As an autistic person, going into shops, making a good impression, showing motivation and confidence are really huge roadblocks. I've been learning to tattoo on my own because I don't think any shop would consider me, being able to work in a shop only two days a week max (fibromyalgia and cfs). It's not that I'm not good with clients or people. But I cannot 'sell' myself. I don't immediately come across as warm, kind and motivated. It's only when people get to see me a few times or really give me half an hour to talk, that they can see my worth. I've been experiencing this my whole life. I have studies 6 years of art and am highly intelligent and very persistent and smart about learning new stuff. But even if my portfolio would be good, I cannof offer a shop much, I'm afraid. If you would have any tips on how to aboard such a situation, please let me know?
So someone practicing tattooing at home and feel they are finally getting good enough to approach you when you post a advert for a potential job is bad is it. Comon people have to start somewhere don’t shoot people down. Remember how you got to where you are at! I bet there have been millions off tattooist that have started of from practicing at home then stepped up the ladder. I watched your video on drawing and thought you was cool but a lot what you have said on this video comes across patronising. And no I’m not the kitchen tattooist lol but I am drawing from home and practicing on fake skin so apparently I’m wasting my time 🤗 inspire people don’t put them down. Remember your videos are mostly pointed towards beginners
As cringey as this is, I watched your videos ALL throughout university and multiple awful jobs until I got the chance to pursue tattooing through an apprenticeship full-time. You helped me build a portfolio and grow. I then managed to attend and work at Cornwall Tattoo Convention in August 2023 after only 1 year in the industry and held the stall right next to you just by pure chance. Sorry I didn't say 'Hi', I was definitely secretly fan-girling the whole time! Surreal experience! Much love <3
getting an internship is pretty much a casting couch, of coarse some young girl will be chosen over an ex convict or graffiti legend. seen it in every thing from directing music videos to trying to start a pop up shop. you practically need to be charlie manson, plus if you do get an internship most artists are so rude your gonna end up breaking their jaw for talking to you like a slave or acting like you are their whipping post. ive tried even with old friends, there is always an urge to disrespect you until it gets serious then its all gaslighting and vindictive situations with stealing all your stuff and hiding behind cops, then it becomes a gang issue where you are no longer welcome to own a shop in the neighborhood.
Yes Holly! This is exactly the advice I needed to hear as I’m currently looking for a tattoo apprenticeship, proving difficult in these unprecedented times, but hopefully, things will change soon. Stay safe and loving your content.
You're apparent disgust with people who tattoo without an apprenticeship seems ignorant. I am a very good sketch artist / artist in general. I tried to get an apprenticeship years ago, and it seemed basically impossible. I couldn't even get anyone to look at my art.
I'm trying to get one with my artist I've gotten close with it, know the shop workers ect. And the first thing he said when I asked about at home / buying my own machine he said 'do not do that or I'm not even considering you anymore... And if you came in with kitchens tats we wouldn't be talking about this right now' lol
You had some great points, but then you TOTALLY got me stumped when you made that skrinkle face when you said “IPad Drawings” I think you need to really think about how you dismiss this method of drawing.. I’m sorry but some of us thrive in drawing digitally, with no negative effect to our tattooing abilities. I am self taught, I DID buy a crappy kit about 6 years ago.. and I have many tattoos I am proud of displayed on my body. I will apprentice officially because I’m well aware If I don’t, I’d be wasting a natural talent.. that being said. I do like your videos, but some of your thoughts are a little “mainstream” meaning, it sounds like you are saying certain things to “fit in” with the other tattoo “professionals” and dismissing many ways others can learn. Yes. Safety first. Be sterile. But ultimately, I’d be willing to bet my life MANY of the TATTOO GREATS who lived and died literally taught themselves…. Idk why tattooing for me is like riding a bike… without wonky lines.. sorta weird how certain things can truly come natural to us weird ass humans. Good day! -Ry
I was an apprentice for a bit but the shop was treating me terribly. Very sexist. I would get gross comments from my mentor( the owner of the shop) and the manager was constantly sexually harassing me. I was treated more as a submissive than an apprentice. I also was lied to multiple times. I was lied to about an apprenticeship license which I would need in my state in the US. My mentor also sexually assaulted a coworker and friend of mine but lied to me about it. And he has never passed any apprentice of recent years. Every single apprentice has quit because he refused to sign off on the license. So yeah fuck that guy. I’m currently looking for another shop. But I’m carefully going about it so I don’t repeat the situation that I was in.
I’ve met and know plenty of tattoo shop owners with a very reputable reputation that were “self taught”. Fact of the matter is is tattoo shops are dicks. Anytime you wanna apprentice for them they talk shit or they wanna shoot you down. I would rather take my time and practice on myself, then find out if it’s for me or not.
As an autistic person, going into shops, making a good impression, showing motivation and confidence are really huge roadblocks. I've been learning to tattoo on my own because I don't think any shop would consider me, being able to work in a shop only two days a week max (fibromyalgia and cfs). It's not that I'm not good with clients or people. But I cannot 'sell' myself. I don't immediately come across as warm, kind and motivated. It's only when people get to see me a few times or really give me half an hour to talk, that they can see my worth. I've been experiencing this my whole life. I have studies 6 years of art and am highly intelligent and very persistent and smart about learning new stuff. But even if my portfolio would be good, I cannof offer a shop much, I'm afraid. If you would have any tips on how to aboard such a situation, please let me know?
