As an autistic person, going into shops, making a good impression, showing motivation and confidence are really huge roadblocks. I've been learning to tattoo on my own because I don't think any shop would consider me, being able to work in a shop only two days a week max (fibromyalgia and cfs). It's not that I'm not good with clients or people. But I cannot 'sell' myself. I don't immediately come across as warm, kind and motivated. It's only when people get to see me a few times or really give me half an hour to talk, that they can see my worth. I've been experiencing this my whole life. I have studies 6 years of art and am highly intelligent and very persistent and smart about learning new stuff. But even if my portfolio would be good, I cannof offer a shop much, I'm afraid. If you would have any tips on how to aboard such a situation, please let me know?
Hey so concerning your trouble, maybe breaking the ice by outright addressing that you may come across as this and that, and that you’re actually genuinely invested into the process for the the customer. It might ease your interactions with a greater yield of good receptions. I hate the idea that your personal brilliance doesn’t get to shine because of certain anxieties! Let yourself shine!
Hi I’m autistic & have been tattooing 12 years now, it took a second but I found a shop that had a really calm and safe environment. That especially exists these days, even in my shop! It’s meant to be a safe space for neurodivergent, queer, poc, and others who are typically ostracized by antiquated shops. Building a clientele for me meant masking a ton but having established myself and working as hard as I could it all paid off. A true passion for it makes it worth it. It is a really tough career and industry, which is why getting an apprenticeship can be hard, they just want to see that you want it and have the motivation and drive.
Plus apprenticeships aren’t as insane and ab*size as they used to be, especially in shops that cater to everyone. An apprenticeship is so much more than practice tattoos, most places don’t give out machines for a long while. That’s just because of how life threatening it can be without proper training, and access to equipment, products, etc. there are people out there who will be a good fit, and I think it’s worth it to find them!
Yes Holly! This is exactly the advice I needed to hear as I’m currently looking for a tattoo apprenticeship, proving difficult in these unprecedented times, but hopefully, things will change soon. Stay safe and loving your content.
You had some great points, but then you TOTALLY got me stumped when you made that skrinkle face when you said “IPad Drawings” I think you need to really think about how you dismiss this method of drawing.. I’m sorry but some of us thrive in drawing digitally, with no negative effect to our tattooing abilities. I am self taught, I DID buy a crappy kit about 6 years ago.. and I have many tattoos I am proud of displayed on my body. I will apprentice officially because I’m well aware If I don’t, I’d be wasting a natural talent.. that being said. I do like your videos, but some of your thoughts are a little “mainstream” meaning, it sounds like you are saying certain things to “fit in” with the other tattoo “professionals” and dismissing many ways others can learn. Yes. Safety first. Be sterile. But ultimately, I’d be willing to bet my life MANY of the TATTOO GREATS who lived and died literally taught themselves…. Idk why tattooing for me is like riding a bike… without wonky lines.. sorta weird how certain things can truly come natural to us weird ass humans. Good day! -Ry
Honestly I agree with her. If I was the owner of my own tattoo shop and someone came in with only digital drawings it would be a turn off to me. I want to see what people can do on paper. Almost all tattoo artist do use a drawing tablet because it makes clean art, with more clean lines. Where its at is if you can draw, and not just digital.
I agree with you. I've literally seen some of the greatest artists talk about how they started in prison... and I feel like this kind of ties into the whole 'gate keeping tattooing' because a lot of artists won't even give apprenticeships and some people get turned down so much they have to or choose to learn themselves. I think everyone has to start somewhere and might not be blessed with a nice shop around or school to learn from. Not trying to justify ones that don't take the safety precautions into consideration or the teens that stick and poke just for giggles but I just feel like it's kind of rude to automatically assume or judge a person for starting out that way especially if they're just trying to start a career in the best way they think fit for them.
thanks for sharing this!!! great advice :) I've been looking for an apprenticeship for a couple months now... been going into studios with my work and asking for feedback and showing im dedicated, showing my face, having conversations, building relationships and obviously getting tattooed for several years!! I've had some really great feedback and conversations! I was super nervous to begin with but each time I go and get feedback it becomes a bit easier and I gain more confidence :) I'm glad in Scotland tattoo studios are still open, we aren't on a lockdown so i'm just going to keep trying :) Stay safe and take care :)
I was an apprentice for a bit but the shop was treating me terribly. Very sexist. I would get gross comments from my mentor( the owner of the shop) and the manager was constantly sexually harassing me. I was treated more as a submissive than an apprentice. I also was lied to multiple times. I was lied to about an apprenticeship license which I would need in my state in the US. My mentor also sexually assaulted a coworker and friend of mine but lied to me about it. And he has never passed any apprentice of recent years. Every single apprentice has quit because he refused to sign off on the license. So yeah fuck that guy. I’m currently looking for another shop. But I’m carefully going about it so I don’t repeat the situation that I was in.
I had a very similar experience! The owner/mentor at the shop would also say gross things to me and the other female members of the shop. There was an artist there that was a known sexual predator, like everyone at the shop knew about what he did to women and they didn't care or try to stop him. I only found out about it later. The other artists verbally abused me in front of clients to the point that the clients would actually tell them to stop. I've been hit and had things thrown at me. I washed their cars, picked up their meds from the pharmacy, drove them around as if I was an uber, even installed light bulbs in the shop. This on top of all the drinking I was peer pressured into. I left after about 2 months cuz I couldn't take it anymore. These people were obviously more interested in playing rockstar than providing a deeply personal service to their clients, which is what I think tattooing should be about, not the "clout". If I can't find a shop with a good mentor that has actual respect for their craft then I'm happy with not going into the tattoo industry. Life's too short to have to deal with shitty abusive people.
