✅Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/daveinks.88/ ✅Art-Something Tattoo Podcast!: artsomethingtattoopodcast.buzzsprout.com ✅ PATREON FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: www.patreon.com/ArtSomething All the videos will still be free on UA-cam I will just be offering early access and a little behind the scenes in the future. ✅Also I have added some links to "some" of the equipment and supplies I use that are obtainable from Amazon. I will keep updating the list as I try new things. Not all the equipment I use is available on amazon but I will do my best to link you guys with new equipment and supplies as time goes on. Thanks again everyone for watching!! You guys and gals are amazing!! 🤘
Wow we kinda had the same start in the industry, 2 months into my “apprenticeship” all the other artists left, it was a new shop and the owner didn’t tattoo, he was asked what I wanted to do, we kept it open and told everyone I was learning just charged a lot less and I tattooed like 16 hours a day 7 days a week, line around the block. Learn by doin type shit.. but it was good to be able to touch that much skin doin small doves and names and stuff, it would be hard to progress as quickly without understanding guinea pigs.. 3.5 years later private studio and I’m thinking about raising my prices again. Keep at it y’all can get there too. - @sideshow_jah
Thank you so much for this video , I’m a 35 year old mum of 2 kids with ASD and ADHD , tattooing has been my dream since I was 12 and I’m finally doing it and your videos are helping and encouraging me so thank you and well done to yourself 🤘
THATS AWESOME!! Cause thats what it all comes down to. If you want something bad enough whos to say you cant make that happen with enough hard work and dedication anything is possible!!! Keep Rocking Nicholas!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Thats what i did. Got my shit learned anywhere I could including UA-cam hung out in a shop a guy I knew owned that was cool as hell and would let me sit in and answer questions but mostly did as many as I could and kept upgrading to better equipment.
@@ArtSomething so happy for finding you and start with an amazon kit and work hard and level up my gear as I have with traditional watercolor and makeup education... I am entering a whole new world of opportunity, and Yes I study HARDCORE! CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH ☺️
I have been tattooing for 15 years. We didn't have these videos back then. And apprenticeships were nightmares. I learned on my own. I applaud you for what you are doing giving artists a backing to the fundamentals of tattooing. Thank you man and stay safe. ☮️
Much RESPECT to you Matthew as I know things where a lot harder coming up in your time in this field !!!👍👍 and thank you for supporting what we are trying to do here. 🤘🤘
@@houdinithetreefrog I learned far more from UA-cam videos than I did while an apprentice. Your egotistical attitude is one of the main reasons I left the shop I was at.
I'm so happy that I found this channel. I tried to apprentice for years like YEARS and I was turned away for being female or not having a degree in art or just because I didn't have 4k to be an apprentice. I finally am financially able to get the equipment I need to be my own boss. Thanks for giving great advice and has helped me out tremendously!
@@BigSerg80 what's it like being so fucking sad that you take it out on innocent people? like, dude just fuck off if you have nothing nice to say. no one thinks your funny
I’m an apprentice right now, I think I’ve got the best mentor on earth. My job there is to draw all day watch tattoos being done get critiqued and clean up the shop after we close. I’ve learned more in the few months I’ve been there than I did in high school.
I'm self taught as well. After spending my life trying to find my place in the world I on a whim bought a cheep tattoo machine off Amazon and I ran with it. So so so many late nights and early mornings absorbing every single piece of information I could find. So much practice and a billion set backs and oranges later. I've found my happiness. Its been such a hard journey but I opened the doors to my shop 3 weeks ago. Its been the greatest few weeks of my life to date. I feel like I busted my a$$ to be where I am. Thank you for sharing your story, I'm grinding for my two kiddos hoping some day ill have something to leave behind for them.
I understand the feeling and the passion Mandii!! I too was looking for my place in this world again and found it here in tattooing. I applaud your dedication and devotion to making this dream come true!! And your dreams did come true CONGRATS on opening your new shop!!!! THats awesome!! 🤘🤘🤘 And you did bust your ass to get where you are, so dont stop working hard yet. I too have to choice but to make this work as my kids and wife are realiying on me to continue to keep this dream alive. I thank you sooo much Mandii for sharing your story with me and I wish you the best of luck as you continue to run your shop!! Keep Rocking!!! 🤘🤘🤘
@@williamwhite5202 sure can! With enough dedication and blood sweat and tears you can do anything. After a year of being open I can honestly say opening my shop has been my greatest accomplishment and I’ve never been more proud.
i am now like 6 months into an apprenticeship and had a similqr thing where now im actually already tattooing people for the shop, of course, i dont get paid, and the clients know im an apprentice... but i still feel like i should be doing them for free or still to like friends and family. :D . its pretty overwhelming sometimes
@@catalina12riveros I feel you there brother. It is stressful, but you are going grow so much from it and learn to deal with stress and clients much faster. try to look at the positive in things when you can. Stay focused stay determined. Your Journey is just beginning and believe me you never know where life will take you or whats next. Stay strong brother and chase that dream!! 🤘🤘
I apprenticed for 5 months and my tattooist taught me a lot, but not enough... I learned from the others in the shop, too. But he kept dangling the carrot on the stick. I learned more from UA-cam and NOW I learned more in 20 minutes watching Art Something than I did in 5 months. I completed my first tattoo yesterday! And it wasn't frigging bad! THANK YOU!
Hey man, I found your channel by accident and it's the most relatable stuff that I saw till now. Your apprenticeship experience even though I never got to one I can fully feel you. The pep talks I got from "professional" artist portray apprentice as something sophisticated almost, how you will learn things about the shop, tattoo machine, designing tattoos etc. but you know... you gotta be ready to clean the toilet pretty much every day. And you know what? Most of my friends who went through apprenticeship had to do pretty much same things as you (even taking food for the guys in the shop, cleaning, doing stuff completely not related to the apprentice) and this makes me feel kind of disgusted about this industry. I do know not everyone is like that, but the knowledge that so many artist are going through something that is so not professional like this is incredible. I love your videos, I think there are very useful and inspiring, keep up the good work!!!
You are sooo very right Natalia! I dont mind all the random stuff and earning your way in your apprenticeship however in my case it was FAR to much BS. I hope through this channel we can start to spread some light on what is going on with these apprenticeships (well the bad ones). I know there are some out there that are good and have great intentions but they are few. Thank you for your support and kind words Natalia I really appreciate it. I wish you the best of luck in your journey and keep on rocking!! 🤘🤘
This was incredibly sobering, I've been teaching myself for the last 9 months, I've done some decent pieces, some real bad ones on myself before i knew the difference been a shader and a liner. But I've been invited to work at my friends shop but as my own artist. So now I gotta watch my friend and learn as much from her as I can and teach myself on my own. I'm scared but it was good to here someone speak on the realities of it all.
Sounds like you have an opportunity. You are wise to take that very serious. This is your moment to learn as much as you can from your friend and on your own. So I wish you the best of luck🤘🤘🤘 as far as apprenticeships go not all of them are bad or as crazy as my apprenticeship. But this is the reality of what’s out there so be safe👍
@@linktheHeroftime When working I've found the rhythm in which my shader hits the skin to be much better when blacking in work. Since shading and coloring is repeatedly brushing into the surface of the skin the shader tends to hit lighter then a liner would. I use a rotary machine now after learning with coils and I have to say i prefer it for my work.
Honestly who needs an apprenticeship when there’s this dude. Been wanting to start tattooing and thinking about an apprenticeship but I’ve always been worried about the unnecessary drama and whatnot that seems to come along with it. Just found your channel looking for tattoo gun reviews while thinking about buying one, as usual. Now here I am, a few hours later and still watching your videos 😄. Let me just say, you are so inspiring and helpful for us newbies. I think I’m finally going to order all of the supplies after watching your tattoo supplies video (exactly what I needed). Thank you! Amazing work & advice. I’m so excited about this!
Thank you sooo much McCluer!! 🙏 I will say if you can get an apprenticeship then do that first as hands on with a mentor can be the best way to learn. The problem is that doesnt always happen so its important to be able to learn on your own at home while keeping your day job and providing for your family (if that applies). I'm really glad to hear the vids are inspiring you!!! Sometimes thats all we need!! Congrats on taking the leap and best of luck as you start down this journey!!! Keep Rocking!! 🤘🤘✌🤘🤘
Well I'm happy to hear that it motivated you! It can be hard in the begging, so a little motivation can go a long way. Thanks for watching appreciate your support!
I’m completely self taught.I just got into a shop about 2 months ago. I started tattooing 20 years ago when a friend of my brothers asked me to work in his shop. I told him I’ve never tattooed, he mentioned that if I could draw I could tattoo. So his faith in me and excitement of working in a shop ,and run it ,with no boss hands down I said yes. So I’d been working there about 6 months when realize there is so much more about this craft that I absolutely had no idea what I was doing. When I first saw those machines they looked foreign to me. One shader,and one liner by superior tattoo. They both looked the same. There was no UA-cam at the time I knew of to learn. So I shelved tattooing for 11 years .Vowing not to tattoo until I could get mentored. This was going to be a lot harder than I thought it would be. In the 90s you couldn’t just go into a shop with your portfolio and get an apprenticeship. A lot of the tattoo artist were still old school. And was still guarding the secrets for which had been held down to the by there mentors . I had no hope getting into a shop at the time. And then it hit me . I need to learn this on my own. I started researching the history. Reading everything I could to get knowledge of tattooing anyway I could. In the beginning of UA-cam there was a lot of false tattoo information to discourage people from tattooing . It took years and thousands of hours watching UA-cam videos, taking notes, listening to multiple tattoo artist on line to try and form a logical consensus from a mass amount of videos. I didn’t know how long it would take, I just knew to do this I’m going to need as much knowledge about this craft to be able to do this at any respectable level. So the work had begin . Totally consuming I’m every thought. Every moment. At night in my dreams. I had found that one thing! That one thing that everyone in there life is searching for. There life’s dream. Who they want to be for the rest of there life. And I found it . So that sparked even more hunger inside. So I bought a new coil machine setup. It was called a 357 magnum by hildabrant tattoofrom Canada. They sent me a little video and some info. And I learnt a lot in a year to year and a half I was back into it. I had practiced on the synthetic skin. To no prevail. Then a couple really close friends of mine had offered to be canvases whenever I needed. So we did a lot of work. Over multiple sessions. A lot of things I learnt was by tattooing myself. My legs mostly. I had told my friends I wasn’t that good at the moments but later, when I became better would fix them. They were fine with that. But as time passed I realized my machines were going out of tune and I wasn’t getting anywhere learning. Because I couldn’t tell if it was me or my machines or what. So I sold all my stuff! I told my self that when I get enough money to be able to invest in my craftmAnd buy shop quality machines and do everything the way they do in the shop. From knowing all the cross contamination stuff and having all the barrier supply’s I needed. When I got back into tattooing I had all the supplies I needed it took a min to get there’s a lot of stuff you need. So I bought some nice rotarys, a decent power supply and standard needles. I hadn’t purchased cartridges yet I wanted to eliminate any additional variables. So I kept working kept honeing my skills. I didn’t know how long it would take or if I would ever get a chance to work in a shop and finally become a legit tattooer . It was all consuming the best I’ve ever felt a month and 3 weeks ago I finally got into a shop. I’m doing well . Doing beautiful work and still learning this amazing craft. Every time I tattoo I learn. So don’t give up, believe in you, invest in you, learn and work hard and anything is possible, just be patient. Thanks to videos like this and the awesome community of tattooist that are willing to share there knowledge to help the tattoo industry is amazing. Thanks so much
Hey dude I'm just starting out trying to teach myself. I'm ex British Army and worked with a team from the Marine Corps in Afghanistan. Just want to say thank you for all the videos and the time effort you're putting in to help others regardless off some negativity you may receive. Keep it up. Helped me out loads so far.
Thats Awesome brother because I worked with the British Army when I was in Afghanistan as well. Small world i guess, who knows we may have crossed paths. Thank you Tiny that means a lot brother and thank you for your service and support both now and on the battle field !! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Hello again brother. I've took the plunge. I wouldn't mind sharing my progress. See what you think if you have time of course. My e-mail is ry_armstrong2012@hotmail.co.uk If I get an e-mail from you I will show you what I have created thanks to you. Thanks again brother.
You've defmotivated me to keep moving forward with tattooing! I've been self teaching myself because all the shops I go to and ask for apprenticeships they get highly mad, act as if I've disrespected them or even ask for thousands of dollars to hold that position that I would never get back. I practice on real pig skin, my wife and myself. Just recently upgraded my power supply and bought the Dragonhawk Mast Tour and am waiting for that to come in. I'd love to show you some work I've done to get some solid input if possible as no one else wants to do that with me :/
Thats awesome to hear BlackRain!! Great to hear your motivated to keep moving forward and seeing where this journey takes you!!! 👍👍 Your welcome to send them to my FB account @Death Punch Ink. I try to warn everyone that I'm pretty busy and may not get back to you for a few days but again your more than welcome to send them my way.
