Apprentice contracts!

I need some help!!..I want to have a new apprentice come aboard but after the last disaster I'd like to have a contract with the new apprentice in place for when he joins our staff. Can someone point me in the right direction as to where to find a good sample to use? I keep searching but so far I haven't found anything of use. Thanks so much!

hi i also had a bad deal with a girl wanting to learn to pierce but luckily my wife drew up a contract and it saved our but good luck

hi i also had a bad deal with a girl wanting to learn to pierce but luckily my wife drew up a contract and it saved our but good luck

instead of a contract try a nominal fee of around 5 grand or 10 grand depending on length of your apprentice program.i have had so many tell me i want to tattoo will ya teach me ive had them bring there art to me and a few i have offered a apprenticeship with but once they get a ear full of just what there going to be doing before i even allow a machine in there hands they just say well i wanna start tattooing now.im not against contracts but i feel that if they dwell out the cash then they are serious about it and i would let them klnow that even though they have paid for this learning experince,its just like anything else if you cant keep up with the demands and such then you will be let go and there will be no refund the only garuntee is what you puut forth towards learning

Never ever never have an apprentice without first protecting yourself with an exclusionary contract. I have seen it happen so many times...an artist who has paid his dues over many years takes on an apprentice, teaches them the trade and what thanks do they get in return?...the a**hole is gone one day and opening a scab shop 2 blocks away usually with flash stolen from YOUR studio along with YOUR clientele!!!!! Is it worth it?Spend a few bucks and get an attorney (yeah I know!!! I hate em too) to draw up an exclusionary contract...have everyone who is learning either tattooing or piercing to sign one and HAVE IT NOTARIZED!!!!! Do I sound cynical and pissed off? Well I am!! See I made that mistake...no contract...just the word of someone I trusted. And I have seen it time and again. This ain't the old days boys and girls where the tattoo world was built around RESPECT AND LOYALTY...and no longer can we "take care" of our own business so to speak...(you old school heads will know what I mean!) "back alley justice "is no longer feasible in a world where you can be arrested for just TELLING some creep you are gonna kick his ass! PROTECT YOURSELF AND EVERYTHING YOU HAVE WORKED SO HARD FOR...GET THOSE CONTRACTS.....IT IS JUST GOOD BUSINESS!!!

Gabe..Krystof what are your thoughts on this? Joe capobianco ...you too! Taz

I have 2 schools of thought on this, one of them being have your lawyer draft a contract that is legal and binding, stating all of what you require; and have the apprentice sign the legal binding contract, therefore, if they break the terms of the contract that they signed, they're screwing themselves. Some things that are common in contracts like that are a stated radius that the apprentice cannot work within when ties are broken with the mentor and/or the shop trained in, an agreed upon non refundable price of the apprenticeship, among other things. My other thought on this is to stop deciding to apprentice every hot-shot who wants to become a tattoo artist just because it's a job where you don't punch a clock and you don't have a boss telling you what to do all day, and they have minimal drawing skills. Too many people out there claiming that they've apprenticed under this one or that one, tarnishing good names in the industry and putting out absolute crap. Learning how to tattoo and obtaining an apprenticeship are things that people tend to forget that they need to be EARNED and are not AUTOMATICALLY DESERVED.

I pretty much agree with your (krystoff) opnion...the contract should also include a detailed explanation on just what the apprentice is to be taught. In most exclusionary contracts the apprentice agrees to abstain from working or participating in any form of the industry within set geological parameters (i.e. 50 miles etc) for a specified period of time or in perpetuity without the express written approval and permission of the "teacher" if you will. Yes there are always going to be those out there who claim to have been apprenticed under some famous artist, but liars abound everywhere and that will never change.I do, however, firmly believe that formal apprenticeships are very much a part of the history and heritage of our art/business,and that there both good and bad teachers and apprentices. We are still human after all....T

Absolutely. I agree with you all the way on that one. The other thing about the contract is as long as the potential apprentice reads it in full, if there are details that they don't like or agree with, they have the option to have the contract legally changed with the mentor via means of an attorney (Not that they need any more business, but it legally covers all the bases), or they can walk away, which helps weed out the less than serious hacks to our field and also doesn't clog up the available apprenticeships for the talented future of our trade.

