There’s no shortcut into the tattoo industry. Most artists only take one apprentice at a time, and many shops turn down dozens of applicants every year. If you're serious about becoming a tattoo apprentice, you need to know exactly what shops value before they trust you with the craft.

An online tattoo apprenticeship offers training through video lessons, virtual critiques, and digital coursework instead of working in a physical tattoo shop. Some programs claim to teach you everything from hygiene to drawing technique without ever stepping into a studio.