I used to work at a shop for 14 hours a day and essentially be a complete slave, to the point that i was also having to preform sexual acts to even stay. "Know when to get out" Is the most important line i could tell anyone. Thank you for making me not have to rely on someone who wont have my best interest
Thanks for the info and sharing your story. I am 40 years old and just started my tattoo apprenticeship at the beginning of this year. I have been a professional artist and designer my whole life and tattooed in my 20's but never got proper training and eventually left the field to focus on fine art but always wanted to get back into tattooing. After getting work at one of my local shops for the past year, they offered me an apprenticeship with no contract. They liked my drawings and paintings and we all felt like it was a good fit for everyone that I sign on and get licensed there. I've been lucky to be able to work in a shop where they focus on training and the quality of work over making me do shop work (but I still do plenty of that too!). Hearing your story reminds me of how lucky I am. thanks again! I have been watching/listening to your videos all day. Keep it up!
Wow shane that is awesome and inspiring to hear that you are in such a solid place right now with your apprenticeship!!! 👍👍 Mad respect for you for getting back into it at 40. And mad respect for the shop that your working at, for putting the work fist. Congrats Shane thats super cool brother and thank you for sharing that. And thank you for supporting the channel its much appreciated!! 🤘🤘
Thank you for putting yourself out there and speaking your opinion... cause in this industry it is very judgmental. This vid is absolutely inspiring. In my case a tattoo artist gave me some tips and helped me order what I needed to start off. He gave me tips during the 3 tattooed he did on me. After that my husband volunteered for me to practice cause he absolutely believes in me. I did basic tattoos , but he always sees something in me that I don’t even see . So he throws detailed tattoos at me and I am glad cause it has helped me lots.
Thats sooo awesome to hear that your husband is pushing you, thats because he knows how much potential you have. 👍👍 I checked your UA-cam channel out and I have to say your doing great stuff keep it up Baja!! And YES this industry is VERY judgmental, hopefully we can start breaking those walls down.🤘🤘
Thank you so much for this. I feel like people who are starting out in tattooing often get pressured about “doing it the right way” which most believe is through apprenticeship. But I hear a lot of stories similar to yours where they just end up being an errand boy/girl. I mean in that case just put the job listing up as it is, an assistant. Rather than claiming to teach others how to tattoo. I truly believe that there is so much knowledge on the internet- people like you who share knowledge and personal experience to help people like me, who is looking to get into the industry. At the end of the day no one is going to want this more than YOU. No one is going to care about this more than YOU. And no one is going to root for your success more than YOU! Thank you so much for sharing !
Your SOOO right no one is going to care about YOU more the YOU. I know there are some really good shops out there who really are teaching people how to tattoo and not just taking advantage of them. However they can be few and far between. Also a lot of shops aren't set up to take an apprentice as that takes time and requires a healthy amount of clientele. SO with all that said Yes the internet is a great place to learn and share information. I enjoy learning from places like UA-cam however others have to have in class hands on feel and for them learning to tattoo online can be a real challenge. I always encourage people to try and get an apprenticeship if possible but if its not possible that should never stop anyone from trying it out for themselves and seeing if they can make a way for themselves though tattooing. I wish you all the luck in the world Lilly and God Bless!! 🤘🙏🤘
I'm so stoked I found this dude. I'm a late bloomer and now ive finally found time in my life to pursue my true passion. Thank you for all the knowledge and advice I've learned more from these vids in the last week than I've learned from others in the last month. No BS I'm 37 and just starting and learning on my own
That’s awesome man I would say never let your age stand in the way of what you want to do. And it’s great to see that you are chasing your dream!!🤘🤘👍🤘🤘 i’m really happy the videos are helping you Josh stick with it don’t quit and keep rockin!! 🤘🤘🤘
Great advice, I've been drawing since I was 3 years old and got interested in Tattooing several years ago. I was self-taught and I totally agree with your advice. I tattooed myself several times but only tattooed friends once or twice. When I'm comfortable I'll be able to ink someone on the real level.
Thats awesome Wilmer!! Just keep at it keep learning and practicing, then one day you may realize that your further along then you realized!! Best of luck to you brother and Keep Rocking!! 🤘🤘🤘
I’m getting into this for the same kind of reasons had to go to different cities hrs away got tired of employers treating me like a number I always loved art I can draw & make music so I honestly do care about the actual product rather than the money I feel free when I’m makin art the money is just a byproduct really. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR VIDEOS.
This is me right now. I’ve been to a couple of shops and got rejected mostly because they weren’t looking for anyone or they wanted someone with experience. So I’m here watching your videos learning from you I feel like your my coach. I’ve been “tattooing “ for 2 years but it’s mostly like family , friends, some of theirs friends- friends, I even wanted to just not tattoo anymore because I didn’t see it going anywhere.
I've been wanting to learn how to tattoo, and this channel has been extremely inspiring so far. Tattooing is something I've always wanted to do, and I'm finally going to do it
I really like the videos you make. I particularly appreciate this one. I've been wanting to tattoo since I was a teen but was always intimidated by the thought of apprenticeships and didnt know how to get started otherwise and this type of information wasnt available when I was a kid or at least I didnt know how to find it and then the desire fizzled away BUT now (in my 30s) after a couple months of doing my research on machines, needles, inks, techniques, exercises, etc. that flame under my ass has been lit again and its burning strong. I stumbled across this video and it's really an inspiration, thank you dude.
Well that’s awesome to hear that you’re fired up and you’re ready to start down this journey!! I started this just a few years ago and I’m 32 now so don’t let your age ever stop you!! Chase those dreams and keep rockin🤘🤘🤘
I've been getting tattooed for the last 20 years and have fell in love with the tattoo industry during that time. I'm just now starting MY own journey of becoming a tattoo artist and I'm 38 and have been a truck driver for the last 10 years. Looking forward to everything I'll learn!
By far the best tattoo channel that i can actually follow a long with. I've been tattooing for just a short while, and your videos are very educational for me personally. I've done a bunch on myself, and each one is getting better. Thank you for taking the time to share with us!
Thank you very much Robert I appreciate that man!! happy to hear you see your work progressing. Thats what its all about brother just keep progressing!!! 🤘🤘
I just want to thank you for all of your posts and being so kind as to teach people the right way of getting started tattooing and what it entails. I’ve doubted myself for the longest time becoming a tattoo artist because I’ve never felt good enough to have my art permanently on someone but my family has always said otherwise and your videos have made it possible for me to actually get out there and try and learn more about tattooing. I really appreciate all that you’ve done for multiple people, not just me, who want to learn to tattoo and how to get started.
Wow that’s awesome to hear🤘 And I’m glad you listen to your family and decided to give tattooing a try. Take your time enjoy the process and be safe. 👍 and I’m more than happy to help those who are looking for a way to take the art skills and apply it to Skin. It’s an amazing journey I wish you nothing but the best🤘🤘🤘🤘
I have a great deal of respect for you as a person and it's fantastic to watch your journey unfold. Anybody that takes the opportunity to watch your videos will learn as much about being a good person as they will about tattooing. Thank you for everything man.
Damn brother that hits hard man, I really really appreciate that and thank you for being a stand up guy Justin you rock my friend and dont loose your positivist and determination!! Thanks Justin!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
I'm currently Active duty as an aviation structural mech for the navy and I've been studying a lot and doing so much research on how to tattoo I've tattoo'd myself and have watched other tattoo me and have gotten a good understanding, but I do want to actually start tattooing and doing it right. Your videos have helped so much and I really appreciate it you're straight forward and dont have some bullshit opinion like everyone does all you care about is teaching people to actually tattoo. So thank you really appreciate your channel its given me a lot of motivation.
Thank you so much Jeremy!! 🤘🤘 And its awesome to hear your starting the process while still in the military. THis will make you so much more prepared when/if you get out of the military. I wish you nothing but the best of luck on your journey and the best advice I can give is DONT quit!! Stay focused and patient. And Keep ROcking Brother!!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Bro first and foremost thank you yet again for this. You inspired me ! I did like to say that I just made this career change at 35 y/o after 15 years in choreography. I'm currently an apprentice in the UK since Jan, started tatting skin in Feb. I have 2 mentors who are always there to guide but...I work 7days a week and it has been mostly 10-14 hours a day. Understand that this a self journey, and you are even moreso your own teacher amongst having a mentor. EVEN DURING LOCKDOWN I'm still doing the same thing, practicing, watching tutorials, drawing and aiming to pick up as much skills as I can within my own set timeframe. As you say there will only be a select few, you have to grind and husssle but if you fall in love with tattooing, you will know that it is worth every single sacrifice you make to be a part of that few. Thanks so much for the knowledge and I personally hope a few years down the line to be the dope ass artist I envision my futureself as. Love and blessings to all the ones trying to get in this, to all the apprentices who need that motivation, and all the amazing artists who went through it all. Peace to you bro you are awesome. Xxx
Good for you brother! It's hard going back in your 30s with a family and responsibilities but remember dreams have to be chased they wont come to you. So all the BS and hard work will be worth it soon. Hang in there brother stay focused stay driven. Peace and Love back at you Visual and thank you again my friend for keeping me motivated as well!!! 🤘🤘
Brother, great video, an inspiration to those who wonder what is possible. Not just tattooing, anything in life you wish to achieve. Don't accept no, don't accept bullshit. The only currency we really have is our time and we do not always spend it wisely.
Wow benjamin I couldnt have said it better. All we really have in this world is time and dreams. I want to spend my time chasing a dream as long as I can and there are always going to be those that try to knock us down but those are the moments we push harder and prevail stronger!! Thank you again Benjamin I truly appreciate your support brother!! Lets keep chasing dreams and proving people wrong!!! 🤘🤘🤘
@@ArtSomething Keep spreading your love brother, I'll keep spreading mine - I know there are millions more out there like us, just some days it's hard to believe. Keep on keepin on
Hey Just wanted to say thank you for these videos. I wanted to start tattooing back at the age of 18 and found someone to let me apprentice under them. They were family of a friend so I thought I had a great in- they got me set up with basic equipment and promised to teach me- but I got assaulted and never went back. Any time I mentioned to another artist that I was looking to learn, I got laughed at and brushed off so I gave up. My machine has been packaged up for the last 7 years and during quarantine I decided to dust it off and try again. Ive been practicing and have been doing all the self teaching and reading/watching I could and resources like these have been great assets. Excited to get back into it!! Its refreshing to hear from another artist who is willing to help others instead of looking down on them. Thank you!
I am so happy I came across your video! I just started doing tattooing, and I have had some people say I don’t have what it takes and others who say I can. I’ve been practicing, and did one on my leg. It doesn’t look bad, at least I don’t think so.
This was so incredibly inspiring and motivational. I’ve been trying so hard to get into tattooing but it’s definitely discouraging at times. This was really what I needed to know and hear so thank you!
SO happy to hear that Madelyn!!! Stay inspired and run with that. It can be hard at times but if you stay focused and importantly dont give up Then you got this. !!! 🤘🤘
Love your videos and the way you explain step-by-step in simple words! This video in particular has inspired me to continue and not stop. I'm about 1 year of tattooing and sometimes I get down to feeling "I'm not doing things right", but as you said it, just keep doing it and learn from every new tattoo. I am up for the challange 💪🏻 Thank you for sharing your journey ❤
Just want to say it’s great that Iam not the only one out there thinking the way you are recommending etc I’ve been self teaching/ getting tattooed/reading / tattooing close friends, And myself, watching talking, applying for apprenticeships and asking a million questions about tattooing just on 3 yrs now, but it has been a struggle similar to your self with a full time job and a family with 4 kids ! And in my 40s, It’s been a tough road so far but enjoying the shit out of it so far, Iam just in the process of building my home art/tattoo studio, as we speak 👍 enjoying your channel mate keep,it up 🤘
Man that's AWESOME to here about your studio! 👍 I am also in the process of finishing up my new, larger studio this summer, and I can't wait!! 🤘 But as you know these things don't happen over night, like you said 3 years you have been at it and im happy to hear you are still at it and expanding. Just think how much you will know by the time your in your 50s lol. Hang in there brother I'll keep doing my best to bring the best info I can to help the community out. I just want to thank you for watching, commenting and supporting the channel. 🤘🤘
This really made me feel encouraged! I am 18 and I’ve been really going through a lot like career wise. I’ve always been all about art and I sell my art as a vendor at festivals around the city (due to covid everything is closing down and really making me feel like I’m not doing enough for my art) and having that kind of taste of what I want made me hungry for that again instead of working my retail job that literally pays me so little for dealing with so much drama! I am not into drama either lol! I’ve always been the person who listens at work. Ive always wanted to be a tattoo artist since I was in 6th grade but I would push it to the side but now it’s actually has been at the back of my head non stop. I’ve asked around my city local tattoo artists advice, where to start, etc and I never get a message back. It’s been really discouraging but I’m glad there’s artist like you who understand! I’m glad I stumbled upon this video at.