Great question, I am all for formal contracts. They keep everyone on the same page. I dont have a contract with the guy apprenticing at our studio, Ryan Jacque. He is a good friend, and the brother of one of my most trusted long-time friends. A contract had occurred to me, maybe Ill get one together. At the least we will have a good sit down and discuss all the details. So, my experience is very limited (I have only owned a studio for 2 months and am NOT a tattoo artist) and Ryan may be a special case, he's not someone walking in from the street... he is a very accomplished "fine' artist who is practically a family friend. Of course, that doesnt make either of us immune to drama or unforeseen circumstances, so I think I'll get a formal agreement together. as with any agreement, the goal is to lay out the terms simply, fairly, and protect everyone.

how about employee contracts? Its kinda funny, as much as I dont do any website work without a contract, right now none of the artists working at Off the Map have a formal (or informal) contract.

Here's kinda where I stand on the subject. I was asked to apprentice in a shop at a time when tattooing was really starting to boom. I was asked to apprentice for two reasons (one being more important that the other) 1 I was a decent artist, and the owner wanted that in his shop. 2 He needed to hire a couple of new artists to help out at the shop (this by the way is the more important reason). SO he hired two people and apprenticed me. No money exchanged hands, and no contract was signed, and I did all the crap that you'd expect in an apprenticeship, except it only lasted a month. Like I said it was a very busy shop, and I guess I sort of took to it. But I'll be the first to admit there was a lot I was not taught. Making needles, tuning machines, mixing ink, all that good stuff. Most of that I learned on my own working along side some great people. So had I plunked down 5-10 grand, I'd have paid for an education I'd not received. But IM beginning to wander here, the fact is I didn't pay to get in, and fact is I left that shop in a year cause the owner was kinda a prick. Had he been a bit cooler I'd most definitely had stayed. And when I left I didn't feel bad simply because in the year I worked for him, he made an ass load of money. The next shop I went to, I was there for 5 1/2 years, and when things kinda came to a head and I felt I'd had enough, and wanted to move on, Hell I left the state. I respected, and simply liked the fella I worked for, and didn't want to hurt him, or his business. I didn't need a contract to make up my mind for me. My point here being, yeah people suck, you can't trust most of them. But I'd like to think that if you look hard enough You can find that diamond in the rough, and if you teach them properly, and not "Apprentice" them like some old school wanna be, who makes the poor bastard scrub your toilet with a tooth brush, berate them on a daily basis, and actually train them like a human being, and teach them the proper respect for you, and your business. Than I think that you shouldn't need some contract to keep them under your thumb. This all goes back to learning about the person who wants this apprenticeship, and treat them right. When it comes right down to it, most people who leave a shop, and open up down the road don't do it just cause. They've been treated in such a manner that they feel justified in leaving, and putting the screws to there x boss. Some are just young and dumb, and feel it will be cooler on there own, or with a couple of other young, and dumb guys. And than you've got the guys who are just plain ass holes, who don't give a shit bout you, or your business. But guess what you taught them, you had control at one point on whether this person ever learned. It could have been stopped before it ever got started. You just need to be more careful on who you decide to take into your home. So the short of it (and this is my opinion) No I don't think that a contract is a necessity, If you or he is in a shitty situation,and there's a contract involved, it just makes it worse. As for taking money for teaching. Well than when that person leaves, than he's got every right. You've just taken money to teach a trade, not teach respect, or what's right and wrong. So when that person jumps ship, he's got every right, he paid to learn, and moved on. My advice, be a lot more picky about who you decide to take on, and make sure your doing it for the right reasons. If your looking for a tube monkey, and some sap to hang around get everyone food, and just be the emotional punching bag. Than hire someone, you wont have to worry bout him stabbing you in the back, and when they leave or you fire them there a lot easier to replace. Like I said we've no one to blame but ourselves with the influx of tattooists, and the huge amounts of shops opening here and there. Just my opinion. JOE

