ALT-1 What to Expect as a Tattoo Apprentice
A tattoo artist may seem like a profession that it easy to do without a lot of effort. However, that could not be further from the truth. There is a lot of time, effort, and energy that goes into perfecting the craft. For most tattoo artist the first step is an apprenticeship. It is here where the craft is fine-tuned and essential skills are learned.
Finding anapprenticeshipis often a difficult task. Unlike many apprenticeships where one can expect to get paid that seldom happens in the tattoo business. Most apprentices can expect to pay thousands of dollars for the chance to learn the skills needed to be successful. Once brought on you will start at the bottom. This means that much of the grunt work will be done by the apprentice. Setting up for and cleaning up after customers will be the apprentice job. This is a crucial part of the process due to potential pathological risks.
Working with needles and blood means that tattoo artist must be aware of the risk posed by pathogens. Understanding proper cleaning procedures and sanitation standards will be important. Due to the nature of the job and the potential risk most states require tattoo artists to becertified. This ensures that they comply with health standards that ensure the safety of all clients and employees. Tattoo parlors are regulated by local health departments so learning good practices and procedures is very important to the apprentice. There will be a lot of time covering safe practices, handling needles, and avoiding exposure to potential disease.
An apprentice will constantly be observing the techniques of his mentor. There will be a lot of time watching what is going on. In order for an apprentice to have a diverse portfolio they will spend a lot of time producing drawings. Hours will be spent producing work to develop a unique portfolio showcasing the apprentice’s talent. Customers will have a wide range of needs and the goal is to be able to perform any request the customer has.
There will be lots of time to practice before touching an actual client. With the reputation of the business at stake a tattoo artist will not simply turn an apprentice loose without ensuring they are ready. Fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and even fake skin will be used to give an apprentice a feel for the tools. There is only so much that can be learned from observing, real practice gives one a feel for the tools and how they handle. After mastering tattoos on these practice objects finding a friend or someone the apprentice knows will most likely be their first real tattoo. Once the trainer is convinced of the skills then they will move onto actual clients.
The life of an apprentice will be a life of long hours, hard work, watching, practicing, drawing, and then finally they will have their chance to practice their craft. While difficult once completed the new apprentice will have the skills necessary to step out on their own. This time will build confidence and develop communication skills needed to interact with the customers.
