Hi... does anyone know how to go about training as a tattooist in the London area? My daughter has wanted to do this for a long time but can't find any courses. There is a place in London but I'm not too sure anyone would want a tattoo from someone that has trained for only 2 weeks! Most tattooists aren't taking apprenticeships anymore.  Any info would be great.....                                                                                                                                                                             

my son wanted to train as tattooist but gave up as no one is willing to take on a apprentice but was advised to try and sell his designs instead                                                                                                                                                                              

oh! they take apprentices in nottingham but of course thats too far !dont know about london? have you checked all the ads in the back of the tattoo mags and all the obvious stuff!you know trawling round knocking on doors,tattoo expos ?? some of my buddies are tattoists and they say just keep trying !! sorry thats not much help is it!                                                                                                                                                                             

With so many people wanting to be tattooists these days, it's pretty hard to get an apprentiship without any experience. I know it doesn't make sense, but that seems to be the state of play. I have a number of friends that have tried. A couple of them have just gone out and bought their own kits and inked mates to get experience, but i wouldn't advocate this as it can end in tears and poor art and rep.

hey, im a newbie here so hello first!! Big wave from Oxford :) Ive been a body piercer for 13 years and just taking up tattooing again. Tell your daughter it can be done! It just takes persiverance (sorry spelling is terrible!) You just have to become a familiar face at local studios and show massive dedication.. so tell her to get a A3 sketch pad and build up a portfolio of art work. Then everytime she goes in for new ink she can wow them! You can find apprenticships but of course the competition is stiff!! My battery is going now.. so please remind me and ill link you to some sites that post jobs/training etc... Over and out :)                                                                                                                                                                              

Thanks all for replies.....this will be a hard task!!