Can anyone email me a sample? I appreciate all of your advice..thanks so much! You guys rock.

well im looking to be an apprentice and i need to know the basics about that and if you can give me some information on that it would be great. Ive been tattooing unofficially now for over 4 years and im trying to become legit but i have been getting different information from a lot of people i know that does tattoos. i think that i would make a great apprentice because im very interested in tattooing and i would like to take my game to a whole nother level if you can e-mail with your information on where your located at and any other information that might be helpful send it to [email removed]

well i dont know what its like for you guys but in the uk taking on an apprentice can cause nothing but trouble one of the guys here in glasgow taught someone to tattoo and guess what after they learned or thought they learned enough took him to the inland revenue and got 5 grand out of him and then opened up a shop with the money just along the road from him and he did have a contract that stated in return for training they would do the reception and tidy up a bit but all inland revenue said if they worked there they should have got paid so now i know its nearly impossible to get an apprenticeship in glasgow he even asked what about the money he lost training them his hourly rate but as usual all he got was i right pay up and shut up so if your law is anything like ours i would think long and hard about it

OK Joe I guess you and I have to agree to disagree on this one. The person in question at my shop was ALWAYS treated with respect ...he was never charged anything for his apprenticeship and was treated like a member of the family...yeah this was a guy I totally trusted.He was a straight up scratcher living out of his car with one old crappy superior machine and not enough money to buy dinner off the dollar menu.We agreed up front that if he ever left he would not work or open shop within 50 miles....I think that is reasonable.....well as soon as he developed skills and a clientele (due to my help and instruction in MY studio ) he took off and without a thank you or a kiss my ass he opened up less than a mile away and makes it a point to undercut prices ( his shop minimum is $20!!!!!!!!) Found out he had been planning this for months prior.....and I had always told him...when you think you are ready let me know and I will help you to set up your own shop with no strings attached...no percentage ...nothing as long as it is not in such a proximity that it would affect my shop. I dunno maybe you just have been lucky and have not run into any snakes like this guy but if I had been smart, liking him and trusting him aside,I would have had a binding contract and protected myself.....of course the good part of this is that here a few months later this guy is nearly bankrupt and is being evicted from his shop. Anyway in my experience a contract keeps things straight and up front with both the honest and the dishonest.I think they are INVALUABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I run a business not an orphanage. By the way when we take on an apprentice we DO charge a fee mostly just to see how serious a person is....and we have yet to make anyone who proves to be dedicated pay even a portion of that "fee"...I am not interested in their money I am interested in perpetuating the art and surrounding the industry with solid honest people with the same goals....Taz

Like Joe said, people have to be really picky on who they take on. No offense Taz, but a guy living in his car with a Superior machine wouldn't exactly be the prime candidate for an apprenticeship in my opinion (not that my opinion is right or wrong, but as you can see, it didn't work out in your favor). Most people that end up living in their car are there for several reasons including not being reliable at work or screwing people financially (roomates, landlords, etc), not to mention drug or alcohol abuse alone. People shoot themselves in the foot far too many times, but there is always someone who feels bad and gives them another chance, just to get screwed over afterwards.

Fact remains......if there is a contract trust and goodwil,no matter how undeserved is only incidental...T...ps...the kid was living in his car because his step father had beaten him nearly to death and he was not a substance abuser in any manner.

This is an awsome discussion. I currently have an apprentice. I took him on after seeing a pretty awsome art portfolio and it has been good. I never thought of doing a contract for him, but I guess I never realy imagined him screwing me. Everybody has realy good points. I never realy agreed with charging for an apprenticeship. It is pretty much a full time job that you sont get paid for and I would not be tattooing right now if I had been charged. 10K Still isnt realy in my price range no matter how bad I wanted it.

the subject of this post is not money...it is protecting yourself from those who would take your knowledge and years of hard won experience and turn it against you.Protect yourself....if the "apprentice" has objections to a contract then show him or her to the door cause they have ulterior motives...T

We are taking on an apprentice and would like to know if anyone could send us a sample of an apprentice contract! Thanks!

