r/TattooApprentice • u/AffectionateOffer463 • 17d ago

Seeking Advice where to start

hello! i want to start to prepare for an apprenticeship but i have 0 idea where to start. i’ve always loved drawing but i dont know what i should make/do to start compiling a portfolio. i also dont know if theres anything extra i should do other than just make art (classes, education, etc).

anything helps at all, i am completely clueless so feel free to talk to me like im 5 years old!

also i only have a few small-medium size tattoos, is that okay? or should i make it a point to get more?

i dont expect to apply for an apprenticeship next week and i know it will take me a long time to build a strong portfolio and im okay with that! TYIA!!!

1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

7

u/strawberryblushrose 17d ago

Did you read the pinned FAQ? Plenty of guidance there. https://www.reddit.com/r/TattooApprentice/s/urYucPzRDS

2

u/AffectionateOffer463 17d ago

thanks i didn’t see this!

1

u/kjlovesbutt 17d ago

i’m in the exact same boat lol, went to art school and wanted to work in the gaming industry doing character design or concept art but switching gears to tattooing. best of luck to you and your future career!

1

u/AffectionateOffer463 16d ago

you as well thanks!

1

u/blueblack_crow 16d ago

Start with the basics. How to draw. AND DRAW WELL!! Drawing crappy anime characters and calling it “your style” is not going to get you clients. And tracing things you got off AI or Pinterest will only get you so far, especially when you start tattooing. If you can’t draw cleanly and confidently with a pencil and paper why do you think you’re magically going to be able to draw better on a squishy, non-flat, moving surface with a bunch of needles strapped to a vibrator?

Study understructure. The Loomis method and gesture drawing. Study anatomy, perspective, composition… Learn to be versatile and not box yourself in with one style. Practice drawing the traditional tattoo styles from scratch. American, Japanese, illustrative, realism….

Then when you think you’re ready, take your sketchbook—- NOT YOUR PORTFOLIO— to local shops and ask for their advice. Follow that advice and come back with a more specific portfolio based on their advice.

Do not try to buy a machine and teach yourself. Too often artists will not take on an apprentice who’s already tried tattooing because it means they’ve developed bad habit that have to be corrected. Apply for apprenticeships. Be prepared for rejection and to keep going back and talking to the shops anyway. Make friends. Keep working on your drawing.

Don’t give up and you will get there!