Really glad to hear The video helped encourage you to give tattooing a try. Putting art on skin is a pretty cool thing and once you do it it’s hard to walk away from it. Don’t quit your day job as tattooing doesn’t really pay for a while. But if you keep at it and stay focused then you can absolutely make a career out of this. And I wish you nothing but the best as you start down this journey🤘🤘🤘🤘
Looking into starting an apprenticeship or trying to get into tattooing again after giving up in my 20s. Knowing that I'm not the only one with a family and starting later in life gives me much more confidence that I can do this. Thank you for sharing your story.
I just started an apprenticeship and started watching your channel. Your videos have been so so helpful alongside my in person learning. I've been super lucky where in the first day of my apprenticeship, my mentor helped me buy my machine and started teaching me how to use it right as soon as it came in. Everyone in the shop has been so sweet too (they've bought me food when I stayed long hours at the shop and answered all my dumb questions). I know I've had a very different experience with the traditional apprenticeship (I applied over email because of COVID and my mentor has been pushing me to get hands on practice with the machine from day 1 because he believes it's much more effective than learning in theory.) I still clean the shop every few days with other apprentices but it's been so different from what I've heard and read that apprenticeships would be like! I think part of the difference is also that it's a shop in America run predominantly by Korean and Chinese artists.
First off, thank you for your service. Second, thank you for your videos. You're the Bob Ross of the tattoo world for me. You're helping me lead myself into a goal, I didn't know I was capable of doing.
So glad I found this video it's really motivated me to go for this , I've always been interested in tattooing but always been discouraged about my art skills from teachers from school I'm not saying I'm amazing far from it but theres something there to work on and now I'm just learning everything I possibly can to hopefully get started
Great advice I’ve been looking for a apprenticeship for 2 years now but nobody around here is accepting but I’ve been told they don’t want more and more people tattooing so I’ve finally bought my own equipment and started watching videos to keep practicing to become my own boss. Thanks for sharing your story
It’s honestly so crazy how it seemed like you were talking about me in the beginning. Picked up tattooing In the military, tattooed myself and others, got out used my benefits and got a job to support my wife and 3 kids. Literally everyone wants a tattoo and I’m pretty decent I just don’t know about an apprenticeship.
Yeah that sounds a lot like my situation. It’s a rough road but still worth it. But if you can get an apprenticeship then that’s for sure the way to go but it doesn’t always work for all of us. Keep at it and keep rocking you got this!! 🤘🤘
Your videos are awesome, Im glad I found your channel. I did an apprenticeship and had a similar expeience. Really only learned to wrap cords, clean tubes in the autoclave, sanitize workspace, and do errands for a bunch of asshats. Your videos are far more informative than my apprenticeship. Keep doing your thing.
I understand that!! But hey even though it didnt work out, you still learned things with out even knowing you learned thing lol. Sorta just being around it all day every day, weather you are learning to tattoo or not your still learning things about what goes into tattooing behind the scenes. So i guess thats the positive we can take from those experiences. Keep at it Kyle write your own destiny!! 🤘🤘🤘
I started Tattooing 2 years ago, Its not my full time job though and a lot of videos, tutorial and blah blah bla is out there for me to watch and I just got confused and confused over and over again. So "long story short" when I started watching you and subscribed to your channel I realized that your probably the most realistic Tattoo teacher here that I can find. so Thumbs up and God Bless. Oh btw I have been using some of your techniques from your other videos and its been helping me alot. Thanks to you!!!
I really appreciated watching this video. I’ve had a lot of people say I’m wasting my time and money on tattooing but I really love doing it. I’ve done 4 tattoos (not including the 6 I’ve done on myself)with amazing feed back and happy clients. Watching all your videos is how I’ve been learning! So thank you, thank you for putting content out here to really help new artist.
I love your videos man, it's helping me alot. Im trying to be a tattoo artist, in my town the tattoo artists already told me they don't want helper or somebody to teach. And i dont have money to go to a course of tattoo so i learning myself. It's takes a lill bit of effort cause i shiver alot but i will not quit my dreams. U give power to keep going. For reals thank you
You got this Amicia!! Keep pushing forward. IF you are struggling with something then keep attacking that one thing until you start to feel more confident again. Shaking can be normal in the beginning, as the nerves are high. Just keep practicing and chasing that dream. If we dont chase them then someone else will. Thanks for the support Amicia its much appreciated 🤘🤘
Thanks for these videos man, at 38 with kids apprenticeships aren't for me. I'm a Journeyman Electrician and venturing into a skill that I have always wanted to try, my art according to others, has always been good, winning art contests in Brazilian County in Texas but tattooing was always intimidating. So the fact you're putting these videos an info out there, it's a great service to the art and to the trade. Thank you!!
Semper Fi! From a former Devil Doc here. My story is slightly different than yours but at the end of the day, I am here 20 years later after I did a very short apprenticeship. My apprenticeship wasn't horrible at all, but I never got on skin. I did hundreds of drawings and learned the machines. I am honestly lucky because Zeke was super nice to me and started teaching me on the fly and brought me in with no money involved. Another artist at the shop told me how lucky I was because he made her wait 5 years and he was sharing all of the "secrets" with me so easily. I love your honesty brother and keep the great videos coming. I retired from the Navy after 20 years back in 2014. Semper Fi, do or die!
Thank you for your 20 years of Service! thats no small accomplishment!!! 🙏 Thats awesome to hear you found Zeke he sounds like a solid guy to me and those are the kind of shops you want to work for even after your apprenticeship and times served is over!! 👍Thank you Sir, for watching and for your service Semper FI!!!!!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Thanks Art, this info is key. I was told the same by a friend of mine that is a tattoo artist. I showed some of my work and his response was ok, not horrible but keep practicing and try to find a mentor. Same thing he told me I heard from you. Thanks for the informative videos.
Hey man! I really admire and appreciate your point of view. Tattooing is something I've wanted to do since I knew about it, I was around 14 years old. But others' opinion always pushed me away from it. Now that I have a family and a stable job, I decided to start making this dream come true. I am from México, and looking for recomendations on equipment and stuff I stumbled upon your videos. I started watching them yesterday and today I found this one... Respect bro! You are completely right!. I wish you the best and thanks for your videos. Regards! from avocado's world capital. Uruapan, Michoacán.
Dude, this story is almost literally what I'm going through. I started myself and have been Tattooing for 11 years now but sadly never been liscensed, but I moved to Georgia after separating from the Navy and had a job as a milright for a few years and fell away from tattoos. I found a shop to apprentice me and I've been cutting grass and fixing things and stuff like picking up trash and farm work. Anyways, saving you my sob story, but I really enjoy your videos and I'm about to be liscenced here after being through their version of "the ringer" and much like yourself, not learning too much in the studio that I was a part of. Thanks for your videos man. 🤘
First off Thank you for your service!! 🙏 And Im sorry to hear your story was similar to mine. Great to hear you are about to be liscenced in the near future, congrats on that you deserve it my friend!!! And keep Rocking Brother 🤘🤘🤘
You are so motivational! I am terrified especially due to the present state of the world but I am also determined and your videos are helping me keep my eye on the prize. Thank you so much.
You are very welcome Christina!! I get the same kind of joy from helping people as I do tattooing so Im really happy to hear that the videos are helping keep you determined!! Thanks again for watching Christina we appreciate it!! 🤘🤘
I love how real you are and your information is honest and on point. I had someone tell me that they would apprentice me and did give me a lot of good information but while he was tattooing my own design on me. He then left to go to work at an other shop where he was the top dog and became to good to spend time talking to me or giving me critiques. I feel like I payed for my apprenticeship or seminars. I will be looking for an apprenticeship soon after this covid because I feel like that having a mentor relationship will have benefits beyond anything I could do on my own but I’m afraid of the same things happening. I’m also like you and have a new family to support so I can’t drop my full time job so easily. I’m loving your stuff and appreciate you. You have my support! Thanks man!!
Thank you Jonathan I really appreciate that 🙏!! Sorry to hear your story man.... really sounds like you got the rod end of that deal for sure. I dont blame you one bit for wanting to get an official apprenticeship as that is the best way to learn how to tattoo while also learning how a tattoo shop is ran. Because there is a lot more to it then just tattooing. With all that said when you get your new apprenticeship make sure you learn what your mentor is teaching you as they are their to train you and build you up in exchange for you working for them after you apprenticeship is over. But if you are not in an apprenticeship then feel free to practice with your machine and find what seems to work best for you and then roll with that, but always look for new techniques and what not cause you never know when there may be a better way to do something. Thanks again Jonathan I appreciate that support brother!! And best of luck to you!!🤘🤘🤘
This helped me so much. I've now have a grounded expectation of an apprenticeship. I'm a self taught digital artist of 11+ years and I've been wanting to expand my craft to tattooing. To cut a long story short, I was at my tattoo artist birthday party, they got me drunk, and this was after I announced I was interested in working there and showing off my artwork to prove I was being serious. You can feel the cold shoulders I was given and now I'm ready to move. I didn't know what I did or said wrong. I felt like this person only cared because I was giving them money which soured my love for the ink I got done by this person. I feel like getting all my ink covered now to start over fresh just like I was getting my first. Sometimes starting over is the best medicine. I'll be purchasing my first machine in the next coming years and thinking about doing this on my own. I thank you for the motivation. I love tattooing and the art of tattoos. Thank you. 😊
Wow man sorry to hear about your experience. It can be hard getting into tattooing as its sorta hush hush at times. But its great to hear your looking to possibly tattoo yourself down the road. I would say practice on some practice skin for a little while to get use to the machine and what not. But when your ready be positive and stay confident. And thanks for sharing your story!! 🤘🤘🤘
when I listened to your story I cried because I feel the same way. your words about hard work and being rewarded and that it doesn't always work out that way is completely correct. if you do something then do it well and not half yea that is how I think about it. your words are my thoughts. thank you for your story. I'll follow and teach you until I drop. I've always done everything alone. painting, making art, drawing, hope this will work.
Wow Colin really glad you were able to relate to my story. I still believe if you work hard then you would choose some thing at some point. Patience is the name of the game and Hardwork is what we do. Thank you so much for your support Colin and kind words I wish you nothing but the best and keep rocking🤘👍🙏👍🤘
Thank you for being here!! Thank you for showing us your Knowledge! I’ve been binge watching your channel. I’ve gotten a apprenticeship they took my money sat me wanted me to buy there place and didn’t really take the time to show me just told me this or that and said that I didn’t take it serious enough. So I left. I’ve been teaching myself. Last person I talked to about an apprenticeship said what I drew was impossible to tattoo. I just tattooed it on my fake skin. He wanted to charge me 3,000 to learn, and was only going to teach me according to how much money I gave. I can’t thank you enough for you sharing and being here! I’m gonna go watch some more videos now 🤘
Cheers for the vid man! Your videos inspire and educate us, but to those folks who knock that - they probably forget all the practice and more practice that viewers are doing to get better at this. I think most people want to do this as correctly as possible, but many can't afford to drop everything for an apprenticeship, due to commitments. After I send this, I am going to hand draw a stencil I have already drawn 3 times, tattooed twice, only because I care enough that I want to do my best on the reel skin, and improve from my last tattoo. Your videos help us to problem solve and get better faster. Thanks again Dave! - All the best, Brenton.
Everything you said, I’ve lived during my apprenticeship at this tattoo shop. I ending up leaving because it didn’t fell right. It was almost like they wanted a maid and someone to pierce, although, I didn’t mind learning how to pierce; it seemed like that’s what they wanted most and ALL I wanted was someone to TEACH me. Help me understand the dynamics of tattooing. I appreciate your channel and the advice that you are giving. Also, shoutout to Nomad-Mike. He was the best at that tattoo shop trying to TEACH me something and he knew everything else there was bullshit. Need more people like you in this industry man.
Hope that you haven’t given up tattooing because of that? And I hope to see the industry continue to change as time goes on. Thanks for supporting the channel Jay it much appreciated brother!!!🤘🤘🤘
Art-Something, most definitely. If you have an Instagram, would it be too much to ask if you could support me by following my IG: _Miamithatartist. That would be awesome, man.
God bless ya man!! Thank you so much for sharing everything. Your experience, your self-taught skills and overall knowledge of the field, and just trusting your gut ultimately! I think time is more valuable than money especially when you have a family of your own. Good call leaving, I'm currently just beginning the tattoo journey. I decided to hell with an apprenticeship: I'm a single mom and I have anger issues with certain things. I'm better off alone and your channel helps me so much rn taking notes and all haha. Be easy!
This video was posted so long ago, but I live in a small town and finding an apprenticeship that is worth is is just not an option for me, this really help motivate me to put in the EXTRA work. Thanks !
Man! You’re a blessing brother. I receive my first machine Monday and I’m going to take everything you said to heart. God bless you bro. Thank you for serving!