I totaly agree about the guy living out of his car.. hell you gave him a life, a way to make money and once he started making real money. realizing he could be making even more money with his own shop.. hell he jumped on the bandwagon and did just that.. I agree. I dont think I would apprentice someone that lives in their car and is a known boneafied scratcher.. That means pretty much he has no respect for the art in the first place if you ask me! This topic really pisses me off.. Cause here I am I have a full time job, a family my own buisness and I am dieing to finally follow a dream of mine and learn the art of tattooing.. And now that I actually am in the position to do so and have put together my work into a killer portfolio and all that I go out and hunt for a "good" apprenticeship position.. and man talk about hard as hell to find!!! and alot of that is due to a**holes out there that have ruined it for the rest of us that legitimatly want to learn and become succesfull as a tattooer (hopefully a pro artist one day).. Ok now this that off my chest.. I personaly love the way Joe looks at this but I agree that there are alot of jerks out there that are willing to take advantage of whatever and whom ever they can. It sucks but that is life.. However, my personal feelings are.. man if a person takes me in and gives me an apprenticeship I am going to give my all. I owe that person for all they have given me and they diserve the respect forsure. Personaly i would try my hardest to remain in that shop as an artist. I mean for atleast a set amount of time. Kind of like when hospitals pay off your student loans for becoming a Dr. or a Rn. they pay off your student loans but you have to agree to work within that hospital for X amount of years.. that is what I would hope to acheive as well with my mentor. a set amount of time. cause granted I may not tattoo in his shop forever but I wouldnt wanna leave on bad terms either. This is a person that took me in to teach me the trade I owe them atleast respect for that if nothing more. I hope that makes sense.. its just too bad that A--holes are ruining it for the guys/girls out there that have their heart set....

#1. I more or less lived in my car at times durring my apprenticeship. Nothing wrong with that. I had sold everything i owned and moved across the country with no place to live....just to GET my apprenticeship. #2. Theres was a second apprentice at the shop when i was learning. We both signed the same contract, spend the same few grand. He had a COUPLE of motorcylces, cars, trucks, and plenty of money to go bar hoping. I was like i said finding places to sleep day by day and broke. He was a fuck up and did his best to shit on everyone untill he was told to leave. Then he tried to shit on everyone some more. This should be a great example to you all that although a contract is never a bad idea to protect yourself, choosing the right apprentice is the best way to avoid needing use that protection. Be aware that daddy may have bought that spoiled little bastard his apprenticeship no matter what the cost. And that some people have enough balls too say "screw the contract" and make a huge time consuming problem for everyone. Find a guy thats putting his ass on the line just as much by being your apprentice, as you are putting your ass on the line by taking them in. Chances are that guy will treat you as you treat him/her. Blood is thicker than water, and shops that are also families are built this way. Just my opinion though, im am still just a young gun feeling his way through.

I signed one when i started here.Loyalty goes along way.IMO IF i ever get a apprentice i would never do the pay to learn process, They want it, they scrub the thousands of tubes that i had to do,cleaning up puke,cleaning the toilet with a Q Tip.....all that fun stuff :P "Is that a smudge on my mirror?......CLIPCORD BEATING!"

I am also looking for apprentice contract information...I will share with you if you will share with me. I am a jeweler who runs a production studio, gallery and sells wholesale.

Hey, i have just trolled through the posts on this page and wanted to contribute another side to the story because peoples lack of faith in human nature saddens me. I have just had the most fantastic opportunity to become an apprentice in a shop and couldn't be more greatfull or loyal to the people offering me this chance. I have not signed a contract (may do shortly) and will be paid for the hours of hard work that i WILL put in (no matter how much i want my dream couldn't afford to pay large fees as i already have huge student debts from studying art!!)however i would never betray anyone willing to help me in the way so many of you guys have described! I am an artist and this is my dream so i am eternaly grateful and loyal to the people willing to help me as i know how hard it is to even find an apprenticeship!! However I think it is unfair to be so harsh towards people who are apprenticing as you dont know what they are giving up to follow their dreams. For example I am giving up an artistic job which I have spent 6 years training to do, leaving good friends and a steady wage to follow this dream. I know that i will have to muck out and do the less than exciting jobs, be patient and earn faith and respect to learn all the skills needed to be a proper tattoo artist however i think it is unfair to be unwilling to give someone a chance. There are good people out there who are willing to work hard and learn. xx

