How to be a Tattoo Artist: apprenticeships, the truth, red flags 🫢

[@cupofjasmien]

Thank you for watching

[@A88-p5e]

I don’t understand ppl thinking tattoo artists should be able to do every style. Specialisation is crucial to so many other careers!! I work in healthcare and without specialisation, it would be chaos. You simply can’t reach mastery without specialisation! And if every tattoo artist can do the same arsenal of designs, then that contradicts the point of being called an ‘artist’ - at that point you’re just a factory worker of tattoos 😅

[@cupofjasmien]

yes!!❤

[@Yosoydom]

Exactly. Whenever someone says to me that I should be able to tattoo any style I say “would you hire Stevie wonder to sing a song just like Mariah Carey?”

[@alllpurposerabbit]

This really calmed my nerves about tattoo apprenticeships thank you! I just graduated from highschool and after studying so hard to be a teacher I’ve realised that I want to do something I’m passionate about and not just for the respect of family and etc.

[@alyyaj]

period queen

[@cupofjasmien]

TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 0:42 what is a tattoo apprenticeship? 1:04 how we got an apprenticeship 4:02 how parents felt...from a cultural perspective 6:51 struggles/fears 7:58 what we were surprised by 9:22 is an apprenticeship needed? 12:21 paid vs. free 13:56 tattoo schools 15:31 apprenticeship process 18:27 apprenticeship contracts 19:28 portfolio advice 21:14 do you need an art background? 22:11 cost & material 23:13 when do you start making money? 24:37 what to look for in a mentor 26:35 finding a style/ developing it 29:03 networking/ conventions & guestwork 31:52 tattoo shop vs. private studio 33:26 percentages & commission 35:56 why we left our shop 38:50 social media is your second job 39:37 how to grow your platform 41:56 what are the standards??? 43:33 comparison 44:56 is the industry overly saturated now 46:12 misconceptions about tattoo artists 46:15 thinking it's an easy job 48:14 thinking tattoo artists are super rich 49:40 tattoo stigma 51:09 tattoo artist pet peeves 51:12 we cannot tattoo everything! 53:07 no shows = blacklisted 54:13 general indecisiveness 55:27 asking friends/family for opinions 56:00 try not to rush your tattoo artist 57:30 red flags in tattoo artists 1:00:01 red flags in clients 1:01:41 tipping your artist? 1:02:20 being a woman in this male dominated industry 1:04:22 work life balance 1:08:16 what would you do differently?

[@rrose_4006]

This video was very helpful! I am currently working on my portfolio and didn't know what to do. Whether i should get an apprenticeship, being self taught, going at a studio or having my own space.... Its hard to find women talking about the indistry and their personal journey. I think sometimes artists tend to gatekeep a lot of info because the field is very competitive. I really liked your vibes and how chill this convo was! Wish yall the best 💕

[@kirax5086]

sameee what have u learned so far? i’d love ur advice!

[@EtherealPoke]

Same!

[@rrose_4006]

@@kirax5086 every single tattoo artist I’ve talked to has advised me to get an apprenticeship and I also think it’s the best way to get in the industry. I think it’s easier if someone can show you proper needle depth and invest time in you to get to know how things work in a studio. I also want to try as many drawing styles as I can so that I know what I like. Personally I want to do some fake skins first and then ask around. I think it also depends on the studio. I would not pay for an apprenticeship. So I think you should also do your research first

[@ryndavn]

jazz you have posted this at the perfect time!! I'm a 2nd-year art student and have always been looking for a thorough process instead of short explanations

[@cupofjasmien]

good luck you can do it!❤

[@Deeaanaaa]

Defintely not interested in being a tattoo artist but I do love getting tattoos & you guys for sure answered some questions I've had & it was interesting getting a different perspective too 🙌

[@cupofjasmien]

❤❤❤

[@Rosarotespferd]

I love this type of chatty, slow videos. Excited to see what’s next for Creative Circle🥰

[@m.o.n.d.e.g.r.e.e.n]

I actually spoke to a great artist while she was tattooing someone on the fifteenth instalment of the What The Hell Is My Job?! podcast so if you wanna hear more interesting tattoo chat then head there!

[@kasieeenda]

it feels like you two get along very well and it's just so lovely to watch and listen to your conversation ❤

[@beyoncehadoneofthebest]

i don’t love the idea of tipping on an individually negotiated price service. it just feels like that should be factored in the price. it’s easier to accept for artists at shops. i didn’t know their percentage was so low.