Congrats on the new equipment coming your way!!! 👍👍 Great to hear your taking this info and applying it!! Keep at it and best of luck to you as you start your journey!!🤘🤘🤘🤘
I appreciate you taking the time and sharing your experiences on UA-cam. I’m from the old school and remember tattooing before the internet. I feel You and others who share knowledge on our craft/skill, is very useful to everyone, new school and old school. Keep up the good work
No problem Greg I am happy to share what little info I know.👍 Its also great cause I can track my progress and growth through these videos and really give myself something to look back on. And it great o know that both new and old school artists can gain something from the channel! I thank you so much for sharing and for supporting the channel!! IT's much appreciated Greg!! 🤘🤘🤜👊🤛🤘🤘
I found this channel a while ago, but recently started watching more and more videos because I love the art of tattooing. I’ve wanted an apprenticeship for a while (and still do), but I also have a baby on the way that will be born in a few months and will be my first priority. I am hungry though and I’m gonna keep working on new art and flash and build a big enough portfolio. I appreciate you and these videos, man. I hope you and your family are staying safe
I was an apprentice for a while, sweeping and setting up and cleaning, and didnt learn half as much in that year as I did in an hour of watching these, and left because after a whole year my mentor ended up just training some random dude who had his own tattoo gun and did a bunch of his own shitty tattoos instead of actually trying to teach me anything and telling me trying to tattoo on my own is a mistake. Now I've got a full portfolio and have a few tattoos on myself I'm really proud of! Thanks for putting these videos out there, I got my passion for tattooing again :^)
WOW that is awesome to hear Kaye!!! I understand the struggle that you went through with your mentor as not all mentors really care about teaching or taking care of there apprentices. But its amazing to hear the channel helped you out and gave you the tools you needed to make things happen on your own. Thank you for sharing your story with me and I really hope you keep at it and make the dream a reality for yourself! Keep Rocking brother you got this!! 🤘🤘🤘
That’s awesome Drew!! So glad to hear the channel has been able to help you out !! I hope your enjoying the Q2 ! I wish you the best of luck as you continue and keep Rocking !! 🤘🤘
As a former Marine as well just want to let you know that you are an inspiration to my wife and myself. We follow your guidance to a T. Please keep it up your a great help to us. Semper Fi.
You truly are a genuine and humble person. I'm pretty knew in tattooing and seeing this video gave me confidence I can learn on my own with help of your videos.❤🙏
I loved this video and your story , I was in a hokey apprenticeship for a while and I got out . Life happened , I’m now at a point to where I have a portfolio, and I’m looking for a mentor . “ if you are hungry enough , you will make it happen” Tho there’s still some nervousness and struggle That quote has been what I say to encourage myself to keep trying , making new flash pages, make new drawings , talk to more artist in my area. All n all I don’t think there was anything you couldn’t have said or explained any better . Thank you for making this , I needed to see this
I have been promised 3 separate apprenticeships and had them taken away over the course of YEARS of trying to find one. I finally said enough was enough and every moment I'm not tattooing is stunting what I could be. Those years of waiting could have been spent teaching myself and honing my skills. This is my dream job, this is all I want to do and I'm sick of waiting. Thank you for this channel and inspiration words. You will help my through my journey.
Brother I’m also a veteran and am getting into tattooing found myself going to work on my leg on my kitchen chair and trying to learn off of videos, pictures, books , etc . It’s such an addicting feeling and god knows I am trying to hustle and learn this craft. I truly truly appreciate you brother! God bless!
Thank you for your service Jose appreciate it brother!! It’s a rough road but believe me it’s a road worth traveling. Keep hustling man and thank you for the support🤘🤘🇺🇸
I just want to say thank you so much, this really hit home for me. I'm currently teaching myself how to tattoo, and just from watching your page I have so much more of an appreciation for this art form. I have always had an interest in tattooing from a very young age. I have always drawn and now I'm pursuing my dream.
It’s awesome to hear Kelsey keep chasing that dream. It’s not a little bit of work it’s a lot of work, so don’t quit stay focused and keep pursuing your goals!! And I’m really glad that the videos are helping you out right now did you get started down your journey of tattooing. I wish you nothing but the best and keep rockin🤘🤘👍👍🤘🤘
Your videos have helped me out ALOT man I’ve been wanting to tattoo since I was a kid and my first tattoo I did on myself is HUGE but thanks to your videos my tattoo is beautiful. Ur the reason I keep practicing Mann hella inspirational !
Dude i completely relate with this! i am on my 3rd apprenticeship my first one i learned nothing and was always doing work at his house. Was 6 months into my second apprenticeship still had not learned anything and then she pretty much told me i had to quit my job or she would never license me even though i could not get paid so having a family and responsibilities i just couldnt so i walked. I am on my 3rd apprenticeship and i have learned so much more this time i am 4 months away from being fully licensed. I still work 40 hours a week and do my best to be there as much as possible i have been discouraged so many times and almost gave up completely because its such a difficult industry to get into. I really appreciate this video because you actually speak the truth you i am definitely subscribing keep doing what you do man and thank you for your service!!!
Damn bro sorry to hear about all you had to go through. It’s rough out there but if you want it bad enough you can make it happen!! And it sounds like your making it happen 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 few more months, hang in there stay motivated!! And thank you TJ is happy your enjoying the videos!! 👍👍
I just recently found your channel because I'm wanting to learn how to tattoo and I went and watched this video from a year ago and it totally helped me make the decision to do it on my own instead of apprenticeship. I look forward to watching all of your videos and learning as much as I can from your techniques. Thanks so much for doing these videos there are a great help.
Hey, man. I just want to say thank you so much for putting yourself out there and being honest with your audience. All the videos I’ve seen from you have been ridiculously helpful. I’m trying to approach tattooing and you have put me along with a lot of people in the right direction. Much respect bro!
No problem! I know the beginning can be the hardest part so if I can help people get past that stage of the process then I know they stand a chance of making it in this industry. Keep up the good work and thank you for your amazing support!! 🤘🤘
After all that, and now you jumping into the UA-cam game. Keep on hustling, I'm really enjoying your videos. I'm loving the tattoo community and all the people I've met since I started getting tattoos.
I’ve really wanted to try getting an apprenticeship somewhere since I’m only 19, so there’s no better time, but I’ve been terrified to even try. After watching a ton of your videos, you’ve definitely solidified my decision to try it! I’ve really wondered if there was a place in the industry for an artistic kid who doesn’t know much about tattooing, but is hungry and passionate about learning the craft. You’ve inspired me to at least try as hard as I can, and see if I can make it. Thank you!
Thats Awesome Dillon!! Great to hear you are going to try to get an apprenticeship, as I still think thats a great way to learn this craft. I think there is room in this industry for anyone willing to put in the hard work! SO stay motivated and keep pushing yourself forward. Thanks for watching Dillon you got this brother.!! 🤘🤘
Holy hell.... i needed this video NOW more then ever😭 I hate being told “no” or worse yet just being shoved under the rug. If someone would just talk with me and give me a chance, they would see the passion, love, and respect I have for the tattoo industry. I’ve put myself through art school, while working two jobs AND raising kids. If that doesn’t show commitment, I truly don’t know what does. I will keep grinding and do whatever it takes to achieve what i’m working towards. Thanks for sharing your story and advice!!
People suck when they see u good at it ,most of the time is jealousy and instead to help u they turn u down, happened to me many times, but I say fuck it and keep pushing myself. U got this!
@@Hey_Ho_FM I completely agree with you!! It sucks that people try to break eachother down rather then learning from eachother and lifting you up. I have been working as a tattoo apprentice for about four months now and promised myself I would never treat others the way I was treated!👊👊
This makes me wanna learn on my own, if I’m gonna go to a apprenticeship route and do crazy things that are non tattoo related then I’ll just learn on my own and on my time and not waste it on bs.
I agree with you there Eli!! I will say that not all apprenticeships are this way. I have heard of some really bad ones similar to this but also some really great ones, where the process is educational and what not. But It's not easy to find an apprenticeship let alone a good one. With that said I hope these videos really help you out!! Keep your head up and Keep Rocking!! 🤘🤘🤘
I just subcribed and followed up your channel few days ago. Quite inspirational. I am now quite a beginner and also fascinated with tattooing because I know that I can draw and pretty handy. For now I honestly don't know which way in my life I should go in order to take care of my family as a father and husband. Started to order few machines and practice and practice, knowing that there is such a UA-cam channel that actually helpful and from which I learned a lot, believing that everything is impossible if i give enough dedication. Keep up the work bro.
That’s awesome because it is possible don’t let anybody tell you you can’t it’s your life if you want to try something out and educate yourself then do it but be safe. And I’m happy the videos are inspiring you to chase your dreams.🤘🤘🤘
So I ran into this channel by accident. It just popped up on my page one day and I’m so beyond happy I decided to click on the video. I’ve been trying to get an apprenticeship for while now, but being a young female, they kind of look at you a different way and don’t take you seriously. I feel like I have learned more from you than anyone that has tried to explain how to tattoo. You explain things in a way that just make sense. And I knew going into this industry that apprenticeships were hard to come by, but after this video and reading all the comments, I actually feel confident in just going on my own. With your channel, and many other videos to guide me, I’m so excited to start my career and become the best artist that I can be. Man you’re such an inspiration. Keep making these videos, keep learning on your own, and keep rocking 🤘🖤
Well I’m certainly glad you decided to click on the video and check the channel out. And it’s really cool to hear that the videos are helping you out and building your confidence. Take it slow be patient But keep working hard at it 🤘🤘🤘
I have a lot of tattoo artist friends with apprenticeship horror stories, elitism, etc. the industry needs to change for the safety of not only new tattoo artists, but also clients as well. There was a lot of abuse, verbal, mental and sexual, that happened to one of my friends, and while she is now an established artist the horrors she went through just to get into the industry is a nightmare. the "shop bitch" hazing mentality needs to stop. it's one thing to earn your keep by doing the menial tasks and cleaning etc. or to have the senior artists bust your chops. but its highly inappropriate to perpetuate abuse. being forced into uncomfortable situations to prove you "want it bad enough" that is so damaging. Thanks for the insight, and the candid look into the industry. I hope there can be a an eventual paradigm shift in the industry, a partnership between apprentice and mentor should be respectful, not abusive.
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✅ PATREON FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: www.patreon.com/ArtSomething All the videos will still be free on UA-cam I will just be offering early access and a little behind the scenes in the future.
✅Also I have added some links to "some" of the equipment and supplies I use that are obtainable from Amazon. I will keep updating the list as I try new things. Not all the equipment I use is available on amazon but I will do my best to link you guys with new equipment and supplies as time goes on. Thanks again everyone for watching!! You guys and gals are amazing!! 🤘
Wow we kinda had the same start in the industry, 2 months into my “apprenticeship” all the other artists left, it was a new shop and the owner didn’t tattoo, he was asked what I wanted to do, we kept it open and told everyone I was learning just charged a lot less and I tattooed like 16 hours a day 7 days a week, line around the block. Learn by doin type shit.. but it was good to be able to touch that much skin doin small doves and names and stuff, it would be hard to progress as quickly without understanding guinea pigs.. 3.5 years later private studio and I’m thinking about raising my prices again. Keep at it y’all can get there too. - @sideshow_jah
A pros and cons of taking on a apprentice would be a good subject
Thank you so much for this video , I’m a 35 year old mum of 2 kids with ASD and ADHD , tattooing has been my dream since I was 12 and I’m finally doing it and your videos are helping and encouraging me so thank you and well done to yourself 🤘
Who else watched this and was like "Hell yeah man, I can put my nose to the grind and do this myself!" Sooo inspirational
THATS AWESOME!! Cause thats what it all comes down to. If you want something bad enough whos to say you cant make that happen with enough hard work and dedication anything is possible!!! Keep Rocking Nicholas!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Thats what i did. Got my shit learned anywhere I could including UA-cam hung out in a shop a guy I knew owned that was cool as hell and would let me sit in and answer questions but mostly did as many as I could and kept upgrading to better equipment.
Nicholas O Definitely
YES 🥰 me too!
@@ArtSomething so happy for finding you and start with an amazon kit and work hard and level up my gear as I have with traditional watercolor and makeup education... I am entering a whole new world of opportunity, and Yes I study HARDCORE! CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH ☺️
I have been tattooing for 15 years. We didn't have these videos back then. And apprenticeships were nightmares. I learned on my own. I applaud you for what you are doing giving artists a backing to the fundamentals of tattooing. Thank you man and stay safe. ☮️
Much RESPECT to you Matthew as I know things where a lot harder coming up in your time in this field !!!👍👍 and thank you for supporting what we are trying to do here. 🤘🤘
@@houdinithetreefrog ok boomer
@@houdinithetreefrog meh
@@houdinithetreefrog I learned far more from UA-cam videos than I did while an apprentice. Your egotistical attitude is one of the main reasons I left the shop I was at.
