It takes 1-4 years to complete a traditional apprenticeship. Choosing one that works for you requires an understanding of why they vary in length. Once you visit any tattoo studio in your area, you will feel that different artists work hard. Some tattoo studios are ancient and have experienced artists with years of experience. Because of this, they command the highest fees for their artistic skills and precision. Tattoo apprenticeships will work 5 to 6 days a week, which is considered normal.
Some of them are apprentices. Apprentices are often less expensive than full-fledged tattoo artists, but they are not less skilled. Apprenticeships may even leave you wondering what they are all about and how long they last.
What is a Tattoo Apprentice?
A tattoo apprentice is a person who gets training under the direction of an experienced tattoo artist to learn the pure art and craft of tattooing. It is an important stage where emerging tattoo artists develop their skills and learn the right techniques and knowledge under experienced mentorship.
How Long Is The Average Tattoo Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships last about 2-3 years on average. They can, however, last for up to 5 years.
Tattoo apprenticeship duration can be based on different factors including progress, the teaching style of your mentor, and the complications of the skills being learned. Normally, tattoo apprenticeships can take 1 to 4 years and sometimes even take longer. You can determine how long the apprenticeship will take based on your experience and training. I will explain to you in more detail so that you can easily understand.
Normal Apprenticeship
Normally in the first year, tattoo apprentices learn their work at the front desk and education by cleaning, etc. They do this to compensate their mentor for his or her time and teaching. Your apprenticeship will begin without picking up a tattoo machine in the 1st year.
Short Apprenticeship
Due to the fact that you’ve already paid for your education rather than working for it, your apprenticeship should be short and you should begin learning pretty much immediately.
Long Apprenticeship
Your tattoo apprenticeship contract includes a requirement to work full-time in the shop as a full artist, following the path of a “normal” apprenticeship.
The Never-Ending Apprenticeship
It is unfortunate that some “mentors” only offer apprenticeships to emerging artists for free in exchange for helping on the front desk. The apprentices are not taught enough to enable them to become tattoo artists, so the company lengthens the apprenticeship and keeps a free employee.
Some mentors just provide an apprenticeship to emerging artists because they want free front desk workers and they will teach you nothing.
How Many Hours A Week Is A Tattoo Apprenticeship?
Some mentors that allow the apprentice flexible hours will have a part-time job and apprentices can support themselves. Apprenticeships will require you to work 50 or even 60 hours each week. During the week apprenticeships will work 5 to 6 days a week which is normally expected.
Do Tattoo Apprentices Get Paid?
Tattoo apprentices cannot be paid due to spending their time as front desk workers, tattoo apprentices are just paid when they start to make a tattoo for others. Once the apprentice starts tattooing the clients, they will not earn too many dollars in the studio. Tattoo shops offer apprentices an “apprentice split,” where they receive 50-60% of their salary in exchange for helping the apprentice finish their education.
How Much Time Does It Take to Start Tattooing in a Tattoo Apprentice?
Once apprentices have worked at the desk for a year, mentors will teach apprentices and begin to show apprentices how to tattoo. A person might allow the child to tattoo fake skin or allow the child to practice tattooing.
What Is The Length Of The Tattoo Apprenticeship Program?
Tattoo apprenticeships can take a variety of lengths depending on the following factors:
Show Your Artwork
Applicants who want to be apprentices should be able to showcase stellar art skills in their portfolios. For people who do not have experience of drawing, when they get it it can take some years.
How You Ask for an Apprenticeship
Entry-level jobs are different from apprenticeships. In most tattoo studios, you will be turned down if you walk in and ask for a job right away. The answer to the question “Do you offer apprenticeships?” is “no” asked by tattoo artists every day.
Taking part in a shop’s activities before contacting a potential mentor is the best way to ask for an apprenticeship.
Do Connections Help
There are plenty of tattoo artists who are eligible to get into the huge tattoo industry quicker because they already have some friends who are working in the tattoo studio.
How Much Time Will It Become a Tattoo Apprentice?
Some big and premium tattoo places have some legal requirements according to your tattoo education, including applying for a tattoo license or going to school. Apprentices become professionals once their mentor believes they are ready for the job.
- Apprenticeship length is influenced by several factors, including:
- Your skills in drawing and progressing as a tattoo artist. You can practice your drawing in different designs including octopus tattoo designs, palm tree designs, minimalistic designs and memorial tattoo designs.
- The ability to work on fake skin is a plus. (Using fake skin will help you prepare faster for real skin.)
- How many times are you able to tattoo? More practice will help you enhance your skills faster.
- How much time does your mentor spend teaching you artistic skills?
Learn How To Control How Long Your Apprenticeship Will Last
Our advice is to create a tattoo apprenticeship contract with your possible mentor so that you do not get sucked into a long apprenticeship. In the written contract, both of you agree on your apprenticeship milestones. For example, according to the contract, after a specific amount of drawings, you will be able to begin practising with a tattoo machine.
Payment instalments will accompany these milestones if you're paying for your apprenticeship. Mentors will be motivated to teach you more often if you do this.
Final Thoughts
Tattoo apprenticeships are an important time commitment, often needing 50 to 60 hours per week throughout 1 to 4 years. Emerging tattoo artists should be prepared for a tough schedule that includes both tasks that are learning and maintenance of the tattoo shop. People who are passionate about tattooing can face challenges but ultimately are rewarded with rewarding careers. Follow tattoorecover for amazing updates about tattoos and get the best tattoo design ideas for your work.
Rafael is a talented tattoo artist with over four years of experience in creating stunning, personalized designs. Passionate about tattoo education, he loves sharing expert advice on tattoo healing and aftercare to help clients maintain their ink’s beauty. Rafael also inspires others with unique tattoo design ideas, blending creativity and meaning in every piece. His dedication to artistry and client care sets him apart in the tattooing world.
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