Apprenticeship Program

Tattoo Apprenticeshipin Hawaiʻi

Hands-on apprenticeship on Oʻahu. Learn shop standards, assist senior artists, and build your book. Commitment, respect, and a hunger to learn are required.

0
Open Spots
12-18mo
Program Length
Mentorship
1-on-1 Training

What You'll Learn

Foundation Skills

Line work, shading, color theory, machine setup

Client Relations

Consultations, communication, aftercare education

Shop Standards

Cleanliness, sterilization, professional protocol

Business Basics

Pricing, booking, marketing, portfolio building

Cultural Respect

Hawaiian culture, sacred motifs, community values

Real Experience

Assist on live sessions, build supervised portfolio

Open Apprentice Spots

No open apprenticeships right now

Apprenticeships are rare and selective. Join our waitlist!

Program Structure

1

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)

Shop operations, sterilization, equipment setup, drawing fundamentals

Shadow senior artistsPractice on synthetic skinClient observationShop maintenance
2

Phase 2: Technical Skills (Months 4-8)

Line work, shading techniques, color application, machine control

Supervised practice piecesSimple designs under guidanceBuild practice portfolioClient communication skills
3

Phase 3: Client Work (Months 9-12)

Simple client tattoos under supervision, building real portfolio

Solo simple piecesMentor review sessionsPortfolio developmentBusiness training
4

Phase 4: Advanced & Transition (Months 12-18)

Complex designs, style development, preparing for independent work

Advanced techniquesSpecialty style focusLicensing prepCareer planning

Apprentice Requirements

✓

18+ years old with valid government ID

✓

Strong artistic foundation (drawing, painting, or design portfolio)

✓

Bloodborne pathogens certification (or obtain within first month)

✓

Availability for 30-40 hours per week (including evenings/weekends)

✓

Reliable transportation to the studio

✓

Financial stability to support yourself during unpaid learning phase

✓

Positive attitude, coachability, and hunger to learn

✓

Respect for Hawaiian culture and commitment to community values

✓

No prior unprofessional or unsafe tattooing experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the apprenticeship paid?

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The first 6-9 months are typically unpaid as you're learning fundamentals. Once you begin doing supervised client work, you can earn commission. We recommend having savings or part-time work to support yourself initially.

Do I need to buy my own equipment?

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We provide all equipment for learning and practice. Once you transition to client work, you'll be expected to build your own kit gradually.

What if I already have some tattooing experience?

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We prefer candidates with zero unprofessional experience. If you've been practicing at home or outside a shop, you may have developed bad habits that are hard to unlearn.

How selective is the program?

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Very. We typically accept 1-2 apprentices per year out of hundreds of applicants. We're looking for the right combination of artistic talent, work ethic, personality fit, and cultural respect.

What happens after I complete the apprenticeship?

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Successful graduates can transition to resident artist positions at our studio or receive strong recommendations for other shops. We're invested in your long-term career success.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

We're committed to mentorship, ethical practices, and building the next generation of tattoo artists. If you're ready to learn from experienced professionals in a supportive environment, apply today.

Apply Now