Pierre Bustos has been tattooing since 1997. Over the years, he worked alongside renowned artists like Richie Bulldog, creator of Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm, and many others. Pierre also helped build iconic New York City tattoo studios including Sacred Tattoo, Red Rocket (formerly known as Triple X Tattoo), and Hustlers Parlour NYC.
But long before that, Pierre was a teenager trying to find direction.
“When I was 13, I met Lori Leven who introduced me to Sean Vasquez,” he says. “They took me off the streets and gave me a purpose.”
At the time, Pierre didn’t even have a portfolio. “I was taken on through focus and determination and I kept going back until they finally took me on.”
Tattooing is still one of the few trades passed directly from artist to apprentice. Apprentices learn by being at the studio and watching artists at work: observing setups, cleaning stations, asking questions at the right time, and drawing until your lines finally feel right.
Today, Pierre himself is a mentor to Rory, a New York-based tattoo apprentice and piercer working out of Hustlers Brooklyn Tattoo Studio.
“I asked my aunt because I was looking for a summer job and she told me she had a close friend who worked in a tattoo studio,” says Rory. “We walked into the Hustle Butter Tattoo Gallery in Soho and met with Pierre. I asked him if I could be his apprentice and help out. I showed him a couple of my drawings and he said yes.”
That’s how a lot of tattoo apprenticeships begin: with an eagerness to show your worth, a real interest in the craft, and the openness to meet established artists to ask if they can help you get started on your own path.
Inside a Tattoo Apprenticeship: From Shop Work to Client Tattoos
As a tattoo apprentice, you won’t be picking up a tattoo machine right away. Most apprentices start by learning how to watch, listen, and understand how the shop runs.
For Pierre, that meant long days doing the work most people never see.
“A normal day looked like me having to come in, scrub toilets, make needles, clean the studio, run errands for the artists, and then sit and watch my mentor work as I took notes,” he says. “Every day I had to state three things that I learned.”
“In a studio you learn how to deal with clients. You learn how to deal with other artists,” Pierre explains. “You learn the hands-on approach to dealing with people.”
As Rory puts it, “People skills and communication are things you really learn in a real shop.”
How the Work Progresses: From Observation to Client Tattoos
Every apprenticeship moves at its own pace, but most follow a similar path.
You start by observing and supporting. Then you move into focused practice. Eventually, you begin working with real clients, but only when your mentor knows you’re ready.
Rory’s timeline reflects that build. “I started in June and tattooed someone for the first time in August, but my first real client wasn’t until November.”
Pierre remembers his own timeline being even slower. “It took about a year before I even touched skin,” he says. “There was a lot more involved than just learning how to tattoo. I had to learn how to build machines and tune them, build needles, learn to draw, among other things.”
A good apprenticeship doesn’t rush you forward. It gives you time to build habits that stay steady when the work counts.
What a Serious Shop Teaches Beyond Technique
By learning the rhythm of a shop, apprentices build skills beyond just learning how to tattoo.
You are learning:
- Discipline in how you show up every day
- Awareness of hygiene and safety standards
- Respect for the client’s time, comfort, and trust
- Confidence that comes from repetition, not guesswork
Pierre says that was one of the biggest lessons he learned during his own apprenticeship.
“I thought it would be easy, but it turned out much harder than I thought,” he says. “There were a lot of unrelated tasks which I later learned would really help me build a thick skin and build character.”
Online Tattoo Learning vs Real Shops: What You Need to Know
At this point, it helps to separate what you can learn on your own from what only a real shop can teach.
Online courses can help you build a solid art foundation. These are useful for tightening your drawing, understanding design, and getting familiar with tools and terminology. It is a good place to start, especially before stepping into a shop for the first time.
But once you are inside a real shop, you’ll learn the nitty-gritty involved in doing real tattoo work.
Tattooing is not static. Skin moves. People move. Sessions can run long. Working beside an experienced artist means you get real-time feedback, corrections, and context that you can’t get from an online course.
“I underestimated how much my back would hurt and how important it is to take breaks during sessions,” says Rory. “I used to only take breaks if my client asked for one but it’s important to be aware of your own limits as well.”
“A good mentor teaches all aspects of being an artist,” says Pierre. “It’s not just tattooing. It’s also character building and learning the business side of tattooing.”
Some regions require supervised hours, safety training, or approved courses before you can work legally as a tattoo artist. And without mentorship, it takes longer to build trust with shops, clients, and licensing bodies.
“A good shop is a place where there are good artists who are focused, growing together, and who can bounce ideas off of each other,” adds Pierre. “When you’re in that environment it helps you grow to your highest potential.”
How Long It Takes to Become a Tattoo Artist Through an Apprenticeship
There is no single finish line for a tattoo apprenticeship. Some shops work from rough timeframes. Others move you forward only when your work meets the standard they expect.
Strong drawing habits can help you progress faster.
Clean linework, balanced composition, and steady shading gives your mentor something solid to build on. If your fundamentals are strong, you’re not trying to relearn basics while also figuring out how to handle a tattoo machine.
But taking on part-time schedules can stretch the apprenticeship process a bit longer. It takes time to earn the trust of mentors and clients. If a shop doesn’t give you clear feedback, that can leave you feeling stuck longer than needed.
Pierre also points out that modern tattooing asks artists to wear more hats than ever before. “Now there is much more to learn. We need to be filmmakers, editors, content creators, learn marketing, and storytelling,” he says.
