So, You Want an apprenticeship in Piercing? A Comprehensive Guide for Becoming a Professional Piercer
Body piercing is the best job in the world and very rewarding but not for everyone. While the job may look glamorous and exciting, becoming a professional piercer is no easy feat. Whether you're just starting your journey or have already started, this essential advice and practical tips to help you navigate the path to success.
Step 1: Understand the Commitment Involved
Piercing isn't just about pushing needles through skin. It's about precision, hygiene, customer service, and above all continuous learning. Becoming a piercer requires dedication, patience, and years of very hard work. Many people hugely underestimate the amount of time and energy involved in working as a piercer. Mastery comes only through countless hours of practice and learning from experienced professionals, attending events such as conferences and self education in the form of webinars and studying relevant subjects.
The reality is, your journey starts with an apprenticeship. Before even touching a needle, you’ll need training extensively in sterilization, health and safety, infection control, jewellery, customer service, sales, and anatomy. This can and should take years.
Step 2: Finding the Right Apprenticeship
One of the most challenging aspects is finding a quality apprenticeship. Not all apprenticeships are created equal, and selecting the right mentor is crucial. Here's what you should look for:
Reputation: Research potential mentors and shops thoroughly. Look for piercers who have built a strong reputation for their skill, professionalism, and ethical standards. Piercers and studios that are members of the APP, UKAPP or other governing bodies are a good place to start.
Experience: Choose a mentor who has been in the industry for a significant amount of time and has a wealth of knowledge to share.
Cleanliness: The studio you train in should be clean, well-maintained, and up to the highest standards of hygiene.
Teaching Style: Ensure your mentor is willing to dedicate the time and effort to properly train you and has a teaching style that resonates with you.
When approaching potential mentors, be respectful and professional, an email or social media message is not the right way to go. Coming in to the studio prepared with knowledge about the industry and an understanding of what the apprenticeship involves is a huge plus. Demonstrating your passion and commitment to learning is key to making a positive impression. Piercing is NOT a way into a tattoo apprenticeship!
Step 3: Develop a Thick Skin
It's very common to face rejection after rejection when seeking an apprenticeship. Piercers are often inundated with requests, and it may take time to find someone willing to take you on if anyone. But persistence is key. Don't be discouraged by setbacks. Continue to research, improve your knowledge, and remain open to learning. Rejection should be seen as a stepping stone, not a dead-end.
Step 4: Learn the Fundamentals Before You Pierce
A quality apprenticeship will be focuses on teaching you the fundamentals long before you even perform a piercing. These fundamentals include sterilization, cross-contamination prevention, client safety, aftercare protocols and many many more aspects. Hygiene is a crucial aspects of piercing that cannot be overlooked.
Aspiring piercers must also study anatomy in-depth to understand how different piercings interact with the body and how they will heal effectively. Familiarity with different types of jewellery, tools and methods, and the healing process is also necessary. This is the foundation that ensures you are prepared for the technical aspects of piercing. There are things you can do to aid in this by gaining qualifications in things such as blood-borne pathogens, infection control and prevention and first aid that will make you stand out to prospective mentors as well as being a good regular client of the studio.
Step 5: Get Comfortable with the Business Side
Working as a piercer isn't just about piercing and jewellery; it's about running a business. You need to understand client interactions, marketing, pricing, and social media. Building a strong online presence and branding yourself as a professional will help you attract clients. Make sure your social media profiles showcase your work in the best light, with clear and high-quality images of your piercings. This is not a 9 to 5 job and often takes many hours outside the studio, you can expect to receive messages on holidays such as Christmas and in the early hours with people expecting a response immediately!
Step 6: Stay Committed to Growth and Learning
Even after completing an apprenticeship and working as a piercer, the learning never stops. The industry is always evolving, with new techniques, jewellery, and trends. Staying committed to continuing education and expanding your skills will set you apart from the competition. Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to keep up with the latest in the industry.
Additionally, maintaining a connection with the piercing community will provide support, networking opportunities, and inspiration as you grow in your career.
Conclusion: Perseverance
While the road to becoming a professional piercer is very long and difficult, the rewards are immense. If you're committed to putting in the time and effort, the possibilities for a successful and fulfilling career piercing are endless.
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