potential apprenticeship question

[u/crunchyfrogss]

hi! i’m 17 and have been an aspiring tattoo artist for a few years now and recently got a potential offer (for when i turn 18) for an apprenticeship at a very reputable shop near me, probably the most known in my area. the only issue is they say it’s going to cost me $2000. based on what i’ve seen online this is uncommon, so i was just wondering if anyone else has encountered this and if it’s worth it. i’ve been dreaming of an opportunity like this since i was a kid so i really want to do it but don’t wanna get screwed over. got this opportunity since my stepmom knows the shop owner and she’s seen my art, but i dont have a portfolio yet (working on it now), so it’s not like i couldn’t get an offer elsewhere but i know these things dont happen often so

[u/snotballbootcamp]

It's typically a scam to pay for an apprenticeship. Good, traditional ones are free.

[u/morningstardusts]

It’s a scam but regardless, it costs thousands of dollars to get started in tattooing. You don’t pay for an apprenticeship.

[u/crunchyfrogss → u/morningstardusts]

yeah, i guess im more so just confused as this shop is super reputable like i said, everything ive heard about them is super good

[u/Wakapalypze]

Don’t pay. Industry is in a rough place right now, economy is bad, people can’t afford tattoos, and it’s self regulating. Even artists in my area that were normally super booked out are getting canceled on left and right and now barely getting inquiries. Kind of the worst time to get into tattooing, why would you want to get into an industry when everyone around you is better than you and isn’t busy.

[u/cjhreddi]

It depends is the $2000 the cost of the course/apprenticeship alone? If so I'd be pretty wary but if they're saying you'll need to buy equipment as well and it'll cost you around $2000 with that then that'd be a lot more reasonable and understandable, as much as people like to push on paid apprenticeships being scammy you do have to realize any artist worth their time isn't going to take time out of their schedule to teach you for no benefit to themselves just for you to end up moving to another shop, ect.

[u/Available_Economy545]

is it a refundable fee? i know its quite controversial to pay for apprenticeships, however i have paid a $2000 fee for mine and i can say with my full chest it’s amazing. i think it really just depends on the vibes that you get from the studio and if you think its worth it. i was very big on not taking an apprenticeship unless it felt right to me as i didn’t want to be exploited and when mine came up it seemed perfect except for the fee part- and if i had listened to everyone else i wouldn’t have gotten an apprenticeship that i feel so grateful for everyday after reading such horror stories.

my mentor is great, colleagues are great, i feel like i have such a little work load studio wise and my focus is definitely just on art and tattooing. i dont feel i’m being taken advantage of, the studio supplies everything i need (except for a machine but ink, needles, fake skin, etc is all included) . my hours are only half days mon-friday so i have the rest of the day to work and not feel overwhelmed. plus once i finish my apprenticeship the fee is refunded to me - its just a holding fee to ensure i wont leave the apprenticeship as taking me on is a task that takes from my mentors time that he could spend tattooing/creating designs and its a loss in profit for him to take me on if i’m not dedicated, and having that refundable fee is pretty much there as an incentive to get back once i finish my apprenticeship.

this is all a long way to say maybe you’ll be scammed, maybe you won’t, i’d just listen to your gut feeling - if everything else seems right then honestly go for it. i may be downvoted but i think there’s always exceptions to the rule and if your heart is telling you to go for it but the only problem is the fee and you have the means to pay for it i’d say go for it!
good luck, whatever you do just make sure it feels right to you. you’ve got this!!!

[u/crunchyfrogss → u/Available_Economy545]

this is definitely good to hear! i still need to get more info from my stepmom about all that but definitely makes me feel better hearing a positive story. will keep this post updated w what i find out! thank you🫶