@@miauomiauo I’m sorry you went through all that. Yeah I can relate to much of that. Apprentices should have a union. These kinds of things shouldn’t be happening and being a mentor needs more regulations and rules. Crazy how difficult it is to find a place that you are respected and a place you feel safe at. Right now with covid it’s even more difficult to find an apprenticeship with regulations on how many people can be at the shops at a time. What I’m doing is looking at shops that have more of the young generation at and shops that already have women working there and then maybe there is less of a chance of this happening again. I was at a shop with the older generation where the people were heavy drug users and have been in and out of prison. The owner would actually sell drugs in the shop. I took it that apprenticeship because I didn’t know any better and it was the first shop to say yes to me.
I think experiences like this, coupled with the fact that there simply aren't unlimited vacancies are why a lot of people start to teach themselves/watch online courses/have friends show them and tattoo from home. With all due respect to Holly, I don't think it is always that someone hasn't "been bothered" to go and get an apprenticeship.
@@tinybats9948 I know you need a licence to become a full tattooer at the end of your apprenticeship but what's a Apprenticeship Licence? Unless I read that wrong. I'm currently building a portfolio and am working with straws on how to get into this
I’ve met and know plenty of tattoo shop owners with a very reputable reputation that were “self taught”. Fact of the matter is is tattoo shops are dicks. Anytime you wanna apprentice for them they talk shit or they wanna shoot you down. I would rather take my time and practice on myself, then find out if it’s for me or not.
Been trying to get into an apprenticeship for several years now without any luck. It is a little discouraging. Over the years i have learned a lot of fundamentals and technique on fake skins. Went from coils to rotary styles to learn both. I have taken my art from my practices to shops looking for an apprenticeship and most of them responded with insults and some got violent for me just asking. I just thanked them and left wondering what i could have done. I haven't worked on anyone because i really want to earn this the right way before i even start. I have been drawing my entire life and always wanted to be a tattoo artist since i was a kid. My artwork is above average in some areas, and been working on my weaker points, stuff i am not as familiar with drawing. Is there a school or something i can travel and attend or is it just through the local shops where i can get a license and learn properly in person?
Hi! first, thank you so much for the advises! they are extremely helpful. I do have a questio, when you mention that ipad drawings are not a good idea, what exactly did you mean by that? Showing drawings on an Ipad is not a good idea or showing Digital Drawings as a tattoo portfolio is not a good idea?
what advice would you say to someone who has tattooed themselves multiple times before getting an apprenticeship? I absolutely love tattooing but didn’t know that it was frowned upon if you didn’t have an apprenticeship before hand :( Should I bring this up when I’m trying to get an apprenticeship?
Hey Holly! A quick question from a fellow UK lockdownee... as most of the UK is in tier 3/4 so popping into various shops is likely to be a no go for some time, how would you reccomend getting in touch? E-mail seems pretty cold and potentially pretty hard to show off a bunch of the key indicators of what might make a good apprentice. Would really appreciate your thoughts! Also realise as we’re all in super lockdown might not be the best time to be hunting, but yeah! Thanks and take care ✨
Hi, great video with solid information 👌😃 I just have a quick question would you find it better for a portfolio to be filled with recent artwork or more like a journey of growth type thing?
You have been such an inspiration and great help to me with videos like these! They have helped me so much in knowing what to do with my portfolio which I’m putting together now! I’m hoping to get my apprenticeship after uni this year so thank you for all your tips and help in these videos you’re amazing!
Hey holly, I’ve been building my portfolio for a long time and its almost full but i recently got an iPad and started doing digital commissions! I just added my first printed digital drawing into my folio today before watching your video and I’m wondering why you said to maybe not add digital work to the folio, before i add anymore haha Thanks!
I'm wondering too! I think digital art is just as worthy as any other medium, but I feel like there is a bit of a condescending judgment in saying that ink, watercolor, graphite are good and the only thing that's not is digital... Like the ipad would do the art all alone. I hope you enjoy drawing on yours, I've found myself progressing tons on mine.
@@match0um digital art is HARD so props to you on mastering it. But I think it’s not as accepted as actual art on paper because technically the iPad can correct mistakes for you ( hold down and if creates a perfect circle from a bad circle , create a straight line even if yours wasn’t straight, FLAWLESSY erase or “undo” instead of avoiding mistakes from the jump or having to strategically fix it.) I think it’s just the fact that when working with a machine you won’t get all of the benefits you get with digital. Now that being said, you can still be a great digital artist and for sure use it for stencil work (when you’re actually able to start tattooing) but mastering the good old fashion art on paper is going to trump digital. Use only like 2-3 digitals in your portfolio just to show you can do it well. Do the rest traditionally
It varies in each shop, my first apprenticeship I had a bit of both, my when I was offered my second apprenticeship I only did digital work. I’d say it’s important to master paper first, if you can show that in your portfolio and then a bit of how you work digitally then that’s good! It’s good practice to keep working on paper though!
Digital art is super hard and many of us use iPads for stencils and such these days, but when learning how to draw for tattoos and apprenticing, it’s quite a different medium & different than not drawing to tattoo the design. And it’s a lot less forgiving like tattooing. I think being able to show consistency, the willingness to do 5-7+ copies a piece, a clean final product, etc. is important. they’re all more time consuming on paper, also like tattooing. If I had to guess hahah. I hope that made any sense, sorry it’s so late!
There are only 2 shops in my town, they're not offering an apprenticeship. So how could someone learn when the option of an apprenticeship isn't available? It's unfortunate because this is my dream and I can't travel right now.