[@no-xz1vw]

in germany we only really tip waiters and delivery drivers and that's about it. if we're a regular at a tattoo shop we might bring donuts from time to time but we don't tip. american tipping culture is crazy

[@LibertyCillustration]

Yep I’m an apprentice so on low hourly rate as is, and then on top we all only take home 50% of our rates :’)

[@MrSqueamishJam]

I agree. If you want the tip just include it in the total, clients don't need to know how the price is split after the fact. 🙄

[@CameronDC-Grimes]

Most tattoo apprentices get 40% since the studio is training them and supplying the environment, equipment to sterilize all the tools and tattoo machine parts. They also take the responsibility of health inspections and state fees and legal upkeep as well as unreasonable angry customers. But a skilled apprentice who the studio thinks has what it takes but doesn't have a license will get close to 60% A skilled Tattoo artist who works for a studio gets between 60%-80% but mostly 70% if they want to keep them. Trust me when I say, it costs you more than 30% of your profits of doing tattoos on clients to run your own shop and meet legal requirements and sanitation laws. Unless you're a famous artist most of your customers will only want smaller simple tattoos that are stenciled not creative freehand that you can display your style and creativity. Most clients just want a pre drawn/online symbol/picture tattooed identical to the one they supply or one out of a stencil book with no variations whatsoever. That's souls crushing to artists trying to grow. If you build a portfolio and make a name for yourself in a specific style like realism tattoos and portraits then you may get a few clients coming to the shop asking for you specifically for a half back piece or a full sleeve but most tattoo artists aren't famous and have simple stencil requests from one time clients.

[@teasp00ns]

The tip ensures 100% of that amount goes to the artist, and not however it gets split in the back of house. It’s not essential to make wages like it is for servers, but I think it’s a good thing to do when you’re getting a custom, luxury service like a tattoo if you can afford it. You’re paying an artist directly, that’s one of the best ways to contribute to your local community if that’s something you care about. The actual cost of getting tattooed IS already priced in, and I totally get you, but if you’re thrilled with the work and want to show it then you have the option to tip. It’s what tipping was originally meant to be before the food industry used it to throw servers to the wolves lol

[@oliver4146]

i’m putting a portfolio together in hopes of starting an apprenticeship soon, this video is so helpful!!

[@cupofjasmien]

Good luck!!❤️

[@tiimm0002]

really liked this episode! please make more like this hihi was interesting, insightful and entertaining...starting as a tattoo artist at age 28 and cherish all of these podcasts because they give me such an honest insight. also just interesting to hear about other people's realities. have a good one, hope you are doing well and keep creating!!

[@songyunlee]

I've been a fan for so long! I really like your art style, Jasmine!! being a tattoo artist is one of my backup plans if my plan doesn't work. this video is very helpful and useful! ominous✨️

[@cupofjasmien]

thank you❤

[@ryanchien1173]

This video is such a light! Insane how information around getting started is still so… frankly white dude bro saturated. This is so much more grounded, and inspiring me to get into the field 🥰🥰

[@nightskyyo]

ahh perfect timing! my friends and I want to become tattoo artists. thank you both~

[@cupofjasmien]

thank you❤

[@gemmymartin]

Wow, this spoke to me. I am graduating with my Masters in May and I do not want to go back into the corporate world. Thank you so much for these perspectives. ♥️

[@mariko7491]

love this conversation! plz upload more like this long conversation if you can! improved me a lot

[@mrfredbasset]

Me with zero artistic skill and no desire to change careers to be a tattoo artist - sees this video "OOOOOH!"

[@OliviaKnightley02]

Jasmien, your videos bring me such comfort! I would love to get tattooed by you one day but you're all the way in the US 🫶🏼, I absolutely love your style! can't wait to watch this with a nice warming cup of tea :) much love from the UK 🥰

[@cupofjasmien]

thank you❤🥹

[@oopsthathappened3168]

As someone with 0 intention to be a tattoo artist, I still appreciate this video very much LOL

[@cupofjasmien]

😂❤

[@susanwong6471]

lovely utube! I feel that anyone who choose to pursue as a full-time artist has to be really braved. You go girls!

[@cupofjasmien]

thank you❤

[@MADSTAREATER]

I’ve been waiting for this ‼️🥺🤍

[@cupofjasmien]

❤❤❤

[@WiMaeZo]

Thank you, this video was so helpful and also really calming. You both are very pleasant.

[@melissaxing]

i am in an apprenticeship as a first gen immigrant and questioning the viability of my tattooing career as well so this video is so so helpful for where i’m at rn 😭

[@cedrikmalabanan8943]

I fucking love this.

