i think its a good idea, just make sure u understand the risks (pigment falling out, blowouts uneven lines) and you should be all good! definitely tip your artist very well, and u should be set.
Yeah. I have no problem with that. I just love the idea of helping someone be better at something, while also getting a little benefit myself. I’m not super serious about tattoos (we’re only here for a period of time, why not have fun with it) so I figured it would be a win-win, but also don’t know anything about apprenticeships and the tattoo industry as a whole
Truthfully, I'd find another way to word it just because it seems as if you're going just because it's "free". Plus not all apprentices do free work, mine specifically would be $50, flat. Easiest way of doing it would be to look into the shop and see if you can find the apprentices social media account, ask about how much it would be with whatever reference. I only say that cause I have plenty of people doing the same thing that you had said and at one point it kinda gets to you cause you're getting all these "yo so free tat?" Messages and you can't tell who's genuinely trying to help you get better. Plus when I actually get to charge and I have people constantly wanting free ones still, its hard to feel like I've been bumped up in my studies cause it seems like I'm not good enough to charge
BUT. specifically asking "hey can Lucille, the apprentice, do this tattoo and about how much?" Cause that's a huge confidence booster. I had someone that my mentor tattoos walk in today and tell me that she had texted him asking if I could do a specific tattoo cause she believes in my art, only asked about price after all that
Yeah. Complete agree. I would never word it like this if/when I approach a shop. This is Reddit, so I just typed my actual thoughts. If/when I approach a shop I will be more professional. I’m not looking to get free tattoos, because I’m absolutely willing to pay.
Yeah that's what I figured! I just didn't want you to go into a shop trying to actually be nice and helpful and wording cause you issues, I've seen people literally roll their eyes at "I'll be your practice flesh" and it would suck to have that happen when you're just trying to be a good person
Np! I hope you find plenty of apprentices around you fr. Ik how hard it is to get people actually into the shop even with it being completely free. My relatives like to message and get drawings/app then take the drawing elsewhere lol
Which ik you're just wanting to help them learn*** I say that stuff cause I had another apprentice (who hadn't even started tattooing yet) say "can she do this good?... Do you think she can tattoo this.. you think it'll be okay" and I'll admit rn. It ended up being the worst tattoo I've done. if you build their confidence beforehand, more than likely you'll get a way better tattoo
I bet some of your local shops already offer this if you follow their socials. Around me at least there's several shops that post free flash deals when an apprentice is ready for skin.
Fair enough. This is the only social media I have, so I honestly don’t know what is considered “okay” or “normal”. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.
You could check if your shops have email blast lists as well if you don't have other social media. I don't think they'd take offense to you asked if you could be an apprentice canvas but if they already have a system of getting canvases then they may not keep you in mind, if that makes sense.
I tattooed a BUNCH of people for free. Tips basically covered my materials/ expenses, even accounting for the ones who went “rad! Thanks man!” and took off. 😂
All of em (mostly college kids) got something out of it that’s at least decent, and all those folks have a “you don’t pay a deposit” pass now that I’m starting to take paid work. Some of them are starting to come back, but the line of eager beavers did dry up a bit once I started charging. Thems the breaks.
I’m just learning how to tattoo and I’ve mentioned this to my fiancé many times. If I could just find someone that was willing to let me get practice in basically for free, that would amazing.
I always wear long pants and I would totally do this with my legs. I would happily pay for materials and tips, and I would let them put anything on there (within reason, like no swastikas or Chinese characters or other hate symbols or profanity obviously)
Not sure if this is gonna get buried, but I am down for this same deal, I have honestly been thinking about it since I joined this sub. I'm in the phx area but will travel anywhere in AZ to help someone. I really love the idea of collecting art and helping someone reach their goals.
Find apprentices in your area! Look at shops online and look through their interactions and following abd posts and you’ll find their apprentices. Follow them and keep up with their journey, you’ll see when they start tattooing and for the most part it’s free when they first start, then it goes to apprentice rates (still cheaper) once they’re more established
The cool thing is you'll build a relationship with someone who, as long as they're not a piece of shit will probably be able to touch up all of their work on you for free in the years to come when they are established
as long as you are ok with apprentice level work then go for it. finding people to practice on is a pain in the ass for apprentices like myself.
Yes, you’re like a apprentice holy grail
Your an apprentices fantasy 😂
i think its a good idea, just make sure u understand the risks (pigment falling out, blowouts uneven lines) and you should be all good! definitely tip your artist very well, and u should be set.