Please don’t be discouraged to learn on your own :( I hate that so many tattoo artists discourage it, but truth is not all of us of the luck and the opportunity to learn from others in a shop. I got my own machine, and I do not take “customers” but I tattoo fake skin and by doing that I’ve already learned a lot. Just feeling how it is to hold the gun, different needles sizes, speeds, and practicing tracing has just helped me keep going. It does not make you any less worthy. It’s just like if someone couldn’t afford art classes but until they could they would buy pencils and pens and start learning what they could. ♥️ don’t give up!
Hiya, I really want to get a tattoo apprenticeship but there’s no way I could do part time as I have a mortgage and other responsibilities, do you know if a part time apprenticeship would be something people would take on? Even if it means I have to be an apprentice for a longer time I’d be willing to do that.
Thanks for the video. Do you recommend any studios who provide best apprentice projects? I’m a 4-year tattooist from China and I’m happy to travel to UK！
Come on Holly open yor mind to new ways and your eyes to different people´s life realities, I a little border Canadian town, from wich the closest tattoo studio it´s located 3 hours away, and the second closest tattoo studio it´s FIVE hours away, The whole province of Ontario in Canada it´s under severe luck down, so even before covid it for people like me to think in getting a tattoo aprenticeship was not just very difficult but whatever it´s next, so following your advice and mentality I should just quite or moving on to a city with more tattoostudios available??? Plus if you bother in checking out how many terror stories are out there about abusive tattoo mentors you would relize why almost no one wants to get an apprenticeship. IF YOU DESAGREE WITH THIS OPINION THEN PROOF THAT I´M WRONG AND GIVE A PERSONAL APRENTICESHIP TO ALL OF US WHO NEED IT, WILL YOU?? HAHAHAHA ... I KNEW IT
So someone practicing tattooing at home and feel they are finally getting good enough to approach you when you post a advert for a potential job is bad is it. Comon people have to start somewhere don’t shoot people down. Remember how you got to where you are at! I bet there have been millions off tattooist that have started of from practicing at home then stepped up the ladder. I watched your video on drawing and thought you was cool but a lot what you have said on this video comes across patronising. And no I’m not the kitchen tattooist lol but I am drawing from home and practicing on fake skin so apparently I’m wasting my time 🤗 inspire people don’t put them down. Remember your videos are mostly pointed towards beginners
Absolutely true I can't believe this woman is telling the people is nobody give you the opportunity you never gona learn?? And how everyone star? That's ridiculous.
I literally can’t get an apprenticeship due to having another job, o don’t have time or savings. I practice at home on fake skin when I can so that when I do get an apprenticeship o have at least some experience.
@@torisargent9808. Sooo many things to learn before picking up a machine. That’s why tattooing is so heavily regulated, & you don’t pick up a machine for a long while into an apprenticeship. It can so easily k*ll someone if not properly trained in safety. Which can’t be done in a home due to access to equipment and products.
My issue is the time and pay. Ive walked into 5 shops so far and they said they would take me but they want me there 7am-10pm for little to no pay :( Cost of living is really high in my city and I just dont see how id survive.
Hi holly, thanks for the great video, I want to start apprenticeship and i would love to hear your thoughts about my portfolio before I submit it to the studios, Thank you
I'm trying to get one with my artist I've gotten close with it, know the shop workers ect. And the first thing he said when I asked about at home / buying my own machine he said 'do not do that or I'm not even considering you anymore... And if you came in with kitchens tats we wouldn't be talking about this right now' lol
Why not iPad drawings? Is this a common opinion in tattooing? I’ve just got my fine art degree and all my art is made on procreate. I already was interested in pursing tattooing but the main feedback I get about my art and art style is that they would look great as tattoos. (It’s typically gothic, monochrome, line drawings that vary from minimalistic to very detailed).
Don’t be discouraged! I also specialize in digital drawing just like you. I hate it but so many old school tattoo artists have a bad look on digital art but there is nothing wrong with it. I’ve actually also gotten most people looking at my digital art as tattoos they would like. If you got talent in digital drawing then totally show it off! All tattoo come out in ink so no need to discourage how the idea was drawn up. ;)
If you’re looking for an apprenticeship I would only show drawings, most shops will turn you away if you’ve been practicing on fake skin or other people in your house as it means you probably haven’t been doing it correctly and you’ll will then have to unlearn your bad habits. An apprenticeship is a long process and doesn’t mean you will be hired and immediately be allowed to work on fake skin, this process is important in most shops.
This was interesting! What do you think is going to happen with apprenticeships with the C19 situation? Also do you think there is an age where it wouldn't work to try and be an apprentice? Ie, if you're a bit older!
I was wondering about the age thing as well! I'm 27 now, and I see all these super talented 18-20 year olds getting apprenticeships or already tattooing full time and sometimes it just makes me want to pack my bags and give up! Imo age shouldn't matter as long as you're motivated and good at what you do, but I don't know what actual tattoo artists think about it all.
I am currently an apprentice at 26 years old and I'm a high school teacher. I know I'm not exactly "old" but I'm definitely not my 18-year-old self, being able to just work and work and work and having all the free time in the world, so apprenticing at this stage in my life is incredibly difficult and comes with many more responsibilities than it would have back then. By the time I graduate, I'll be 27-28. My mentors have repeatedly told me that they were more inclined to take me on because, at my age and having my profession, they knew that 1) I am likely more emotionally mature, 2) more professional than the average teenager, and 3) committed to working hard and seeing things through. So in the end, my age is the biggest factor in how I got my apprenticeship, so I wouldn't shy away from chasing your dreams.