I agree that there are the people you need contracts for, but i think you as the artist willing to apprentice someone should be able to tell who is serious about it and who isnt. i never signed a contract, and aside from the occasional guest spots, im still learning from and tattooing under the same guy. ive never takein anything from them, and it shows in everything ive learned. you get what you give.

hey i would love to become an apprentice ive been tattooing for like 6months n doing well im trying to take this serious because i love art just never thought it would get me anywhere. 5 to 10 grand whooo, i would be very willing to do it part time cleaning n so on because this is waht i want to do with my life im 23 n ive been working at a ford dealer for about 5 years just fell in to it. i believe if i learn from this shop i could become a great artist n safe as well. i love this shop n one day down the road will look forward to becoming an employee. i just moved up here in adelanto but still work in la puente 80 miles each way living on a low salary and i have a family to provide for so havent had a chance to find an apprentice,,im so eager to learn n if any thing i plan soon on having someone do the last supper on my back with demons under the table i have to draw it out still but i want it done there so in time well take care ,,,,,samuel trevino

This discussion has been a HUGE help to me. Would someone please email me a sample of their contract? I want to be sure I don't miss anything important. You guys rock - thanks for keeping the profession professional.

Great discussion, and very informative, It has been a while since I had a apprentice. I would really appreciate someone to e-mail me a contract for body artist/ and or piercing apprentices. Thanks

TATTOO APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACT I (apprentice) _________________________, willingly agree to the terms stated below between myself and ____________________________. (Owner/artist SHOP NAME, SHOP ADDRESS) Date: August 1, 2008. ____ I understand that during the extent of this apprenticeship I will be expected to learn and be instructed in a mixture of reading, observation, hands on, and finally internship, for the following: Tattoo Art A. What makes tattoo-able art and how to make art tattoo-able. B. Elements of a good tattoo. Such as placement and sizing to fit your clients tastes. (body shape and $$ budget) C. Technique, such as line work, shading and coloring. (Basic vs. a custom design) D. Skin types and working with skin tones, textures, and conditions. E. Tattoo preparation F. Proper stencil application procedures Health A. Both health concerns for the artist and the client B. Prevention of infectious disease C. Proper Tattoo aftercare D. Resolving healing problems E. Compliance with local and state health regulations

Equipment A. Machines: • Nomenclature • Building • Maintenance & repair B. Power Supplies (including clip cords & foot pedals) C. Autoclave D. Ink selection Business A. Paperwork for clients B. Book keeping C. Licensing D. Advertising E. Relations (Front end) • Reception • Appointment making • Studio cleaning • Sales Internship (this is the opportunity to practice the skills that you have learned in the shop setting) You will continue learning, hands on, the business portion of your training. Application of tattoos within your skill level, for paying customers, that agree to be tattooed by an apprentice/intern, will be performed at this time.(You will supply your own materials when in this stage) To comply with state and local regulations you will need the following materials and equipment (I will order what you do not have, at your expense): A. Power supply (with foot switch and cords) B. 3 machines (minimum) 1 liner, 1 shader, and 1 for color C. 25 each tube-tip, grip set ups for lining and shading D. 3 germicide bottles for needed solutions E. 1oz set of pigments (minimum) F. Cart to hold supplies and to be used as work station

I will supply needles, paper towels, lap cloths, green soap, alcohol, petroleum jelly, etc. during internship phase. Any personal art supplies must also be supplied by apprentice/intern. (Paper, pencils, pens, etc.) Upon completion of internship phase, apprentice/intern will be required to complete a written test through the American Tattooing Institute (ATI). In return for the on-site training and mentoring, I agree to the following: ____ I understand first and foremost that I, as an apprentice, am a student and not an employee of SHOP NAME. ____ I will report on time and be ready to work the hours outlined by my mentor (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 2pm-10pm and Saturdays from 11am-5pm). I understand hours may be subject to change as time and experience progress and I willingly agree to that also. I understand that I may be expected to stay past 10pm on occasion and I do willingly agree to that. ____I will adhere to the dress code set forth by my mentor (casually dressed and with good hygiene). ____ I understand that excessive absences will not be tolerated and could result in the termination of this apprenticeship contract. ____ I agree to follow and respect the shop rules set forth by my mentor and to always be respectful to customers and all others.

