Why Tattoo Apprenticeships are KILLING the Industry

[@BenFisherOfficial]

If you want to learn the Fundamentals of Tattooing (for lesson than $1 per lesson as we want it to be accessible for everybody) : purchase.tattoomethodpro.com/youtube

[@jamesgalloway8086]

We paid our apprentice for time in the shop. She is up and running as a junior artist now but still learning all the time. We are in the UK.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

good stuff i’m glad, thanks for watching buddy!

[@kinyakiyo6097]

Where abouts in the uk are u based ?

[@jeremiaharp2735]

As the others have said, I've learned by myself and from watching artists set up and techniques while they tattoo me. I tried to be an apprentice when I was much younger (18 years ago) and they wanted $5k up front and to be an apprentice/new artist and donate plenty of the profits back to the shop. I just had a child and couldn't afford that so I gave up my dream. This course prompted me to get up and running and has helped immensely and has me pursuing what I should have a LONG time ago. Thanks Ben.

[@leahbyrne7062]

Thanks for everything Ben. Your an incredible teacher. 👏

[@IamStefanieD]

I chose to do it solo, learning as I go. I've been an artist in general since I could pick up a pencil or crayon at 2 years old. I have been learning from you mainly to be honest.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

i appreciate it buddy & hope your learning process is going well!

[@IamStefanieD]

@@BenFisherOfficial yes it is!! You can find my work at Stef's Artistic's.

[@MsPank-rr9vs]

When I inquired about apprenticeships in my area, quite literally they were just looking for a shopgirl someone to clean up after them they weren’t willing to teach me anything. They were not willing to let me sit down and try to work on anything. They just wanted an errand girl, a receptionist someone to answer the phone it was ridiculous… now I just tattoo out of my home without a license because I have no other choice. I have all my other certifications and the only thing I haven’t been able to do is to get an apprenticeship that would allow me to become licensed because the shops around here aren’t willing to teach you. They just want you to be a free maid.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

I'm really sorry to hear about your experience. It’s frustrating when you’re eager to learn and the opportunities just aren’t there. Thanks for the comment!

[@mrmemesi]

Thank you for the vendication, my wife has had the hardest time becoming a artist and by proxy I've learned the toxicity of the industry and i felt like i was goin crazy. Honestly i think courses like yours and others helped her the absolute most so thank you and keep doing what you are doing man.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Thanks Mate, appreciate your comment!

[@julianvye8959]

I’ve been trying to get into the industry out here In nyc and I’ve done everything…. Went to shoots got tattooed by artist worked the front desk worked for free and never went anywhere I’ve learned more on my own but I’ll never be respected bc I didn’t spend that time in a shop so this gave me the motivation I needed to say I can do it

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Dude, that’s awesome to hear you're feeling motivated! But seriously, don’t let anyone tell you that you ain't gonna make it. Good luck with everything!

[@prnydecalle]

Ben, My respects. thanks with what you are doing . i will be joining your classes . Im 52 years old and always wanted to learn ( actually at 13 i took some sewing needles and ink and started tattoing friends at school and it got me suspended from school 😂😇👿) i have a machine and supplies and have done a few on fake skin but need a little help ....thanks

[@BenFisherOfficial]

I truly appreciate your respect and support! Here is a link for my super affordable course to help with the fundamentals of tattooing which will definitely help you. purchase.tattoomethodpro.com/youtube

[@jerrylomax2895]

Absolutely Ben,I live in Tennessee and you've gotta apprenticeship for 1 yr under a 3 year licensed artist in order for me to achieve license. I'm shot down before I started. Never have I been so passionate about anything, other than music. It so lit that spark and motivation in me to do whatever it takes. It's been 3yrs now and if I didn't love it so I'd given up way sooner. What can I do when they have got a chokehold on something I love so much. God bless dude,you're awesome and appreciate you so much

[@dcmoerman]

get lots of tattoos at the shops you like... if you're there all the time they are gonna get to know you... show up to say hi, work on drawings, get tattooed and hang out... keep doing that even if they kick you out... eventually theyll come around or youll get to know the shop enough that they arent your people and u can move to another shop and try again

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Cheers mate I appreciate the kinds words. Keep pushing through! Best of Luck with everything!

[@lorenzofiduciagarbuglia4203]

I have a fulltime job, with sometimes long days of 14 hours and I also have to do my household chores by myself. About 3 months ago I came across Ben, where I can take the time when it suits me, where each lesson is explained in such detail that I look forward to what follows. Super relaxing lessons from a super artist! Thanks Ben!