Before You Apply: What You Need for a Tattoo Apprenticeship
When searching for a tattoo shop to apply to, don’t just send your application and portfolio to every shop nearby. Look for artists whose work lines up with how you want your craft to grow.
If your portfolio leans illustrative and a tattoo shop focuses on traditional work, the fit may be off. The better the match, the stronger your chances of getting an apprenticeship, and the better your training will be.
“Find an artist that you really like, get tattooed by them, and see if you really connect with them,” advises Pierre. “Look at their work habits. Stay away from drama.”
Be respectful of timing your approach as well. Don’t interrupt artists mid-session. If they’re busy, ask when you can come back. That says a lot about how you will handle clients later.
Lead With Your Portfolio
When you’ve got a tattoo artist’s ear, the next thing they’ll want to see is your artwork. If your drawing foundation isn’t there yet, it’s going to show up in your portfolio.
Focus on showcasing:
- Clear, confident linework
- Consistent shading and value
- Thoughtful composition
- Clean, finished pieces
Many shops expect a strong portfolio with enough original pieces to show range, consistency, and follow-through. They don’t all need to be perfect, but they should feel finished, considered, and clearly yours.
“Even my quick sketches showed detail and my drawing skills. That’s what made my portfolio strong,” says Rory.
Your portfolio might get you in the room, but how you show up is what keeps the door open. Your attitude counts just as much as your work.
Shops notice:
- Whether you listen and follow direction
- How you handle feedback
- How you treat clients and the space
- Whether you show up consistently
Artists can tell when someone respects the craft or when someone is just chasing a trend. You don’t need to know everything about tattooing and tattoo culture to be an apprentice. But you do need curiosity, patience, and a willingness to learn the right way.
Expect Rejection and Use It
You might not immediately get a yes when applying for a tattoo apprenticeship, and that’s okay.
You might get a clear no, or you might not even hear anything. That doesn’t mean you’ve hit a dead end on your tattooing dreams. It just means you need to adjust, keep drawing, refine your portfolio, and come back stronger.
Be Ready to Put in the Work That No One Sees
If you get taken on as a tattoo apprentice, congratulations. Now the work begins, and it’s often not very glamorous. This early stage of your tattooing journey teaches you what the job actually demands. It builds discipline, attention to detail, and respect for the work behind every tattoo.
But that doesn’t mean you should let other artists walk all over you either.
“Some red flags (in a tattoo apprenticeship) are when artists aren’t trying to teach you anything. They’re just taking advantage of your free work and labor,” warns Pierre.
Before You Commit: The Cost and Pay of a Tattoo Apprenticeship
These days, some tattoo shops charge for a structured apprenticeship program with upfront fees. If they’re asking you to pay, ask clear questions:
- What does the training include?
- Who is mentoring you?
- How often do you get feedback?
- What supplies are covered?
But traditionally, tattoo apprenticeships won’t charge you. Instead, you trade your time and effort for hands-on mentorship.
That doesn’t mean an apprenticeship is free. You’re still going to need to spend money.
Machines, needles, inks, sketchbooks, gloves, sanitation supplies, and practice materials all add up over time. These all become part of your investment in your craft and growth as a tattoo artist.
The Biggest Cost Is How You Support Yourself
The hardest part for many apprentice tattoo artists is staying afloat while you’re learning. Rent, food, transport, and everyday expenses don’t pause just because you’re training.
Some people work second jobs. Others save before applying or rely on support at home to ease the financial pressure while still learning.
Pierre remembers working through those realities himself. “I wasn’t paid to be an apprentice. I was working 12 to 16 hour days,” he says. “I had to be creative and find ways to make money while I was learning. Eventually I learned how to pierce and survived that way while I was learning to tattoo. I would make money from making needles and get the occasional tip.”
Rory didn’t get paid through her apprenticeship either. “I focused on learning and doing art. The money came later, once I started tattooing.”
Tattoo Apprenticeship FAQs: What You Need to Know
How do you get a tattoo apprenticeship?
Start with a strong portfolio, research shops that fit your style goals, visit in person when appropriate, and keep improving after rejection.
How long is a tattoo apprenticeship?
Many apprenticeships run about 1 to 3 years, depending on the shop, schedule, and how quickly you build skill and trust.
How much does a tattoo apprenticeship cost?
Costs vary widely. Some apprenticeships are low-cost or unpaid, while structured programs can run several thousand dollars to $10,000 or more, depending on the shop and structure.
Do tattoo apprentices get paid?
Most do not earn at the start. Payment begins once supervised client work starts.
Can you become a tattoo artist without an apprenticeship?
It is possible, but more difficult without mentorship and shop experience.
Do you need an art degree?
No. Drawing skill, discipline, and a strong portfolio are more important than a degree.
Can you tattoo at home legally?
Rules vary by location. Check your local health department before tattooing anyone.
What It Takes to Become a Tattoo Artist
Becoming a tattoo artist comes down to showing up, putting in the work, and sticking with it long enough for your skill to catch up to your shop’s standards.
It’s not a process that can be rushed. Your training involves learning the way the tattoo shop runs every day, and through pages and pages of practice in your sketchbook. You’ll learn by watching other artists handle real clients with care.
If you are willing to stay with the process, keep learning, and take the work seriously, you’ll be building an experience with real impact on both sides of the tattoo chair.