Apprentice VS Self Taught

Ok So I get, “Scratchers” aren’t flavour of the month, nor are they going to be any time soon/ever. My Question is this. IF *takes deep breath* there is a guy, who has been getting Tattooed for years has quite a large amount of his skin covered, Has Spent hours upon hours in Studios hanging out talking to artists knows how a machine is supposed to sound, Knows how to make needle groupings, Is aware of hygiene rules and regulations, Can draw, Has a portfolio is an established artists, has sold flash to artists but is unable to take on an apprenticeship due to circumstances out of his control, lets say he has a mortgage and a full time job which barely pays the mortgage…He owns the Huck Spaulding book, Has brought 100 sheets of practice skin @ $5.90 each and then goes and buys himself a nice liner lets say a “Micky Sharpz Micro Dial” Lets say this guy is an intelligent guy who isn’t going to fuck anyone or anything up & Isn’t going to start Tattooing his “friends” in his living room on the carpet. How would you describe that guy? Is he a “Scratcher”? Could this guy come to you with 100 pieces of art executed on these practice skins? Or would you prefer for him to come to you with his book of flash? Again how would you describe this guy and is that what you would deem a scratcher?

You bring up a very interesting scenerio here. I wouldn't necessarily call this individual a scratcher since there was no tattooing on other people involved. I've never tried the practice skin, but I know that it doesn't jump or move when you're using it. If the said individual has to work to pay the bills which is understandable, than the said individual should understand that tattooing doesn't always pay the bills either. It's definitely feast or famine here, unless you're steadily booked with appointments, which takes some time to accomplish. Does this individual work 7 days a week? Perhaps (s)he could work something out with whatever shop is willing to work with the individual on an apprenticeship program to do 1 day a week or night hours or something that can be squeezed into the schedule. I know it's probably not much of an answer, but persistance will pay off. Sometimes you have to make the time work for you.

I THINK TRADITIONAL APPRENTICESHIPS ARE WHAT MAKES A GOOD TATTOOER.. ThAT GUY WILL NOT RESPECT TATTOOING THE SAME AS SOMEONE WHO IS TAUGHT RITE. He will most likely be a scratcher afterall, until he gets a real apprenticship.

Do you not think he would respect it more? After having spent all day working (Showing some responsibilities there) he THEN comes home and spends 5 hours a night drawing he's in effect doing two Jobs can you really say that guy doesn't respect it? The fact he isn't tattoing people is respect enough to the industry I think...... I whole heartedly agree Apprenticeships are the BEST way to become a Tattoist but sometimes it's just not a pheasable option. I'm not reffering to a 17 year old kid who has watched miami inked or been looking at bmezine for the afternoon who then decides 'hey all tattoists are rich and awesome i'm going to go to tattoo-kits.com and spend $119 and tell everyone I'm a tattoist and fuck sanitation none of my friends have aids' I'm talking about a Smart Tattooed Man, who has no options BUT to go at it alone

It sounds like your'e talking about yourself,& it sounds like your looking for some sort of validation, or rationalization for why your going about it the way that you are.

I'm actually talking about MY Tattooist.......

Ok, well that's much easier than all the hypothetical stuff. He's your tattooer. What concerns me is that you mention that he is "aware" of hygiene, but you don't mention an autoclave. Also, the Huck Spaulding book is nearly worthless to the beginner who doesn't have a real,experienced person giving them some guidance (...that means apprenticeship,in which case the book would be completely worthless.), and however many practice skins @ $5.90 a piece has nothing to do with tattooing real skin. In the end I say, if he's not using an autoclave, it sounds like your rolling the dice...but ultimately,those are/were your choices. So, enjoy your tattoos(and your hepatitus)! Good Luck.

I think the judgement should be in his work and hygene practices, alot of weight is put on apprenticeships and granted it s the BEST way to learn , but not the only way. I think if you have a look at some of the greats and pioneers in the buisness that you will find many that are self taught andI doubt they would be reffered to as "scratchers" by even the most dedicated artist, and this is a bit of a sore point for me , beginers are shunned by most artists and are never given proper advice thus being left to figure it out for themselves which only makes it harder for them , not gettting the proper information doesnt discourage them it just ensures they will really mes up, given valid constructive advice at least will help the aspiring artist and his client. Sometimes it feels like this is a Mason thing with secret handshakes , "I need help with my power suppley" , "OK what is the password ?"

