Tattoo Shop Etiquette: What Every Apprentice Should Know (But Is Too Scared to Ask)

Because “just clean stuff” isn’t exactly a job description.

Getting into a tattoo shop as an apprentice is exciting—and terrifying. You’re surrounded by experienced artists, intimidating tools, and a million unwritten rules no one explained. If you’re constantly wondering “Am I doing this right?” or “Are they mad at me?”, you’re not alone.

So here it is: the etiquette guide you wish someone handed you on day one. Straightforward, respectful, and based on real shop experience—not TikTok myths.

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1. Don’t Wait to Be Told to Clean—Just Clean

If there’s dust on a baseboard, wipe it. If the garbage is 60% full, take it out. Tattoo shops need to be sterile, and nobody wants to ask you to do what’s obviously gross.

Pro Tip: Re-cleaning something that already looks clean is part of the job. Get used to it.

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2. Learn Everyone’s Routine Without Asking

Watch how the artists set up their stations. See what grip tape they use. How many rinse cups they pour. When they like their coffee. Learn to anticipate.

Don’t ask “Need help?”—just quietly do what you know they need.

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3. Say “Good Morning” and “Good Night”

It’s basic, but you'd be shocked how many apprentices treat the shop like a side quest. Greet everyone when you arrive. Say goodbye when you leave. You’re part of the team now.

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4. Stay Off Your Phone (Unless You’re Filming Content They Asked For)

Scrolling Instagram while your mentor is scrubbing tubes? Bad look. If you're not actively working or learning, ask what you should be doing. Use your downtime to restock gloves, refill paper towel, clean flash frames—anything.

If you’re filming content for the shop, great! But ask before posting.

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5. Don’t Touch Someone’s Station Without Permission

Even if you think it’s just a towel. Even if it looks abandoned. Tattoo stations are treated like sterile zones. If you touch something while it’s being set up, you might’ve just cost that artist 20 minutes of rewrapping and re-cleaning.

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6. Your Job Is to Learn—but Also to Watch, Listen, and Shut Up Sometimes

You’ll have questions. That’s good. But there’s a time and place. Don’t interrupt a stencil application to ask what kind of liner someone’s using. Take notes and ask when there’s a break.

✍️ Keep a notebook. Write things down. Refer to it before asking the same question twice.

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7. Know That Every Artist Teaches Differently

Some mentors will micromanage you. Others will throw you into the deep end. Neither is wrong. Your job is to adapt, stay respectful, and show up with a good attitude—even if you’re washing tubes for the fifth time today.

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8. If You Don’t Know—Ask. If You Mess Up—Own It.

Mistakes happen. What matters is how you respond. Don’t lie. Don’t hide it. Be honest, fix what you can, and show that you’re paying attention. That builds trust faster than trying to act perfect.

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9. Be Useful—Even If No One’s Watching

Clean the bathroom. Mop behind the door. Restock the stencil paper before it runs out. When your mentor sees that you’re thinking ahead, that’s when real responsibility follows.

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10. Don’t Tattoo at Home. Don’t Tattoo Without Permission. Period.

This one is sacred. No kitchen tattoos. No scratching on friends. No “just practicing” on yourself. Your mentor is investing in your growth. Respect that.

🔥 Tattooing before you’re ready is not only dangerous—it’s a fast way to lose your apprenticeship.

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🙏 TL;DR:

Tattoo shop etiquette isn’t just about being polite. It’s about being aware, proactive, and humble. The best apprentices become the best artists—not because they knew everything, but because they knew how to listen, show up, and earn trust.

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Looking for supplies that won’t embarrass you in front of your mentor?
👉 Check out Electrum's beginner gear picks here