can you start a tattoo apprenticeship at 17 if by the time you'll actually start tattooing you will be 18?

maybe they can have you sweep the floor and clean the toilets until you are 18 and you can start to legally stab people with the needles and inject ink into their bodies, but it would depend on the state in which you live, and you do not give that information . But I think you need to increase your compassion. You seek to be a tattoo predator, who will make their living by defacing the bodies of their naive victims for their Judas coins. They cause their tattoo victims emotional hurt, regret and misery. Why do you want to join this infernal industry?

There are so many questions on YA about how to remove and cover up unwanted tattoos. Pay attention to them. They are there for a reason: People do not want to keep their tattoos. Be a good person and do mankind a big favor. Take a different career path.

Tattoos are permanent. You can not take them back.

Please see my poem Judas Tattoo Predator that will further answer your question:

Judas Tattoo Predator

Judas Predator, here they come

Walking to crematorium

Tattoo numbers on their skin

Write them in your book of sin.

Judas Predator, dripping blood

Standing on top of pyramid

Cut their hearts out, beating still

Toss to bottom of the hill

“They ask for their ruin

They plead for the pain.”

Destroyers of children

Will be judged just the same

Judas Predator’s life is rotten

Judas Predator’s way will yield

Judas Predator now forgotten

Hanging in a potter’s field.

I'm glad to see the poems are back... To answer your question, yes you do have a chance. Your maturity level will play a major factor as most 17-20 year olds are too distracted by friends/family to fully devote their attention to an apprenticeship. While it will be longer than 2 months until you actually start tattooing (more like a year..) there are other activities like breaking down tattoo stations and scrubbing tubes that fall upon the apprentice and you must be 18 to do them (biohazardous materials). If your art is up to snuff, then you will stand a better chance as well.

Good Luck, it isn't easy but it is worth it if you can make it.

Well I know at least where I'm from you'll need a bloodborne pathogens certificate. And also you don't have to wait until you're 18 to actually tattoo someone. If you're turning 18 soon you might not be ready by then but there's not a rule about not being able to tattoo someone if you're under 18. After watching the process for quite a while apprentices do actually tattoo.

Here's the problem. Before any tattoo artist will take you on as an apprentice, they need to know you have made a commitment to the art. This means you have to be seriously tattooed before you even talk to an artist about apprenticing. This means at least two full sleeves. It's just common sense, because if you haven't made a commitment to the art, why should they make one to you. And believe me an apprenticeship is a huge commitment on the artist's part. If you want to learn more, feel free to email me at tatmaster28@yahoo.com I would be glad to help.

If you are confident that your portfolio of work is ready to handle anything that comes into a shop--then go for it. One thing to keep in mind is a LOT, of people right now are looking to become apprentices, so the competition may be stiff. You don't want to take any shop that will take you. Apply at places with exceptional artists and an equally exceptional reputation.