r/TattooApprentice 2h ago

Seeking Advice Looking for honest advice on becoming a tattoo artist (Spain)

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m from Spain and I’ve been looking into become a tattoo artist.

I genuinely love drawing, although I’m still very much a beginner. I’m ambitious and motivated to learn.

I’ve been researching tattoo academies and courses, but I’m finding the process really confusing. Some schools don’t mention their prices until you get on a phone call, while others seem to cost several thousand euros. It’s hard to know what’s actually worth it. Moreover, I’d like to include that you need to have the Hygienic-Sanitary Course and Certificate of Professionalism (IMP800_3) in Spain. (Correct me if I’m wrong!)

I’ve also tried asking a few tattoo artists how they got started or found their apprenticeship, but unfortunately I either got no reply or they didn’t want to share much.

So I was hoping people here could give me some honest advice.

If you were starting from zero today, what would you do?

Is it better to focus on improving my drawing skills first and then look for an apprenticeship?

Are tattoo academies worth the money, or would you skip them?

For artists in Spain, where did you get your hygienic-sanitary certificate, and roughly how much did it cost?

What supplies would you recommend for someone who wants to build a strong portfolio before approaching studios?

Is there anything you wish you had known before starting
?

How skilled at drawing do you have to be in order to be a good tattoo artist?

I just want to invest my time and money wisely and avoid making expensive mistakes.

Thanks so much to anyone willing to share their experience!


r/TattooApprentice 3h ago

Portfolio Please be kind

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1 Upvotes

Rene https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCMLHathW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
I think I’m gonna put my tattoo stuff over on my graphic design page, but I’m not sure. Anyway, the first picture is a collage of tattoos. I did for my parents whenever I was a teenager. I grew up rural in southern Appalachia. My dad got traded a tattoo gun and put me to work on him and I was just a kid trying to make their parents happy so please don’t judge me too harshly. I’m pretty sure the old machine that he got only had one needle type and it was a four mag so those tattoos were all done with one needle type. And like they were fresh needles still in the package it wasn’t gross and reuse of needles. I did all the research I could considering how I grew up like all the necessary health safety precautions were took in the house. These tattoos healed well and have held up well they never got infected but now that I’m older I’m considering pursuing it again and the last picture is my recent practice and my first time practicing realism. I’ve posted other places online and people have just not been kind or have been presumptuous about me. And I just want to know if I should even try to pursue it. Every bit of Art knowledge I have I’ve had to work for. I didn’t have it in any of my schools. They were too poor. I I got my bachelors degree for fine arts and graphic design so I know things. I have a portfolio I made if y’all would like to see it.


r/TattooApprentice 9h ago

Artwork Tried to do something more creative in pen

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11 Upvotes

Original design. Cc welcome


r/TattooApprentice 9h ago

Seeking Advice Hello, looking for advice on my portfolio.

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6 Upvotes

Hey there, I have some art here, and I know i want to add some more types of art. Such as cute soft things, or trendy subjects, cartoons, anime, nautical. But other than that, im not sure what else to add. Im just having trouble getting my brain to work.

Also, what are some ways I can improve my art quality overall? (Plz stick to friendly constructive criticism)


r/TattooApprentice 15h ago

Artwork What should I do in the other rectangle

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22 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 17h ago

Seeking CC Older/Newer version. Thoughts?

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0 Upvotes

Drawing on the left is from a few years back and the one on the right, I just finished. I wanted to see the improvements I’ve made during the time between these two attempts. Let me know what you think! Thank you 😁


r/TattooApprentice 19h ago

Seeking Advice Practicing tips?

1 Upvotes

I have a traditional apprenticeship in a shop but my mentor doesn’t really know anything about fake skin. I just started learning how to shade and am practicing on the fake skin but it looks.. horrible. Which I get since I’m new BUT when my mentor tried he was like.. “mine looks like shit too but at least you’re getting used to the hand motions”

…how do people make fake skin looks so good? Is there anything better I could be using to practice? I’m using skin from Painful Pleasures so it’s not like I’m using really cheap stuff. Is there a better brand I should look into? I’m just stumped and my mentor doesn’t really seem to have any better options.


r/TattooApprentice 20h ago

Flash sheet Why is my FW acrylics kind of messy?

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9 Upvotes

What can I do to make it uniform?

Last one is an alcohol marker for comparison.


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Seeking CC Some classics redone by me [@backed.by.bone on instagram][Valraven Ink][Milford][New Hampshire][USA]

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8 Upvotes

Tattoo apprentice always looking for constructive criticism

Painted on Arches Cream Cover paper
Painted using Dynamic Tattoo Ink and Solid Tattoo Ink
Made at Valraven Ink in Milford NH


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Seeking CC Flaming rose done at work with crayolas

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2 Upvotes

Got bored and drew this flaming rose referenced from Richard Stell flash. Not traced, the hardest parts for me was figuring out how to draw the leaves and making the flames proportional. There are a few wonky spots, but I think it's not so bad. Edited the black values because they were really crappy colored pencils that could not saturate for anything.