This weeks Spore check was negative for bacteria. The sterilized indicator had a purple tint and his unsterilized indicator is yellow. So there is no Negative Bacteria growing in his Autoclave. Shall I carry on enjoying my Hepatitis now? It's really easy to Judge isnt it?

I think that if the person is dedicated to learning EVERYTHING about tattooing including cross contamination and blood borne pathogens, machine maintenance and setup, follows all of the guidelines, works in a CLEAN environment, sterilizes his equipment the proper way, and has the artistic ability, then there is no reason that he shouldn't tattoo. Not everybody has the opportunity to apprentice under a great artist. Sometimes apprenticeships can actually be worse than studying on your own. There are quite a few "artists" out there that have no business taking on an apprentice. This is just my opinion and I don't expect everyone to agree with me, but that's the beauty of this forum. Everyone can express how they feel about a subject and the reader can make an educated decision based on all of the feedback.

I wholeheartedly agree , I sarted in the buisness in the early 80's , and like many I got my first "Kit" from Spaulding , actualy was Spaulding & Rogers back then , and practiced on myself, family and freinds until I felt I was comfortable breaking skin for money, Back then I wasnt able to afford a commercial Autoclave , so I built one from a preasure cooker , kept my equipment in sealed, sterilized bags under a UV sterilizer I built myself and took every precaution time and money would allow to make sure my equipment was clean and sterile ,.In my mind the difference between the scratcher and true tattooist doesnt lie in weather or not he has apprenticed but in his attitude , not only to his clients but to the art

regarding the comments from Slashdot, while I suppose it's possible to build your own 'autoclave' from a pressure cooker, I seriously doubt you can get the temperature high enough to actually achieve sterilization which is a minimum of 250-259 degress for 30 minutes and I don't know of any practical purpose of using a 'UV sterilizer' to 'maintain sterility'. All I've known UV Sterilizers to be good for is aquairiums and belive they used to use them in barber shops, supposedly to control dandruff, they won't kill any dangerous pathogen. Incidently, I DID apprentice, over 40 years ago, have had my own studio for over 24 years, been a member of N.T.A. for over 25 years and it's my opinion that 'scatchers' and the MIS-self taught are not only tearing up a lot of people but also causing alot of problems for the true professionals. Here in the Detroit area, for every true Tattoo Artist there's at least 20 who think they know what their doing and it's only getting worse.

It is a given that nothing will outperform an Aiutoclave that is run properly and well maintained , as for UV lamps , they are used extensivly for removing bacteria from drinking water , granted it still wont do the job an autoclave will, I used them up to the day I retired beleiving that even the smallest edge I can keep to keep my machines clean would be a positive step. My point was that cleanliness and maintaining sterile equipment should ALWAYS be first priority , and even 25 yrs ago before the big Hep and HIV scares I knew this , any steps to ensure that your equipment is clean and sterile is never wasted and if novices are going to Tattoo without an autoclave they should take EVERY step to do what they can to acheive this