@@houdinithetreefrog a lot of tattoo artists think they’re some gods lmao it’s not my problem y’all had to be somebodies bitch lmao
I'm so happy that I found this channel. I tried to apprentice for years like YEARS and I was turned away for being female or not having a degree in art or just because I didn't have 4k to be an apprentice. I finally am financially able to get the equipment I need to be my own boss. Thanks for giving great advice and has helped me out tremendously!
Thats awesome to hear you are ready to be your own boss!! It's not an easy road but if your determined then you can make this happen. I 🤘
Kaley Regan damn this scares me, I‘m non-binary AND read as female 😳
@@Noah-js8ey I'm trans tiger but identify as armadillo.
It so hard for us interspecies asswipes, but dont worry we try to bring it up every unnecessary chance we get.🙄
@@BigSerg80 what's it like being so fucking sad that you take it out on innocent people? like, dude just fuck off if you have nothing nice to say. no one thinks your funny
I’m an apprentice right now, I think I’ve got the best mentor on earth. My job there is to draw all day watch tattoos being done get critiqued and clean up the shop after we close. I’ve learned more in the few months I’ve been there than I did in high school.
That is awesome! I hope more shops and mentors treat their apprentices like you have been treated. Keep on Rocking Brother!!! 🤘🤘
That's gotta be a shitty high school !!! 😱
Sharon Troy the art program go severely cut to keep the sports programs going... also it is a small school in Iowa, I graduated in a class of 28 lol
Aaron Gleason you have apprenticeship in iowa? can i get more details didn’t think there was much of a chance out here lol
Proper. Fuck yes.
25 shop owners are mad that this video is telling people that they don't need to be slaves to learn how to tattoo
I miss the days you could see the dislikes
Yeah but he was a slave, he worked for a year for free on his gi bill! Most of us cant do that unless were 18 and living with parents!
I'm self taught as well. After spending my life trying to find my place in the world I on a whim bought a cheep tattoo machine off Amazon and I ran with it. So so so many late nights and early mornings absorbing every single piece of information I could find. So much practice and a billion set backs and oranges later. I've found my happiness. Its been such a hard journey but I opened the doors to my shop 3 weeks ago. Its been the greatest few weeks of my life to date. I feel like I busted my a$$ to be where I am. Thank you for sharing your story, I'm grinding for my two kiddos hoping some day ill have something to leave behind for them.
I understand the feeling and the passion Mandii!! I too was looking for my place in this world again and found it here in tattooing. I applaud your dedication and devotion to making this dream come true!! And your dreams did come true CONGRATS on opening your new shop!!!! THats awesome!! 🤘🤘🤘 And you did bust your ass to get where you are, so dont stop working hard yet. I too have to choice but to make this work as my kids and wife are realiying on me to continue to keep this dream alive. I thank you sooo much Mandii for sharing your story with me and I wish you the best of luck as you continue to run your shop!! Keep Rocking!!! 🤘🤘🤘
Glad to hear it!! Maybe I will too!
So can you open a shop without an apprenticeship?
@@williamwhite5202 sure can! With enough dedication and blood sweat and tears you can do anything. After a year of being open I can honestly say opening my shop has been my greatest accomplishment and I’ve never been more proud.
@@mandiiv6014 that's super onwards and upwards good luck from Belfast Northern Ireland
This is the most informational video on apprenticeship I have ever seen. I’m just starting out as one!
Thank you I appreciate that! I hope it helps you on your Journey. Congrats on your apprenticeship btw And I appreciate you watching.🤘
i am now like 6 months into an apprenticeship and had a similqr thing where now im actually already tattooing people for the shop, of course, i dont get paid, and the clients know im an apprentice... but i still feel like i should be doing them for free or still to like friends and family. :D . its pretty overwhelming sometimes
@@catalina12riveros I feel you there brother. It is stressful, but you are going grow so much from it and learn to deal with stress and clients much faster. try to look at the positive in things when you can. Stay focused stay determined. Your Journey is just beginning and believe me you never know where life will take you or whats next. Stay strong brother and chase that dream!! 🤘🤘
I apprenticed for 5 months and my tattooist taught me a lot, but not enough... I learned from the others in the shop, too. But he kept dangling the carrot on the stick. I learned more from UA-cam and NOW I learned more in 20 minutes watching Art Something than I did in 5 months. I completed my first tattoo yesterday! And it wasn't frigging bad! THANK YOU!
Hey man, I found your channel by accident and it's the most relatable stuff that I saw till now. Your apprenticeship experience even though I never got to one I can fully feel you. The pep talks I got from "professional" artist portray apprentice as something sophisticated almost, how you will learn things about the shop, tattoo machine, designing tattoos etc. but you know... you gotta be ready to clean the toilet pretty much every day. And you know what? Most of my friends who went through apprenticeship had to do pretty much same things as you (even taking food for the guys in the shop, cleaning, doing stuff completely not related to the apprentice) and this makes me feel kind of disgusted about this industry. I do know not everyone is like that, but the knowledge that so many artist are going through something that is so not professional like this is incredible. I love your videos, I think there are very useful and inspiring, keep up the good work!!!
You are sooo very right Natalia! I dont mind all the random stuff and earning your way in your apprenticeship however in my case it was FAR to much BS. I hope through this channel we can start to spread some light on what is going on with these apprenticeships (well the bad ones). I know there are some out there that are good and have great intentions but they are few. Thank you for your support and kind words Natalia I really appreciate it. I wish you the best of luck in your journey and keep on rocking!! 🤘🤘
ludzi ktorzy dziela sie swoja wiedza w tak pokorny i przystepny sposob jest juz nie wielu 🙏
This was incredibly sobering, I've been teaching myself for the last 9 months, I've done some decent pieces, some real bad ones on myself before i knew the difference been a shader and a liner. But I've been invited to work at my friends shop but as my own artist. So now I gotta watch my friend and learn as much from her as I can and teach myself on my own. I'm scared but it was good to here someone speak on the realities of it all.
Sounds like you have an opportunity. You are wise to take that very serious. This is your moment to learn as much as you can from your friend and on your own. So I wish you the best of luck🤘🤘🤘 as far as apprenticeships go not all of them are bad or as crazy as my apprenticeship. But this is the reality of what’s out there so be safe👍
What would you say is the difference between a liner and shader?
@@linktheHeroftime When working I've found the rhythm in which my shader hits the skin to be much better when blacking in work. Since shading and coloring is repeatedly brushing into the surface of the skin the shader tends to hit lighter then a liner would. I use a rotary machine now after learning with coils and I have to say i prefer it for my work.
Honestly who needs an apprenticeship when there’s this dude. Been wanting to start tattooing and thinking about an apprenticeship but I’ve always been worried about the unnecessary drama and whatnot that seems to come along with it. Just found your channel looking for tattoo gun reviews while thinking about buying one, as usual. Now here I am, a few hours later and still watching your videos 😄. Let me just say, you are so inspiring and helpful for us newbies. I think I’m finally going to order all of the supplies after watching your tattoo supplies video (exactly what I needed). Thank you! Amazing work & advice. I’m so excited about this!
Thank you sooo much McCluer!! 🙏 I will say if you can get an apprenticeship then do that first as hands on with a mentor can be the best way to learn. The problem is that doesnt always happen so its important to be able to learn on your own at home while keeping your day job and providing for your family (if that applies). I'm really glad to hear the vids are inspiring you!!! Sometimes thats all we need!! Congrats on taking the leap and best of luck as you start down this journey!!! Keep Rocking!! 🤘🤘✌🤘🤘
Really glad I found this channel. This video has motivated me to keep trying to learn as much as I can.
Well I'm happy to hear that it motivated you! It can be hard in the begging, so a little motivation can go a long way. Thanks for watching appreciate your support!
Ill second this no bs straight up information keep at it my dude proper love this channel and content
I’m completely self taught.I just got into a shop about 2 months ago. I started tattooing 20 years ago when a friend of my brothers asked me to work in his shop. I told him I’ve never tattooed, he mentioned that if I could draw I could tattoo. So his faith in me and excitement of working in a shop ,and run it ,with no boss hands down I said yes. So I’d been working there about 6 months when realize there is so much more about this craft that I absolutely had no idea what I was doing. When I first saw those machines they looked foreign to me. One shader,and one liner by superior tattoo. They both looked the same. There was no UA-cam at the time I knew of to learn. So I shelved tattooing for 11 years .Vowing not to tattoo until I could get mentored. This was going to be a lot harder than I thought it would be. In the 90s you couldn’t just go into a shop with your portfolio and get an apprenticeship. A lot of the tattoo artist were still old school. And was still guarding the secrets for which had been held down to the by there mentors . I had no hope getting into a shop at the time. And then it hit me . I need to learn this on my own. I started researching the history. Reading everything I could to get knowledge of tattooing anyway I could. In the beginning of UA-cam there was a lot of false tattoo information to discourage people from tattooing . It took years and thousands of hours watching UA-cam videos, taking notes, listening to multiple tattoo artist on line to try and form a logical consensus from a mass amount of videos. I didn’t know how long it would take, I just knew to do this I’m going to need as much knowledge about this craft to be able to do this at any respectable level. So the work had begin . Totally consuming I’m every thought. Every moment. At night in my dreams. I had found that one thing! That one thing that everyone in there life is searching for. There life’s dream. Who they want to be for the rest of there life. And I found it . So that sparked even more hunger inside. So I bought a new coil machine setup. It was called a 357 magnum by hildabrant tattoofrom Canada. They sent me a little video and some info. And I learnt a lot in a year to year and a half I was back into it. I had practiced on the synthetic skin. To no prevail. Then a couple really close friends of mine had offered to be canvases whenever I needed. So we did a lot of work. Over multiple sessions. A lot of things I learnt was by tattooing myself. My legs mostly. I had told my friends I wasn’t that good at the moments but later, when I became better would fix them. They were fine with that. But as time passed I realized my machines were going out of tune and I wasn’t getting anywhere learning. Because I couldn’t tell if it was me or my machines or what. So I sold all my stuff! I told my self that when I get enough money to be able to invest in my craftmAnd buy shop quality machines and do everything the way they do in the shop. From knowing all the cross contamination stuff and having all the barrier supply’s I needed. When I got back into tattooing I had all the supplies I needed it took a min to get there’s a lot of stuff you need. So I bought some nice rotarys, a decent power supply and standard needles. I hadn’t purchased cartridges yet I wanted to eliminate any additional variables. So I kept working kept honeing my skills. I didn’t know how long it would take or if I would ever get a chance to work in a shop and finally become a legit tattooer . It was all consuming the best I’ve ever felt a month and 3 weeks ago I finally got into a shop. I’m doing well . Doing beautiful work and still learning this amazing craft. Every time I tattoo I learn. So don’t give up, believe in you, invest in you, learn and work hard and anything is possible, just be patient. Thanks to videos like this and the awesome community of tattooist that are willing to share there knowledge to help the tattoo industry is amazing. Thanks so much
Hey dude I'm just starting out trying to teach myself. I'm ex British Army and worked with a team from the Marine Corps in Afghanistan. Just want to say thank you for all the videos and the time effort you're putting in to help others regardless off some negativity you may receive.
Keep it up. Helped me out loads so far.
Thats Awesome brother because I worked with the British Army when I was in Afghanistan as well. Small world i guess, who knows we may have crossed paths. Thank you Tiny that means a lot brother and thank you for your service and support both now and on the battle field !! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Hello again brother. I've took the plunge. I wouldn't mind sharing my progress. See what you think if you have time of course.
My e-mail is ry_armstrong2012@hotmail.co.uk
If I get an e-mail from you I will show you what I have created thanks to you.
Thanks again brother.
You've defmotivated me to keep moving forward with tattooing! I've been self teaching myself because all the shops I go to and ask for apprenticeships they get highly mad, act as if I've disrespected them or even ask for thousands of dollars to hold that position that I would never get back. I practice on real pig skin, my wife and myself. Just recently upgraded my power supply and bought the Dragonhawk Mast Tour and am waiting for that to come in. I'd love to show you some work I've done to get some solid input if possible as no one else wants to do that with me :/
Thats awesome to hear BlackRain!! Great to hear your motivated to keep moving forward and seeing where this journey takes you!!! 👍👍
Your welcome to send them to my FB account @Death Punch Ink. I try to warn everyone that I'm pretty busy and may not get back to you for a few days but again your more than welcome to send them my way.
I used to work at a shop for 14 hours a day and essentially be a complete slave, to the point that i was also having to preform sexual acts to even stay. "Know when to get out" Is the most important line i could tell anyone. Thank you for making me not have to rely on someone who wont have my best interest
Damn that's degrading AF. You shoulda said NO and left with your soul and dignity still in tact
Uhg. Humans are terrible. I'm very sorry this happened to you.
You didn’t have to perform sexual acts to stay, you chose to.