How do you afford to do an apprenticeship when you’re older though? There’s no way I could afford to not have a proper full paying job as a single mum of two.
@@HollyAstralTattoo you are such an inspiration for me. I turn 28 and feel like I'm so late :D also i got 2 kids so it's going to be a challenge but I will make it work
As cringey as this is, I watched your videos ALL throughout university and multiple awful jobs until I got the chance to pursue tattooing through an apprenticeship full-time. You helped me build a portfolio and grow. I then managed to attend and work at Cornwall Tattoo Convention in August 2023 after only 1 year in the industry and held the stall right next to you just by pure chance. Sorry I didn't say 'Hi', I was definitely secretly fan-girling the whole time! Surreal experience! Much love
Thank you for sharing this video! I am looking into getting into the tattoo industry in Canada. I am sure there are some differences over here however, any and all information helps. So thank you for your help and generosity
When you work at a shop you have "booth rent" for the space you use to tattoo. But as long as you pay that the rest of the money you make is yours. (Not including possible taxes you'll have to calculate in.))
@@HollyAstralTattoo Thanks for the response! How many of those with portfolios "Be honest" were actually talented/gifted? Im assuming most were subpar.
getting an internship is pretty much a casting couch, of coarse some young girl will be chosen over an ex convict or graffiti legend. seen it in every thing from directing music videos to trying to start a pop up shop. you practically need to be charlie manson, plus if you do get an internship most artists are so rude your gonna end up breaking their jaw for talking to you like a slave or acting like you are their whipping post. ive tried even with old friends, there is always an urge to disrespect you until it gets serious then its all gaslighting and vindictive situations with stealing all your stuff and hiding behind cops, then it becomes a gang issue where you are no longer welcome to own a shop in the neighborhood.
Where I live having a tattoo studio doesn't automatically make the artist some kind of tattoo master worthy of seeking an apprenticeship from, whilst there are around 10 tattoo studios in my local city and surrounding areas, only two, maybe three of them show any real talent. Apprentices should not take it as a given that they are going to be guaranteed expert mentorship from an artist because said artist tattoos within the confines of a studio, all they need for that is rent money.
I've been wanting to get an apprenticeship but I don't have the time to do the typical things a younger apprentice would be able to do. (Im an illustrator and to earn enough I'm working literally every hour of the day). So I can draw(without sounding big headed), I know how to run a business and talk with clients, I also work as a housekeeper at a hospital- could I please be the exception to needing an apprenticeship? 🙃 I just want to put nice artwork on people dammit hahah
Most of the people I've talked to that have apprenticed say/said they didn't even get any needle time they were shop flunked cleaning toilets washing windows running arrends I mean it sounds like a good Ole boys club regardless of gender
Ew. This is such an old fashioned snobby veiw on tattooing. There are lots of ways to self teach your self and more and more people are having to do exactly that. Alot of people are not able to get an apprentaship regardless of how much or how hard they try. Alot, find a placement and get treat apporlingly. Getting an apprenticeship is more than half luck. It's not really so much to do with artistic skill anymore. Artist that own shops like your self have that typical tattoo snobbery attitude. This video isn't at all helpful.
You're apparent disgust with people who tattoo without an apprenticeship seems ignorant. I am a very good sketch artist / artist in general. I tried to get an apprenticeship years ago, and it seemed basically impossible. I couldn't even get anyone to look at my art.
@HollyAstralTattoo I do, and I am. That was the point. Trying to shame me out of my genuine feelings from real experience shows who you are. You're kind of the problem with the tattoo industry. Once people are in, they want to be Gatekeepers. Even if they were let in because.....
@@HollyAstralTattooyou have life on easy mode. You're not in your position because of your artistic abilities. (Living up to the label you put on me while being brutally honest)
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As an autistic person, going into shops, making a good impression, showing motivation and confidence are really huge roadblocks. I've been learning to tattoo on my own because I don't think any shop would consider me, being able to work in a shop only two days a week max (fibromyalgia and cfs). It's not that I'm not good with clients or people. But I cannot 'sell' myself. I don't immediately come across as warm, kind and motivated. It's only when people get to see me a few times or really give me half an hour to talk, that they can see my worth. I've been experiencing this my whole life. I have studies 6 years of art and am highly intelligent and very persistent and smart about learning new stuff. But even if my portfolio would be good, I cannof offer a shop much, I'm afraid. If you would have any tips on how to aboard such a situation, please let me know?
Hey so concerning your trouble, maybe breaking the ice by outright addressing that you may come across as this and that, and that you’re actually genuinely invested into the process for the the customer. It might ease your interactions with a greater yield of good receptions.
I hate the idea that your personal brilliance doesn’t get to shine because of certain anxieties! Let yourself shine!
@@carlossuarez4702 Ah! Thank you so much! That actually sounds like a good idea! :)
Hi I’m autistic & have been tattooing 12 years now, it took a second but I found a shop that had a really calm and safe environment. That especially exists these days, even in my shop! It’s meant to be a safe space for neurodivergent, queer, poc, and others who are typically ostracized by antiquated shops. Building a clientele for me meant masking a ton but having established myself and working as hard as I could it all paid off. A true passion for it makes it worth it. It is a really tough career and industry, which is why getting an apprenticeship can be hard, they just want to see that you want it and have the motivation and drive.
Plus apprenticeships aren’t as insane and ab*size as they used to be, especially in shops that cater to everyone. An apprenticeship is so much more than practice tattoos, most places don’t give out machines for a long while. That’s just because of how life threatening it can be without proper training, and access to equipment, products, etc. there are people out there who will be a good fit, and I think it’s worth it to find them!