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Thanks for your comment! So glad to hear that my lessons are helping you find some relaxation amidst your busy schedule. Appreciate you support!

[@BePunished]

I do agree in some respects. I've been getting tattooed by the same artist for many years, and l was fortunate enough that one day whilst l was in the shop my artist said to me that he thought I'd make a great artist and he'd like me to consider being his apprentice. I was quite honoured and really couldn't refuse as he is a well respected artist with 35 plus years in the industry.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

That's an amazing opportunity! Best of luck!

[@thembamkhize6165]

Tattooing needs to become more regulated in the uk. It’s mad that you can by equipment online before knowing anything about tattooing. Then they can go online and learn how to tattoo. This to me makes sense if you’re finding it hard to get an apprenticeship. But for tattooing as a whole it hurts what’s already been built. To show that you want to learn you should have to pay to learn nowadays. This could be handled at a school. No one is happy about that but would you rather people half interested in tattoos getting involved and thinking it’s more about being cool and money then it is about the art? Before paying to learn ment getting tattooed. Then eventually if you loved it that much you would learn. I feel that there’s a lot of people that think they’re owed something rather than loving something, and I feel to approach tattooing you need love. You can’t look at it as a way to be the cool guy, you’ve got to love it.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Absolutely! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@Michael-cb3dz]

Ben you hit the nail on the head with all this I agree with you .iv had to turn to learning from you bc I was turned down at 13 shops most of them look at my Portfolio and sed nice work but was a dick about want to give me a Apprenticeship so I went to learning from you at home own my on so thank you so much #Ben

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Mate that sucks! But hey, learning from home is the way to go. Thanks for the support!

[@IamStefanieD]

I also believe its in the work done that shows how good you are. Ive been doing it almost a year of learning now on my own. All my practice skins will be the proof of good work.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

good to hear & thanks for watching! by the way what practice skins do you use?

[@IamStefanieD]

@@BenFisherOfficial lol Ive been using Temu brands.

[@NOARTS_NIYA]

I legit always thought, to my own detriment, that I couldn’t be a tattoo artist because I’ve been told it’s not a place for trans folks when I had a portfolio to present. But here I am, doing deep learning, being self taught, got BBP Certified, and learning I should’ve just made room for myself.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Wow, that's awesome! Check out my course that could also help you transform your tattooing skills purchase.tattoomethodpro.com/youtube

[@eskemmageuire7703]

Ego and procreate has ruined industry and not paying while doing apprenticeship is killing industry, dedicated years with no income so disrespectful

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Thanks for your comment!

[@bostjanloncaric]

I chose to do it by my salfe.There are so many good, instructive videos on the internet, you can learn a lot from them, it's true that it takes a little longer, but if you stick to things, you can learn a lot or even everything. Ben was a little late for me, but people can learn a lot from his videos. You just have to watch a lot, and I mean a lot.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

exactly & it can be done safely! Thanks for watching buddy

[@CartaJesse]

You’re absolutely correct after watching this first minute I completely agree! I’ve been working hard building a portfolio for over a year and it’s been almost impossible to find an apprenticeship.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

exactly there is so few nowadays! thank you for watching 🙌🏼

[@robertreyes4243]

Nice ad!

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Thank Mate! I appreciate your support and glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nayz13]

I quit my apprenticeship 20 years ago because I couldn’t afford to live when they wanted me to quit my steady job (the shop was too quiet). I’ve always regretted that. And the only thing that they ‘taught me’ intentionally was the hygiene aspect, the rest was spent sitting and watching, trying to get information was like pulling teeth

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Man, that really sucks! Just remember, you’re not alone in this!

[@Nayz13]

@ Thanks Ben, appreciate what you do.

[@aronwalsh9680]

True words yet again from Ben 💯 %. To many rockstars in the game

[@BenFisherOfficial]

thanks for watching buddy!

[@dom-perignon720]

Too many people like this pushing too many more people in the industry. Typical shop owner mentality focused on quantity over quality. The reason apprentices scrub the toilets, take out the trash, sweep and mop the floors is so they learn cleanliness, sterilization, and general structure in the workspace. They don't have to make needles, scrub tubes, run an ultrasound or autoclave anymore. Those "lazy artist" probably had some taskmaster making them do the same chores. Never hurt anyone. It actually builds good habits. Arrogant attitude? We all hate that, but what about that drunken a hole who walks in and won't take no for an answer. What about Karren, who wants to haggle and knows your job better than you do? Is there a part in you course that covers that? Or the cliquish behavior amongst artists. I'm not advocating for exploitation, but a lot of what your mentioning is more about being able to handle yourself in the environment we work in. It's not healthy to coddle people and oversaturate an industry. There are more people tattooing now than ever and perusing it as a career has never been easier. It's an insult to everyone who's come before to pretend otherwise.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Thank you for sharing your perspective!

