Is Tattooing The Right Job For You? Tattoo Apprentice Advice
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2013
- My book about tattoo apprenticeships - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/15...
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This video is part of the 22 video tattoo apprenticeship series where I go into detail about being an apprentice in the tattoo industry. I hope this helps you all out and don't forget to drop me a like it helps a lot! Thanks - Навчання та стиль
This is the most realist, helpful video on UA-cam! I've been wanting to be a tattoo artist for the longest and hearing all these challenges you are saying to become one scares me a bit but I'm ready for it. so happy I came across this video so I know what's going to come up in the future! thanks dude
best series for tattoo beginners I came across so far, thanks a lot!
you made it sound like its really not worth it and now I'm questioning my entire existence and future.
Venessy M coming from a tattoo artist who just finished his apprenticeship.. it really isnt worth it. the amount of work you do compared to what you make. but it is worth it If you dedicate your life for it for the love and not for the money. you cant half ass it or part time it. its a life style not a job.
He puts the negatives out there so you can figure out if it’s worth it for you
@@ernesomeragic8062 do you still feel the same?
Thanks for this video series. I started out as strictly a canvas about a year ago, but I now realize I want to become a tattoo artist.
Fantastic series mate, thanks for making them!
Amazing thanks so much for the series!!!
thanks. I appreciate it! almost worked through the whole series. I really appreciate the info man :D
Thanks alot mate! Awesome series!
Aw that's awesome thanks! Glad you like them :)
Great, I just really love your work, and its a big inspiration for me!
Ah awesome thanks for watching them! No worries mate glad to help
I've just stumbled on some of your videos, I'll definitely be watching some more! For a while I've been wondering about going into tattooing and it's growing on me the more I research about it. Just wanted to say thanks for the info!
No worries glad to help :)
Thanks dude glad you found them useful!
cant wait for more videos:) im liking the nosepiercing btw!
thanks for being real
Well ti depends on how much they are willing to help you with your artwork really. But yeah I can do some more drawing tutorials I have been meaning to do some more for a while now it's just getting the time! Thanks glad you like the videos :)
your accent, your looks, and most of all your work and knowledge.
gud lad, again some nice info here :)
So i bought your book, and honestly like i love it hhaha
I have dreamed of being a tattoo artist since I was 11. I have been drawing art since I could figure out how to draw. I LOVE to create art. It is the thing I care about above almost anything. I will devote myself to become a tattoo artist and it will be my life(I am sketchy at the moment because I passed all the possible art classes at my school right now and I can not do as much art as i was doing). I think that if you have always wanted to become a tattoo artist, do it. Yeah, of course there will be cleaning and time consuming jobs, but that does not mean it is not worth it. I love this video, it tells how SIMPLE it is to live the life the way you want. There is no way to live your life with no problems. A few common chores is NO PROBLEM for me. I can not wait to start my career.
Thanks man!
I know a few people who have apprentices that don't work every day, it might make it harder for you to find somewhere but it can't hurt to try and you might get lucky somewhere
Aw thanks! :)
Well then if it doesn't bother you go for it! Any any advice you need just let me know :)
I just start apprenticing. I'm loving it so far and so new to it. It's been about 3 months. When should I start tattooing? As of now I do a lot of drawing while I wait for clients.
* I'm 13 and I want to be a tattoo artist. And I met Tim Hendricks I told him I wants to be a tattoo artist to and he also said the same things as you and how it's hard to make your money and stuff. But it's still my dream job aha
It totally depends so that's a pretty hard question to answer! I think you just have to work out if it's worth the effort to train and work in that particular shop
Thanks I appreciate it!
very informative :D it's awesome that you freely give out all this information, and you tell it like it is, without romanticizing it. I been getting a portfolio together, to try and seek out an apprenticeship. the thing is, ive got my own business going and work part time. is being an apprentice something i can do part time? would they think i dont take it serious enough and not bother with me if i want it as a side-gig? i dont want to come across as disrespectful to the craft
It really does sound like it's a job you shouldn't do,I'm really questioning my wishes now
Thank you! :)
I paid $1,500 six years ago to begin my apprenticeship and my health issues stopped me for a while but I’m back at it with my new bride by my side apprenticing as well!!!
I would say so yeah, if you do that then they will be able to arrange the best time to check out your stuff rather than them just being busy
It's not a line of work, it's a way of life
This video is lovely, I knew pretty much all of this through doing my research since I was 18. I know I want to get into tattooing and draw pretty much everyday as well as being registered on TattooDo as an artist for even more inspiration for new designs. I will be watching more of your videos including your tutorials as you are just honest unlike too many tattooists out there.