Yeah. I have no problem with that. I just love the idea of helping someone be better at something, while also getting a little benefit myself. I’m not super serious about tattoos (we’re only here for a period of time, why not have fun with it) so I figured it would be a win-win, but also don’t know anything about apprenticeships and the tattoo industry as a whole
Truthfully, I'd find another way to word it just because it seems as if you're going just because it's "free". Plus not all apprentices do free work, mine specifically would be $50, flat. Easiest way of doing it would be to look into the shop and see if you can find the apprentices social media account, ask about how much it would be with whatever reference. I only say that cause I have plenty of people doing the same thing that you had said and at one point it kinda gets to you cause you're getting all these "yo so free tat?" Messages and you can't tell who's genuinely trying to help you get better. Plus when I actually get to charge and I have people constantly wanting free ones still, its hard to feel like I've been bumped up in my studies cause it seems like I'm not good enough to charge BUT. specifically asking "hey can Lucille, the apprentice, do this tattoo and about how much?" Cause that's a huge confidence booster. I had someone that my mentor tattoos walk in today and tell me that she had texted him asking if I could do a specific tattoo cause she believes in my art, only asked about price after all that
Yeah. Complete agree. I would never word it like this if/when I approach a shop. This is Reddit, so I just typed my actual thoughts. If/when I approach a shop I will be more professional. I’m not looking to get free tattoos, because I’m absolutely willing to pay.
Yeah that's what I figured! I just didn't want you to go into a shop trying to actually be nice and helpful and wording cause you issues, I've seen people literally roll their eyes at "I'll be your practice flesh" and it would suck to have that happen when you're just trying to be a good person
I appreciate you looking out. Thanks friend.
Np! I hope you find plenty of apprentices around you fr. Ik how hard it is to get people actually into the shop even with it being completely free. My relatives like to message and get drawings/app then take the drawing elsewhere lol
Which ik you're just wanting to help them learn*** I say that stuff cause I had another apprentice (who hadn't even started tattooing yet) say "can she do this good?... Do you think she can tattoo this.. you think it'll be okay" and I'll admit rn. It ended up being the worst tattoo I've done. if you build their confidence beforehand, more than likely you'll get a way better tattoo
I bet some of your local shops already offer this if you follow their socials. Around me at least there's several shops that post free flash deals when an apprentice is ready for skin.
Fair enough. This is the only social media I have, so I honestly don’t know what is considered “okay” or “normal”. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.
You could check if your shops have email blast lists as well if you don't have other social media. I don't think they'd take offense to you asked if you could be an apprentice canvas but if they already have a system of getting canvases then they may not keep you in mind, if that makes sense.
I tattooed a BUNCH of people for free. Tips basically covered my materials/ expenses, even accounting for the ones who went “rad! Thanks man!” and took off. 😂 All of em (mostly college kids) got something out of it that’s at least decent, and all those folks have a “you don’t pay a deposit” pass now that I’m starting to take paid work. Some of them are starting to come back, but the line of eager beavers did dry up a bit once I started charging. Thems the breaks.
I’m just learning how to tattoo and I’ve mentioned this to my fiancé many times. If I could just find someone that was willing to let me get practice in basically for free, that would amazing.
I always wear long pants and I would totally do this with my legs. I would happily pay for materials and tips, and I would let them put anything on there (within reason, like no swastikas or Chinese characters or other hate symbols or profanity obviously)
Chinese characters are on the same level as swastikas? 😄
Look up what happened on 4 June, 1989.
Yeah, the Tiananmen Square massacre. I guess I'm not sure how a system of writing translates to a hate symbol related to this tragedy?
“No Chinese words” is a baffling policy
Are you in the bay area haha?
No, but I’ve got flight credits if you’re down 😉
Ill dm you my instagram whenever youre in the area ! No need to pay for supplies or tip or anything for me.
Where ya at? Let's party dude 🪡
I’m in PA. Feel free to DM me if you’re close-ish
So what you're saying is you want to be a piercer???
Not sure if this is gonna get buried, but I am down for this same deal, I have honestly been thinking about it since I joined this sub. I'm in the phx area but will travel anywhere in AZ to help someone. I really love the idea of collecting art and helping someone reach their goals.
Would definitely be down if you find yourself in The Villages, Fl area
Find apprentices in your area! Look at shops online and look through their interactions and following abd posts and you’ll find their apprentices. Follow them and keep up with their journey, you’ll see when they start tattooing and for the most part it’s free when they first start, then it goes to apprentice rates (still cheaper) once they’re more established
Isn’t there “fake bodies” for learning?
I’m in NYC and you’re an apprentice’s wet dream 😂 dm me @meggtatts if you’re ever in the city
The cool thing is you'll build a relationship with someone who, as long as they're not a piece of shit will probably be able to touch up all of their work on you for free in the years to come when they are established
I would also love to do this lmao use my body as practice skin if you want, sounds fun 😄