____ I agree to conduct my duties with enthusiasm and professionalism. ____ I agree to act responsibly and with appropriate care around all studio equipment and machinery. ____ I agree to accept constructive instruction and guidance/ advice from my mentor. ____ I agree that all artwork I produce while at SHOP NAME, as required to complete my apprenticeship, is considered solely owned property of SHOP NAME, (Unless otherwise stated or approved in advance), and will be credited as artwork by _____________ at SHOP NAME. ____ I understand that all items within the studio – including art work, equipment, supplies, files, and other business related items are the sole property of SHOP NAME, and may not be used without the shop owners or shop managers consent, and that any damage to such items is my responsibility to replace. ____ I agree that any advertising using the business name SHOP NAME will be approved by SHOP OWNERS NAME before it is presented to the public. ____ I agree that I will make no derogatory statements about other local artists or businesses in the presence of customers, or artists from other shops. ____ I agree that any violent acts, fraudulent, defamatory, harmful, threatening, indecent, vulgar, harassing, discourteous, hateful, abusive or racially, ethnically, religiously, sexually or otherwise offensive remarks that may harm the business, SHOP NAME, made by myself will be grounds to terminate this contract immediately.

____ I agree that no one under the age of 18, will be tattooed at SHOP NAME (without prior approval of the owner). ____ I understand that no minors under the age of 18 will be allowed in work areas. ____ I understand that pets and illegal drugs are prohibited on the premises. ____ I agree that I will not tattoo any being (in the shop or on any other premises) without the presence of my mentor until I have his consent to do so. I fully understand that if I perform a tattoo without his prior consent that I have breeched this contract and it will immediately be terminated. ____I understand that I will have cleaning responsibilities around the shop as well as be asked to run errands at time and willingly accept those responsibilities. ____ I understand that as long as I do not breech this contract and as long as this contract remains in tact that I will pay for this apprenticeship once I reach employee status. Payment will be taken by a percentage per tattoo administered by myself as follows: 1st year my employer/mentor will collect 50% of all monies from customers I tattoo, excluding tips. (Subject to applicable federal, state and local payroll taxes, and other withholdings required by law.) 2nd year my employer/mentor will collect 40% of all monies from customers I tattoo, excluding tips. (Subject to applicable federal, state and local payroll taxes, and other withholdings required by law.)

____ I understand that this contract includes a non-competition agreement, and by signing this contract I understand that I am not allowed, by law, to work at another tattoo establishment, other than SHOP NAME, (without prior written consent from its owner) for a period of 2 years upon completion of my apprenticeship. I also agree to work at SHOP NAME for a period of at least 2 years upon completion of my apprenticeship, to fulfill my financial obligation for this apprenticeship. Should I breech this contract I agree to immediately pay my mentor a sum of $2,000.00 total for his time and instruction. (If either party dies, becomes physically disabled, contracts an illness that prevents the party from fulfilling their duties as outlined, or is imprisoned before completion of this apprenticeship, the terms of this contract are null and void) Warranties and Indemnities • Each of the parties involved are free to enter in to this contract • In the case of studio loss, the apprentice will hold SHOP NAME and its owner harmless and not liable for any loss or accidents or related incidents • If any legal action is necessary to enforce this contract, SHOP NAME and its owner shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees, costs and expenses in addition to any other relief entitled to them.