Would love to see a tour of your tattoo shop as well, and a story about the room you started tattooing in when you went off on your own!
Thanks for the info and sharing your story. I am 40 years old and just started my tattoo apprenticeship at the beginning of this year. I have been a professional artist and designer my whole life and tattooed in my 20's but never got proper training and eventually left the field to focus on fine art but always wanted to get back into tattooing. After getting work at one of my local shops for the past year, they offered me an apprenticeship with no contract. They liked my drawings and paintings and we all felt like it was a good fit for everyone that I sign on and get licensed there. I've been lucky to be able to work in a shop where they focus on training and the quality of work over making me do shop work (but I still do plenty of that too!). Hearing your story reminds me of how lucky I am. thanks again! I have been watching/listening to your videos all day. Keep it up!
Wow shane that is awesome and inspiring to hear that you are in such a solid place right now with your apprenticeship!!! 👍👍 Mad respect for you for getting back into it at 40. And mad respect for the shop that your working at, for putting the work fist. Congrats Shane thats super cool brother and thank you for sharing that. And thank you for supporting the channel its much appreciated!! 🤘🤘
@@ArtSomething thanks a lot!....I tattooed my first honeydew last night after watching your fruit video. I liked it waaaay better than the oranges.
Thank you for putting yourself out there and speaking your opinion... cause in this industry it is very judgmental. This vid is absolutely inspiring. In my case a tattoo artist gave me some tips and helped me order what I needed to start off. He gave me tips during the 3 tattooed he did on me. After that my husband volunteered for me to practice cause he absolutely believes in me. I did basic tattoos , but he always sees something in me that I don’t even see . So he throws detailed tattoos at me and I am glad cause it has helped me lots.
Thats sooo awesome to hear that your husband is pushing you, thats because he knows how much potential you have. 👍👍 I checked your UA-cam channel out and I have to say your doing great stuff keep it up Baja!! And YES this industry is VERY judgmental, hopefully
we can start breaking those walls down.🤘🤘
Thank you so much for this. I feel like people who are starting out in tattooing often get pressured about “doing it the right way” which most believe is through apprenticeship. But I hear a lot of stories similar to yours where they just end up being an errand boy/girl. I mean in that case just put the job listing up as it is, an assistant. Rather than claiming to teach others how to tattoo. I truly believe that there is so much knowledge on the internet- people like you who share knowledge and personal experience to help people like me, who is looking to get into the industry. At the end of the day no one is going to want this more than YOU. No one is going to care about this more than YOU. And no one is going to root for your success more than YOU! Thank you so much for sharing !
Your SOOO right no one is going to care about YOU more the YOU. I know there are some really good shops out there who really are teaching people how to tattoo and not just taking advantage of them. However they can be few and far between. Also a lot of shops aren't set up to take an apprentice as that takes time and requires a healthy amount of clientele. SO with all that said Yes the internet is a great place to learn and share information. I enjoy learning from places like UA-cam however others have to have in class hands on feel and for them learning to tattoo online can be a real challenge. I always encourage people to try and get an apprenticeship if possible but if its not possible that should never stop anyone from trying it out for themselves and seeing if they can make a way for themselves though tattooing. I wish you all the luck in the world Lilly and God Bless!! 🤘🙏🤘
I'm so stoked I found this dude. I'm a late bloomer and now ive finally found time in my life to pursue my true passion. Thank you for all the knowledge and advice I've learned more from these vids in the last week than I've learned from others in the last month. No BS I'm 37 and just starting and learning on my own
That’s awesome man I would say never let your age stand in the way of what you want to do. And it’s great to see that you are chasing your dream!!🤘🤘👍🤘🤘 i’m really happy the videos are helping you Josh stick with it don’t quit and keep rockin!! 🤘🤘🤘
Great advice, I've been drawing since I was 3 years old and got interested in Tattooing several years ago. I was self-taught and I totally agree with your advice. I tattooed myself several times but only tattooed friends once or twice. When I'm comfortable I'll be able to ink someone on the real level.
Thats awesome Wilmer!! Just keep at it keep learning and practicing, then one day you may realize that your further along then you realized!! Best of luck to you brother and Keep Rocking!! 🤘🤘🤘
I’m getting into this for the same kind of reasons had to go to different cities hrs away got tired of employers treating me like a number I always loved art I can draw & make music so I honestly do care about the actual product rather than the money I feel free when I’m makin art the money is just a byproduct really. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR VIDEOS.
This is me right now. I’ve been to a couple of shops and got rejected mostly because they weren’t looking for anyone or they wanted someone with experience. So I’m here watching your videos learning from you I feel like your my coach. I’ve been “tattooing “ for 2 years but it’s mostly like family , friends, some of theirs friends- friends, I even wanted to just not tattoo anymore because I didn’t see it going anywhere.
Thank you brother. I will watch all your videos. You have no idea how much help and support you offer for us new to the game.
Thats awesome Juan glad to hear the channel is helping you out brother!! 👍 And I appreciate the support!! 🤘🤘
I've been wanting to learn how to tattoo, and this channel has been extremely inspiring so far. Tattooing is something I've always wanted to do, and I'm finally going to do it
I really like the videos you make. I particularly appreciate this one. I've been wanting to tattoo since I was a teen but was always intimidated by the thought of apprenticeships and didnt know how to get started otherwise and this type of information wasnt available when I was a kid or at least I didnt know how to find it and then the desire fizzled away BUT now (in my 30s) after a couple months of doing my research on machines, needles, inks, techniques, exercises, etc. that flame under my ass has been lit again and its burning strong. I stumbled across this video and it's really an inspiration, thank you dude.
Well that’s awesome to hear that you’re fired up and you’re ready to start down this journey!! I started this just a few years ago and I’m 32 now so don’t let your age ever stop you!! Chase those dreams and keep rockin🤘🤘🤘
I've been getting tattooed for the last 20 years and have fell in love with the tattoo industry during that time. I'm just now starting MY own journey of becoming a tattoo artist and I'm 38 and have been a truck driver for the last 10 years. Looking forward to everything I'll learn!
By far the best tattoo channel that i can actually follow a long with. I've been tattooing for just a short while, and your videos are very educational for me personally. I've done a bunch on myself, and each one is getting better. Thank you for taking the time to share with us!
Thank you very much Robert I appreciate that man!! happy to hear you see your work progressing. Thats what its all about brother just keep progressing!!! 🤘🤘
I just want to thank you for all of your posts and being so kind as to teach people the right way of getting started tattooing and what it entails. I’ve doubted myself for the longest time becoming a tattoo artist because I’ve never felt good enough to have my art permanently on someone but my family has always said otherwise and your videos have made it possible for me to actually get out there and try and learn more about tattooing. I really appreciate all that you’ve done for multiple people, not just me, who want to learn to tattoo and how to get started.
Wow that’s awesome to hear🤘 And I’m glad you listen to your family and decided to give tattooing a try. Take your time enjoy the process and be safe. 👍 and I’m more than happy to help those who are looking for a way to take the art skills and apply it to Skin. It’s an amazing journey I wish you nothing but the best🤘🤘🤘🤘
I have a great deal of respect for you as a person and it's fantastic to watch your journey unfold. Anybody that takes the opportunity to watch your videos will learn as much about being a good person as they will about tattooing. Thank you for everything man.
Damn brother that hits hard man, I really really appreciate that and thank you for being a stand up guy Justin you rock my friend and dont loose your positivist and determination!! Thanks Justin!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
I'm currently Active duty as an aviation structural mech for the navy and I've been studying a lot and doing so much research on how to tattoo I've tattoo'd myself and have watched other tattoo me and have gotten a good understanding, but I do want to actually start tattooing and doing it right. Your videos have helped so much and I really appreciate it you're straight forward and dont have some bullshit opinion like everyone does all you care about is teaching people to actually tattoo. So thank you really appreciate your channel its given me a lot of motivation.
Thank you so much Jeremy!! 🤘🤘 And its awesome to hear your starting the process while still in the military. THis will make you so much more prepared when/if you get out of the military. I wish you nothing but the best of luck on your journey and the best advice I can give is DONT quit!! Stay focused and patient. And Keep ROcking Brother!!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Bro first and foremost thank you yet again for this. You inspired me ! I did like to say that I just made this career change at 35 y/o after 15 years in choreography. I'm currently an apprentice in the UK since Jan, started tatting skin in Feb. I have 2 mentors who are always there to guide but...I work 7days a week and it has been mostly 10-14 hours a day. Understand that this a self journey, and you are even moreso your own teacher amongst having a mentor. EVEN DURING LOCKDOWN I'm still doing the same thing, practicing, watching tutorials, drawing and aiming to pick up as much skills as I can within my own set timeframe.
As you say there will only be a select few, you have to grind and husssle but if you fall in love with tattooing, you will know that it is worth every single sacrifice you make to be a part of that few.
Thanks so much for the knowledge and I personally hope a few years down the line to be the dope ass artist I envision my futureself as.
Love and blessings to all the ones trying to get in this, to all the apprentices who need that motivation, and all the amazing artists who went through it all. Peace to you bro you are awesome. Xxx
Good for you brother! It's hard going back in your 30s with a family and responsibilities but remember dreams have to be chased they wont come to you. So all the BS and hard work will be worth it soon. Hang in there brother stay focused stay driven. Peace and Love back at you Visual and thank you again my friend for keeping me motivated as well!!! 🤘🤘
You have taught me more than any one could of, you werent afraid of tattooing yourself to teach us and we really apreciate that, thank you so much
Brother, great video, an inspiration to those who wonder what is possible. Not just tattooing, anything in life you wish to achieve. Don't accept no, don't accept bullshit. The only currency we really have is our time and we do not always spend it wisely.
Wow benjamin I couldnt have said it better. All we really have in this world is time and dreams. I want to spend my time chasing a dream as long as I can and there are always going to be those that try to knock us down but those are the moments we push harder and prevail stronger!! Thank you again Benjamin I truly appreciate your support brother!! Lets keep chasing dreams and proving people wrong!!! 🤘🤘🤘
@@ArtSomething Keep spreading your love brother, I'll keep spreading mine - I know there are millions more out there like us, just some days it's hard to believe. Keep on keepin on
Hey Just wanted to say thank you for these videos. I wanted to start tattooing back at the age of 18 and found someone to let me apprentice under them. They were family of a friend so I thought I had a great in- they got me set up with basic equipment and promised to teach me- but I got assaulted and never went back. Any time I mentioned to another artist that I was looking to learn, I got laughed at and brushed off so I gave up. My machine has been packaged up for the last 7 years and during quarantine I decided to dust it off and try again. Ive been practicing and have been doing all the self teaching and reading/watching I could and resources like these have been great assets. Excited to get back into it!! Its refreshing to hear from another artist who is willing to help others instead of looking down on them. Thank you!
I am so happy I came across your video! I just started doing tattooing, and I have had some people say I don’t have what it takes and others who say I can. I’ve been practicing, and did one on my leg. It doesn’t look bad, at least I don’t think so.
This was so incredibly inspiring and motivational. I’ve been trying so hard to get into tattooing but it’s definitely discouraging at times. This was really what I needed to know and hear so thank you!
SO happy to hear that Madelyn!!! Stay inspired and run with that. It can be hard at times but if you stay focused and importantly dont give up Then you got this. !!! 🤘🤘
Love your videos and the way you explain step-by-step in simple words! This video in particular has inspired me to continue and not stop. I'm about 1 year of tattooing and sometimes I get down to feeling "I'm not doing things right", but as you said it, just keep doing it and learn from every new tattoo. I am up for the challange 💪🏻
Thank you for sharing your journey ❤
I do appreciate your work and vids. I'm just starting the dive. There's so much to learn! Thanks for your contribution! Cheers!
Just want to say it’s great that Iam not the only one out there thinking the way you are recommending etc I’ve been self teaching/ getting tattooed/reading / tattooing close friends, And myself, watching talking, applying for apprenticeships and asking a million questions about tattooing just on 3 yrs now, but it has been a struggle similar to your self with a full time job and a family with 4 kids ! And in my 40s, It’s been a tough road so far but enjoying the shit out of it so far, Iam just in the process of building my home art/tattoo studio, as we speak 👍 enjoying your channel mate keep,it up 🤘
Man that's AWESOME to here about your studio! 👍 I am also in the process of finishing up my new, larger studio this summer, and I can't wait!! 🤘 But as you know these things don't happen over night, like you said 3 years you have been at it and im happy to hear you are still at it and expanding. Just think how much you will know by the time your in your 50s lol. Hang in there brother I'll keep doing my best to bring the best info I can to help the community out. I just want to thank you for watching, commenting and supporting the channel. 🤘🤘
This really made me feel encouraged! I am 18 and I’ve been really going through a lot like career wise. I’ve always been all about art and I sell my art as a vendor at festivals around the city (due to covid everything is closing down and really making me feel like I’m not doing enough for my art) and having that kind of taste of what I want made me hungry for that again instead of working my retail job that literally pays me so little for dealing with so much drama! I am not into drama either lol! I’ve always been the person who listens at work. Ive always wanted to be a tattoo artist since I was in 6th grade but I would push it to the side but now it’s actually has been at the back of my head non stop. I’ve asked around my city local tattoo artists advice, where to start, etc and I never get a message back. It’s been really discouraging but I’m glad there’s artist like you who understand! I’m glad I stumbled upon this video at.