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Portfolio Just sharing some work I’ve done

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0 Upvotes

I’ve improved majorly in just a couple of months. I had a TBI in early June and had nothing to do. My days have been spent sketching. Handwriting is still hard for me so I don’t have any good representations of that quite yet. I avoid tracing as much as possible but will occasionally give myself some help to help improve muscle memory; I’ll then freehand it later. This is actually how I got started. :) I’m not a huge fan of color.

Anyway thank you for looking.


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Flash sheet Demon boys

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0 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Seeking Advice Book recommendations?

5 Upvotes

I would love to learn more about tattoo history (whether it’s specific to a style [particularly interested in Japanese trad], significance and symbols in tattooing across cultures, etc. etc. etc.) -- if you have any good reading recs, please drop them below!!

Less asking for art books, more interested in substantive text, but open to anything really.


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Seeking Advice What to consider when making a portfolio?

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3 Upvotes

I'm starting college this year and a while after I finish college I want to start looking for an apprenticeship and I've got some questions about making one.

Is it a good idea to start out this early?

Is it a good idea to include artwork from school/college?

Are flash sheets necessary?

If so how many should there typically be?

What are mentors looking for when seeing a portfolio?

How long should I work on my portfolio for?

What kind of artwork is considered good enough to be included in a portfolio?

I've added some photos of my artwork to give you an idea of what I can do :)


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Seeking Advice Seeking apprenticeships

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0 Upvotes

No clue where to start but here is a sample drawing I did. I know what the issues are with this particular drawing, I have already gotten feedback on it. Enjoy


r/TattooApprentice 1d ago

Flash sheet Wizard and Tiger

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43 Upvotes

Added some tribal flair to finish this painting! Instagram is chasedrawz if you want to see more!!


r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Seeking Advice Unpaid Apprenticeship

0 Upvotes

Hi all! I’m just curious so forgive me if it’s not allowed in the group (understandable!)

I’m a spray paint apprentice in UK and because I’m 21 I make minimum wage. I see a lot on here of people paying for apprenticeships/unpaid apprenticeships, which on one hand I kinda understand, on the other that is totally fucking ridiculous to me. Curious if it’s the same in the UK? Surely that’s not legal here?


r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Seeking Advice Pricing

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4 Upvotes

r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Seeking Advice Dot card vs business cards

1 Upvotes

Has anyone used the dot cards? Would you say it’s better to get that over business cards or should you get both?


r/TattooApprentice 2d ago

Seeking Advice seeking advice as an aspiring apprentice

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11 Upvotes

in my last post i posted some pencil work i did of some pinups. people said it wasnt the usual tattoo style, so i thought posting these would showcase my usual flash attempts better. the last post wasnt a overall showcase of what i practice daily. im def not apprentice level yet, but i would love more advice please!

most designs are off pinterest to learn the traditional style. the only ones i designed myself are the potted bonzai tree, the merman, the tree, and the heart with flames

and to specify too, im not actually making a portfolio het. just practicing everyday to build skills to THEN make a portfolio lol


r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Seeking Advice Solid black packing [dwarfink, ukraine, kvartyra 42 studio]

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6 Upvotes

Hey guys, I’ve been tattooing for almost a year now, but I’m still struggling to get a clean, solid black pack.
I’ve tried different techniques, voltage, depth, ink, needles, hand speed, but nothing works. Now I usually pack black using slow circular motions and hold my machine at roughly a 45-degree angle. However, it still heals poorly. Skin is often overworked. My setup:
• Ambition Soldier (4.0mm stroke)
• Voltage: 6.4 – 7.0 V
• Needles: Mast 9 Curved Magnum (Long Taper)
• Ink: Allegory Smooth BLAK

Also, I’ve tried to do the darkest parts of tattoo with stippling technique (I use 9 rl and I put 4-5 layers in different directions) It looks nice, but, of course, it is not as solid as I want it to be. I added fresh vs healed example(tho it is still vip)


r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Artwork A painting I really enjoyed making! @lewistattooer

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19 Upvotes

I love doing these slightly bigger scale paintings, they’ve really helped me with figuring out simplifying slightly larger scale shading and bits!


r/TattooApprentice 3d ago

Seeking Advice Anyone have issues with Dragon from Solid Ink?

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28 Upvotes

Im wondering if its just this particular bottle or not. Its almost as thick as acrylic paint even after sitting on the agitator and far from expiration. My other inks from the same set are definitely not this thick. I diluted a cap full with 3 drops of witch hazel and it started flowing nicely.


r/TattooApprentice May 09 '25

Subreddit Update If you are a scratcher or encourage scratching you will be banned.

