Environment: The shop and staff demonstrate respect, organization, and professionalism.
  • Adequate Timeframe: The apprenticeship spans at least one year, ensuring you gain thorough training.

Red Flags

  • Unlicensed Shops: Avoid facilities operating without proper licenses or inspections.
  • Unhygienic Practices: If the shop isn’t clean or doesn’t follow proper protocols, it’s a dealbreaker.
  • No Formal Training: A lack of structure or hands-on learning opportunities is a major red flag.
  • Exploitation: Apprenticeships demanding excessive unpaid labor with little actual training should be avoided.
  • Unqualified Mentor: Mentors without experience or a solid portfolio may not provide the training you need.
  • Quick Certifications: Be wary of programs that promise rapid training with minimal focus on safety and fundamentals.

6. Build a Reputation with the Shop

Before securing an apprenticeship, it’s essential to build trust and respect with the shop you want to work with. This involves demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm, and a willingness to contribute.

How to Build Trust

  • Show Dedication: Visit the shop regularly to observe and ask thoughtful questions.
  • Offer to Help: Volunteer for tasks like cleaning or organizing to show your commitment.
  • Be Respectful: Treat everyone in the shop with courtesy and professionalism.
  • Be Patient: Building relationships takes time, so avoid pressuring the shop for immediate opportunities.

Conclusion: Apprenticeships begin with relationships. 

A successful tattoo apprenticeship requires dedication, professionalism, and the right environment. Choose a licensed facility that prioritizes safety and sanitation, and seek a one-on-one mentorship with an experienced artist for a minimum of one year. Partnering with organizations like the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) can provide additional guidance and resources to set you up for success. By recognizing green flags and avoiding red flags, you’ll ensure your apprenticeship prepares you for a rewarding career in tattooing.