Really glad to hear The video helped encourage you to give tattooing a try. Putting art on skin is a pretty cool thing and once you do it it’s hard to walk away from it. Don’t quit your day job as tattooing doesn’t really pay for a while. But if you keep at it and stay focused then you can absolutely make a career out of this. And I wish you nothing but the best as you start down this journey🤘🤘🤘🤘
Looking into starting an apprenticeship or trying to get into tattooing again after giving up in my 20s. Knowing that I'm not the only one with a family and starting later in life gives me much more confidence that I can do this. Thank you for sharing your story.
I just started an apprenticeship and started watching your channel. Your videos have been so so helpful alongside my in person learning. I've been super lucky where in the first day of my apprenticeship, my mentor helped me buy my machine and started teaching me how to use it right as soon as it came in. Everyone in the shop has been so sweet too (they've bought me food when I stayed long hours at the shop and answered all my dumb questions). I know I've had a very different experience with the traditional apprenticeship (I applied over email because of COVID and my mentor has been pushing me to get hands on practice with the machine from day 1 because he believes it's much more effective than learning in theory.) I still clean the shop every few days with other apprentices but it's been so different from what I've heard and read that apprenticeships would be like! I think part of the difference is also that it's a shop in America run predominantly by Korean and Chinese artists.
First off, thank you for your service. Second, thank you for your videos. You're the Bob Ross of the tattoo world for me. You're helping me lead myself into a goal, I didn't know I was capable of doing.
So glad I found this video it's really motivated me to go for this , I've always been interested in tattooing but always been discouraged about my art skills from teachers from school I'm not saying I'm amazing far from it but theres something there to work on and now I'm just learning everything I possibly can to hopefully get started
Thats Awesome king!! Glad to hear the video and channel has helped motivate you!! Keep learning and stay motivated and you got this man!! 🤘🤘
Great advice I’ve been looking for a apprenticeship for 2 years now but nobody around here is accepting but I’ve been told they don’t want more and more people tattooing so I’ve finally bought my own equipment and started watching videos to keep practicing to become my own boss. Thanks for sharing your story
You got this brother keep working hard and those dreams will come true. Keep at it and Keep Rocking!!! 🤘
It’s honestly so crazy how it seemed like you were talking about me in the beginning. Picked up tattooing In the military, tattooed myself and others, got out used my benefits and got a job to support my wife and 3 kids. Literally everyone wants a tattoo and I’m pretty decent I just don’t know about an apprenticeship.
Yeah that sounds a lot like my situation. It’s a rough road but still worth it. But if you can get an apprenticeship then that’s for sure the way to go but it doesn’t always work for all of us. Keep at it and keep rocking you got this!! 🤘🤘
You've come so far and I'm so proud of you! That shop didn't deserve you and your incredible talent. You did it!
Thank you! That really means a lot!
Your videos are awesome, Im glad I found your channel. I did an apprenticeship and had a similar expeience. Really only learned to wrap cords, clean tubes in the autoclave, sanitize workspace, and do errands for a bunch of asshats. Your videos are far more informative than my apprenticeship. Keep doing your thing.
I understand that!! But hey even though it didnt work out, you still learned things with out even knowing you learned thing lol. Sorta just being around it all day every day, weather you are learning to tattoo or not your still learning things about what goes into tattooing behind the scenes. So i guess thats the positive we can take from those experiences. Keep at it Kyle write your own destiny!! 🤘🤘🤘
I started Tattooing 2 years ago, Its not my full time job though and a lot of videos, tutorial and blah blah bla is out there for me to watch and I just got confused and confused over and over again. So "long story short" when I started watching you and subscribed to your channel I realized that your probably the most realistic Tattoo teacher here that I can find. so Thumbs up and God Bless. Oh btw I have been using some of your techniques from your other videos and its been helping me alot. Thanks to you!!!
I really appreciated watching this video. I’ve had a lot of people say I’m wasting my time and money on tattooing but I really love doing it. I’ve done 4 tattoos (not including the 6 I’ve done on myself)with amazing feed back and happy clients. Watching all your videos is how I’ve been learning! So thank you, thank you for putting content out here to really help new artist.
I love your videos man, it's helping me alot. Im trying to be a tattoo artist, in my town the tattoo artists already told me they don't want helper or somebody to teach. And i dont have money to go to a course of tattoo so i learning myself. It's takes a lill bit of effort cause i shiver alot but i will not quit my dreams. U give power to keep going. For reals thank you
You got this Amicia!! Keep pushing forward. IF you are struggling with something then keep attacking that one thing until you start to feel more confident again. Shaking can be normal in the beginning, as the nerves are high. Just keep practicing and chasing that dream. If we dont chase them then someone else will. Thanks for the support Amicia its much appreciated 🤘🤘
Thanks for these videos man, at 38 with kids apprenticeships aren't for me. I'm a Journeyman Electrician and venturing into a skill that I have always wanted to try, my art according to others, has always been good, winning art contests in Brazilian County in Texas but tattooing was always intimidating. So the fact you're putting these videos an info out there, it's a great service to the art and to the trade. Thank you!!
Semper Fi! From a former Devil Doc here. My story is slightly different than yours but at the end of the day, I am here 20 years later after I did a very short apprenticeship. My apprenticeship wasn't horrible at all, but I never got on skin. I did hundreds of drawings and learned the machines. I am honestly lucky because Zeke was super nice to me and started teaching me on the fly and brought me in with no money involved. Another artist at the shop told me how lucky I was because he made her wait 5 years and he was sharing all of the "secrets" with me so easily. I love your honesty brother and keep the great videos coming. I retired from the Navy after 20 years back in 2014. Semper Fi, do or die!
Thank you for your 20 years of Service! thats no small accomplishment!!! 🙏 Thats awesome to hear you found Zeke he sounds like a solid guy to me and those are the kind of shops you want to work for even after your apprenticeship and times served is over!! 👍Thank you Sir, for watching and for your service Semper FI!!!!!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
You built a community of legends! Love your comment sections
Thanks Art, this info is key. I was told the same by a friend of mine that is a tattoo artist. I showed some of my work and his response was ok, not horrible but keep practicing and try to find a mentor. Same thing he told me I heard from you. Thanks for the informative videos.
Hey man!
I really admire and appreciate your point of view.
Tattooing is something I've wanted to do since I knew about it, I was around 14 years old. But others' opinion always pushed me away from it.
Now that I have a family and a stable job, I decided to start making this dream come true.
I am from México, and looking for recomendations on equipment and stuff I stumbled upon your videos.
I started watching them yesterday and today I found this one... Respect bro! You are completely right!.
I wish you the best and thanks for your videos.
Regards! from avocado's world capital. Uruapan, Michoacán.
Thanks man! I really appreciate your videos. I like your honest way of talking.
No problem Oliver I’m glad you enjoyed the video. And thanks for watching and supporting the channel!!🤘🤘
Dude, this story is almost literally what I'm going through. I started myself and have been Tattooing for 11 years now but sadly never been liscensed, but I moved to Georgia after separating from the Navy and had a job as a milright for a few years and fell away from tattoos. I found a shop to apprentice me and I've been cutting grass and fixing things and stuff like picking up trash and farm work. Anyways, saving you my sob story, but I really enjoy your videos and I'm about to be liscenced here after being through their version of "the ringer" and much like yourself, not learning too much in the studio that I was a part of. Thanks for your videos man. 🤘
First off Thank you for your service!! 🙏 And Im sorry to hear your story was similar to mine. Great to hear you are about to be liscenced in the near future, congrats on that you deserve it my friend!!! And keep Rocking Brother 🤘🤘🤘
You are so motivational! I am terrified especially due to the present state of the world but I am also determined and your videos are helping me keep my eye on the prize. Thank you so much.
You are very welcome Christina!! I get the same kind of joy from helping people as I do tattooing so Im really happy to hear that the videos are helping keep you determined!! Thanks again for watching Christina we appreciate it!! 🤘🤘
I love how real you are and your information is honest and on point.
I had someone tell me that they would apprentice me and did give me a lot of good information but while he was tattooing my own design on me. He then left to go to work at an other shop where he was the top dog and became to good to spend time talking to me or giving me critiques. I feel like I payed for my apprenticeship or seminars.
I will be looking for an apprenticeship soon after this covid because I feel like that having a mentor relationship will have benefits beyond anything I could do on my own but I’m afraid of the same things happening. I’m also like you and have a new family to support so I can’t drop my full time job so easily.
I’m loving your stuff and appreciate you. You have my support!
Thanks man!!
Thank you Jonathan I really appreciate that 🙏!! Sorry to hear your story man.... really sounds like you got the rod end of that deal for sure. I dont blame you one bit for wanting to get an official apprenticeship as that is the best way to learn how to tattoo while also learning how a tattoo shop is ran. Because there is a lot more to it then just tattooing. With all that said when you get your new apprenticeship make sure you learn what your mentor is teaching you as they are their to train you and build you up in exchange for you working for them after you apprenticeship is over. But if you are not in an apprenticeship then feel free to practice with your machine and find what seems to work best for you and then roll with that, but always look for new techniques and what not cause you never know when there may be a better way to do something. Thanks again Jonathan I appreciate that support brother!! And best of luck to you!!🤘🤘🤘
This helped me so much. I've now have a grounded expectation of an apprenticeship. I'm a self taught digital artist of 11+ years and I've been wanting to expand my craft to tattooing. To cut a long story short, I was at my tattoo artist birthday party, they got me drunk, and this was after I announced I was interested in working there and showing off my artwork to prove I was being serious. You can feel the cold shoulders I was given and now I'm ready to move. I didn't know what I did or said wrong. I felt like this person only cared because I was giving them money which soured my love for the ink I got done by this person. I feel like getting all my ink covered now to start over fresh just like I was getting my first. Sometimes starting over is the best medicine. I'll be purchasing my first machine in the next coming years and thinking about doing this on my own. I thank you for the motivation. I love tattooing and the art of tattoos. Thank you. 😊
Wow man sorry to hear about your experience. It can be hard getting into tattooing as its sorta hush hush at times.
But its great to hear your looking to possibly tattoo yourself down the road. I would say practice on some practice skin for a little while to get use to the machine and what not. But when your ready be positive and stay confident. And thanks for sharing your story!! 🤘🤘🤘
@@ArtSomething Not a problem! 😊
Took me a min to get to this video but its what I needed to hear!! Understand what I gotta do to insure my goals are met. Keep rocking brother✌👊✌👊✌
when I listened to your story I cried because I feel the same way. your words about hard work and being rewarded and that it doesn't always work out that way is completely correct. if you do something then do it well and not half yea that is how I think about it. your words are my thoughts. thank you for your story. I'll follow and teach you until I drop. I've always done everything alone. painting, making art, drawing, hope this will work.
Wow Colin really glad you were able to relate to my story. I still believe if you work hard then you would choose some thing at some point. Patience is the name of the game and Hardwork is what we do. Thank you so much for your support Colin and kind words I wish you nothing but the best and keep rocking🤘👍🙏👍🤘
Thank you for being here!! Thank you for showing us your Knowledge! I’ve been binge watching your channel. I’ve gotten a apprenticeship they took my money sat me wanted me to buy there place and didn’t really take the time to show me just told me this or that and said that I didn’t take it serious enough. So I left. I’ve been teaching myself. Last person I talked to about an apprenticeship said what I drew was impossible to tattoo. I just tattooed it on my fake skin. He wanted to charge me 3,000 to learn, and was only going to teach me according to how much money I gave. I can’t thank you enough for you sharing and being here! I’m gonna go watch some more videos now 🤘
Cheers for the vid man! Your videos inspire and educate us, but to those folks who knock that - they probably forget all the practice and more practice that viewers are doing to get better at this. I think most people want to do this as correctly as possible, but many can't afford to drop everything for an apprenticeship, due to commitments. After I send this, I am going to hand draw a stencil I have already drawn 3 times, tattooed twice, only because I care enough that I want to do my best on the reel skin, and improve from my last tattoo. Your videos help us to problem solve and get better faster. Thanks again Dave! - All the best, Brenton.
Everything you said, I’ve lived during my apprenticeship at this tattoo shop. I ending up leaving because it didn’t fell right. It was almost like they wanted a maid and someone to pierce, although, I didn’t mind learning how to pierce; it seemed like that’s what they wanted most and ALL I wanted was someone to TEACH me. Help me understand the dynamics of tattooing. I appreciate your channel and the advice that you are giving. Also, shoutout to Nomad-Mike. He was the best at that tattoo shop trying to TEACH me something and he knew everything else there was bullshit. Need more people like you in this industry man.