@@bleufitz9702These were great comments! It helped me as an aspiring tattoo artist.
Yes Holly! This is exactly the advice I needed to hear as I’m currently looking for a tattoo apprenticeship, proving difficult in these unprecedented times, but hopefully, things will change soon. Stay safe and loving your content.
Ah incredible, good luck finding an apprenticeship Tom!
How did it go? Did you find an apprenticeship?
You had some great points, but then you TOTALLY got me stumped when you made that skrinkle face when you said “IPad Drawings” I think you need to really think about how you dismiss this method of drawing.. I’m sorry but some of us thrive in drawing digitally, with no negative effect to our tattooing abilities. I am self taught, I DID buy a crappy kit about 6 years ago.. and I have many tattoos I am proud of displayed on my body. I will apprentice officially because I’m well aware If I don’t, I’d be wasting a natural talent.. that being said. I do like your videos, but some of your thoughts are a little “mainstream” meaning, it sounds like you are saying certain things to “fit in” with the other tattoo “professionals” and dismissing many ways others can learn. Yes. Safety first. Be sterile. But ultimately, I’d be willing to bet my life MANY of the TATTOO GREATS who lived and died literally taught themselves…. Idk why tattooing for me is like riding a bike… without wonky lines.. sorta weird how certain things can truly come natural to us weird ass humans. Good day! -Ry
Honestly I agree with her. If I was the owner of my own tattoo shop and someone came in with only digital drawings it would be a turn off to me. I want to see what people can do on paper. Almost all tattoo artist do use a drawing tablet because it makes clean art, with more clean lines. Where its at is if you can draw, and not just digital.
I agree with you. I've literally seen some of the greatest artists talk about how they started in prison... and I feel like this kind of ties into the whole 'gate keeping tattooing' because a lot of artists won't even give apprenticeships and some people get turned down so much they have to or choose to learn themselves. I think everyone has to start somewhere and might not be blessed with a nice shop around or school to learn from. Not trying to justify ones that don't take the safety precautions into consideration or the teens that stick and poke just for giggles but I just feel like it's kind of rude to automatically assume or judge a person for starting out that way especially if they're just trying to start a career in the best way they think fit for them.
thanks for sharing this!!! great advice :)
I've been looking for an apprenticeship for a couple months now... been going into studios with my work and asking for feedback and showing im dedicated, showing my face, having conversations, building relationships and obviously getting tattooed for several years!! I've had some really great feedback and conversations! I was super nervous to begin with but each time I go and get feedback it becomes a bit easier and I gain more confidence :) I'm glad in Scotland tattoo studios are still open, we aren't on a lockdown so i'm just going to keep trying :)
Stay safe and take care :)
good for you girl, keep going! :)
So negative about becoming a tattoo artist, most tattoo shops don’t wanna east their time with apprentices so I gotta start somewhere
I was an apprentice for a bit but the shop was treating me terribly. Very sexist. I would get gross comments from my mentor( the owner of the shop) and the manager was constantly sexually harassing me. I was treated more as a submissive than an apprentice. I also was lied to multiple times. I was lied to about an apprenticeship license which I would need in my state in the US. My mentor also sexually assaulted a coworker and friend of mine but lied to me about it. And he has never passed any apprentice of recent years. Every single apprentice has quit because he refused to sign off on the license. So yeah fuck that guy. I’m currently looking for another shop. But I’m carefully going about it so I don’t repeat the situation that I was in.
I had a very similar experience! The owner/mentor at the shop would also say gross things to me and the other female members of the shop.
There was an artist there that was a known sexual predator, like everyone at the shop knew about what he did to women and they didn't care or try to stop him. I only found out about it later.
The other artists verbally abused me in front of clients to the point that the clients would actually tell them to stop. I've been hit and had things thrown at me. I washed their cars, picked up their meds from the pharmacy, drove them around as if I was an uber, even installed light bulbs in the shop. This on top of all the drinking I was peer pressured into.
I left after about 2 months cuz I couldn't take it anymore. These people were obviously more interested in playing rockstar than providing a deeply personal service to their clients, which is what I think tattooing should be about, not the "clout".
If I can't find a shop with a good mentor that has actual respect for their craft then I'm happy with not going into the tattoo industry. Life's too short to have to deal with shitty abusive people.
@@miauomiauo I’m sorry you went through all that. Yeah I can relate to much of that. Apprentices should have a union. These kinds of things shouldn’t be happening and being a mentor needs more regulations and rules. Crazy how difficult it is to find a place that you are respected and a place you feel safe at. Right now with covid it’s even more difficult to find an apprenticeship with regulations on how many people can be at the shops at a time. What I’m doing is looking at shops that have more of the young generation at and shops that already have women working there and then maybe there is less of a chance of this happening again. I was at a shop with the older generation where the people were heavy drug users and have been in and out of prison. The owner would actually sell drugs in the shop. I took it that apprenticeship because I didn’t know any better and it was the first shop to say yes to me.
I think experiences like this, coupled with the fact that there simply aren't unlimited vacancies are why a lot of people start to teach themselves/watch online courses/have friends show them and tattoo from home. With all due respect to Holly, I don't think it is always that someone hasn't "been bothered" to go and get an apprenticeship.