VERY GOOD TOPIC TO BRING UP AND I'LL TELL YOU WHY. I'm not concerning this topic as a tattoo artist of 10 years... not even five. I finished my apprenticeship after a year. NO AMOUNT OF BOOKWORK CAN ADD UP TO BEING APPRENTICED. It is rigorous to say the least. The boot camp of tattooing. HOWEVER.... everyone who worked in my shop as artists of 13 years and more started out in their home. They ARE much better now than they used to be... but who is to say that apprenticing is the ONLY way to learn? What I did is took a 6 month course in Bloodborne Pathogen training at GMBC and a 9 month course in Cross Contamination and Medical Equipment Sterilization. A very helpful topic. A scratcher in my opinion is based ONLY off of the person. Most artists are quick to down a beginner and judge, so to the guy who started this topic... I understand. And how can you blame them? In my 4 SHORT years of shop work I have seen more and more fuck ups by people who think they know what theyre doing. It takes alot more than buying a kit. Well, as far as I am concerned with this topic is try not to forget your roots. I know there are alot of fucks out there for the quick dollar or to get the chicks and popularity... but there are some who appreciate tattooing just not the job. That person is me as well. I have a child and that I love more than anything in the world and you're right. ITS FEAST OR FAMINE!!! Maybe if I didnt have a child, I'd still work in the shop. But there is a realism involved... you ONLY make as much as you do. And if NOONE wants tattoos, you dont eat. Thats not what I want for me or my child. I work full time AND tattoo on then side. I have my training and work in a VERY clean room of the house. I enjoy and appreciate and respect tattooing just as much as the next man, but I also like stability. Tattooing and the JOB tattoo artist, two different worlds. I say as long as he IS using an autoclave PROPERLY, (which he sounds like he does.) do it man. Tell him to continue it, he sounds VERY realistic. This is an art form. One that should be taking more of as a careful procedure than a quick dollar. As long as his precaution preceds his fun, I agree 100% As far as the Huck Spaulding book... I agree with the other guy above.... it's shit. It's like reading on how to perform open heart surgery and then buying a scalpel and a mask and expecting a miracle. Tell him to stick with the artists. And the tattoo skin. No... it's only for show, not for practice. That is mainly used for apprentices to practice STRAIGHT lines with a gun, but it is not AT ALL LIKE REAL SKIN.

This is one of the most thoughtful and honest treatments of this topic I've read...well done everyone. I think my subject line would have read : "Self taught THEN Apprentice" I think it is wise to learn as much as one ethically can while figuring out how to impress a qualified mentor into sharing knowledge. The knee jerk reaction by many pros that: "You can't learn to tattoo from the internet, a video, a book" is very lazy and weak. It ignores the fact that neither can you learn to be a doctor by reading a book, but reading books is nevertheless one of the steps to becoming a doctor... Nothing wrong with doing some independent study to prep your self for the real classroom (apprenticeship). Just my opinion. Again, kudos to everyone.

I never formally apprenticed, and have been a very sucessful tattoo artist for almost ten years now. I run my own shop and keep my artists and piercers on a tight leash when it comes to my blood-borne contamination policies. At one point in my life, I did work out of my house and learned the basics of tattooing through trial and error on my friends (I dont condone this at all). It was a wrong way to start out in the industry, and I learned that lesson the hard way. Ten years later, however, I'm one of the best artists around, by far. Does this mean I'm wrong for remaining in the industry. I don't belive so at all. I belive that the difference between an artist and a scratcher is in the work. Hell, I've seen a shitload of traditionally apprenticed tattoo artists that aren't half as skilled as a couple of self-taught artists I've had come into my shop looking for work. It's all about the art, and the blood-borne prevention. -Versago

Hey Versago...I agree 100%...Props to ya pal...where can we see your work?...TAz...Oh and thanks for posting!!!

i also agree with versigo, I started on my own, and yes by rights in the early days I was a scratcher, but I learned mostly by working on myself, and it was a long road, but I kept at it and kept learning everything I could, now as it stands, I am more knowlegable than most people ive met in the trade, I have literally poured thousands of hours into medical research, and have brought myself to a level in the trade that most people only dream about achieving. and currently I am working out of my home as well. My point here is that while apprentiships are the desired "in" to the industry, it is not the only way, alot of good can be accomplished from being self taught, IF the person has the drive and determination to excell in this trade. as I said, I am working out of my home, but my shop is seperate from my living space, and my shop is an extreemly clean enviroment, I maintain this clean clinical enviroment, because anything less would be sub-par, and I will accept no less than perfect in everything I do that is industry related. I use a Ritter M9 as my main sterilization unit, and I have a pelton and crane as a back up. everything else is sanitized very regularly. to me it is very important to be even more professional than the local shops because of where I am working, and have heard from customers on many occasions on how impressivly clean and professional my shop is, and have had customers tell me that other shops in the area do not take the same care as I. Ultimately it falls upon the tattoist to be everything he can be. anything less is an insult to the industry and the individuals who have helped make it what it has become

Guys, I am a self taught as well. I am a nurse with a boat load of medical course credits and very well versed in blood borne pathogen training, techniques, as well as OSHA requirements, sterile & aseptic techniques. For those who DO NOT have an autoclave nor can afford one - a SAFE and acceptable alternative is single-use disposable tubes and needles. There are more than one way to approach this issue of sterility responsibly. I respect the history of tattooing, the masters - and while an apprenticeship is fine I don't feel EVERYONE can realistically have one. I also am married, have a child at home, attend school full time, and work. I don't have time to wax my mentor's car, run his errands, etc. Thats what I experienced at an early age doing an apprenticeship.