[@trodin2820]

Geeza!

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Geeza indeed! Thanks for your support.

[@lauriebouffarddesrosiers9000]

💯

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Thanks for you comment!

[@saltyscrunt1449]

Hmm... When I started my apprenticeship I had a full time job and made the commitment to be in the shop doing the "dirty jobs" as you put it. I worked gravryard shifts to pay my bills and slept when I could for 2 years. If you are not willing to commit to the industry then don't be a part of it. We just let an apprentice go because he did not commit 100% to the craft. He did not want to work after 3 pm or weekends. Simply put give 110% or go eff off. This industry is over saturated anyways. Remember kids learning online with fake skin is not proper and will have you messing people's skin up.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Ffs00911]

here where i live all the young girls are getting apprenticeships, literally every shop picked up a young girl apprentice in the last year or two. this might sound weird but its happening and i knew a few personally.....

[@Ffs00911]

know*

[@BenFisherOfficial]

@@Ffs00911 doesn’t surprise me at all.

[@dex9789]

The tattoo industry is full of toxic tattooists who have no intention of paying their employees.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

i agree there’s very few good ones out there, you’d be lucky to find one 🙌🏼

[@gradinazzz]

Word

[@BenFisherOfficial]

I appreciate you dropping by to leave a comment! Your support means a lot!

[@jwulfee173]

🤘🏼

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Thanks for the comment!

[@dcmoerman]

making an apprenticeship hard to get is the whole point... being a tattooer is a precious gift and honor before its a career... i believe theres too many wishy washy lazy kids that think being a tattoo artist is all sunshine and rainbows... its easier than ever to be an apprentice and everyones complaining that they have to work?... they are getting paid in invaluable knowledge and experience that people have worked DECADES to figure out thats they pay.... an apprenticeship isnt completely necessary but its very helpful and invaluable in so many ways including introducing you to a club that very few get to be a part of.... selling tattoo school, quick track, stuff is lame... its killing the industry vampire

[@BenFisherOfficial]

I totally disagree and agree with some parts. Getting into the industry is extremely hard and requires countless hours of hard work. I totally agree with if anyone is looking for a short cut then they are never going to make it full stop. I think this is where a lot of current artists get confused with my courses. It’s the opposite of a short cut. On average it takes people between 1 and 2 years to complete my full course. That’s if people are doing it properly and daily a lot of the time. They also think because it’s online it’s promoting scratchers however they clearly havnt been in my groups where we have a zero tolerance for people tattooing people just at home while learning. They actually get removed if caught doing such acts. But like always people in this industry jump the gun without actually having any knowledge. Thanks for the input buddy. I also have loads of advice that helps grow tattoo shops be sure to check them out 👌

[@FrozenMeatDisk]

Getting paid with knowledge when you have to support yourself just isn't enough, in my country literally any apprenticeship you do it is legally required that you get a wage, tattooing should be no different. I don't want to be stuck mooching off of my friends and family for several years and losing that independence just because I want to tattoo

[@franciscocervantes4679]

First change the title of the video, maybe its me but I understood it as why an aprentisships are ruining the I dustry, and it more how Tattoo Masters are ruining the industry for new tattoo artist looking to break into the industry. Like I said, maybe its me who got lost in translation. Other than that, the info is solid.

[@BlackVVirk]

Im self taught, 25 years plus..5 separate studios, building my final one now.. and I've had many apprentices. I charge them a large amount, (but not really compared to annual income they will earn right out of the gate) but they don't have to be a shop janitor or anything of the sort, it's more like a 1 person college and all they have to do is learn. I clean, maintain, stock, order, deal with it all, myself, my entire profession. The apprentice can come in around their schedule, and learn faster or at a little slower pace, accordingly.

[@nykiatv2254]

B Bbbo😅

[@BenFisherOfficial]

Awesome! Needs to be more people like you!

[@reneelittletattoos]

The only ego issue is coming from you right now. I’m sorry you feel like you deserve more from an industry. You have no idea what you’re talking about but complaining about what you want. For all education you must pay for, are you paid to go to college? You think as an artist you don’t have to clean? These are things you learn in am apprenticeship. The only thing killing the industry are people like you flooding it.

[@BenFisherOfficial]

after years of doing this I have found only artists that are struggling comment anything negative on my videos. successful people in this industry want and help others to do the same. if your struggling with anything please reach out and ill advise where I can.