Hope that you haven’t given up tattooing because of that? And I hope to see the industry continue to change as time goes on. Thanks for supporting the channel Jay it much appreciated brother!!!🤘🤘🤘
Art-Something, most definitely. If you have an Instagram, would it be too much to ask if you could support me by following my IG: _Miamithatartist. That would be awesome, man.
God bless ya man!! Thank you so much for sharing everything. Your experience, your self-taught skills and overall knowledge of the field, and just trusting your gut ultimately! I think time is more valuable than money especially when you have a family of your own. Good call leaving, I'm currently just beginning the tattoo journey. I decided to hell with an apprenticeship: I'm a single mom and I have anger issues with certain things. I'm better off alone and your channel helps me so much rn taking notes and all haha. Be easy!
REALLY really needed this talk. I've been feeling a little low and really needed this advice, thank you so much man! You're an amazing mentor 💚✨
Glad I could help! Keep your head up and keep working hard! You got this🤘🤘
This video was posted so long ago, but I live in a small town and finding an apprenticeship that is worth is is just not an option for me, this really help motivate me to put in the EXTRA work. Thanks !
Man! You’re a blessing brother. I receive my first machine Monday and I’m going to take everything you said to heart. God bless you bro. Thank you for serving!
Congrats on the new equipment coming your way!!! 👍👍 Great to hear your taking this info and applying it!! Keep at it and best of luck to you as you start your journey!!🤘🤘🤘🤘
I appreciate you taking the time and sharing your experiences on UA-cam. I’m from the old school and remember tattooing before the internet. I feel You and others who share knowledge on our craft/skill, is very useful to everyone, new school and old school. Keep up the good work
No problem Greg I am happy to share what little info I know.👍 Its also great cause I can track my progress and growth
through these videos and really give myself something to look back on. And it great o know that both new and old school artists can gain something from the channel! I thank you so much for sharing and for supporting the channel!! IT's much appreciated Greg!! 🤘🤘🤜👊🤛🤘🤘
I found this channel a while ago, but recently started watching more and more videos because I love the art of tattooing. I’ve wanted an apprenticeship for a while (and still do), but I also have a baby on the way that will be born in a few months and will be my first priority. I am hungry though and I’m gonna keep working on new art and flash and build a big enough portfolio. I appreciate you and these videos, man. I hope you and your family are staying safe
I was an apprentice for a while, sweeping and setting up and cleaning, and didnt learn half as much in that year as I did in an hour of watching these, and left because after a whole year my mentor ended up just training some random dude who had his own tattoo gun and did a bunch of his own shitty tattoos instead of actually trying to teach me anything and telling me trying to tattoo on my own is a mistake. Now I've got a full portfolio and have a few tattoos on myself I'm really proud of! Thanks for putting these videos out there, I got my passion for tattooing again :^)
WOW that is awesome to hear Kaye!!! I understand the struggle that you went through with your mentor as not all mentors really care about teaching or taking care of there apprentices. But its amazing to hear the channel helped you out and gave you the tools you needed to make things happen on your own. Thank you for sharing your story with me and I really hope you keep at it and make the dream a reality for yourself! Keep Rocking brother you got this!! 🤘🤘🤘
super inspiring man, You're the main source of tattoo knowledge on youtube i even got the Q2 to follow along with you man.
That’s awesome Drew!! So glad to hear the channel has been able to help you out !! I hope your enjoying the Q2 ! I wish you the best of luck as you continue and keep Rocking !! 🤘🤘
I seriously love these videos! Thank you so much for all the help.. excited for this journey for sure.
I've been apprenticing for 2 months and I've learned the most from your videos! Thanks for everything!
As a former Marine as well just want to let you know that you are an inspiration to my wife and myself. We follow your guidance to a T. Please keep it up your a great help to us. Semper Fi.
You truly are a genuine and humble person. I'm pretty knew in tattooing and seeing this video gave me confidence I can learn on my own with help of your videos.❤🙏
Thanks for the convo!!!! Great information, continue this journey.
No problem Jose Im glad you enjoyed it and thank you soo much man!!! 🤘🤘
I loved this video and your story ,
I was in a hokey apprenticeship for a while and I got out . Life happened , I’m now at a point to where I have a portfolio, and I’m looking for a mentor .
“ if you are hungry enough , you will make it happen”
Tho there’s still some nervousness and struggle
That quote has been what I say to encourage myself to keep trying , making new flash pages, make new drawings , talk to more artist in my area.
All n all
I don’t think there was anything you couldn’t have said or explained any better .
Thank you for making this , I needed to see this
I have been promised 3 separate apprenticeships and had them taken away over the course of YEARS of trying to find one. I finally said enough was enough and every moment I'm not tattooing is stunting what I could be. Those years of waiting could have been spent teaching myself and honing my skills. This is my dream job, this is all I want to do and I'm sick of waiting. Thank you for this channel and inspiration words. You will help my through my journey.
Brother I’m also a veteran and am getting into tattooing found myself going to work on my leg on my kitchen chair and trying to learn off of videos, pictures, books , etc . It’s such an addicting feeling and god knows I am trying to hustle and learn this craft. I truly truly appreciate you brother! God bless!
Thank you for your service Jose appreciate it brother!! It’s a rough road but believe me it’s a road worth traveling. Keep hustling man and thank you for the support🤘🤘🇺🇸
I just want to say thank you so much, this really hit home for me. I'm currently teaching myself how to tattoo, and just from watching your page I have so much more of an appreciation for this art form. I have always had an interest in tattooing from a very young age. I have always drawn and now I'm pursuing my dream.
It’s awesome to hear Kelsey keep chasing that dream. It’s not a little bit of work it’s a lot of work, so don’t quit stay focused and keep pursuing your goals!! And I’m really glad that the videos are helping you out right now did you get started down your journey of tattooing. I wish you nothing but the best and keep rockin🤘🤘👍👍🤘🤘
Your videos have helped me out ALOT man I’ve been wanting to tattoo since I was a kid and my first tattoo I did on myself is HUGE but thanks to your videos my tattoo is beautiful. Ur the reason I keep practicing Mann hella inspirational !
That’s why I appreciate you sharing your knowledge ^^ Thank you! For being amazing teacher
No problem and thank YOU very much for the kind words Sssskubyda!! I appreciate the support!!🤘🤘🙏
You're awesome man, I appreciate your story and your journey.
Dude i completely relate with this! i am on my 3rd apprenticeship my first one i learned nothing and was always doing work at his house. Was 6 months into my second apprenticeship still had not learned anything and then she pretty much told me i had to quit my job or she would never license me even though i could not get paid so having a family and responsibilities i just couldnt so i walked. I am on my 3rd apprenticeship and i have learned so much more this time i am 4 months away from being fully licensed. I still work 40 hours a week and do my best to be there as much as possible i have been discouraged so many times and almost gave up completely because its such a difficult industry to get into. I really appreciate this video because you actually speak the truth you i am definitely subscribing keep doing what you do man and thank you for your service!!!
Damn bro sorry to hear about all you had to go through. It’s rough out there but if you want it bad enough you can make it happen!! And it sounds like your making it happen 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 few more months, hang in there stay motivated!! And thank you TJ is happy your enjoying the videos!! 👍👍
I love your brutal honesty! Great video. Love your channel, learning loads!
Thank you my friend I’m glad you appreciate the honesty. And thank you for your support of the channel it’s always appreciated!🤘🙏🤘
I just recently found your channel because I'm wanting to learn how to tattoo and I went and watched this video from a year ago and it totally helped me make the decision to do it on my own instead of apprenticeship. I look forward to watching all of your videos and learning as much as I can from your techniques. Thanks so much for doing these videos there are a great help.
Hey, man. I just want to say thank you so much for putting yourself out there and being honest with your audience. All the videos I’ve seen from you have been ridiculously helpful. I’m trying to approach tattooing and you have put me along with a lot of people in the right direction. Much respect bro!
No problem! I know the beginning can be the hardest part so if I can help people get past that stage of the process then I know they stand a chance of making it in this industry. Keep up the good work and thank you for your amazing support!! 🤘🤘
After all that, and now you jumping into the UA-cam game. Keep on hustling, I'm really enjoying your videos. I'm loving the tattoo community and all the people I've met since I started getting tattoos.
Haha yeah it just seemed right to take what little I have learned and share it with the world!! Than sure for the support Michael!!🤘🤘🤘
Man I'm so happy I discovered your channel, thank you for your important videos
No problem Eitan!! Im happy to help and glad you found the channel as well. 🤘🤘🤘🤘
I’ve really wanted to try getting an apprenticeship somewhere since I’m only 19, so there’s no better time, but I’ve been terrified to even try. After watching a ton of your videos, you’ve definitely solidified my decision to try it! I’ve really wondered if there was a place in the industry for an artistic kid who doesn’t know much about tattooing, but is hungry and passionate about learning the craft. You’ve inspired me to at least try as hard as I can, and see if I can make it. Thank you!
Thats Awesome Dillon!! Great to hear you are going to try to get an apprenticeship, as I still think thats a great way to learn this craft. I think there is room in this industry for anyone willing to put in the hard work! SO stay motivated and keep pushing yourself forward. Thanks for watching Dillon you got this brother.!! 🤘🤘
Holy hell.... i needed this video NOW more then ever😭 I hate being told “no” or worse yet just being shoved under the rug. If someone would just talk with me and give me a chance, they would see the passion, love, and respect I have for the tattoo industry. I’ve put myself through art school, while working two jobs AND raising kids. If that doesn’t show commitment, I truly don’t know what does. I will keep grinding and do whatever it takes to achieve what i’m working towards. Thanks for sharing your story and advice!!
People suck when they see u good at it ,most of the time is jealousy and instead to help u they turn u down, happened to me many times, but I say fuck it and keep pushing myself. U got this!
@@Hey_Ho_FM I completely agree with you!! It sucks that people try to break eachother down rather then learning from eachother and lifting you up. I have been working as a tattoo apprentice for about four months now and promised myself I would never treat others the way I was treated!👊👊
This makes me wanna learn on my own, if I’m gonna go to a apprenticeship route and do crazy things that are non tattoo related then I’ll just learn on my own and on my time and not waste it on bs.
I agree with you there Eli!! I will say that not all apprenticeships are this way. I have heard of some really bad ones similar to this but also some really great ones, where the process is educational and what not. But It's not easy to find an apprenticeship let alone a good one. With that said I hope these videos really help you out!! Keep your head up and Keep Rocking!! 🤘🤘🤘
I just subcribed and followed up your channel few days ago. Quite inspirational. I am now quite a beginner and also fascinated with tattooing because I know that I can draw and pretty handy. For now I honestly don't know which way in my life I should go in order to take care of my family as a father and husband. Started to order few machines and practice and practice, knowing that there is such a UA-cam channel that actually helpful and from which I learned a lot, believing that everything is impossible if i give enough dedication. Keep up the work bro.
I appreciate your videos so much!!! Tattoo artist can be so mean!! This is my dream and you make me feel like its possible ❤❤
That’s awesome because it is possible don’t let anybody tell you you can’t it’s your life if you want to try something out and educate yourself then do it but be safe. And I’m happy the videos are inspiring you to chase your dreams.🤘🤘🤘
So I ran into this channel by accident. It just popped up on my page one day and I’m so beyond happy I decided to click on the video. I’ve been trying to get an apprenticeship for while now, but being a young female, they kind of look at you a different way and don’t take you seriously. I feel like I have learned more from you than anyone that has tried to explain how to tattoo. You explain things in a way that just make sense. And I knew going into this industry that apprenticeships were hard to come by, but after this video and reading all the comments, I actually feel confident in just going on my own. With your channel, and many other videos to guide me, I’m so excited to start my career and become the best artist that I can be. Man you’re such an inspiration. Keep making these videos, keep learning on your own, and keep rocking 🤘🖤
Well I’m certainly glad you decided to click on the video and check the channel out. And it’s really cool to hear that the videos are helping you out and building your confidence. Take it slow be patient But keep working hard at it 🤘🤘🤘
I have a lot of tattoo artist friends with apprenticeship horror stories, elitism, etc. the industry needs to change for the safety of not only new tattoo artists, but also clients as well. There was a lot of abuse, verbal, mental and sexual, that happened to one of my friends, and while she is now an established artist the horrors she went through just to get into the industry is a nightmare. the "shop bitch" hazing mentality needs to stop. it's one thing to earn your keep by doing the menial tasks and cleaning etc. or to have the senior artists bust your chops. but its highly inappropriate to perpetuate abuse. being forced into uncomfortable situations to prove you "want it bad enough" that is so damaging.
Thanks for the insight, and the candid look into the industry. I hope there can be a an eventual paradigm shift in the industry, a partnership between apprentice and mentor should be respectful, not abusive.