Oh, and this is pretty interesting: http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/06/11/loc_downs11.html

Oh, and this is pretty interesting: http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/06/11/loc_downs11.html

I keep saying it over and over...its not WHERE you tattoo its HOW you tattoo...as long as you are following correct bbc/cross contam proceedures and are Licensed if required...I have no problem at all....its the mutts that work out of their homes that refuse to get licensed that burn my ass...just no excuse...its the LAW!!!...T

The last comment that stands out as really flawed is from Scoobiedoo: "For those who DO NOT have an autoclave nor can afford one - a SAFE and acceptable alternative is single-use disposable tubes and needles. There are more than one way to approach this issue of sterility responsibly." I don't buy that one at all.The premades you are buying may be advertized as sterile, they may even come in pouches with the indicator showing exposure to temperature...but you just can't know that they are truly sterile unless you pack those pre-mades into fresh pouches and sterilize them yourself in an autoclave.... Am I wrong?

BTW, I'm the kind of guy that washes his new underwear before he wears it the first time...

Pressure Cookers do achive full sterilization as I used to grow psychotropic mushrooms, and if the base isn't fully sterilized then you get contaminants. Pressure Cookers are how the bedroom mycologists do it.

Pressure Cookers do achive full sterilization as I used to grow psychotropic mushrooms, and if the base isn't fully sterilized then you get contaminants. Pressure Cookers are how the bedroom mycologists do it.

Pressure Cookers do achive full sterilization as I used to grow psychotropic mushrooms, and if the base isn't fully sterilized then you get contaminants. Pressure Cookers are how the bedroom mycologists do it.

Ok let start with a good pressure cooker can and does get to the temp and pressure to sterilize (250 F, 15psi, for 15min from Journal of American Dental Association) and this is easy to prove with a spore test. I understand that it can’t hurt to re-sterilize needles that are bought sterile, I would use them as I use band-aids without re-treating them. So if you are using new needle each time which is a given, and dispo-tubes what else needs to be sterilized? I am not stupid, I may be a bit ignorant and that is why I ask.

I think if you use all disposable equipment (a waste of money) then go through a reputable source, but most reputable sources won't sell to anyone not licensed or working in a licensed shop. If you go through a reputable source I think disposable is okay at best and the lazy way out. A professional small autoclave can be bought for under 1k brand new and will be a worthwhile investment to any career artist.

Using disposables is not lasy in the least it is a smart thing to do one does not have to worry about cc that way. But other than tubes and needles what normally need to be put through the autoclave if everthing is just thrown away after use?

