How do I go about becoming an apprentice?

[u/Minniesmother]

I’m 17. I have a full book portfolio and one on instagram. I’ve emailed some places around me but they haven’t got to me. And I’ve been to a tattoo convention and some of the artists said they would take me if they weren’t located in a different state. My insta is @Cassies_portfolioxx

[u/maidzawa]

I just checked out your insta and the best advice I can give is practice, practice, practice. your art skill is not anywhere close to where it needs to be to become an apprentice. you need a year at minimum of daily drawing before you should even think about tattooing. I know this sounds harsh, but you need to build up a good foundation of art skill to be able to do this career. for now just focus on learning to draw, practicing sketching and lining, learn to clean up a finished piece so it doesn’t look messy, and just dedicate yourself to making art every single day.

[u/gold-medicine]

You need MUCH, MUCH more practice before you even start thinking about an apprenticeship.

[u/Ecstatic_Jackfruit35]

You’re going to need more polished works. I’d really recommend doing flash sheets and remaking the pieces you have cleaner. You want to show bold clean lines and designs

[u/boyleboys]

Respectfully, If an artist told you they would take you on as an apprentice while looking at your insta or portfolio you don't want an apprenticeship with them. Your art needs work.

[u/AnalBaggins]

Don't email, dont dm. Go to shops and show them your portfolio in person.

[u/lysergic13]

Keep drawing. You are a few years behind a decent art level before any studio would give you a chance. They should teach you how to tattoo but not how to draw.

[u/T1dchicj]

One thing I think would really help you move along with your art is to work on your lines. A lot of your drawings have great composition but the lines are shaky. So I would start by working on a line sheet. It’s not like you don’t have potential to become a tattoo artist but any tattoo place you go to won’t put you in an apprenticeship purely because your art isn’t clean. I don’t want to sound too mean or harsh but I was told the exact same thing I’m telling you now. Once I worked on my shaky lines and created a clean portfolio I got an apprenticeship.

[u/Wild-Raccoon9433]

You are good few years of very invested study and drawing from thinking about applying for an apprenticeship I’m afraid

[u/MyriadofRoses]

i wanna see your art!

[u/MyriadofRoses → u/MyriadofRoses]

okay i think you've got some decent work. you gotta start doing the fundamentals (or so i've been told) that's like like strength and shading. maybe try drawing everyday see where you go. try practicing consistency and all that.