Yeah I do try to be real with people :) thanks!
thank you so much for this
No worries :)
Yeah I did say "small shop" though I'm talking like a little one station deal...have seen people do it on 2 grand before
Haha they take a while to make that's why I don't do so many but I should have one out soon :)
Excuse me, but can you do a video about temporary tattooing, and permanent tattooing in comparison?
Thanks
Pleaaaaase upload a new drawing video, they're really helping me out!
This series is amazing.. i can draw pretty good, and i have a passion for art, i can create designs easily and i love doing it. i really want to be an artist. but im not sure how to begin with that. im from the Netherlands and the shops here don't take apprentices what should i do now? i am 18 and its not possible for me to move to another country or something like that
What drawing standard do you need to have to start an apprenticeship? i've been drawing for a couple of years now and i'm not happy with the outcomes of my stuff, i can't bring myself to show anyone my portfolio, and anychance you could do more drawing tutorials? it helps loads! thanks!
Love you video's by the way, best help on youtube about tattoo's and the industry :)
Hi, im going to uni for writing but im really interested in tattooing. Do you think its possible or a good idea for somebody to do both tattooing and writing? Time-wise.
Thank u :)
These videos are pretty old I don’t know if they’re still very active but man, I’ve been in and out of retail for years and have always dreamed of being a tattooist. I’ve called myself an artist for a long time but never had the courage to go in and show my portfolio. I’ve just dealt with being walked over and treated like shit by customers everyday. At this point I’m tired of it, I’d much rather put up with a tattoo shop environment and be broke than the shit I’m doing now. At least I’d be working on my passion, which is art. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do was create art for people. Of course every job has its down side but I think I’m finally ready to bring my portfolio in. I’ve had enough of retail.
Anyone can become a tattooist but not many people can tattoo well.
IMHO the bar needs to be set high in this trade as the person being tattooed is trusting their life in your hands. I’d argue that if you don’t know how to draw a straight line that’s clean, don’t even touch a tattoo machine.
I have come across your videos and like the advice, I am actually waiting to get my apprenticeship at the local shop where I am at, the one artist willing to do it is nervous to apprentice again because the last two have screwed him and the previous shop they were in, I also go their every day I have a free moment, I don't mind waiting but do you think theirs anything I could do to persuade him to apprentice me sooner? I've been going their regularly for about 6 months now.
Try providing references? Even if theyre from unrelated jobs... Just a character ref might help so he knows you're not a dick
I want to change the colors on my tattoo i was wondering if you know anything about that? Like red flowers to pink, blue ink over yellow...
Hey Graham, name's Kevan. I just wanted to ask- I work full time doing IT work for a hospital. I'm 25 years old. I make good money and I support myself and my girlfriend in our apartment, but my passion is tattoo art. I've been drawing flash for a couple years now and I want to look for an apprenticeship, the thing is, I absolutely cannot quit my job and be making no money. Is there no hope of pouring every second of my weekend time into an apprenticeship? Will any tattoo shop/artist even go for that? Thanks so much, really enjoy the invaluable information in these videos.
Why don't you bring in your portfolio to a shop you like and ask them? If you have great art and seem passionate about it I'm sure you could find a shop that would work around your schedule, it will just take longer to complete your apprenticeship. Let them know that the day you finish it you'll quit your job and work for them :)
Yeah that's awesome if you can tattoo flash all the time you would make a lot more money but these days everyone seems to want custom work that's the problem
i know someone that makes good money and refuses to sit and draw sketches, he demans that ppl pic something he can just trace out, if he has to imagine it up and draw be prepared to spend a lot of money
how long were the hours for your apprentice ship? i need to know, so that if i do get one i will still be able to make money to survive whilst on the apprenticeship
What are the requirements for becoming a tattoo apprentice? Are there any sort of anatomy or first aid course you're required to take beforehand?
My boss doesn't pay for nothing we have to buy everything we need and split it 50 50 kiddos if your mom said you can draw when you were 8 and you've watched ink masters tattooing is most likely not for you. You need to have a passion for art and are willing to starve during the slow months there is no tattoos coming in. Thanks to the media everyone thinks they can tattoo now. You have to want it.
when applying for an apprenticeship, would calling ahead of time to schedule a time to meet be more effective than just dropping by and asking the management to look at your drawings?