-Posted Above- "I think that if the person is dedicated to learning EVERYTHING about tattooing including cross contamination and blood borne pathogens, machine maintenance and setup, follows all of the guidelines, works in a CLEAN environment, sterilizes his equipment the proper way, and has the artistic ability, then there is no reason that he shouldn't tattoo. Not everybody has the opportunity to apprentice under a great artist. Sometimes apprenticeships can actually be worse than studying on your own. There are quite a few "artists" out there that have no business taking on an apprentice. This is just my opinion and I don't expect everyone to agree with me, but that's the beauty of this forum. Everyone can express how they feel about a subject and the reader can make an educated decision based on all of the feedback." ________________________________________________________ This is absolutely right, In any type of ART world you are going to find people who think ine way or the other is proper and proper only. There are thousands of great reputable and amazing Tattoo artists that are self taught. Now the term "Scratcher" originally was meant for some weird dude's crazy uncle who does Tattoo's on his dirty kitchen table with a Guitar string or ghetto rigged self made machine. You definately do not want be THAT GUY. But as long as you are reading and rereading everything you can find, fully knowing and understanding you local laws pertaining to certificate or what documentation you need and actually go through the work to obtain it and abide by it, Also being very intimate with sanitary and cleanliness technique. Someone who is considered a "scratcher" will get theirs if you know what I mean, what goes around comes around and his/bad ethic will catch up with them. And also when it comes to the HOLY WORD "AUTOCLAVE" Check different state's laws, alot of states by law only allow Tattoo ARtists to use only Disposible Tubes, Needles, Grips and sometimes even brand new springs, along with making sure that the Machine and the Cord are both protected by plastic. In which case after that, what is really left to be put into an AUTOCLAVE?? nothing. I am self taught, But I make sure every year to update and/or test for a new Blood Born Pathogen safety certificate at a local Red Cross or another state certified station, If I don't have fully disposable everything for every new Tattoo that I do than I make sure to look for a certain shop ( Their are many shops all around that will let an outside artist use their Autoclave for a small fee/) If neither of those two options are available to me, THEN I DO NOT DO THE TATTOO!. I am always honest with my clients, If I am not working out of a shop at the time, I let them know that and I explain my procedure, and make sure they know that I will not be offended if they choose to instead go to a shop to feel more comfortable. Since their are not many artists these days wanting to take on an Apprentice for less than a few thousand dollars plus free labor, It is very hard to come across. I will say that if that particular option is available to you than don not even think twice, TAKE THE APPRENTICESHIP, but beware more than half of the artists wanting to take on an apprentice only want extra cash and you may not get the education you were expecting so do your research and choose someone you can TRUST before you sign a contract with them. Personally I think that most of the Tattoo artists these days brought the " Scratcher Problem " upon themselves by not giving back to the art that has been their for them all these years. I truly believe that It is and will always be the RESPONSIBILITY of every Tattoo artist to eventually take on an apprentice if they want the art to continue and they should go back to doing it the original way of choosing a decent artist who has the will and means to respect the art and in exchange for an apprenticeship the apprentice works for free cleaning all tubes, tips, needles etc. and all teh labor around teh shop for free. That's it, None of this making a kid sign a contract that make sure he pays you thousands of dollars. If you are going to Self Teach yourself, than do it right and don't be an idiot. Every state's laws are different for certification and every state is different in respect. Always be clean, Always be honest, and Always draw as much as you can if not more, and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE on yourself, If you can't put a needle in a decent forming line on your own body than you have no business attepting to put a needle into somebody else. If you are not trained or haven't learned certain techniques yet and somebody brings you a design that you have not attempted yet than be Honest and send them to a shop to get it done. And the biggest and most best piece of advice that can be givin about the art of Tattooing is don't do it cause you think and want to make a bunch of money. Because you probably will not, DO IT, because you love it and have respect and passion for the people who want the art on their bodies. I wasn't fortunate enought to be in an area at the time where any shops were even considering taking on an apprentice but I worked my ass off ten fold to be one because I didn't have a choice! I needed this to be what I did, otherwise I would have killed myself, I need this creative outlet and bond between me and others, I never wanted to be rich or wealthy I just wanted and needed to be able to do what I love and have fun doing it, with the extra perk of traveling and meeting other really cool and great artists and people and be able to make just enough to do what I wanted to do in life, no more. Best.

well if you reallllly think about it,a scratcher began it all,when tattooing first started,the man was a scratcher,,,,wasn't he,somewhere along the line he taught anouther scratcher ,to scratch,,now we have all of us scratchers claiming to be better then each outher,i agree one must learn before tattooing ,but my point is ,that it all began with a scratcher lol.

I totally agree on both sides, i had an apprenticeship a few years back and my master briefly teached me everything he new, being comletely old school and not up to date on new school tattoos and the way things r going now, his type of tattoo were like the 80's taz tattoos. he;s had his business for over 10 years produces great tattoos but i couldnt follow through with my apprenticeship because seriously all i did for 6months was draw new flashes and stencils for him. While i was pretty much teaching my self how to tattoo and educating myself through books, online tattoo sites. i just wish this world was filled with its all bout the money ideal. That was a few years back and still i am not a professional tattoo artist. but i can produce good art. so i think if your questioning urself if u want to be an tattoo artist first u should try to get an apprenticeship. if thats out of the question, only start this dream if its full time and not an hobbie and educate urself completely ins and outs. thanks k

Sorry, but anyone who read the Huck Spaulding book and considered it a solid piece of learning material will probably turn out to be a scratcher. A friend showed me a video or DVD tutorial performed by Huck Jr. or some other Huckster, and I almost got a gut cramp laughing...until I realized how horribly serious the consequences or mass producing that sort of 'learning material' could be.

