Tatoo apprenticeship .Best way to go about it?

[Thrice]

Without sounding like im jumping on the band wagon totally im in search for an apprenticeship.

Because of the recent demand in wanting to tatoo over the last couple of years its been incredibly hard to achually find an apprenticeship.But my Portfolio is built and ready to go.

Id like to know peoples experiences in becomeing a tatoo artists and their ideas would be very much appreciated.

Thanks alot,
Daisy

[simonightmare]

There's a subforum for this kinda stuff on the main page... this'll get moved though so no worries!

I'd just say have a shit hot portfolio, a good, genuine attitude and enthusiasm... and really fucking thick skin, because you're going to get a lot of knock backs I'd imagine [I'll soon find out myself...]. I'm approaching it more from a standpoint where I just want to hang out at the studio to begin with and make myself useful and start a friendship with the owner(s) and regulars, then work my way up from that after earning my dues mopping the floors etc and proving I'm not a time-wasting shitheel.

Post up some of your work?

[squidgystar]

just keep plugging away... don't be tempted to buy a shit kit and tattoo your mates.

join in the art threads here... there are many tattooists who post here and the more your name is out there and known for good artwork the better for you.

Plenty of people here will also be able to critique your work and help you improve... quite often, the folk who say "I've got a shit hot portfolio" often need more help than they realise.

Have a look through the jobs section, theres a couple of apprenticeships on offer and be prepared to relocate

[Aaron]

I was in your position a month ago. You just have to make sure you are completely happy with your portfolio. I worked on mine for 2 years before I went around any shops. I was really hesitant and naiive at first, I expected there to be apprenticeships offered on websites like this one, I expected it to be handed to me on a plate. You have to get out there and nag people otherwise it won't ever happen. I now have an apprenticeship and cannot be happier.