You’re Not Supposed to Be Good Yet: Apprentice Imposter Syndrome 101

If you’re in an apprenticeship and feeling like a total fraud—you’re not alone.

You might be staring at your shaky linework thinking,

“Why am I even doing this?”
“I’m never going to be as good as my mentor.”
“They probably regret taking me on.”

First of all: Breathe.
Every artist you admire started here. And no—you’re not supposed to be good yet.

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What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is that ugly little voice in your head that whispers:

• “You don’t belong here.”

• “You’re faking it.”

• “Everyone can see you’re not talented enough.”

It’s common in every creative field, but it hits hard during a tattoo apprenticeship—especially when:

• You’re surrounded by pros

• You’re constantly being corrected

• Your work is being watched

• You’re not seeing instant results

And when you’re in an industry where every mistake is permanent?
Yeah. The pressure is real.

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What No One Tells You: Apprenticeships Are Supposed to Suck

You're not failing—you’re learning.
You’re supposed to be clumsy. Awkward. Overwhelmed. That’s kind of the point.

You’re absorbing:

• Sanitation protocols

• Client etiquette

• Machine control

• Skin trauma management

• Art fundamentals

• Emotional regulation under pressure

That’s a lot to carry. And it’s gonna be messy.

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Repeat After Me:

📢 “I am allowed to suck while I learn.”

You are not expected to be brilliant right away. You are expected to:

• Try

• Ask questions

• Accept feedback

• Keep showing up

Every tattooer you respect has gone through this stage—they just don’t always show it on Instagram.

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How to Handle the Voice in Your Head

1. Keep a progress log

Take photos of your practice skins. Date them. Track improvements. Your growth is happening, even if it’s slow.

2. Talk to other apprentices

If you feel alone, you’re not. Start a group chat. Vent. Share wins and failures.

3. Ask your mentor for honest check-ins

Not just critique—encouragement. A good mentor will remind you what you're doing right, not just what needs work.

4. Follow your idols—but unfollow the pressure

It’s okay to admire great work, but don’t compare your Year 1 to someone’s Year 15.

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Remember: This Is the Part That Builds You

The late nights. The awkward tattoos. The frustrated tears in the bathroom.
This is where the foundation gets laid.
And every great tattooer you know? They survived this too.

You’re not behind. You’re not an imposter.
You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.