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Do you have a tattoo? Lady Gaga has a German Poem from Rainer Maria Rilke on her arm, Johny Depp’s  body is full of them and my flatmate also decided to get some. Unfortunately it’s the name of his ex girlfriend he wears on his chest. I can tell you his new girl isn’t really happy about: “Love Petra”. It may sound random… but there is such thing as a tattooing apprenticeships in America, unfortunately not currently available in Australia.

There are probably as many people out there regretting their past tattoo decisions as there are people complaining about their job decision. Make the right start. If you have a passion for body art become a tattooist and prevent people from choosing those tattoos they could come to regret.  Good for you, good for them. It’s a win – win situation!

How? I guess you shouldn’t consider a “learning by doing” approach. This will end up with many frustrating, long lasting results and skin infections. The right way is finding an apprenticeship that provides you with proper skills like sterilisation, hygiene, needle making, prepping, making stencils and other practical aspects like business management.

These 5 tips will help you get a tattooing  apprenticeship in America :

1. First of all you’ll have to learn from the best, so find a tattoo artist you get along with. He or she has been in the business for at least five years and you admire his/her work. A good tattoo shop should be professional, clean, and sterile. That is the kind of place where you want to become an apprentice.
2. You will need to create a portfolio to showcase your artistic abilities and impress your potential mentor.  Choose a selection of your best work. This could be drawings, cartoons, photos of wall paintings, sculptures, tattoo designs or whatever you have done so far that showcases your skills and love for art.
3. It doesn’t matter if the guys working in this tattoo shop listen to heavy metal all the time and look like thugs. These guys are already working there, you don’t! Take care you are well groomed and make a good impression. Show them you are sincere with your decision to gain knowledge and be a passionate apprentice.
4. Get knowledge about human anatomy, about muscles, bones and skin, also about blood and sterilisation. You don’t have to go to uni for that, your local library has enough stuff for you, check the internet! Let your employer know what you’ve already learned but don’t try to show off.
5. Obviously it couldn’t be bad if you already had a tattoo. Even better if you got it in that specific shop you want to work for. This can be the first step to build up trust. Much better if you gave them a good tip that time!

Take your time, find the right place, or find some professional help to get a better overview over how to go about starting an apprenticeship.

Unfortunately, currently there are no available Tattooing apprenticeships in Australia.  Talk to apprenticepower today to discover your options as an apprentice or trainee by calling them on 1800 297 762 (Toll Free) or emailing them at info@apprenticepower.com.au

Image by __april.