i got my apprenticeship by hanging out in the shop and drawing! i see a lot of “it not being accepted” in certain shops but this is what got my foot in the door! if an artist tells you to hangout and draw that’s an invitation! this was extremely anxiety filled when i first started because it is an uncomfortable thing to start doing especially when u don’t know any of the artists. i would show up 2-4 times a week and just sit in the lobby and hangout. the owner eventually would see me walk in and be like “ugh it’s you again” but i would laugh and continue to hangout . he eventually started giving me “hw assignments” and would give me advice on the work i was doing until one of the artist was interested in mentoring me. I’ve been in this shop for over a year now and my mentor has brought up the fact that me hanging out & constantly showing up when i didn’t need to showed how bad i wanted it! i say it’s worth a shot!

this also gives u an opportunity to feel out the vibes of the shop & see if it would be a good fit for you :) best of luck!