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rockwilder · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 1:53 am Post subject: Am i on the right track????

i was wondering if im on the right track to making my dream of being a tattoo artist come true...ive loved tattoos my whole life and wanted to become a tattoo artist for some time now..im 16 and i recently bought a tattoo kit and been practicing on dozens of grape fruits for about a month now i did 1 tattoo on 1 of my friends about 6 months ago on his homemade machine that came out ok for my first time.Im a good artist and have a decent amount of tattoo knowledge.my outlining is getting really good,my coloring is coming along and i need alot of work on my shading but im very dedicated to getting better ive heard alot of artist dont like giving apprenticeships because people lose interest,not that im looking for an internship yet but im not one of those people i assure you.And because like many tattoo artist ive herd of they got into tattooing because of influence from friends sadly none of my friends are into tattooing like me,i got into it becuase of my love for the art form esspecially japenese.i did want to try to get not exactly a job at a tattoo shop but a way of just being in the shop to hang out and observe and learn from a well known tattoo artist near me who's been doing it since he was 14,but i dont know how to approuch this and tell him what i wish to accomplish,im even willing to take out trash n clean up around the shop for free just so i can hang out,observe and learn...any way i just wanted to know if im on the right track and what else i can do to reach my goal/dream....any input would be grately appreciated.thanks!!

Ed Sr · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:16 am Post subject:

First and foremost I say STOP tattooing people! (At least for now) Even while you are looking for an artist to apprentice with, (and it is hard to get an apprenticeship but not the only way to learn but the preferred way) YOU MUST learn about disease, cross contamination, blood borne disease and pathogens. You need to learn how to protect your client and yourself and understand proper sterilization. Learn about types of needles and how they differ. Learn about technique Grapefruit skins are ok to practice but nothing like real skin its a whole different feeling.

There are books and videos and if you get along with this guy tell him your dreams and show him your drawings. Ask to help clean the shop and run errands. You are still to young for a license if your state or area requires one. Keep drawing and reading and watching and if you absolutely cant resist the urge to tattoo someone then tattoo yourself. Its very difficult but very rewarding... not money wise believe me but rewarding just the same. You must have a STRONG will because there will be many A##Holes trying to discourage you and some will even work against you because there are a some of brain dead evil people out there but when you find a good artist that cares about the art and about people He or She will take you a long way.

rockwilder · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 2:26 pm Post subject:

i have stopped tattooing people..i only tattooed my friend cause he really wanted it i havent even offered to tattoo any one else and if they did i wouldnt because risk of disease,and yes i do need to learn of the health concerns and contamination.the only needles i currently have is a bunch of 3 liners i think and 7 round liners,a limited supply of colors...but i will continue to practice and try to get the job cleaning and running errands in the shop,i will also try to pick up some books and movies on tattooing...i also wanted to know if the practice skin is closer to real skin the grapefruits..thanks for the advice

gaz2374 · Tattoo lover Joined: 16 Sep 2007 Posts: 41

hi rockwilder id leave that fake skin alone its rubbish grapefruit is much better . i found with the fake skin whae you went to clean off the are worked on it just wiped all the ink away and left tiny holes also costs lots for what basicaly is a flat eraser. stci kwith fruit holds ink much better .(rant over lol)

rockwilder · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 6:38 pm Post subject:

k thanks ill stay away from it i didnt pay for the 2 pieces i have it came free with the kit

Ash Christ · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 5:01 pm Post subject:

Try honeydew melons