[geoman2k]

Hey guys...
A friend of mine was getting a tattoo last week, and i was thinking while i watched him. The guys that were doing the tattoos weren't any better artists than me, and the pictures that they draw are easy as hell. shit, looking through the chioces of tattoos in the store, half of them weren't even as good as me. so i was thinking, how do i go about getting a job in the tattoo industry? i don't want to do it for a living, more like a part time job durring the summers or something. i was woundering if you have to go to tattoo artist school (like bartending) or something... or if you just have to get a job and have them teach you all the stuff.

does anyone here knwo anyhting about that industry? I knwo this doens't have to do with Digital Art, but you guys are artists and i can't think of who else to ask thanks
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[Arcane]

Just draw up some flashes and bring a portfolio down to a tattoo parlor. Maybe they'll take you on as an apprentice. Either that or offer to buy some of your work. You win either way.

[Chilly]

I have been tattooing for 11 years...In a very successful studio in SE georgia.

a. it is not as easy as it looks, It takes a long time to figure out how to use the equipment, and keep it running.

b. yes some of the designs are not drawn well, some are meant that way(old school, or japanese designs)

c. There are many tattoo artists out there that are phenominal(sp?), They do great consistant work all the time. NOT everyone is up to that challenge working 10 hours days doing tattoo designs that you don't like on the fly no being able to make mistakes.

d. I feel you could not do it as a part timer...to much work involved. I do have to say that in the right city and the right studio it is a good professsion to get into, but it is lots and lots of very hard work.

There are a couple of tattoo schools out there but I feel they are just there to take your money. A real good studio will properly trane you and watch over your progress and help build your clientele. Nor should they charge you although some will and that is not at all bad just make sure you read the fine print in the contracts.

Kevin
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She's got all the money, Money couldn't buy...

[Chilly]

BTW--- I'll be happy to answer all your questions if you like...I sounded a little short there Didn't mean to

anyway, I do hope these answer your questions but if not I will try to expand more.

Kevin
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She's got all the money, Money couldn't buy...

[Socar MYLES]

I'm not a tattoo artist, but one guy I knew who was one said he did a two-year apprenticeship/internship at a tattoo parlour before he was considered professional. He was not paid during this time, but he said it was worth it because after the apprenticeship, he was well enough trained to earn a good living doing tattoos.

I don't know if that's common practice in the tattoo world, but I would guess it's probably not something you can just take up and start making money at.
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Dignity isn't important. It's everything.

www.gorblimey.com - art

[syco26]

I know from my own experience with the lovely Tattoo machine that it is not really that hard to get used to using them.It takes awhile but once you get the hang of it it is fine - a pain in the back though.
BUT if you are saying that all tattoo artists are talentless than you are greatly mistaken.Sure any one with half a brain can trace a picture from a stencil but how many can do the amazing things like Booth,Hernandez,Phillip Lui, and so many more brilliant ARTISTS do.I am a strong believer that the art of tattooing is greatly unappreciated.Here in Australia you have to work for bikers in the tattoo industry(9 times out of 10).People think if you have tattooes you are SCUM which is very wrong.I see many of the European and American tattoo artists seem to never have people wearing bikers colours around them in any of the mags.I don't know if it is run by them over there but it surely is here.

[Yuri]

It's the old-fashioned mentality that pple who don't fit into the mould are bad, evil, nasty, etc.

But actually, it's some of the "ordinary" folks who turn out to be some of the nastiest and closest-minded pple you've ever met. ><;;

[einam]

geoman, a friend of mine who is an artist (and can't use a tatooing machine) sells a lot of drawings to tattoo parlors and to people that want to get a tattoo. The parlors just copy his drawings (pencil on paper mostly). Most people want to get a "special" tatoo, not one from the catalogue, so they pay him for a unique design.

easier for you than to start learning how to use the machine...

[Jimmyjimjim]

A friend of mine became a tattoo artist and he has some great stories.

First, they busted his chops BAD during his 2 year apprenticeship (yes, 2 years, at least 20 hrs a week, no pay). About two months into his first apprenticeship, the guy he was working for told him to come up with the most complicated design he could think of and draw it with NO MISTAKES. He spent six hours drawing with an inkpen on paper the most beautiful thing he could come up with. The second he was done, the owner of the shop came over, picked it up and tore it into shreds. Then he turned to my friend and said, "That looked awesome, now do the same thing again."

He said he almost cried.

[DJorgensen]

I have a friend who's becoming a tattoo artist too. She's told me many time that it is a two year apprenticeship, just like everyone else here has said as well.

As far as her drawing talent though, I believe that she is very good - especially with acrylic paints - which I originally thought was weird since she is planning on using a needle and ink on people's skin instead.

Anyways tattoos are cool! I plan on making some tattoo designs for myself and friends in the future.

Keep Cool,
DJ