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boohoo · Tattoo lover Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 29

not too familiar with inking people, so i want to practice on myself before i do any other buddies, and such. whats a good starter gun, ink, and any info on what part of my body is good to start. i am thinking my legs, and maybe chest. sorry for being such a noob. but thanks for any help.

Hana_Koi · Tattoo lover Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Oahu

I'm sorry but it sounds like you're attempting to do this all by yourself with no professional guidance. Most people wanting to go into the industry get a professional to teach them in an apprenticeship. More important than what gun and where to start is learning safety and all safety procedures for doing this BEFORE you start moving into even tattooing yourself. If it's something you really want to do, do it right and look for a professional and talented tattoo artist in your area for an apprenticeship. But for God's sake, don't just go out and buy your own stuff and start doing it on your own.

boohoo · Tattoo lover Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 29

the needles wouldnt touch anyone but me. some people do practice on themselves. before even trying for an apprenticeship. believe me i would never use needles on anyone else.

oh_bugger · Tattoo addict Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 516

[quote:e1f72552f3="boohoo"]the needles wouldnt touch anyone but me. some people do practice on themselves. before even trying for an apprenticeship. believe me i would never use needles on anyone else.[/quote:e1f72552f3]

Thats good to know.

But im with Hana Koi on this one there is no point trying to teach yourself tattooing even if you get the best machine going would you know how to set it up ?

Get an apprentiship then practise on pig skin or that new fake skin thats around why ruin your own canvas ? Likewise even if you are only going to work on yourself you still need to be able to sterilise needles and equipment or you will end up getting very poorly.

Sorry to stamp on your idea but it is really not the best way to learn at all.

There are plenty of artists arounds this site see if any of them can give you advice about obtaining an apprentiship.

O.B.

boohoo · Tattoo lover Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 29

well i have insecurities about my artwork, and not being accpetped lol. but i will take both of your wise advice. many thanks.

Hana_Koi · Tattoo lover Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Oahu

I don't think you have to be an amazing artist to start out with in order to get an apprenticeship. Professional artists had to start from somewhere and just keep in mind that having a pro around can teach you some things and even help refine your artwork. Being a tattooist doesn't REQUIRE great art skills...if you want to become a tattoo artist especially someone who does custom pieces it would be good to keep practicing drawing but many tattoo artists teach their novice apprentices how to draw well and hone in on their strengths as well as point out their weaknesses and help them. Your teacher will WANT you to be as good if not better than them by the time you are ready to go out on your own becuase you will not only carry you own reputation but theirs as well.....most will be able to see potential in even the most inexperienced people. I'm sure if you look around at different shops and bring a portfolio of your tracing abilities as welll as maybe some free hand stuff, they'll see. I think though you have to be humble and determined. You won't be paid for your work but the education will be better (and cheaper) than any art classes at college you could take. Smile

boohoo · Tattoo lover Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 29

amazing help. many thanks. eases my mind also. Very Happy

chic · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 11:36 am Post subject:

Some tattoo shops teach.
theres one near me, he had a student who paid him £3.000 for 6 months of tutoring...and plenty of pig skins..should help too....
If its what you want to do, then reach for the sky...

Good luck.

the inca · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 11:45 am Post subject:

I agree with all written so far.....try to get an apprenticeship....don't start tattooing yourself....you can buy the fake skin on e bay very cheap and use that to practice on...you have to make sure everything is completely sterile before you tattoo yourself or anyone else. That means that all tubes, needles and equipment has to be sterile, you have to wear latex gloves etc. Plus here in the UK it is actually illegal to tattoo yourself or anyone else unless you have a licence to do so!!!