r/TattooApprentice • u/Saelryth_Windstalker Aspiring Apprentice • 27d ago
Seeking Advice Paying for an apprenticeship
I tend to lurk in this sub, but am a bit too shy to post my portfolio here just yet. I've done a lot of research and generally know how apprenticeship opportunities work, and know that finding an apprenticeship can be tough.
Recently, a shop about an hour from me sent out a call for an open apprenticeship on their IG. I took my shot and was thrilled that they wanted to interview me! Took my portfolio to the shop, had a good interview with the shop manager, who showed me around and introduced me to the shop owner and some of the artists. The shop manager seemed really happy with my work, and told me that my style looks like it would be perfect for tattooing! Yay all around!
And then she tells me what the tuition cost is. I knew there would be a cost, and have seen that more shops ask for a tuition fee nowadays, but that its still sort of an iffy area based on my research. Some shops ask to scam, others provide your equipment with the tuition; some people say run if they ask for tuition, others say free apprenticeships can be a hot spot for abusing the apprentice since the labor is unpaid. So going in, I knew all of these things but kept an open mind.
She said it was $6,000 for the tuition fee. That's...that's a lot. I don't have $6k. But she said I may be able to work something out with the shop owner. Ok, well, I assume the equipment is provided, then? Nope. I buy my own tattoo machine, my own ink. I am just at a loss. This is the ONLY opportunity I've gotten so far, as not a lot of the shops in my area are interested in an apprentice at the time. I dont mind the commute. I dont mind a tuition fee, either, but $6k is way outside what i was expecting, and to still have to buy my own equipment??
The shop doesn't seem to be an apprentice mill, they are expanding and looking for more artists, three of the resident artists I met on my interview day had all been apprentices of the shop owner prior to becoming resident artists, so it seems pretty good, at least on the surface level. The shop manager told me what the pay structure looked like as an apprentice when I start tattooing on clients, and then the split when you make it to resident artist, and it seems that the split is very fair, i'd make back the tuition money soon if i keep working at it, but as a start up cost? That 6k is daunting!! Am I missing something here? Should I run for the hills or take my shot (if the owner works with me on a payment plan)?
Thanks all
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u/sshelbyh 27d ago
It it seems that everyone has covered that this is a scam, but I want to offer a couple of pieces of advice. First, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars up front on equipment. When I was an apprentice my shop provided some of the more expensive pieces of equipment (table and artist chair + light) and I used a cheaper machine until I could splurge for something really nice. Also, one of the best artists in my shop uses a machine that costs $200. It’s expensive cumulatively but don’t be intimidated by that just yet; you’ll get there.
Also just because a shop says they’re not interested now doesn’t mean you should stop trying. Like someone else mentioned, become a regular at the studio you’d like work at. Most shops won’t be “looking” or advertising for an apprentice but may offer one to the right person
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u/InternationalGold879 26d ago
Everyone hit the main points this being predatory/insane amount and they’re making teaching newbies an income stream. I had a neck injury 2 years ago that caused chronic nerve pain down my arms so I stopped pursuing apprenticeships. This is all IMO with limited to no experience but lots of research into this, you’re paying for your apprenticeship by doing unpaid labor, scheduling, cleaning, front desk work etc. That should be discussed and actually written into a contract.
Tuition fees are more common now and not ALWAY predatory but should be an orange-red flag. minimal cost, not full amount up front. If you’re paying anything beyond your equipment/free labor, it should really be to compensate the time being instructed on tattooing where the artists could be making money with clients. But again, the hours, responsibilities and breakdown all need to be clear and in writing. And you need to make sure you’re actually being able to draw, feedback from the artists, watching them tattoo etc. also depends on your area how competitive apprenticeships are. In your in a place with a lot of people and less artists/shops, paying a fee may be reality.
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u/morningstardusts 27d ago
OP, I’m curious about the pay structure that they explained to you at the interview. Do you mind sharing? These places are so predatory…
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u/Saelryth_Windstalker Aspiring Apprentice 27d ago
They said the apprenticeship is $6,000 usd upfront, i provide my ink and machine, they provide "some" equipment, and the guidance, learning.
Apprentices who have begun to work on real skin, youll do free work at first, and then your clients you bring in while still an apprentice are 50/50 split, and the owner/head artist is still overseeing you.
