Apprentice for PMU–What Does It Even Mean?

There are many states that require you to be an apprentice prior to practicing as a permanent makeup (PMU) artist. One of the questions we get most is what it even means to be in an apprenticeship program. We can’t speak for everyone, but we can at least speak for ourselves.Think of being an apprentice as higher education. Your prerequisite is the initial training course and certification. Now, you must continue that education to get to the next level–in this case, the next level is working on clients.

Fresh Out The Class

As I’ve observed, one issue with newly certified PMU artists is confidence. Some totally lack confidence while others have too much of it, and both situations can be dangerous. Another issue is lack of practice. Because there can be so many different patterns, shapes, skin types, etc., practice is integral to a PMU artist’s success. As they say, practice makes perfect, but in reality, perfect practice makes perfect. If you want to give the gift of perfect eyebrows, you have to make sure that you’re capable of making them consistently. It’s terrifying to think that some artists are going straight from certification to working on clients with no practice in between.

What You Should Receive As An Apprentice

Because you’re already certified and received your starter kit in the class, you wouldn’t technically receive anything additional as far as supplies go. The most important thing you should receive is time to practice with an experienced artist. Assuming that the artist is a good teacher, spending time with them will cut the learning curve dramatically for you. With the artist, you should receive time practicing on fake skin, observing real procedures, and practicing on your own clients. Guidance in every step of your growth is important for you to build lasting knowledge and confidence.Notice how I did not say that you should become a full-blown employee of the facility. I’m not denying the importance of learning how to run a business, but as an apprentice, you paid for higher education and so that is what you should receive. Unless the apprenticeship is free, you are a paying client for a specific product in return and not an unpaid intern. But I guess if you don’t mind, it’s all up to you.

Ultimate Goal Of Apprenticeship

In Nevada, artists are required to complete a 6-month apprenticeship with the hope that at the end of it all, the newly graduated artist will be fully competent in completing an entire procedure on his or her own while staying within sanitation requirements. The ultimate goal of any apprenticeship program should be to create independent artists. That means when you complete your apprenticeship, you should have all of the confidence and skills that you need to start taking your own clients.Whether you’re required to be an apprentice or not, it’s always a good idea to learn as much as you can. Not only will you become a better artist, but your clients will also appreciate your more extensive knowledge and experience. Ready to become an apprentice? Check out our apprenticeship program here!Loved what you read? Let us know in the comments below and then keep reading our blog!