🙏🙏🙏🙏
@@tinybats9948 I know you need a licence to become a full tattooer at the end of your apprenticeship but what's a Apprenticeship Licence? Unless I read that wrong. I'm currently building a portfolio and am working with straws on how to get into this
You are absolutely shining in this - you look so beautiful! Glad to see a new video of you, I loved this series :)
Thank you that’s so nice x
Wow! I caught this one early 😊 very excited to hear your advice xx love your style
Awesome to see you back babe 💗💗 Great advise as always 🥰
I’ve met and know plenty of tattoo shop owners with a very reputable reputation that were “self taught”. Fact of the matter is is tattoo shops are dicks. Anytime you wanna apprentice for them they talk shit or they wanna shoot you down. I would rather take my time and practice on myself, then find out if it’s for me or not.
Yay new video been binging All your old ones last few days x lock down booo!
Thank you this makes me feel confident about starting 👌🏻
Been trying to get into an apprenticeship for several years now without any luck. It is a little discouraging. Over the years i have learned a lot of fundamentals and technique on fake skins. Went from coils to rotary styles to learn both. I have taken my art from my practices to shops looking for an apprenticeship and most of them responded with insults and some got violent for me just asking. I just thanked them and left wondering what i could have done. I haven't worked on anyone because i really want to earn this the right way before i even start. I have been drawing my entire life and always wanted to be a tattoo artist since i was a kid. My artwork is above average in some areas, and been working on my weaker points, stuff i am not as familiar with drawing. Is there a school or something i can travel and attend or is it just through the local shops where i can get a license and learn properly in person?
And my reply is always "i think it's a terrible idea" HAHAHAH love all of the advice thank you. I hope I get my apprenticeship this summer!!!
Hi holly, welcome back!
Hi! first, thank you so much for the advises! they are extremely helpful. I do have a questio, when you mention that ipad drawings are not a good idea, what exactly did you mean by that? Showing drawings on an Ipad is not a good idea or showing Digital Drawings as a tattoo portfolio is not a good idea?
what advice would you say to someone who has tattooed themselves multiple times before getting an apprenticeship? I absolutely love tattooing but didn’t know that it was frowned upon if you didn’t have an apprenticeship before hand :( Should I bring this up when I’m trying to get an apprenticeship?
Super helpful, Thank you Holly!
Hey Holly! A quick question from a fellow UK lockdownee... as most of the UK is in tier 3/4 so popping into various shops is likely to be a no go for some time, how would you reccomend getting in touch? E-mail seems pretty cold and potentially pretty hard to show off a bunch of the key indicators of what might make a good apprentice. Would really appreciate your thoughts! Also realise as we’re all in super lockdown might not be the best time to be hunting, but yeah! Thanks and take care ✨
Thank you for the great advice!
What advice would you give someone who is just out of their apprenticeship or maybe at the tail end of one?
Hi, great video with solid information 👌😃 I just have a quick question would you find it better for a portfolio to be filled with recent artwork or more like a journey of growth type thing?
Why not ipad drawings? If they aren’t traced its a whole other medium most artists use?
Do you think its better to email a head of time or just walk into the shop and ask? Or does it really matter?
You have been such an inspiration and great help to me with videos like these! They have helped me so much in knowing what to do with my portfolio which I’m putting together now! I’m hoping to get my apprenticeship after uni this year so thank you for all your tips and help in these videos you’re amazing!
Ah that makes me really happy! Go you!
Hey holly, I’ve been building my portfolio for a long time and its almost full but i recently got an iPad and started doing digital commissions! I just added my first printed digital drawing into my folio today before watching your video and I’m wondering why you said to maybe not add digital work to the folio, before i add anymore haha
Thanks!
I'm wondering too! I think digital art is just as worthy as any other medium, but I feel like there is a bit of a condescending judgment in saying that ink, watercolor, graphite are good and the only thing that's not is digital...
Like the ipad would do the art all alone.
I hope you enjoy drawing on yours, I've found myself progressing tons on mine.
@@match0um digital art is HARD so props to you on mastering it. But I think it’s not as accepted as actual art on paper because technically the iPad can correct mistakes for you ( hold down and if creates a perfect circle from a bad circle , create a straight line even if yours wasn’t straight, FLAWLESSY erase or “undo” instead of avoiding mistakes from the jump or having to strategically fix it.) I think it’s just the fact that when working with a machine you won’t get all of the benefits you get with digital. Now that being said, you can still be a great digital artist and for sure use it for stencil work (when you’re actually able to start tattooing) but mastering the good old fashion art on paper is going to trump digital. Use only like 2-3 digitals in your portfolio just to show you can do it well. Do the rest traditionally
It varies in each shop, my first apprenticeship I had a bit of both, my when I was offered my second apprenticeship I only did digital work.
I’d say it’s important to master paper first, if you can show that in your portfolio and then a bit of how you work digitally then that’s good! It’s good practice to keep working on paper though!
@@jadewildman1878 what if you incorporate digital and traditional art in your Portfolio?
Digital art is super hard and many of us use iPads for stencils and such these days, but when learning how to draw for tattoos and apprenticing, it’s quite a different medium & different than not drawing to tattoo the design.
And it’s a lot less forgiving like tattooing. I think being able to show consistency, the willingness to do 5-7+ copies a piece, a clean final product, etc. is important. they’re all more time consuming on paper, also like tattooing. If I had to guess hahah. I hope that made any sense, sorry it’s so late!
Ohhh yay! Another video from you 🥰 My day turned out to be good. You look absolutely gorgeous and I‘m obsessed with your glasses 💗
Totally missed you!!!
There are only 2 shops in my town, they're not offering an apprenticeship. So how could someone learn when the option of an apprenticeship isn't available? It's unfortunate because this is my dream and I can't travel right now.