Dude thanks yeh I know a tattooist who's my bros friend and he's told me this stuff to but I'm 16 and I love art so I'm willing to do whatever it takes and btw the guy works at rogues gallery bangor look it up on fb and give them a shout out
Soo. I want to apprentice, but there are only like 4 tattoo shops in an hour radius of me. And being honest, I dont really LOVE any of their work. I think they are ok, but I drive 4 hours every time I get a tattoo. Is it wrong to learn from people that you dont particularly respect? And would it be offensive for me to never get any of their work on my body? I just cant afford to drive any further on an almost daily basis.
Whats your opinion on trying to find an apprenticeship in a city that you don't live in ? or a job in a shop that is not your own city? Considering that it might be your only income, how much money (on a time standpoint rather than a number) should you have saved up in order to make this feasible?
I say old chap!
sorry I am from Serbia, and I dont' understand. Can you write, What kind of tattoo machines is for beginners
thank you very much
how much do apprentice tattooists get paid in Australia ?
how old do I have to be before I can start a tattoo appenticeship
I'm an artist but I use gross for everything, mainly for proportions. I'm terrible at free hand drawing. Would that be a huge problem? And if so, how do I fix it?
Grids**
So, this is going to be long. I am going to school right now and I'm Pre Med. But honestly, I really want to tattoo, and I know it's a lot of work. (not as much as Med school, but still) Do you think it would be possible to do both, lots of people are saying I can do it but there's a good few who say I can't. That makes me want to do it even more. I'm not sure I could handle the pressure of both jobs, but I don't want to limit myself to just one. They both have their pros and cons. Honestly, I think I would enjoy tattooing a little more, but I'd be saving lives if I was to become a Surgeon. I also feel like I'd be letting my family down if I chose to tattoo. Uhhhggg I need help, what do you think I should do???
im nearly in this same boat lol, i say take a risk do what makes you happy.
Pre Med too?
Marissa Castillo damn i feel 2 years late to this comment. how'd it work out? im planning on doing both as well
Nope, still have no idea
I kind of have the same problem except I want to become a Journalist but at the same time I enjoy drawing a lot and like tattoos very much and would love to be a tattoo artist too but I'm not sure if I'll be able to do both you know? Both jobs take a lot of time and I don't know if I can do both
Hi
Been watching your videos and have learnt a lot.
Can someone learn to tattoo if they can't draw and what is the difference between a tattooist and a tattoo artist?
Thanks
Brad
Ps keep up the good work
Hey, I'm not this guy (obviously) but I can give you some input if it really helps.
You can be a tattooist that can't draw but you are really going to struggle in the long run, Your job is of course, Drawing designs and placing them onto people along with many other tedious tasks that were implied in this video. My suggestion is to go take art classes at a community college and start reading up on drawing techniques and finding a certain style that fits you. I'm pretty sure you can't get an apprenticeship if you don't have a good portfolio of your artwork anyways....
In my opinion, A tattooist is some one that can lay down ink very well and understands proper sanitation.
A tattoo artist is someone that can draw designs, lay down the ink perfectly, and understand proper sanitation techniques.
Hope this helped Brad.
P.S. Stay Thuggin.
Yeah what this guy said ^ I will add that if you can't draw people will probably not want to get tattooed by you as 99.9% of people want custom work these days. Even if its not as good as the flash on the walls...they want something no one else has
Hi
Thanks for the comments. I have been doing a lot of drawing over the past couple of months and my drawing has come on a long way.
I have learnt a lot from your videos and i have also got a few art books so my drawing is getting much better
I have a friend that is a tattoo artist and he has said he will teach me to tattoo so fingers crossed i will pick it up and too well.
Thanks
Brad
Ah glad my videos could help you :)
you say you have other jobs on the side, say you have a strong portfolio, but work full time- is it still possible to obtain an apprenticehip? i work full time (part time is not an option.) but I really would love to follow in my father's footsteps and do tattooing myself.
At what age can you start a tattoo apprenticeship
you're so attractive.
5k is nothing to spend on a shop
Idk where you live but NYC doing tattoos are not that complicated. Most of the shops you can literally walk in any time tell them what you want , they will draw if it's small others just print off the computer stencil and start tattooing . You don't have to do booking or anything like that and they charge base on how big or how many details . I've had the smallest tattoo cost $70 so it's not per hour . Only downside is you have to pay a percentage to your shop but if you doing home from home you keep all your earnings. Simple 2 roses no shading will be about $150 - $160 and you keep all that
Nisha Banks I was thinking that same thing. I think its because he lives in the UK. But in America, i know not EVERY shop will charge you to apprentice. It depends on the shop really
I'm not a tattoo artist, but I've met some, who worked on me and they all make it sound much much more easy. Like any other artwork, you just have to have talent and passion, according to all of them. All of the artist I've talked to (because I'm really interested in it) started on their own, they bought the machine, they tattooed their designs first on themselves, then on friends, then they put their pictures on the internet, then they started asking money for tattoos... If I had any kind of talent for painting or drawing or at least visualizing anything, I'd do it immediately.