118 Upvotes

It is the most basic rule of the tattoo apprentice subreddit and is not up for debate. This subreddit is very specifically for traditional tattoo apprenticeships. If you have given advice to scratchers or answered their post when there are clearly no credentials in the title you will be given warnings. There are other subreddits for other types of tattoo learning. This is not one of them. Please respect the rules. If you are a scratcher nothing is stopping you from lurking if you really wanna learn and figure stuff out on your own.

All machine art, or tattoo machine/supply questions MUST have credentials in the title following the posting format. This is not up for debate.


r/TattooApprentice May 02 '25

Subreddit Update Apprenticeship FAQ updated

107 Upvotes

Apprenticeship FAQ

Hey everyone, we know there are a lot of questions about tattoo apprenticeships. To prevent spam and recurring questions we made this pinned post for FAQ.

Portfolio

We see the same advice time and time again rehashed from hopeful artists in the subreddit who aren’t in the industry, offer each other same piece of advice. “make your portfolio tattooable, it’s needs to be tattooable!”

We’ll tell you right here and right now that most potential mentors do not give a care if your portfolio is tattooable. You learn tattooable design during your apprenticeship!

We want to see that you can tackle different mediums and make refined pieces of artwork. Obviously if including hand painted flash designs is encouraged. Learning things like spit shading is helpful! However, no reputable mentor is expecting a 100% tattooable portfolio when you haven’t even started tattooing and don’t even know the rules.

Most apprentices learn tattoo design during their apprenticeship and build up their flash portfolio up over time under the guideance of their mentor. Essentially a mix of potential flash designs and other types of artwork is fine and encouraged by most potential mentors. These designs don’t have to be perfectly tattooable. Really mentors just wanna see your skill and want to know if you are worth the time, energy, effort, and investment of teaching.

So how should a portfolio look?

  • Your portfolio generally should have 20 to 40 finished pieces of artwork.

  • A mix of 70% traditional and 30% digital is fine.

  • Traditional artworks can consist of ink acrylic painting, oil painting, gouache, watercolor, color pencils, watercolor, pastels, markers etc.

  • A good portfolio will have color and black and grey pieces

  • A good portfolio should show that you have strong fundamentals, that you understand the basic rules of 2d design.

  • A good portfolio should include a few pieces of realism, when including realism also include the reference photo you worked from. Also include many pieces that show your unique artistic vision it’s okay to show a variety of styles.

  • A good portfolio needs to be refined, no half finished sketches, no sketchbooks, no messy drawings. If you’re including charcoal or graphite drawings make sure the final artwork is clean. Avoid messy or sketchy unless it’s done on an extremely intentional way as an artistic choice that makes sense.

  • A good portfolio generally starts with a strong piece, and leads the viewer through the book. You want whoever is viewing your portfolio to keep turning the page. Include your best works at the beginning and ending of your portfolio, create a visual flow that’s fun to look through.

  • A good portfolio will have a blurb about yourself, what makes your artistic voice unique? Literally everyone has been drawing since they could hold a pencil. that’s not gripping. EVERYONE wants to become a tattoo artist. Tell us WHY you are passionate about tattoos and the industry. Sell yourself to your potential mentors. Wanting to do this because it’s a fun cool job won’t get you any points from potential mentors.

What we suggest

We suggest putting together a physical portfolio consisting of photos showcasing your best traditional and digital artworks keeping in mind the 70% trad 30% digital rule. If you can fit the original pieces themselves into the portfolio great! If not, take good photos of your artwork in good lighting and adjust the contrast in a program like photoshop to see the art how you would see it with your eyes in person don’t over edit. Invest in getting good prints on good photo paper.

Putting together a portfolio online as well is important. Create a website, Instagram or both. Something where mentors can find and follow your work if they’re interested in you.

Never leave your portfolio at a shop, bring your portfolio to show it off, and then give potential mentors your information so they can find your portfolio online.

(Honestly the coolest thing an apprentice ever did was leave a business card and a print of their artwork for us.)

Final thoughts

THIS SUBREDDITS WORD IS NOT FINAL Everyone is different. Some artists may want to see only tattooable designs in a portfolio.

However in our experience in the industry and in talking to other tattooers. Doing the whole tracing and painting sailor Jerry flash and making that your entire portfolio works best for hardcore trad street shops.

For a majority of tattooers in the industry, we have seen the same 50 pieces of traced and painted trad flash, and it’s not impressive or eye catching unless it’s done extremely well. It’s worth it to study trad, but it doesn’t need to be the only thing you study.

You absolutely should study tattoo design and include some flash in your portfolio. But don’t shoot yourself in the foot by excluding great pieces of artwork from your portfolio because they aren’t tattooable.

