WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN AN APPRENTICE?
When we look for an apprentice, we primarily focus on qualities that we believe are essential for success in the tattoo industry. Given the current situation, there are several attributes we emphasize. The market isn’t lacking in apprentices or tattoo artists – competition is tough, and it takes much more today to succeed in this field.
We believe that success as a tattoo artist is not just about technical skills but also about dedication, creativity, the ability to learn and adapt, and a genuine passion for the art.
When we invest our time and knowledge in training an apprentice, we want to do so with someone we believe is best suited to become a skilled tattoo artist. For us, there are three extremely important qualities we look for.
YOUR DRAWING SKILLS
Being able to draw is absolutely essential in our industry. Do you have a natural ability to create visual artwork? Drawing skills are a fundamental requirement for developing your potential as a tattoo artist.
We believe in the philosophy that if you can draw it, we can teach you to tattoo it. However, this requires a fundamental talent for drawing, which is crucial for success in this profession.
Unfortunately, this is where many candidates face challenges. Many lack a portfolio of impressive drawings, which often becomes an obstacle in the recruitment process.
Even though some candidates come from art schools with extensive portfolios and a solid artistic background, this is not necessarily what we are looking for.
Art comes in many forms and styles, and what we are looking for is potential. We want to work with those who have the best foundation – individuals we can shape and guide to become some of the very best in the industry!
OUTGOING PERSONALITY
Personality plays a significant role in achieving success as a tattoo artist, and we believe it’s essential to have a positive and teachable attitude.
This trait gives you significant advantages, especially when you start working with both clients and other tattoo artists. The ability to ask questions and actively learn from others in the industry is crucial, as there is no definitive handbook for tattooing.
Those who are eager to learn and curious about the process often develop more quickly. This curiosity and willingness to grow create a strong foundation for becoming a skilled tattoo artist.
Det er også viktig å huske at tatovører ikke bare jobber med tatoveringene sine; de jobber med mennesker. Når kunden er ferdig og drar fra studio, er det opplevelsen de hadde med deg som de sitter igjen med.
Good communication skills are therefore essential for building trust and providing clients with a positive experience. Clients often spend several hours in the tattoo chair, making it crucial to create an atmosphere where they feel seen, heard, and well cared for. This overall experience is key to building a loyal customer base, which is vital for success as a tattoo artist.
SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM TIK TOK YOUTUBE
We live in a time where social media plays a crucial role, both positively and negatively, especially in the tattoo industry. As of 2024, we believe the industry is fairly saturated with both apprentices and tattoo artists. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to succeed, but it requires much more effort and dedication than it did in the past.
You must be willing to work hard to have a chance.
Potential clients often tend to judge a tattoo artist based on their number of social media followers, which in some cases can overshadow the actual quality of their work. This creates a challenge for many skilled tattoo artists who may not spend much time marketing themselves online. There are undoubtedly many talented tattoo artists out there who are not active on social media and therefore miss out on clients who base their decisions on popularity rather than skills.
At the same time, there are tattoo artists who invest time and resources in building a strong online presence, giving them the advantage of attracting more clients through visibility and marketing.
For apprentices, it’s important to find a balance between showcasing their work on a platform that aligns with their style and target audience, while maintaining a strong focus on the craft and artistry itself. A good combination of artistic skill and digital marketing can be the key to succeeding in an increasingly competitive industry.
WARNING
The apprenticeship period in the tattoo industry is often unpaid, which can create significant challenges for those in training. Many young talents have shared stories of a tough start in the industry, characterized by long workdays focused on cleaning and administrative tasks, with little time dedicated to learning the actual craft and art of tattooing.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to hear about apprentices who feel exploited or overlooked when it comes to training in tattooing techniques. These experiences have contributed to a negative perception of the industry for some. For others, the challenges become so overwhelming that they choose to drop out, which is not only a loss for the individual but also for the industry as a whole.
Another challenge is unfair agreements, often referred to as "slave contracts." In such cases, studios may require payment for the apprenticeship position while binding the apprentice to the studio for several years. If the apprentice ends their training before the agreed time, they may also face penalties, such as being required to pay a fine. This places unnecessary pressure on apprentices and can make the path into the industry exceptionally difficult.
Unfortunately, such practices are possible because the industry lacks proper regulation. Anyone can call themselves a tattoo artist and open a studio without necessarily having adequate knowledge or experience. This contributes to unprofessional and unfair conditions for apprentices.
Unfortunately, such practices are possible because the industry lacks proper regulation. Anyone can call themselves a tattoo artist and open a studio without necessarily having adequate knowledge or experience. This contributes to unprofessional and unfair conditions for apprentices.
Dreaming of becoming an apprentice? Here, you can send us a quick and simple application!
PORTFOLIO FROM A FORMER APPRENTICE
Fredrik Holme submitted three of his digital drawings as part of his application for an apprenticeship with us. We don’t only evaluate those who create realistic designs – we are open to various styles and expressions. The drawings Fredrik sent us are digitally created and demonstrate his creative potential and understanding of visual art.
With his strong understanding of drawing and impressive ability to create realistic faces, Fredrik quickly completed this portrait of Kanye West on "fake skin." His precision and technical skills clearly showcase his potential as a future tattoo artist.