Artist/Mentor_______________________ Date_______________ Printed Name_______________________ Apprentice_________________________ Date_______________ Printed Name_______________________ Witness____________________________ Date_______________ Printed Name_______________________ ** I am showing you the contract I use at my shop. I strongly recommend that if you choose to use this contract you have your legal counsel look over it first as I am not an attorney, I am simply an artist and shop owner. Laws vary from state to state. Good Luck man! SDTriker

The only thing I outright disagree with in this version of a contract is this: "____ I agree that all artwork I produce while at SHOP NAME, as required to complete my apprenticeship, is considered solely owned property of SHOP NAME, (Unless otherwise stated or approved in advance), and will be credited as artwork by _____________ at SHOP NAME." There's no way in HELL I would suggest to an apprentice that they agree to the shop owning artwork they produced. IMO, their portfolio is THEIR portfolio, and if for some reason they go down the road, they should be able to take their art with them. I would not object to (and in fact have used) a clause holding any tattoo equipment as collateral until the apprenticeship and all payment of fees is complete. I NEVER EVER allow an apprentice's machines to leave the shop, except under direct supervision of myself or a trusted employee. -Joe Pure Imagination Tattoos

I've been apprenticing for almost a year now, which means I've been going into the shop 6 days a week, 10 hours a day, answering the phone, setting up and cleaning up the stations and the shop, watching the artists and working on my portfolio. My parents have been supporting me since I'm not bringing in any income. They're getting a little irratated and thinking that the shop is taking advantage of me. They feel I should at least get a couple dollars a day for food and gas money. It's time for me to sign my contract which my mentor drew up in about two minutes. It summarizes that I'll be apprenticing for another year and paying $2000.00 which will include my tattoo maching and station. I will then need to work there another 2 years and they can terminate me if I'm late for work, fail to show or don't produce enough. I also cannot work within a 70 mile radius of the shop for up to 3 years if I'm terminated. Does that sound like a fair contract? Is there anything I need to add or subtract from that? Any comments are appreciated!

Personally, every one of the 8 apprentices I've had over the years have had to sign a contract, and not one of them have ever complained about it. It protects them as well as me, as it spells out exactly what the curriculum for the apprentice will be in detail, as well as what is expected from them. As long as your contract spells all this out, it's a good thing, and can only help both you and your apprentice Still, you should really get to know the person before extending such an offer.

hey guys. your right in what your saying about folk wanting to take it up, i know a few folk myself bedroom tattooists. ive studied art for years and really want to take up the profession. id love to get an apprenticeship they are few and far between now, i guess for the reasons you have listed. now see i wouldnt mind making tea and helping about till i knew what i was doing, and felt competent i wasnt going to mess up some ones skin

Hi, I have been wanting to be a tattoo apprentice for quite some years now and I currently just ended my university course. I am just moving to Glasgow, but I am willing to travel a lot for an apprenticeship position. Please contact me if your want my CV/Portfolio for consideration, Kind regards Marthe Elisabeth

awryt mate been looking for an apprenticeship, I am not bad at it just now but with some help i think i could become a great artist plz reply mate wont let you down !

I have been perusing an apprenticeship for over a year now. I have a BFA and am a certified phlebotomist. I have had held down many jobs with responsibility and proved to be a reliable worker, talented, and a dedicated artist. I started out at a shop under a locally reputable artist and it went very well for a long time. With my history, I didn't need very much instruction to do the 'grunt' work in the shop. As soon as I started tattooing, I made one mistake and was let go from my apprenticeship. Since then, I have been looking to start over at another shop but I have been running into obstacles. One being, I was 'fired' from such a great artist, I must be an a-hole, right? Another is, the education I received from such a great artist, and my history in art school, doesn't mean squat! That I have to start completely over, after all that time, and even though I was tattooing well, and developed a clientele. I don't pretend to know everything about tattooing, and I want to continue my education, but I do believe my history and education mean something. It seems these things don't matter as an 'apprentice'. I worked hard for a year and have nothing to show for it. I believe a contract is an efficient way to keep this type of relationship professional, and to keep BOTH parties safe. I will require said contract in my next apprenticeship.

We sure do like to pollute ourselves don't we boys and girls.....greed and money is the ruin for alot of things...but I do believe this..the strong will survive...and cover-ups will always mean.. job security...stop the hate and educate the ones with talent. Scott