Getting a tattoo apprenticeship is hard but keeping it can be even harder. Many apprentices get dropped within the first few months, not because of their drawing skills, but because of attitude, habits, and avoidable mistakes.
If you’re serious about becoming a professional tattoo artist, avoid these common pitfalls that can quickly ruin your chances in the shop.
1. Being Overconfident Too Soon
The worst thing you can do as a new apprentice? Act like you already know everything.
Accept that you’re starting from scratch
Ask questions without acting like you’re above the basics
Stay humble, especially when getting feedback
Shops expect you to be confident in your effort, not your ego.
2. Ignoring Hygiene or Slacking on Cleaning
You’re not just an artist you’re responsible for keeping a safe, sterile environment.
Forgetting gloves
Touching clean surfaces with dirty hands
Rushing your setup or skipping disinfection
Not taking cleaning duties seriously
Even if your mentor doesn’t say anything at first, they’re watching. Bad habits here will get you dropped fast.
3. Tattooing Friends Too Early (Without Permission)
Tattooing people before your mentor says you’re ready is a huge red flag.
- You could injure someone
- You risk infections or blowouts
- It shows a lack of respect for the process
- It might even violate state laws
Ask before you act. Practicing on fake skin is your go-to until your mentor gives the green light.
4. Not Drawing Every Day
Even talented artists hit plateaus but only the consistent ones improve.
- Stop making excuses for not drawing
- Build your visual library (study tattoos, not just Pinterest)
- Practice flash, linework, and script regularly
- Don’t wait to be told what to draw
5. Talking Too Much, Listening Too Little
This one’s subtle but important. If you’re always:
- Making excuses
- Talking over others
- Interrupting during client consultations
- Complaining about tasks or hours
It gives the impression you’re not ready to learn or grow. Listening is a core skill in both tattooing and mentorship.
6. Being Late or Inconsistent
Tattoo shops run on trust and timing. Being late even once can raise doubts about your commitment.
- Show up early, stay late when needed
- Never ghost a shift, even if you’re “just an apprentice”
- Communicate clearly if there’s ever an emergency
If you’re unreliable, shops will find someone who isn’t.
7. Posting Work Too Soon on Social Media
We get it you’re proud of your progress. But sharing unfinished, low-quality, or unsupervised tattoos online too early can hurt your rep.
- Don’t tag the shop unless your mentor approves
- Only share tattoos you were authorized to do
- Avoid showing fake skin work as “real” pieces
Build your brand slowly and with permission.
Final Words
You don’t need to be perfect but you do need to be serious. Most apprentices who fail don’t do so because of talent. They fail because they ignore the basics, act entitled, or try to skip ahead.
