Advice for how to get a tattoo apprenticeship in NYC
Hi everyone, Im aspiring to become a tattoo artist full time after leaving freelance design and my disability making my lower body mobility worse, I have a bachelor’s in studio art and have a pretty good handle on drawing and painting fundamentals. I wanted yo ask for any advice about how to get an apprenticeship in nyc. Im located in Queens and have introduced myself and asked around the shops in my area but haven’t really gotten anywhere with that since obvs i’m just a stranger off the street. How do you build those types of relationships with other artists when you’re just starting out and trying to learn? Especially when you’re broke and can’t afford to get tattoos in the first place to talk with artists?
I also received advice from an artist with 20 years of experience to hold off on getting my first tattoo machine until I find an apprenticeship and can learn everything properly. I have listened to his advice but worry that no one would be willing to mentor me since I don’t have any fake skin practice, Is this good advice? or is it some what outdated? How did of you guys get your apprenticeships?
Thank you in advance if anyone takes the time to answer!
Here is my illustration portfolio so you can see my skill level or if you’re just curious, any feedback is immensely appreciated but not expected ofc! : https://amarichitiva.com/illustration