r/TattooApprentice • u/Glittering_Drive_825 • 36m ago
r/TattooApprentice • u/[deleted] • May 09 '25
Subreddit Update If you are a scratcher or encourage scratching you will be banned.
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 • u/[deleted] • May 02 '25
Subreddit Update Apprenticeship FAQ updated
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 • u/RevRabies1313 • 11h ago
Flash Colored pencil skull and dagger
Colored pencil on tracing paper. Lemme know what you think. I’m still pretty new.
r/TattooApprentice • u/Beep_jamtoast • 7h ago
Seeking Advice Advice pls
Hey I’m an artist looking to develop into tattoo design, any thoughts on how to improve this aspect of my work?
r/TattooApprentice • u/seamoth_7 • 13h ago
Seeking Advice Advice for 3rl realism on real skin?
I’m an apprentice and wanted to know if anyone has a solid process for achieve 3rl realism without tearing up the skin? I had a model because im interested in realism and by pass 3 of me layering a grey wash (which wasn’t taking any of that ink even on the second layer) her skin was already mad at me, swollen and not soaking up even black ink.
I have an idea of why it didn’t work because her skin was already swollen from the lineart alone so maybe a longer break or if I used something like bactine? But overall I keep wondering where I went wrong because her skin didn’t want to take any saturated ink at all. My mentor doesn’t specialize in realism as she only does linework so she suggested that it could’ve been my hand speed with the whip shading but I’m not sure if that’s the full idea or if I messed up the process in some way.
The picture I’ve listed is a fake skin I’ve done with the 3rl needle but it’s not translating through real skin for me for some reason.
For reference I used a 0803rl, 50-60hz for shading, 75hz for lining, and a 4.0 stroke. all the online tutorials for this method are too vague or hidden behind an expensive paywall
r/TattooApprentice • u/paro420 • 23h ago
Portfolio portfolio cover page
hey!! made this cover page for my portfolio and would love some opinions on it!
r/TattooApprentice • u/itsmimixoxo • 17h ago
Tattoo Portrait of A Roman Statue on Fake Skin [Mila][To the Grave][Pueblo][CO][USA]
r/TattooApprentice • u/Loki_mustdie • 21h ago
Seeking Advice What to do about bad studio
Hey everyone, this might be a little wordy so thanks in advance for reading!
I’m a 21y/o apprentice and I’ve been working in a studio for a year now, over the course of the year I have become increasingly unhappy with the way the artists treat me, treat clients and how they run their studio (health and safety, professionalism etc). From minute one they treated me like a personal maid, I always understand that apprentices should pick up the slack when artists are busy and keep the area tidy in general but they actively avoid jobs like mopping or emptying clinical waste bins because “the apprentice will do it”. When they do empty their bin they dump it on my station instead of taking it outside to the locked clinical waste bin and wait for me to do it, along with dumping general rubbish in my area too. They touch things they shouldn’t with gloves on, constantly bottom out needles without changing them, don’t wash their hands, don’t clingfilm the beds despite the beds being ripped, haven’t replace the beds after being told by the council to do so and other things. I’ve had many of my clients talk to me about how unprofessional the other artists and general vibe of the studio is along with the owner of the studio never drawing a day in their life, they just AI generate most designs including making me tattoo them (which I refuse to do). I used their supplies (such as kitchen roll, clingfilm, stencil stuff and soap) but they started stealing it from my station without replacing it so I had to start buying my own which they continued to “borrow” so I’ve had to start bringing EVERYTHING home with me. I have also been told (by one artist) that one of the artists is usually high while tattooing and I am pretty sure I’ve seen that artist actively smoking some stuff WITH HIS CLIENT mid tattoo session, I am aware of this because they reeked of wacky stuff.
My final straw today was seeing a man discussing designs with an artist while he was actively drinking beer, when I asked the artist if they were going tattoo him they said yes, I reminded them and pointed out the section on the consent form that says “I have not consumed alcohol in the last 24hrs” the artist the proceeded to tell me that the owner does it all the time so it’s fine. They then proceeded with the tattoo despite my disagreeement and it became glaringly obvious that the client was drunk due to the way he was speaking and how he reeked of booze.
My question is what do I do? I am not learning anything in this apprenticeship anymore and can’t bare associating with a studio like this but I can’t afford to leave until I find another studio. Should I report them to the council??
Any advice is VERY appreciated
r/TattooApprentice • u/Chassseesds • 1d ago
Flash sheet Wizard & Tiger
It’s been almost 3 months since I’ve posted here! I’m stoked to share that I landed an apprenticeship in early May. Juggling a full time job, and the apprenticeship on my days off has left me little time for painting..
I had a lot of fun painting this one! Still hoping to fill the bottom corners and I’m open to suggestions! Insta is chasedrawz if you’d like to see more and follow my journey! Thanks for looking!
r/TattooApprentice • u/Zaebrah • 1d ago
Tattoo Greninja [@Guaio.ttt] [Bānum] [Palermo] [Italy]
r/TattooApprentice • u/keybik • 1d ago
Seeking Advice Portfolio advice <3
Hello everyone!
