****NOW I KNOW I HAVE 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, ON HOW I CAN GET OUT OF THIS CONTRACT.

1. No, this is absolutely NOT what tattooing is like. If you get a good apprenticeship with someone that gives a shit about teaching you most times you won't even be touching a machine until 6 months-a year, and even at that point it generally on practice skins, of willing and devoted friends who know what they're in for, but are willing to help you in your learning process. 2. As far as the contract it's an impossible question to ask us when we don't know the details of said contract. If he is breaking what was promised on his end, legally he won't get too far chasing after you for money if you bail early. If he's doing whatever was outlined, then you might have an issue. In all honesty a lawyer would be the best person to contact. Like I said based on the fact we don't know what that contract entailed, we can't know how hard, or easy it's going to be.