Please don’t be discouraged to learn on your own :( I hate that so many tattoo artists discourage it, but truth is not all of us of the luck and the opportunity to learn from others in a shop. I got my own machine, and I do not take “customers” but I tattoo fake skin and by doing that I’ve already learned a lot. Just feeling how it is to hold the gun, different needles sizes, speeds, and practicing tracing has just helped me keep going. It does not make you any less worthy. It’s just like if someone couldn’t afford art classes but until they could they would buy pencils and pens and start learning what they could. ♥️ don’t give up!
why not ipad drawings? I'm wondering because thats what I do 95% of my art with and what I have been building my portfolio with .-.
What is your opinion on including digital works in a tattoo portfolio?
What are some good advice for older apprentices?
What are your thoughts on education? Like college? Is it needed, does it help?
Hiya, I really want to get a tattoo apprenticeship but there’s no way I could do part time as I have a mortgage and other responsibilities, do you know if a part time apprenticeship would be something people would take on? Even if it means I have to be an apprentice for a longer time I’d be willing to do that.
Do you need to pay for apprenticeship for learning or you get paid?
Thanks for the video. Do you recommend any studios who provide best apprentice projects? I’m a 4-year tattooist from China and I’m happy to travel to UK！
Holllyy!! You look so pretty!!
Come on Holly open yor mind to new ways and your eyes to different people´s life realities, I a little border Canadian town, from wich the closest tattoo studio it´s located 3 hours away, and the second closest tattoo studio it´s FIVE hours away, The whole province of Ontario in Canada it´s under severe luck down, so even before covid it for people like me to think in getting a tattoo aprenticeship was not just very difficult but whatever it´s next, so following your advice and mentality I should just quite or moving on to a city with more tattoostudios available???
Plus if you bother in checking out how many terror stories are out there about abusive tattoo mentors you would relize why almost no one wants to get an apprenticeship.
IF YOU DESAGREE WITH THIS OPINION THEN PROOF THAT I´M WRONG AND GIVE A PERSONAL APRENTICESHIP TO ALL OF US WHO NEED IT, WILL YOU??
HAHAHAHA
... I KNEW IT
So someone practicing tattooing at home and feel they are finally getting good enough to approach you when you post a advert for a potential job is bad is it. Comon people have to start somewhere don’t shoot people down. Remember how you got to where you are at! I bet there have been millions off tattooist that have started of from practicing at home then stepped up the ladder. I watched your video on drawing and thought you was cool but a lot what you have said on this video comes across patronising. And no I’m not the kitchen tattooist lol but I am drawing from home and practicing on fake skin so apparently I’m wasting my time 🤗 inspire people don’t put them down. Remember your videos are mostly pointed towards beginners
Absolutely true I can't believe this woman is telling the people is nobody give you the opportunity you never gona learn?? And how everyone star? That's ridiculous.
It's like hiring a doctor that practices at home.
I literally can’t get an apprenticeship due to having another job, o don’t have time or savings. I practice at home on fake skin when I can so that when I do get an apprenticeship o have at least some experience.
@@caityb5008 yeah is ridiculous how they push the new artist trying made everyone surrender with to manny complicated things
@@torisargent9808. Sooo many things to learn before picking up a machine. That’s why tattooing is so heavily regulated, & you don’t pick up a machine for a long while into an apprenticeship. It can so easily k*ll someone if not properly trained in safety. Which can’t be done in a home due to access to equipment and products.
My issue is the time and pay. Ive walked into 5 shops so far and they said they would take me but they want me there 7am-10pm for little to no pay :(
Cost of living is really high in my city and I just dont see how id survive.
I know this is not relevent but I love your shirt...what brand is it?...soo cute😍
What a proooood
Hi holly, thanks for the great video,
I want to start apprenticeship and i would love to hear your thoughts about my portfolio before I submit it to the studios,
Thank you
I'm trying to get one with my artist I've gotten close with it, know the shop workers ect. And the first thing he said when I asked about at home / buying my own machine he said 'do not do that or I'm not even considering you anymore... And if you came in with kitchens tats we wouldn't be talking about this right now' lol
THANJ YOU FOR THESE TIPS
Why not iPad drawings? Is this a common opinion in tattooing? I’ve just got my fine art degree and all my art is made on procreate. I already was interested in pursing tattooing but the main feedback I get about my art and art style is that they would look great as tattoos. (It’s typically gothic, monochrome, line drawings that vary from minimalistic to very detailed).
Don’t be discouraged! I also specialize in digital drawing just like you. I hate it but so many old school tattoo artists have a bad look on digital art but there is nothing wrong with it. I’ve actually also gotten most people looking at my digital art as tattoos they would like. If you got talent in digital drawing then totally show it off! All tattoo come out in ink so no need to discourage how the idea was drawn up. ;)
Almost all my drawings were made on procreate (ipad). Would that still give me a chance?
And could i showcase some fake skins which i've tattooed?
If you’re looking for an apprenticeship I would only show drawings, most shops will turn you away if you’ve been practicing on fake skin or other people in your house as it means you probably haven’t been doing it correctly and you’ll will then have to unlearn your bad habits.
An apprenticeship is a long process and doesn’t mean you will be hired and immediately be allowed to work on fake skin, this process is important in most shops.
Hi Holly, great video,what's the song in the background?
Thank you! Very informative
Lovely to see your face!
This was interesting! What do you think is going to happen with apprenticeships with the C19 situation? Also do you think there is an age where it wouldn't work to try and be an apprentice? Ie, if you're a bit older!
I was wondering about the age thing as well! I'm 27 now, and I see all these super talented 18-20 year olds getting apprenticeships or already tattooing full time and sometimes it just makes me want to pack my bags and give up! Imo age shouldn't matter as long as you're motivated and good at what you do, but I don't know what actual tattoo artists think about it all.