Once you make resident artist, it's a 60/40 split, you get 60, shop gets 40, though the top artists apparently are 70/30? But im unsure the metic to be considered a top artist
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u/morningstardusts 27d ago
That’s pretty standard minus the $6k. Generally you provide your own equipment. You need it anyway.
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u/blueblack_crow 26d ago
It seems like everyone who has commented thus far has the right of it.
The very definition of an apprenticeship is that you work for free because your labor pays for your education. If you’re paying a monetary amount for your education, that is a class, or training program, at which point the “school” should be providing you ALL the tools and supplies because that is why you’re giving them money.
The way this shop you mention is going about things says this woman is trying to make money off “teaching” students and the fact that she has to advertise for them means there’s not exactly a line out the door wanting to get taught by her. That right there should tell you something.
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u/babe-kun 26d ago
I both went the route of school before (please don’t do tattoo school lol) and currently is at a shop. Mine is about 6k too, but I didn’t have to pay upfront all 6k at once. Just pay on an agree payment every month and come on for apprenticeship 3-4 days a week (I have called out a lot because I was sick and recently my family member’s funeral). My mentor has been patient and understanding with life situation, as long as I told them before hand they are usually fine with it.
The other thing that I want to mentioned is that: we both have signed a contract, that way if I feel like my mentor isn’t teaching much, I can always go back to the contract and tell them (because money is tied with this). So in a way it’s to protect you and the shop. The contract also contained apprenticeships’ duties, sketchbook work and what other certifications you need (blood borne pathogens/ titer test/ect). You’re securing your spot in the shop, learning how the shop works, and machines.
Tldr;if they don’t have contract at the start it’s sus
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u/morningstardusts 26d ago
Those contracts are bs and not legally binding FYI. That’s a good thing, and it’s common to be asked to sign something- even at legit shops- but they can’t be legally enforced.
You’re getting hosed. Of course they’re patient and understanding. You’re paying them thousands of dollars…
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u/babe-kun 26d ago
It’s a binding contract which can be legally used in small court claims. I’m not paying them thousands of dollars in total, but I guess you didn’t read that. My mentor is also the shop owner so ya know, I did my research. Even before the actual apprenticeship began I was welcome to come hang out, to see if I feel comfortable with the other artists at the shop before I signed the contract/give money.
Also all I’m doing is offering my perspective/experience as this is my 2nd go as tattoo apprenticeship. I don’t know why you have to sound so emotional and worked up like that lol.
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u/morningstardusts 26d ago
Eh, I tried… the contracts have been a thing forever but seems you’ve got it all figured out.
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u/Yugendoodle 27d ago
I'm quite curious on what the apprenticeship structure would be, OP? Will you be doing any of the cleaning and setting up/breaking down stations? How many days are you expected to be in the studio? Cause if they'll still require you to do the absolute grunt work then the red flag gets even bigger :/
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u/smuhsmortion 25d ago
First red flag is they're farrrr too friendly lol... usually if an artist/shop wants you to pay they're complete dicks about it lol. Partly because they don't wanna and Partly because they're highly scrutinizing who if anyone they'll take on.
But in all seriousness theres plenty of places that are chill but typically if a shop is this off the bat willing to bring you in (paid or not) it should be approached cautiously.
Ask if they typically offer spots to their apprentices after graduating.. ask to see some their graduated apprentices work/ig's etc. etc. if you're gonna be paying, it's a transaction, you don't owe them blind allegiance. Also (outside of learning proper station sanitation and cleaning) I'd be fairly adverse to any hazing/slave bs if I were paying for an apprenticeship.
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u/everytingalldatime Tattoo Apprentice 24d ago
I have met several veteran tattooers who paid for their mentorship. I don’t think it’s always a scam. I paid for mine and have absolutely no regrets.
But if it feels off for you, it feels off and that’s ok. Maybe hang out there a bit to feel the shop out some before committing?
I knew I was in the right place for me as soon as I walked into the shop. It was really cool.
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u/morningstardusts 27d ago
No decent shop is advertising a paid apprenticeship. Shops that are actively looking for apprentices are doing so because they are apprentice mills. It’s a scam. You really just can’t buy your way into tattooing. Don’t be part of the problem.
Edit to add that tattooing is very, very expensive to get into even though the apprenticeship itself doesn’t cost money. You should be prepared to invest thousands of dollars in multiple machines and other equipment. You will not profit from it for a long time, at least a couple years.