So someone practicing tattooing at home and feel they are finally getting good enough to approach you when you post a advert for a potential job is bad is it. Comon people have to start somewhere don’t shoot people down. Remember how you got to where you are at! I bet there have been millions off tattooist that have started of from practicing at home then stepped up the ladder. I watched your video on drawing and thought you was cool but a lot what you have said on this video comes across patronising. And no I’m not the kitchen tattooist lol but I am drawing from home and practicing on fake skin so apparently I’m wasting my time 🤗 inspire people don’t put them down. Remember your videos are mostly pointed towards beginners
So negative about becoming a tattoo artist, most tattoo shops don’t wanna east their time with apprentices so I gotta start somewhere
As cringey as this is, I watched your videos ALL throughout university and multiple awful jobs until I got the chance to pursue tattooing through an apprenticeship full-time. You helped me build a portfolio and grow. I then managed to attend and work at Cornwall Tattoo Convention in August 2023 after only 1 year in the industry and held the stall right next to you just by pure chance. Sorry I didn't say 'Hi', I was definitely secretly fan-girling the whole time! Surreal experience! Much love <3
getting an internship is pretty much a casting couch, of coarse some young girl will be chosen over an ex convict or graffiti legend. seen it in every thing from directing music videos to trying to start a pop up shop. you practically need to be charlie manson, plus if you do get an internship most artists are so rude your gonna end up breaking their jaw for talking to you like a slave or acting like you are their whipping post. ive tried even with old friends, there is always an urge to disrespect you until it gets serious then its all gaslighting and vindictive situations with stealing all your stuff and hiding behind cops, then it becomes a gang issue where you are no longer welcome to own a shop in the neighborhood.
Yes Holly! This is exactly the advice I needed to hear as I’m currently looking for a tattoo apprenticeship, proving difficult in these unprecedented times, but hopefully, things will change soon. Stay safe and loving your content.
You're apparent disgust with people who tattoo without an apprenticeship seems ignorant. I am a very good sketch artist / artist in general. I tried to get an apprenticeship years ago, and it seemed basically impossible. I couldn't even get anyone to look at my art.
Why not ipad drawings? If they aren’t traced its a whole other medium most artists use?
I'm trying to get one with my artist I've gotten close with it, know the shop workers ect. And the first thing he said when I asked about at home / buying my own machine he said 'do not do that or I'm not even considering you anymore... And if you came in with kitchens tats we wouldn't be talking about this right now' lol
What is your opinion on including digital works in a tattoo portfolio?
You had some great points, but then you TOTALLY got me stumped when you made that skrinkle face when you said “IPad Drawings” I think you need to really think about how you dismiss this method of drawing.. I’m sorry but some of us thrive in drawing digitally, with no negative effect to our tattooing abilities. I am self taught, I DID buy a crappy kit about 6 years ago.. and I have many tattoos I am proud of displayed on my body. I will apprentice officially because I’m well aware If I don’t, I’d be wasting a natural talent.. that being said. I do like your videos, but some of your thoughts are a little “mainstream” meaning, it sounds like you are saying certain things to “fit in” with the other tattoo “professionals” and dismissing many ways others can learn. Yes. Safety first. Be sterile. But ultimately, I’d be willing to bet my life MANY of the TATTOO GREATS who lived and died literally taught themselves…. Idk why tattooing for me is like riding a bike… without wonky lines.. sorta weird how certain things can truly come natural to us weird ass humans. Good day! -Ry
I was an apprentice for a bit but the shop was treating me terribly. Very sexist. I would get gross comments from my mentor( the owner of the shop) and the manager was constantly sexually harassing me. I was treated more as a submissive than an apprentice. I also was lied to multiple times. I was lied to about an apprenticeship license which I would need in my state in the US. My mentor also sexually assaulted a coworker and friend of mine but lied to me about it. And he has never passed any apprentice of recent years. Every single apprentice has quit because he refused to sign off on the license. So yeah fuck that guy. I’m currently looking for another shop. But I’m carefully going about it so I don’t repeat the situation that I was in.
thanks for sharing this!!! great advice :)
Wow! I caught this one early 😊 very excited to hear your advice xx love your style
You are absolutely shining in this - you look so beautiful! Glad to see a new video of you, I loved this series :)
Awesome to see you back babe 💗💗 Great advise as always 🥰
Yay new video been binging All your old ones last few days x lock down booo!
I’ve met and know plenty of tattoo shop owners with a very reputable reputation that were “self taught”. Fact of the matter is is tattoo shops are dicks. Anytime you wanna apprentice for them they talk shit or they wanna shoot you down. I would rather take my time and practice on myself, then find out if it’s for me or not.
Thank you this makes me feel confident about starting 👌🏻
Super helpful, Thank you Holly!