From what I heard nobody who starts with cleaning the floors of a tattoo shop never becomes a big artist. It's an art like anything else. You can become a beyoncé, or you can sing in a cafés and bars... I don't think it's as awful as he makes it sound
Lucie Pospichal well in a lot of states here you have to be an apprentice first, and they mainly clean and such while learning. It’s illegal not to be an apprentice first
@@personwhoisdead5649 😂😂 no it’s not 🤡 you can tattoo in AZ with no apprenticeship and no business license if your working from home
Wtf my key board fucked up sorry
Why did you stop tattooing?
Still beats a 9/5 any day
Hey is there any way I could get in touch with you I have been trying to get an. Apprenticeship for over a year and I just can't get one
Nick Young I don't tattoo any more mate sorry, but if you're having trouble then take a look at my book it's full of tips and advice on getting an apprenticeship. Link is in the description if you fancy a read
Do some research on an artist youd like to learn from. Find someone who does work that interest you, make a good design portfolio, and show that individual your dedication. Make sure the individual is particularly abrasive, as you will be spending alot (way more than you anticipate), of time with them. Ive had 2 apprenticeships, one was from an A hole and it almost pushed me completely away from tattooing. A knowledgeable but humble artist is a much better teacher than a egotistical d bag.
The art of Hex *isn't
Do you have to have many visible tattoos to be taken seriously?
for the most part, yeah
a lot of artists will think you're not serious about it if you don't have vis. tattoos.
I wouldn't say many but i think it's definitely a good thing to have a few or at least one visible tattoo :p
WOW ... Sounds like a tattoo artist can only make like $2.00 to $4.00 US dollars per hour tops, and I assume that would be before taxes. That's not even enough to live on.
Why don't more people give me comments like this? They're all about tattooing or something boring...haha thanks :)
Can you be a good tattoo artist if you can't draw portraits?
+romy mcintosh absolutely! you can specialize on your own style, some good artist don't do portraits and also portrait artists sometimes are not good at geometrical style for example.
You should be generally good at art, like drawing.
But you don't have to be able to nail any and everything, I doubt anyone can do that.
That's why artists specialise in certain styles.
besides, I have very rarely seen very good portrait tattoos. maybe that's because I don't like that as a tattoo or something, but yeah. don't worry about it.
If you can for example draw awesome flowers, that's your specialty.
I really want to be a tattooist. I really enjoy drawing but the problem is that I'm pretty bad at it to be honest. Any advice you could give me? Like how to start drawing or how to design tattoos without having to free hand them? I'm pretty good with shading, but at the moment I've been mainly tracing outlines and then shading them in
Practice!!! Look up photos online- human anatomy, figures, skulls, flowers, ships, whatever, and spend at least a few hours a day drawing them. Don't trace. You have to learn to draw what you see, not what you think you see, or what you think will look better. It will be hard; I honestly hated drawing realistic things at first because it was so tedious and my drawings looked like crap. My back ached, thoughts went through my head constantly like, "you can't do this", but just keep at it. You will definitely improve. The best thing is to start with a basic sketch, with basic shapes (accuracy at this point is most important- you can even try laying down a graph if that helps you) and then get more and more detailed. Use your pencil to "measure" and compare the length/width between different parts of the object/photo to make it more accurate. Again, learn to draw exactly what you see, not what you think you see. It isn't an eye socket you're drawing, it's a few curves and angles. Even if you dislike drawing realistic-looking tattoos as I do, you really need to know how to draw anything from a reference. Then you can start getting creative with it :) You can pick up some great drawing books at the library, or possibly even online in PDF format. Good luck!
I'm
I really want my own tattoo parlor how would you go about doing that? What qualifications would you need and what steps would you have to take?
Katrina Rose depends on where your located. In my state the board of health regulates tattoo studios. We are required to be licensed by the board, trained in CPR, AED, First Aid and Blood Born Pathogens. Along with the local town or city regulations such as business registration, trade name registration, and tax filing. Hope this helps.
Doesn't even sound worth it, holy shit! haha
:P
when applying for an apprenticeship, would calling ahead of time to schedule a time to meet be more effective than just dropping by and asking the management to look at your drawings?
how old do I have to be before I can start a tattoo appenticeship
18