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d4mo123 · Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 2:16 pm Post subject: how do i start tattooing?

How do I get into doing Tattoos? I have got quite a few now and once i run out of skin i want to take pride in other peoples. All suggestions welcome.

Drunkenblade · Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 3:00 pm Post subject:

Find some one that will apprentice you? I got started when I brought some of my own scetches in to get some price quotes... the tattooist asked if I ever concidered tattooing??? And here I am! Just Have'n FUN!!!

Alvin · Tattoo lover Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 28

If you can get an apprenticeship then definitely go for that, but they're not really begging for apprentices around my parts.

If you can't get a mentor then try this.

I'd suggest that you get yourself a machine, power supply, clip cord & foot pedal. Get some cheap ass ink, needles, tips & grommits & a fair few practice skins. Try e-bay.

Read posts in the various forums on tattooing & ask ANY questions that you're unsure of (careful cos some of them are really defensive about it!) & practice a lot on your fake skins. There are some excellent forums about that you'll learn HUGE amounts from & are only too willing to help answer your questions.

LEARN EVERYTHING YOU CAN ABOUT STERILISATION. Skipping this can seriously damage your health as well as the person you tattoo. Prevention is MUCH better than cure.

Once you are happy with your efforts, [u]first thing is ditch your cheap ink[/u] & get some good stuff (Kuro Sumi greyshade or lining) & find a mate who will let you ink them. DONT RUSH INTO THIS BIT.

Steadily improve your gear, starting with your machine (I would suggest actually getting at least 2 machines, 1 for lining & 1 for shading).