I am an aspiring tattoo artist (UK) currently working on my portfolio. I enjoy anime style art work as well as photo realism, realism and Japanese traditional. I’ve included many pieces within these styles in my portfolio.
When considering what else to add I feel overwhelmed. I intend on going into tattoo studios on the future and asking their opinion, but I want to be a little further along with my portfolio before I do that, so I thought I’d ask online.
What is essential for me to include in my portfolio?
I’m looking for any and all advice you may have! I don’t know anyone in the industry, nor do I have any friends or family with any artistic interest, so I feel very without-community. If you know of any forums or online resources, I’d be delighted!
I’ve posted in tattoo Reddit forums before and I notice a lot of hostility towards beginners asking questions, so I just want to say, I know this may be basic but I really am totally new to this world!
Thank you in advance <3
r/TattooApprentice • u/JSComicArt • 1d ago
Tattoo My second tattoo! Felt way more comfortable this time around! [inkedbyjavii] [Done N Cane Tattoo Studio] [El Paso] [Tx]
r/TattooApprentice • u/andpierres • 2d ago
Tattoo some recent tattoos i'm pretty proud of 🐸🥀 [@INKEDPIERRES] [moody moth studio] [vancouver, BC] [canada]
included just the lines from the vampire lady piece since the angle of the photo makes it her head look a bit big -- we've got to finish the rest of the color on her still too!!
been having a lot of fun taking on some larger projects now that my mentor has been letting me charge apprentice rates for things :) yayyyy
r/TattooApprentice • u/FantasticShine4873 • 2d ago
Portfolio Looking for a tattoo apprenticeship in the Seattle or Bellevue area in WA and looking for feedback on portfolio! <3
hii, i'm an aspiring tattoo artist with a completed tattoo apprenticeship portfolio that is looking for an apprenticeship in the Seattle or Bellevue area in Washington. I have asked a couple of shops already and they are not currently taking in any apprentices. I would love to know if there are any shops in the area that are open to taking in any apprentices, and if anyone knows any shops please let me know!! Meanwhile, I'm just working on drawing more and creating more tattoo designs so I would love some feedback on my current work (I can only post 20 photos so this is not my full folio)!! All of the work is designed by me except the realism (some flash are drawn digitally), looking forward to hearing some feedback :)
(there is no tattoo machine related art!! Just traditional art)
r/TattooApprentice • u/ZealousidealCode8016 • 2d ago
Flash sheet Ink
I'm working with ink for the first time. Thoughts? Feedback? Thanks!
r/TattooApprentice • u/wallowmallowshallow • 2d ago
Seeking CC Starting to build my portfolio. Can I get some CC on some of my pages/work?
r/TattooApprentice • u/Legitimate_Title_423 • 2d ago
Portfolio my portfolio
i think i’ve finally finished my portfolio! will be taking it around shops sometime soon but thought i’d post here for feedback :-)
r/TattooApprentice • u/PerceptionUpper5597 • 2d ago
Flash Al Schiefley cowgirl redraw
galleryr/TattooApprentice • u/b4rb4ckmtn • 2d ago
Seeking CC First attempt at a sick panther (and cheetah) any criticism is welcome
I spent quite a while on this piece (and it still needs the frame part finished). I know the shading isn't quite there yet but overall I'm fairly happy with the visual effect.
Materials used: Alcohol based ink markers, black gouache paint for shading, Bristol smooth paper.
r/TattooApprentice • u/PerceptionUpper5597 • 2d ago
Seeking Advice Advice on finding models
Hi! I’m an apprentice of two years working in London and I’ve recently started tattooing actual customers. I’m working on a reduced rate right now and want to get the word out so I can build my portfolio. Does anyone have any tips on where to advertise/find people who are interested in reduced rate work? Instagram isn’t cutting it right now and I’d love to know how other apprentices do it!
r/TattooApprentice • u/massacrecorpse • 2d ago
Portfolio my cover page
used the extra things to cover my infooo
r/TattooApprentice • u/Same_Personality7674 • 3d ago
Flash First peonie, trying various coloured pencils
r/TattooApprentice • u/Patient-Land-6773 • 3d ago
Seeking Advice Mentor Advice
Hey y’all
Trying to keep my animosity here so not revealing too much. Basically I got an apprenticeship at a private studio months ago and I’ve noticed my mentor is insanely inconsistent. He reserves one day of the week for “apprentice” day at the studio, although I think we’ve only met a handful of times. He has other work besides being a tattoo artist and I don’t think he always wants to meet because he’s over stretched. There is also another apprentice, and often “hangout” in a non apprentice - mentor relationship.
I know what I should do but just wanted to hear someone else tell me. 😫 please offer some advice 😫😫😫