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Hey Jay,


Getting a solid portfolio is a great start. It would help to share a link with us to help you with your art (If it needs it) to help you even more.
The idea of apprenticeships has changed a lot since 20-30 years ago. many artist are taking on 4 and 5 apprentices without even having the skills to teach. so it is hard to tell if you are getting the proper guidance. This is very common when an art student goes into a shop to try and gain one. I hear it so often of artist just taking advantage of these people and just take their money. So be cautious when you do your search.
Usually a good way to gain an apprenticeship is to take the time and go to a few shops and get to know the artist there. Get a few tattoos by the artist you like, and politely mention that you would love to become a tattoo artist. Make friends with these guys and spend some time with them if they don't mind you hanging around. mention that you would like to visit more often if they don't mind and offer to help them out with anything they need, like cleaning, or organizing a few things. the key is to build a relationship that the artist can see you are truly interested. if they decide to test you and have you hang around for 6 months without you losing your patience, then maybe they will see something in you that they like and they may take you on... for the most part just be yourself, don't try and fake you way in by acting the way that you think they would expect you to...
The one thing I would suggest is do not tattoo yourself, once you cross that line, you will never go back, and an artist will not want to retrain you if you have already started tattooing yourself or your friends.. be patient, especially if your young. I was 34 before I started tattooing and so was Bob Tyrrell, so stay motivated but don't let the road getting there overwhelm you... work on your art, study all that you can.....



Hope that help. Take care.




Stephen Stacey

superman nailed it i would just like to add have bbp and first aid under your belt so as u are covered before hand. anyone interested in this lifestyle needs these certs it is a necessity and info u def want to know. would def like to see some of your art if u can post a link