I might have a bad mentor.

I'm an apprentice and I been feeling unhappy and confused about being at the shop by myself. I’m not confident tattooing after four months being here, I was told I would have my own shift and charge full price and not let them know I just started tattooing. I’ve told him I don’t feel confident yet, don’t even know how the machine works if stops working in the middle of a tattoo which it has already happen. He did not teach me this, so his answer was a book about all the parts which was cool ok that’s a start. But he told that there wasn’t much more he could teach me. I think its because he knows I'm a true artist. I've only done five tats two with him being there but one with him only being by my side. He also said “haven’t you seen me do a few tats ok then” plus he said I needed to tattoo someone so he can show me but he’s never at the shop when it’s my shift. Is this how a mentor should teach a student because I’m starting to feel like a babysitter for the shop only with not enough skills to run it when it’s my shift. If this is the wrong way to teach how do I get out my contract? I've heard of people having to apprentice for a year before they can start tattooing. But maybe this is just the way it is in the tattoo world so please help.

It sounds like you'd be better off not even having this "apprenticeship". If I were in your shoes I would leave and spend my time looking for something more suitable. This is a problem I've heard about before, a proper apprenticeship is hard to find. Good luck with it.

If this is common how do I get out of the contract.

ok. i don't know why you would sign a contract or what this said contract entails, so i cant really tell you how to get around that part of it. but you do need to talk to this idiot and tell him you aren't ready to run yet when he has barely showed you how to walk. he needs to know you don't know everything you need to know and he needs to show you. this "apprenticeship" of yours is by no means 'normal'. if he wont tell you what you need to know and start teaching you for real, you need to leave and start looking for a better teacher. this guy is stupid and is probably wasting your time.

jesus fucking christ pissing on a flat rock in a face wind RUN DUDE FUCKING RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! get the fuck away from this benine money hungry lazy ass! i couldnt even finiosh your post befor i had to say something. GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HIM!!!!!!!!