[@salemkittie]

I'm in the hunt for my apprenticeship, listening to this while I draw. Had a funny little moment when I read the channel name and realized I'm literally drinking jasmine tea lol!

[@luciareinhardt2638]

I thank you verry much for making this video, I find this is very valuable. I want to become a tattooist myself, but for several reasons it is not convenient for me to do an apranteship. I'm very happy to hear that you don't think this is necessary to be a good tattoo artist. I'm learning a lot from people around me and social media and I've come a long way, but this was something I've been worried about for a while. so thank you

[@sksjdjsejd]

🎉ty for longer format 💞

[@juliameans3917]

It’s a different path for tattoo artists in Oregon. Tattoo school is required in order for one to even get an apprenticeship. around a 10k minimum for around 360 hours of class work. I haven’t heard good things about the schools, it’s wild schooling is required but the curriculum isn’t on par with education you might get at a real apprenticeship.

[@helena-xj6if]

im 23 and putting together a portfolio to approach studios after moving countries🥲🥲its so nerve wracking. thank you for this video 🫶🫶

[@janexoxo6479]

Really good sit down, relaxed video. Covered a lot in this video 😊

[@mauverayart]

This is so incredibly helpful because I'm trying to develop my portfolio right now and hopefully get an apprenticeship this year! Hopefully I can achieve it

[@cupofjasmien]

You got this!❤️

[@claspedwings]

thank you so much for this!! this has been so helpful :) ❤

[@cupofjasmien]

I'm so glad!❤️

[@thatstrueblue]

Thank you so much for this, I've been waiting for like FIFTEEN YEARS for someone to explain the ins and outs of tattooing. Every time I tried asking even my tattoo artists about it, they're kinda beating around the bush, and I wanted to know what you use, where did you find it, how can I start on my own... Thank you 💜💜💜

[@cupofjasmien]

thank you❤

[@s.k.henkle]

A spectacular video! Thank you so much for sharing, from someone who is in their research phase now and wanting to get into the skill & learn!

[@cupofjasmien]

Glad it was helpful!❤️

[@ThatwasAsian]

I don't think I will become a tatooer but I love the history and culture, you also have the exact same name as my cousin so I had to support 😂

[@Supitsmo]

Thank you for this video. 💗✨ so mannnnnny questions were answered.

[@huetines9336]

I'm a tattoo artist based in Paris (@nessie_inks) and I've been following your content since you were in college, this video was so heartwarming and full of valuable advice, thank you both so much for this video. It's so precious to be able to hear how we all face similar struggles (comparison, pressure from social media, etc.) as artists, and it's so wonderful to be able to witness your journey up to here! Thanks again for the more business oriented videos about this job and can't wait for the next ones!

[@rj-hg1kq]

i just watched this whole thing and it was super helpful. what i'm most curious about is money tbh, if you only work 3 days a week, is that enough for you to keep afloat in nyc?? i'm also thinking about going to college during my apprenticeship and working part time as a tattoo artist and maybe part time teaching english or smth

[@ShadowRayne16]

I'm half way through and there hasn't been any mention on getting your bloodborn pathogens cetification so I'll just mention it since you are working with bodily fluids and blood pls make sure your aftist is certified and has talen the classes.

[@dy_dyy-ciciin]

Thank you so much for this video ❤, it inspires me so much and motivates me to learn more about tattoos as a I’m considering to explore more in this artistic field !

[@cupofjasmien]

❤❤❤

[@marthacicelygalilee]

Thank you! Really appreciate all of this info and youv'e created such a beautiful space! x

[@cupofjasmien]

thank youu❤

[@BORNTOLOSEMEDIA]

very helpful in depth guide. Thank you !!

[@corrinaelizabeth6041]

i would LOVE a tattooing major.

[@cabbynotcabbaged4225]

This was so helpful, thank you two!

[@cupofjasmien]

thank you❤

[@icecube7923]

Super helpful, loved this video!! 💕💕

[@cupofjasmien]

Glad it was helpful!❤️

[@jeunbugg]

thank you sm for this you’re the reason I wanna be a tattoo artist

[@cupofjasmien]

🥹

[@carlostrevino2990]

I've been watching a couple of your videos lately as I'm a aspiring tattoo artist and currently working on my portfolio. As I'm watching this video getting to the part where you guys are talking about if an apprenticeship is necessary. In order to get your license, don't you have to have an apprenticeship?

[@hannahrose6144]

love this! thank you, so helpful

[@ChantelleArts]

this is so fascinating 🥰

[@Sk8terSa5mH20]

34:16 the shop I’m at now takes 60% of what i earn as an apprentice..