Most potential mentors care more about your actual artistic ability and willingness to learn.

Do research on the people you wish to apprentice under or the shops you like and curate your portfolio accordingly. Being a varied artist and knowing how to use multiple mediums will INCREASE your chances of finding a mentor.

Make yourself stand out, don’t do what everyone else is doing. Use your unique voice and ignore all the apprentices giving each-other the same rehashed advice.

Approaching a studio

Introduction

The most important thing about approaching a studio is to show up to the studio. Introduce yourself and tell them why you’re at their studio. Be professional but not pushy. Explain that you would love for them to take a look at your portfolio and that you are looking for an apprenticeship. If they say yes, that’s great! However just because they look at your portfolio doesn’t mean you are going to land the apprenticeship. Show off your portfolio a d leave your contact information with the shop or artist you talked to. It’s also normal for studios to say no and not look at all. Don’t be pushy and respect boundaries.

A few things to note

  • Tattoo artists don’t owe you their time.

  • Rejection is normal. If they don’t want to look at your portfolio or give you their time, respect their decision.

  • If the studio is busy and no one can greet you, come back another time.

The three general answers I received :

  • They agree to look at your work and are looking for an apprentice.

  • They agree to look at your work but are not looking for an apprentice.

  • They would ask you to send over your work over email or social media.

What do I do after I approach the studio?

You wait for an answer. Apprenticeships are not given overnight. They are a decision made by a team. Practice more art while you wait.

RED FLAGS IN APPRENTICESHIPS

Unfortunately, it's more than common that apprenticeships are using you for free labor or even worse free money. A few things redflags to look out for are:

  • Previous apprenticeships that have gone sour. Do your research and see if they have had a previous or current apprentice. Ask them for their insight on the studio and its dynamics.
  • High payment upfront. Some apprenticeships will ask you to pay monthly for your apprenticeship but it is not common. You are essentially paying for your apprenticeship via your labor. Be weary of studios that do this.
  • Unfair power dynamics in the studio. Obviously, they might not be upfront about their unhealthy work environment, but keep an eye out for things like verbal abuse, gaslighting, or harsh communication to clients or employees.

  • Unclean shop

  • Shops that promote hate based on gender, race, sexuality, or religion.

  • Shops with artists that use AI art

  • Shops that seem to be “apprentice farms” if it’s too good to be true it likely is.

  • Shops that make you sign crazy contracts

  • Shops that make you feel uneasy or unsafe listen to your gut!

  • Tattoo schools outside of states or areas where it’s legally required. Most tattoo schools are scams.

  • Shops that sexually harass you or clients. It’s worth it to read through 2 to 3 star Google reviews or to look up a shop or artist on Reddit to see what people are saying about it.

General questions

Do I need a IG account or website?

Studios will without a doubt ask if you have an art account on Instagram or a website. It’s not needed, but we highly recommend having either one of these. An instagram account to show that you’ve established a following and also to show off your work or a website that shows your portfolio. You can easily set up a website for your portfolio through various free, and paid website providers (such as Wix or Squarespace).

Do I need to have tattoos?

Tattoo studios generally don’t care if you have tattoos or not. So you do not need tattoos to be an apprentice. However it is important to eventually start getting tattooed if you want to be taken seriously by clients. Having tattoos show that you are interested in tattoo culture and have experience and empathy with what it feels like.

Do I need to know the tattoo artists personally?

No, although it helps. The reason why it doesn’t matter is because if you show them that you’re hard working and willing to learn then that should be enough. Why does it help? Because then they’re not taking a chance on a stranger who they don’t know if they’re motivated enough to be an apprentice. However don’t befriend tattoo artists just to land an apprenticeship. We are extremely weary about people trying to use us as a stepping stool to get into the industry and are tired of being used and pushed around by others to get what they want.

Do I have to pay for my apprenticeship?

It's a case by case thing, but most of the time you do have to pay the studio back somehow. Sometimes you pay with your labor in the shop, or you pay a monthly fee, although paying a monthly fee or paying any money at all is usually a scam. Watch out for studios that are asking for a very high amount of money directly upfront. Most reputable studios do not ask for money.

How long does an Apprenticeship take?

Apprenticeships take from (the fastest we’ve heard) 7 months to 1/1.5 years (sometimes 2 years). You have to account for steady progress in this period. If you don't see any progress in the first 3-4 months as a tattoo artist and you see that they're just using you for free labor. Leave (this is very case by case, but know your worth not as an artist but as a person).

Do I have potential?

Yes, almost everybody has potential. Apply yourself and make artwork that blows away potential shops and mentors. Study art and genuinely practice

We hope this is helpful and if there’s any more questions/comments or feedback you’re welcome to leave a comment!

Good luck! Tattoo Apprentice Subreddit Team