Instagram has revolutionized the tattoo industry, providing tattoo artists with a platform to showcase their work and connect with potential clients. According to some estimates, over 70% of a tattoo artist’s clientele can be sourced through the social media platform.

This guide will teach you how to become a tattoo artist and secure your earnings with an apprenticeship at a reputable tattoo studio, where you can practice and enhance your skills. You need to prepare a few samples of your work before approaching your desired studio.

Are you ready to learn more? Read the following tips:

Progressing as an Artist

Assess your current skills and push yourself to learn new techniques. Practice designing in various styles and aim to practice drawing for at least one hour a day. Start with minimalist, surreal, and realistic subjects. Use detailed images from art books or the internet as references and recreate them. Being able to draw realistic portraits is essential, as tattoos of family members or friends are often requested.

Create a Portfolio

Begin collecting your work in a portfolio showing your artistic range and ability. Curate up to 10 designs you have mastered, including common tattoos like skulls, flowers, animals, or calligraphy. Show off your art comfortably and make sure your portfolio reflects your skills and style.

Apply for an Apprenticeship

Take various art and design courses to stand out. Learn different art styles and composition techniques—this will set you apart from other apprentice candidates.

Get Necessary Vaccinations

Before beginning your training, you’ll need a hepatitis B vaccination. Contact your doctor for vaccination planning—having this vaccination is a legal requirement in most countries and protects you while working.

Research Tattoo Artists

Find a specialist artist in your city or country. Invest time to find a professional, experienced tattoo artist and read reviews about them. Find one whose style resonates with you.

Find Studios Offering Apprenticeships

Spend time researching tattoo studio websites. Check if they accept apprentices and look on their website to see if there are open opportunities for apprenticeships.

Make a Great First Impression

When meeting the tattoo artist, answer interview questions honestly. Each studio will have its own conditions for apprenticeship.

Consult with Tattoo Masters

Ask masters to review your portfolio and give you feedback. A more casual conversation will likely follow. They want to get to know you as a person before accepting your proposition.

Be Respectful

Maintain a respectful demeanor throughout your interview and avoid insisting or rushing into an apprenticeship.

Be Professional

Working in a tattoo studio can be demanding. Always put forth your best effort and show respect to your colleagues.

Don’t Give Up

If you want to succeed as a tattoo artist, don’t give up. Keep working hard to improve your skills and grow as an artist.

Attend Tattoo Workshops

Learn from professional tattoo artists through private, semi-private, or online classes. After practice, you can start creating tattoo samples at home.

Get Ready for Apprenticeship

Tattoo apprenticeship requires time and effort. Invest time in the studio you want to apprentice with and showcase your abilities.

Are you ready to apprentice at Rima Tattoo Studio? Contact us today for more information.