Apprenticeship or Tattoo School

Now, search for an apprenticeship

 I currently live in the state of Oregon, which as far as my research has led me to believe, does not allow a traditional apprenticeship, they only offer schools. I will explain the differences and why.
A traditional Apprenticeship is said to go like this, you find an artist who digs your work and is willing to teach you to express your art in the medium of tattoo, but this knowledge is sacred, it is to be earned not just given. So you work for them (without pay, this is how you pay the artist for teaching you), you prove to them you understand the art and work not just the paycheck. Once proven worthy, they let you through the gates of gold and give you the opportunity to put to use all the knowledge you have gained. So why did they decide to change things around? I guess the state of Oregon doesn't like you working with out equal pay, I guess because at the end if they wanted the Mentor could rip off the student and not teach them.

So, a tattoo school is very similar to that of an apprenticeship, but instead of working hard at the tattoo parlor they require cash upfront and you go straight to the art.

Personally, I would prefer the traditional apprenticeship. I want to prove that I am worthy of all the knowledge they are willing to share with me. To prove my heart is in the right place, I want it for the art. For the clients. For the passion.

The only plus about the school, is the speed. I could be a professional with in a year were as with an apprenticeship I may go years before touching needle to ink.

So what am I going to do?

Unfortunately whichever opportunity arises first. Life is moving forward always, and I can't wait til a moment is perfect to make a move. Tho in my dream it goes a perfect way, in reality I am 26 years old and life is happening now, I want kids someday and I need a settled career before that can happen. Plus I am so picky of an artist the mentor I choose would probably be so busy in their own lives they wouldn't have the time to teach a stranger :)

If I could choose one who would it be?

So many choices. But it would be Roman Abrego, Guy Aitchison, or Paul Booth! See what I mean!? If you don't know who they are or what they are known for... Well look at their art, amazing :)