Tattoo Apprenticeship Requirements
Aspiring tattoo apprenticeship portfolio requirements?
I'm asking any current tattoo artists:
What are most shops looking for when looking through aspiring tattoo artists art work? Like sketchbooks or large brief cases of paintings and etc. And do they prefer your artistic talent or are they usually looking for the average tattoo outline-ish designs. Yes I'm sure a little bit of both, but I really need a detailed overall expectation. I was wondering if I could just bring my favorite sketchbooks of my specialties which are just surrealistic style ink drawings 
While going to art school might increase your chances, it isn't a necessity. I know art grads with masters degrees who couldn't get an apprenticeship and I know people with a minimal art background who are now respectable artist. The two most important things are attitude and a versatility. You could have an insane portfolio, but if your cocky and arrogant it will get you nowhere. If your portfolio is decent and you show motivation, patience and determination it will get you farther. Also having good people skills is a must as you will be interacting with clients on a regular basis. The way you word things to clients can make or break a deal. Also, you don't need to be all tattooed up, you don't need sleeves. Having tattoos could benefit you but it wont make them hire you. As far as a portfolio goes? Like I said, versatility is key.
Draw like you would want to tattoo. Sharp, clean consistent linework and bright solid colors with smooth blends is what you should work on. Things like roses, hearts, crosses and script lettering is what you will be mostly doing until you build your clientele. Also different mediums such as watercolor, oil, sculpting, pastels etc will help. The best thing would be black fin tip pens and colored pencil. Show that you can think outside the box by making those common items you will be doing the most unique and your own. Find an artist who you respect, talk to them, get tattooed by them and take in all the information you can.
Narrative and Authenticity 3-22-10