So you think you can handle the pressure?! I'll be honest, I'm a harsh taskmaster. Just look at my manga intern. There he is, clutching his Slim Jim and Green Tea Sobe for safety. From April 1st to November 30th of 2003, I made 112 wigs. (Only about 75% of them are pictured in my gallery...) That's one girl making 14 wigs a month for 8 months. This schedule was unhealthy, so I've drastically cut back on the amount of orders I can take per month. Of course, this doesn't cut back on the demand for wigs. So in order to be able to help meet the demand, while preserving my sanity, I've decided to take on apprentices.

"What is an apprentice?"
In traditional terms, and apprentice is someone who works under a master craftsperson in order to learn a trade. A century ago, this would usually include the apprentice living with the craftsman, but I don't think that'll be necessary here.

In modern terms, the closest thing would be an intern. In exchange for working for me, you will be gaining unique knowledge and skills in wigcraft, and access to tools materials to practice on your own. Additionally, you can use this as a job reference for future positions.

There is difference between an assistant and an apprentice...
I'm not looking for an assistant, I'm looking for someone who is genuinely interested in learning wigcraft first-hand from a master designer. If you just have a passing fancy with costuming and think it'd be neat to see what my messy studio looks like, then please don't bother.

The goal of training you in wigcraft is so you will either be able to open your own wig commission service, or stay on with me as a permanent part of the Petting Zoo Crew. I don't have time to waste on those who are not serious about learning, or who are just looking for a fellow anime fan to hang out with. Although I try to make the learning process fun, this is my business, and I'm very serious about it.

As my apprentice, I'll teach you all the basics of wig styling, how to break down designs, and advanced construction techniques. Your starting duties will include things like prepping materials for styling, and assembling packages, but as you get better with the techiniques, I'll have you work on more advanced concepts. In time, I will supervise you while styling customer wigs, until I feel you are ready to do them on your own.

What I'm looking for...
First off, I live in Fresno, California. So you MUST be in the Fresno/Clovis area, or within easy driving distance. I don't have the resources to provide online instruction or long-distance tutoring, and I do not have facilities available for overnight stays.

Although I don't require that you have any previous experience with wigs or hair, these are the kind of things I'm looking for:

1. A flexible schedule: I'm not expecting you to be available full-time, but I do require eight hours a week minimum.
2. Your own reliable method of transportation.
3. Basic sewing skills.
4. Basic computer/typing skills: Typing speed doesn't matter, just that you know the difference between a mouse and a bagel.
5. Good spelling and grammar: I know the difference between "there", "they're", and "their", and you should too.
6. Good critical thinking/problem solving skills.
7. A love for animals: This is the Petting Zoo, afterall.

1. Dishonest behavior.
2. Idol Worship : My name is Katie, not "Master", or "Sensei", or "Oh, Great Wig Goddess".
3. Flakiness with scheduling.
4. Impatient people.

What you'll get...
Besides the most obvious thing, (how to style wigs), I'll also teach you how to use the following:

1. Adobe Photoshop
2. Microsoft Access
3. HTML
4. CuteFTP

Also, I will allow you to purchase materials at a discounted rate for your own wig projects, as long as you are not intending to sell them to someone else.

Other things to keep in mind...
My studio is in my home, and I share it with a roommate. Please treat it and our possessions with respect. Also, no smokers, please. I'm sorry if that seems unreasonable, but it's house rules.

If you are still interested in becoming an apprentice, send me an email (wigs@katiebair.com) and we can set up a meeting time to discuss the details. ^_^