First you must demonstrate desire

You do this by bringing us artwork you have done in the past. We require a minimum of 20 designs on the initial interview, more is appreciated. We are looking for quality of designs, an understanding of value, proportions, balance, flow, and general aesthetics. We are not concerned about theme or topic. **Tracings do not count, they must be hand drawn designs.

If your artwork passes muster we may have you demonstrate your skills in person. If they do not we may ask you to fill a sketchbook with fresh pencil drawing of still lives. This is not a mere dismissal, it just mean you need more practice. You are always welcome to return with questions and/or critiques during this stage.

Trial by Drudgery: Drawing

The next stage is showing up to the shop every day and drawing while giving general assistance to our receptionists and artists. We will stop by from time to time to give instruction and advice. During this phase we will do a daily critique of your work.

What you will be learning is how to draw. You will be developing your hand and eye in the process of developing passable artwork. You will be taught techniques we have learned throughout our careers. What we are looking for during this phase is quality of lines, proportion, shape, perspective, value, depth, texture, artistic analysis and diligence.

This stage is pencil only, and starts with structural drawings at the beginning and then includes value on the second stage.

You will also be given a custom lettering class and expected to be able to design custom lettering.

Trial by monotony: Design 1

After you have a thorough understanding of how to draw, which typically takes several months, you will be expected to fabricate your own designs. During this phase you will be asked to turn your drawings into designs. You will be utilizing the concept of notan. You will be expected to take into consideration balance, line, flow, shape, and general aesthetic appeal. This phase typically takes a few months.

During this phase we begin you practicing line drawings. What we expect during this phase is that you trace select designs. We are looking for pristine line drawings with no shakiness to them, no crossed tips or weak lines, or blown out lines. Line drawing exercises continue until the end of your apprenticeship.

Trial by madness: Design 2

Once you have a general understanding of the fundamentals of design, you will be expected to do fully rendered color designs. You will learn color theory during this phase of your apprenticeship. You will be expected to do a completed design every day and we will critique it at the end of the day or the following day. What we expect to see for the completion of this phase is technical use of colors with intent, all the elements from before but applied with colors as well, using saturation to draw focus and build perspective. This phase tends to take a month or two.

During this phase you are expected to do daily line drawing exercises.

Trial by Determination: Flash

During the Flash phase you are designing flash sheets that you intend to do on people. During this time you will be expected to design several tattoos of your choosing, but also of the Artists’ choosing based on the demands of clients. You are expected to execute these designs with precision before moving on.

You will be expected to use water color and/or markers and/or colored pencils for these exercises. We do not allow digital rendering as an apprentice, the stakes are too low with digital.

This is an experience and examine phase also, to see what works and doesn’t based on the things you have learned previously/ This phase is continuous and if you are a true artist this phase will never end.

Trial by Dermocide: Tattooing

This phase is the practice phase where you are practicing on grape fruits and pig skins, maybe fake skins if you want to blow that kind of money. It may take a while to get used to the machine and the pacing of it that is quite different from other mediums.

This is also the phase where you will be taught the biohazard element of tattooing. You will be expected to tear down and set up the artists during this phase and you will be expected to have a thorough understanding of maintaining an aseptic barrier, knowing about blood borne pathogens, and the biological concerns around tattooing in general.

This is also the phase where you are expected to demonstrate enough love of the industry by writing at least a 5 page essay on the history of tattooing. If you use Ai, I will know, so at least write it in your own words. I’ll make you do it again if I don’t think you wrote it yourself. You will not be allowed to practice on people until you have completed your essay.

Once we are satisfied with the quality of your practice works, you will be tested by tattooing on yourself. You will always be the first person you tattoo in our apprenticeship program.

After that, if your self-tattoo is good enough, you will be allowed to practice on your friends.

This is the time when you will be put to the test by the county. You will have to pass the county health inspection prior to tattooing on your friends.

We expect you to tattoo on the meaty parts of the appendages, the ribs, wrist, upper back, and lower back before moving on. You are not allowed to tattoo on fingers, necks, heads, hands or feet at this stage.

After you have demonstrated your ability to tattoo, you will be allowed to take on clients as a probationary tattooer. This lasts until we are confident you are able to take care of virtually any client coming in the door. You cannot tattoo alone during this phase. You must take pictures of every tattoo you do during this phase, and every client must fill out a separate consent form acknowledging they are willing to get tattooed by an apprentice.

Trial by Debt: Working Apprenticeship

As you might have noticed we put a lot into the Apprenticeship program. For that reason we expect our apprentices to either pay for their apprenticeship or work as working artists for at least 3 years after they have completed their apprenticeship. Even if you pay for your apprenticeship, I still recommend sticking around for at least 3 years so you have the guidance and wisdom of our experienced artists to help you during the beginning of your journey.

Once you are free to work as a full tattooer, you are still considered an apprentice. Typically we will do a silly little ceremony or something symbolic to let you know you are accepted amongst or prestigious ranks as our peer.

Good Luck on your Journey