[@DolliMoonArt]

I had another question, sorry lol so I have been working on drawing and I can draw a lot of flash stuff and stuff like that but I cannot do portraits or realism or super intricate complex art pieces is that something u have to do to become a tattoo artist? I wouldn’t wanna do realism or portraits but I just wanna know like what level of art abilities would you say you need to be a tattooer ?

[@toosakraan]

This was soo good!

[@cupofjasmien]

❤❤❤

[@pearheadperi]

I would love to start my tattoo journey in college, my hope is I can manage the two well

[@cupofjasmien]

you can do it❤

[@dauryn6884]

Hi Jas! Thank you for the super helpful video! I’m also interested in tattooing but I’m struggling in finding the right machine. I want to invest in a really good one, is there one you really recommend or your favorite to use ?

[@Clomcg]

I think it’s wild that people will ask for a certain design when the artist clearly doesn’t do that style,,,, i thought it would be common sense to go to an artist that has done that type of work before.

[@Clomcg]

Also we have had a lot of shops in Dublin have scandals of a lot of the male tattooists taking payment in the form of s*x, asking girls to take off their shirt for an arm tattoo, not tattooing people if they’re not a skinny girl etc etc to the point where alot of female only artist shops have popped up,,, sick actually ! Unfortunately the main shops didn’t do alot so I think most of them are still tattooing there 😢

[@Supermegadope]

Not knowing how to grow Instagram anymore is the most underrated statement in this video 😂😂😂 like what do you want from me

[@wthompson0948]

really appreciate this

[@cupofjasmien]

❤thank you

[@Thereisnogodlmaoo]

Damn yall went to art school and tattoo apprentice. I know a dude who is good at drawing and didnt do neither of those and he tattoos now he is really good and ill do the same

[@AndreeaEremiaArt]

Very interesting video 😊😊😊

[@MatijaKaze]

to think that when you can barely get an apprenticeship and choose to pay and go to a tattoo school, it gets looked down upon due to it being too capitalistic and for the money, but these same studios that spread this belief dont bat an eye when asking for the money to be split in such greedy ways... so sad. on a nicer note such an informative beautiful video

[@Gmmnoz]

Love you ❤❤❤❤

[@cupofjasmien]

❤❤❤

[@CameronDC-Grimes]

Can you tell new artists hpw to skip the standard apprenticeship route and go another way? Most apprenticeships are basically slave lanor where you are just st the bucket boy/girl cleaning up after the rest of the shop never doing tattoos and just watching the head artist in the studio doing tattoos. That's a horrible way to grow as an artist. You have to be hands on, do loads of real skin(fake skin) practice on fake arms, i gpt fake torso, arms, legs and breasts with 3mm fake skins i wrap around the fake person canvas to get the human like curves and somthing you can stretch and work around. Then do as many tattoos you are confident you can accomplish on friends and free tattoos on local people but forst start on yourself after you got the practice skins down perfect with your machine. I started with DragonHawk Mast S1 machine and Mummy Pharaoh tattoo machine. I do Anime, Hentai(client requested), Cyber Traditional but mainly Geometric patterns and Sacred Geometry styles. But i love doing Death Note, Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, Inuyasha and other Anime character art. But im best with geometrical tattoos like Mandalas, flower or tree of life, octagonal patterns as fillers where part of it looks pike its inside your arm and other areas look like it's raised up.

[@pigeonbaby-]

JASMIEN!! LONG TIME NO SEE, HOPE ALL IS WELL

[@CristianArias-y3t]

gramdes artistas del tatuaje y colegas del arte

[@pearheadperi]

would you ever offer apprenticeships at your studio?

[@cupofjasmien]

at the moment no but maybe in the future ❤

[@tattoosupporter]

The light bulb looks good for the interior, but it hurts the eyes to watch video

[@momopeach4661]

💞

[@EstellViibes]

Yes finally ᕦ(ò_óˇ)ᕤ

[@thr33forrty4]

thank u Holy shit

[@Sbshelby]

osmosis 🧚🏾‍♀️

[@airenstalheim2314]

osmosis

[@Julie_ao]

❤❤❤

[@deter3653]

I wanted to watch this video so bad but her Lisp is too distracting

[@milkNim]

my state requires going to tattoo school and getting both certifications and a degree. it's nice because you get a lot of experience and you get all the safety certifications in one class, but it gets hella expensive. part of me wishes i lived in a different state with less strict regulations, but it does mean that the artists here are all certified and trained which is nice.

[@ivrizz]

❤❤