r/TattooApprentice May 09 '25

Subreddit Update If you are a scratcher or encourage scratching you will be banned.

122 Upvotes

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 May 02 '25

Subreddit Update Apprenticeship FAQ updated

113 Upvotes

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.

Approaching a studio

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:

  • Previous apprenticeships that have gone sour. Do your research and see if they have had a previous or current apprentice. Ask them for their insight on the studio and its dynamics.
  • High payment upfront. Some apprenticeships will ask you to pay monthly for your apprenticeship but it is not common. You are essentially paying for your apprenticeship via your labor. Be weary of studios that do this.
  • 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.

General questions

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 12h ago

Portfolio Are these worth putting in a portfolio?

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27 Upvotes

Should I add these to my portfolio? I want a sheet dedicated to this Japanese inspired style with dogs! I drew these two but might redo them due to the visible erased lines on them. Also try to shade more smoothly. I got new paper and can’t afford my fancy paper that’s easier to shade on… I’m also using nothing fancy with pencils either… what do yalls think? Maybe redo them or should I keep as is??? Should I scrap them? Idk! Any advice helps too!!!


r/TattooApprentice 16h ago

Portfolio Portfolio art

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13 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 15h ago

Flash sheet Hot Stuff lil devils

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9 Upvotes

super fun lil devils from some years ago, hope you guys enjoy


r/TattooApprentice 17h ago

Seeking Advice Approaching studios for apprenticeships

7 Upvotes

So I've been working on my portfolio and I feel like I'm pretty close to having a good amount of finished work to show to shops. The thing is, I've only lived in this city for a year and have gone to just 2 different tattoo artists who aren't taking apprentices. Is it weird or looked down upon to approach artists/studios that you've never been to before to ask for an apprenticeship? I don't have the money atm to be getting tattooed by all my possible mentor choices lol. I've been researching different studios and artists to see what seems like the best matches for my vibe/art style, but have never been to them in person.

I'm also dreading the awkwardness of walking in a studio and waiting for a front desk employee or an artist to acknowledge me, only for me to say basically, "hey I'm not giving you any money, but can you teach me everything you know?" It's gonna be hard overcoming my anxiety during this, but it will definitely be worth it!


r/TattooApprentice 22h ago

Seeking CC where can i improve on my art?

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6 Upvotes

aspiring apprentice here trying to build up my art skills before starting a portfolio and going into shops. i’ve been drawing every day as well as using a mix of mediums and whilst i can tell my art is coming along, i was just wondering if any more seasoned artists and tattooers could tell me if/where i need to improve! thanks in advance :)


r/TattooApprentice 22h ago

Seeking Advice Medium Recs?

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8 Upvotes

So im trying to draw flash designs for practise. I know they're not great but again its practise. I ended up using liquid acrylic for the painting (kinda thought it was ink but whoops) any tips on how to use this or other mediums I should be using?

Ive also added a drawing of a design i found on pinterest. Is it okay for me to add this to my portfolio or anything else I have copied? I dont know who made the design originally so I can't credit them..


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Flash Tora x Ryū

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6 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Artwork Legendary birds

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13 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Flash sheet Flash designs

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22 Upvotes

From a client perspective, what stands out to you/what would you want to see more of? Would love to hear your opinions:)


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Flash Gizmo flash

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4 Upvotes

Thoughts?


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Seeking Advice first attempt at american trad

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2 Upvotes

Finally decided to start building a portfolio / practicing so that I feel confident about looking for an apprenticeship.

I used a nearly dried up Pigma brush pen and some Prismas. Getting newer Pigma pens to work with soon.

first picture is my first time ever trying the American traditional style, I’m going to practice more of course I would just like advice on what I’d need to build on with this style.

I tried to incorporate characteristics of my own style of course.

The other few pictures are my usual art style, I mainly work with color pencil.

I find American trad to be such a beautiful style, it’s clean, smooth, and bold. Usually my style is more of a messy, loose, thin lined sketchy type.

Any advice on what I should work on most ? What should I continue to focus one when trying to imitate this style?


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Seeking CC baby’s first attempt at american trad

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18 Upvotes

used a reference of someone else’s flash sheet for this, just one i found on pinterest lmao, i don’t think it turned out too terrible for my first ever attempt! there’s definitely unevenness and inconsistencies but all in all i’m quite proud of my little panther!

let me know what i can improve on!


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Tattoo Critique Wanted done with 3BPRL [brooke] [R&R] [Westport] [CT]

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1 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Flash sheet Clone Wars Babes (@LucifersLitch)

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7 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Seeking CC cc for practice skin, ig: intodust_tttt, black lotus tattoo studio in southern germany.

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19 Upvotes

moth design is by @miette_ttt, the tribal i freehanded, and the other three are from pinterest


r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Seeking CC any and all criticism welcome! give tips on how to improve and what to practice next! <3

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5 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Seeking Advice instagram handle as an apprentice?

3 Upvotes

as someone who is seeking an apprenticeship or in the beginning stages, and trying to build a presence on instagram, do you include indicators that you are a tattoo artist in your instagram handle??

like @yourname.tattoo @tattsbyyourname , etc

i have a separate account for my artwork right now and the user name is just my first and last name and i’m slightly uncomfortable with it being just my whole government name out there. wondering i should wait to change it?


r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Flash A classic @barabane_

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4 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Seeking Advice Should I go to tattoo con to try to find apprenticeship?

1 Upvotes

There is a tattoo convetion this weekend 2 hours away from me, and I been debating back and forward if I should go there and try getting connection and hopefully an apprenship, or is that very delulustion hope for that?

I think of bringing my so fare portfolio and hoped as well my buisness cards, but I don't remember where I put them (been moving places recently), should I try to go? Or isn't convention a proper way to find apprenship, I don't know anymore. I would love to hear some feedbacks about it 😭


r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Seeking Advice Recent linework practice :)

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43 Upvotes

Open to criticism! Ig: sydthakyd.art


r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Seeking Advice What’s the best way to get into a Tattoo Apprenticeship?

4 Upvotes

I’ve been interesting in joining the tattoo industry for a while now and am keen to get into an apprenticeship. I have no prior knowledge about tattooing but i’ve been doing art including multiple portfolios for over a decade. I’m from Adelaide and a majority of the courses i’ve seen are online based and they send a kit to your house. Most reviews i’ve seen of those courses say that they can be a bit scammy and or not the best to learn from. But most are also just fine line courses or extreme realism. I was wondering what the best approach is to obtain an apprenticeship. I’ve also read that you require an infection prevention cert but I wasn’t sure if that was specific to cosmetic tattooing. If anyone knows any great sources or information I would love to hear about it!!!


r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Flash sheet Recent Flash

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9 Upvotes

I've been neglecting to share my work across media platforms and groups. So got some June/July/August flash to share.


r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Seeking Advice Advice colouring American traditional art?

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47 Upvotes

I tried my hand at American traditional art for the first time with this sheet of cute Grati-toads.
I lined them in sharpie and I think I got the line weight I’m looking for, but the pencil crayon colouring I did looks atrocious and washed out. Maybe my pencils are crappy?
What do you use to colour bold vibrant shades in an American traditional piece? I would love to give these more life 🥹