I didn’t start my apprenticeship until I was 31, it’s enthusiasm and dedication to the craft that’s important not age imo :)
I am currently an apprentice at 26 years old and I'm a high school teacher. I know I'm not exactly "old" but I'm definitely not my 18-year-old self, being able to just work and work and work and having all the free time in the world, so apprenticing at this stage in my life is incredibly difficult and comes with many more responsibilities than it would have back then. By the time I graduate, I'll be 27-28. My mentors have repeatedly told me that they were more inclined to take me on because, at my age and having my profession, they knew that 1) I am likely more emotionally mature, 2) more professional than the average teenager, and 3) committed to working hard and seeing things through. So in the end, my age is the biggest factor in how I got my apprenticeship, so I wouldn't shy away from chasing your dreams.
How do you afford to do an apprenticeship when you’re older though? There’s no way I could afford to not have a proper full paying job as a single mum of two.
@@HollyAstralTattoo you are such an inspiration for me. I turn 28 and feel like I'm so late :D also i got 2 kids so it's going to be a challenge but I will make it work
what do tattoo artist get if they accept apprenticeship? they dont get money from it
lmao 6 min into it and its like " you kinda need to figure it out on your own" . nice
As cringey as this is, I watched your videos ALL throughout university and multiple awful jobs until I got the chance to pursue tattooing through an apprenticeship full-time. You helped me build a portfolio and grow. I then managed to attend and work at Cornwall Tattoo Convention in August 2023 after only 1 year in the industry and held the stall right next to you just by pure chance. Sorry I didn't say 'Hi', I was definitely secretly fan-girling the whole time! Surreal experience! Much love
i need one of those troll dolls just to terrorize nosy neighbors.
so pretty much be an amazing artist and then show your work to studios
Thank you for sharing this video! I am looking into getting into the tattoo industry in Canada. I am sure there are some differences over here however, any and all information helps. So thank you for your help and generosity
Hey can you help me out to find tattoo apprenticeship for me?
what did u mean by self employed? if i apply to work for a shop wouldn’t that mean i’m working for them?
When you work at a shop you have "booth rent" for the space you use to tattoo. But as long as you pay that the rest of the money you make is yours. (Not including possible taxes you'll have to calculate in.))
@@ashton2046 ohh ok tysm
How old is too old to start a tattoo apprenticeship?
never
How many people have you had actually make an attempt in asking you for an apprenticeship properly? Like just pop in with a portfolio
A lot 😉
@@HollyAstralTattoo Thanks for the response! How many of those with portfolios "Be honest" were actually talented/gifted? Im assuming most were subpar.
getting an internship is pretty much a casting couch, of coarse some young girl will be chosen over an ex convict or graffiti legend. seen it in every thing from directing music videos to trying to start a pop up shop. you practically need to be charlie manson, plus if you do get an internship most artists are so rude your gonna end up breaking their jaw for talking to you like a slave or acting like you are their whipping post. ive tried even with old friends, there is always an urge to disrespect you until it gets serious then its all gaslighting and vindictive situations with stealing all your stuff and hiding behind cops, then it becomes a gang issue where you are no longer welcome to own a shop in the neighborhood.
Where I live having a tattoo studio doesn't automatically make the artist some kind of tattoo master worthy of seeking an apprenticeship from, whilst there are around 10 tattoo studios in my local city and surrounding areas, only two, maybe three of them show any real talent.
Apprentices should not take it as a given that they are going to be guaranteed expert mentorship from an artist because said artist tattoos within the confines of a studio, all they need for that is rent money.
I've been wanting to get an apprenticeship but I don't have the time to do the typical things a younger apprentice would be able to do. (Im an illustrator and to earn enough I'm working literally every hour of the day). So I can draw(without sounding big headed), I know how to run a business and talk with clients, I also work as a housekeeper at a hospital- could I please be the exception to needing an apprenticeship? 🙃 I just want to put nice artwork on people dammit hahah
But you don't k know how to tattoo on skin...how would it be an exception .
Most of the people I've talked to that have apprenticed say/said they didn't even get any needle time they were shop flunked cleaning toilets washing windows running arrends I mean it sounds like a good Ole boys club regardless of gender
If I have no tattoos would that be a red flag for you?
Yes
Just ignore my legs then xD
how come you bash drawing on an ipad and then upload a video drawing on one☠️
Cool
Ew. This is such an old fashioned snobby veiw on tattooing. There are lots of ways to self teach your self and more and more people are having to do exactly that. Alot of people are not able to get an apprentaship regardless of how much or how hard they try. Alot, find a placement and get treat apporlingly. Getting an apprenticeship is more than half luck. It's not really so much to do with artistic skill anymore. Artist that own shops like your self have that typical tattoo snobbery attitude. This video isn't at all helpful.
You're apparent disgust with people who tattoo without an apprenticeship seems ignorant. I am a very good sketch artist / artist in general. I tried to get an apprenticeship years ago, and it seemed basically impossible. I couldn't even get anyone to look at my art.
Ok lad, You don’t sound bitter at all
@HollyAstralTattoo I do, and I am. That was the point. Trying to shame me out of my genuine feelings from real experience shows who you are. You're kind of the problem with the tattoo industry. Once people are in, they want to be Gatekeepers. Even if they were let in because.....
@@HollyAstralTattooyou have life on easy mode. You're not in your position because of your artistic abilities. (Living up to the label you put on me while being brutally honest)
😍😍💪💪😍😍
Smash
incredibly bias video, expressing an "opinion", but thanks for the help?
Jesus! Get to the point.
I want to start doing it again.....im rusty as hell....i think