Getting a piercing apprenticeship may be as tricky as finding a tattoo artist apprenticeship, but the requirements are somewhat different. You will not be expected to have the same level of creative ability; hence you will not need a portfolio.
Becoming a favourite customer is the best thing you can do if you want an artist to remember your name and face. If you’re going to be a piercer, go to the artist, engage with them, observe, inquire, get pierced, and tip appropriately.
Visit as many reputable establishments as possible and leave your name and phone number at each one. Follow up on your first appointment with a phone call and another visit. Make it very obvious that this is the most important thing to you. Finding a suitable apprenticeship is difficult, and you may have to visit many studios before finding someone who would take you in. You may not even be able to find someone in your neighbourhood, so you might consider relocating. If this is what you want, it is worth the time and effort to do it right.
Learning to tattoo or pierce on your own is not only reckless but also dangerous. You must be extensively trained on sterilisation techniques and how to avoid causing harm to the customer. So take your time and do your homework.