Tattoo schools are actually a good thing.
Granted, many of the tattoo "schools" out there are currently a money-grab by greedy schmucks, but the concept of tattoo schools is a good thing. Tattoo apprenticeships as they exist today in the US and Canada are rife with emotional abuse, gate-keeping, hazing, humiliation rituals, financial exploitation, nepotism, poor business practices, and are, for all of that, overly glorified. It's all one big circle jerk.
My own experiences with my former mentor may influence my perspective, but I believe there is a need for improved workplace protections for apprentices and clearer educational pathways for those interested in learning. Apprenticeships should be compensated similarly to other trades. Apprentices should have access to union support. There should be structured educational programs, like trade schools, where individuals can learn under the guidance of professionals who are trained in both their craft and effective teaching methods.
The truth is that tattoo schools are hit or miss, like traditional apprenticeships; however, if they are reviewed positively, provide enough training, proper guidance, and support with licensing requirements, you may be better off attending one than seeking out an individual artist to teach you.
If I had to do everything all over again, here's what I would tell my younger self to do:
- Get first aid and CPR certified.
- Get OSHA-approved bloodborne pathogens training.
- I was in AP Art in high school and went to art school, but if I hadn't, I would tell my younger self to take some kind of art classes or teach myself the fundamentals.
- I got a bunch of tattoos before I was apprenticed, but if I hadn't, I'd tell my younger self to get tattoos from several different artists. Something, something, never trust a skinny chef.
- Become a clean freak. Tattoo shops and stations should be very clean and sterile! It's easier to do so if you are already a person who is cleanly.
- Read! Read Reinventing the Tattoo by Guy Aitchison cover to cover (you may be able to find an old physical copy of the book on eBay). Read and learn as much as you can about the history and practice of tattooing! Read about tattooing traditions all over the world!
- Learn about hate symbols and dog whistles. Learn about closed religious practices and cultural appropriation. Knowledge is power.
- Learn how to take good photos. The Photographer's Eye by Michael Freeman is a good starting resource.
- Acquire information on how to obtain a business license, understand the requirements for a tattoo shop to pass health inspections, and learn the process for obtaining a tattoo license in your region. Additionally, understand the tax filing processes for both self-employed freelancers and small businesses.
- Put together an art portfolio, save up money, and research tattoo schools. Do not get scammed into going to some boot camp for a few weeks! If it's less than a year, don't go. If your area requires a certain number of training hours for licensing, make sure the school provides that.
- Through all of this, take care of your body! Maintain good posture and stretch often! When you're drawing, take a short break every hour or so, and do the same when you are tattooing! Don't get carpal tunnel syndrome! If you need a book on this, read Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett.
That's more or less it. I wouldn't advise trying to tattoo on your own without some sort of guidance from an apprenticeship or a tattoo school, because you could learn bad habits that become hard to unlearn. I should say that not all tattoo apprenticeships are bad, and many artists get lucky and find amazing mentors. I wasn't so lucky, and I am biased because of that.