I have a quasi-on-topic question regarding all of this: I have been trying to find an apprenticeship for the past six years, but I am beginning to question whether or not this is the right route for me. I am currently a full-time psychology major and a full-time Board of Directors member for a local non-profit organization. I spend most of my waking hours studying or working on grant proposals. In other words, working as an apprentice hasn't been feasible for most of my adult life. Furthermore, I want to study tattoo craft soley as an artform-- not as a means of acquiring any sort of financial wealth. Tattoos are a very important part of my cultural background (I'm Micronesian) but the arrival of missionaries damn-near destroyed all traces of its existence. My sister and I have been studying the history of tattooing in our culture since early childhood and have this deep, deep fear that all the knowledge and history will disappear if we can't learn to tattoo-- as no one else has bothered for the last 100-some-odd years. This is not something we want to do for a living, nor is it something we see as a hobby. For us, it is a way of preserving our culture. So, with all that background information, here's my question. How do I study tattoo craft if I am not in it for a career? I've brought it up to artists throughout the Northwest who all seem to say that I'm not in it for the right reason.

Islanesia I know what your saying, I wouldnt mind learning tattooing purely as an art form as opposed to making money, it's so closed I doubt that will ever happen but I dont mind. thats life. I understand where youre coming from though, the only thing is maybe asking around and maybe paying for someone to teach you if you explain your situation. Anyway good luck.

To the original person who asked the question that started this string; it’s not as simple as teaching yourself and starting up a shop, but an apprenticeship is also not a mandate to becoming a tattoo artist. Many, MANY things that happen during a proper apprenticeship can not be learned on your own, and most of those things can not be found on Google either. So, you’re left in a tight spot! For example; Opening your sealed, sterile needle with the same gloves that you touch the actual needle with is NOT OK! Why, because you can spread MSRA that way. And this is not the sort of thing you learn on your own. It's only 1 of 10,000 examples I can give you. The short answer is NO, do not start tattooing without getting some training. The good news is; many small shops are looking for someone to help them. No, you will not get paid, but if you truly love the art, you won’t care. I have financial obligations (much more then a single mortgage) and I love what I do, so much so, that I will gladly do whatever to continue. Take your art (drawing, etc) into these shops. Ask for the owner of the shop, and explain that you can only work one day a week and you will DO WHATEVER is asked of you. In return (once they see you’re serious) they will begin to impart some of the knowledge. You clearly sound like the kind of person I would let in my shop. I turn people away every time a new episode of Miami Ink, London Ink or LA Ink airs, LOL. But, 99% of them have no clue! I will admit this, I started tattooing on my brother and then friends. I was only 14, but I eventually gained an apprenticeship.

I started an apprenticeship many years ago. I was the shop "slave", worked long hours and did not get paid at all! (It was an hour drive one way from home to the shop.) After a couple of weeks, the owner threw a temper tantrum and shut down the shop. A few days later, he offered to teach me everything he knew about tattooing.... if I would sleep with him. I said NO THANKS!!! Since then, I've worked as a veterinary assistant for a number of years, I prepped patients for surgery, and assisted the vet during surgery. At this job I gained knowledge and experience working with an auto-clave sterilizing surgical instruments. I also went to art college for two years, and my drawing skills are solid. So, since I never had a formal apprenticship, am I still considered a scratcher? What the hell was I supposed to do? I have a daughter and a full time job and a mortgage to pay. There's no way that I can afford to be a shop's slave, and there's no way that I would subject myself to being sexually harassed. I run a clean shop, and I stand behind my work. Maybe all of you tattoo artists who have gone throught the whole apprenticeship thing are just scared that someone with more talent is going to come around and put you out of business. I'm so glad for the show LA Ink. Maybe they'll start taking female artists more seriously!!!

i belive that a person can be self taught and great but then so can an aprentice and vice versa about being bad so i dont know exactly what to say on this subject

I'm feeling a little discouraged after going to the recent Tattoo Expo in Mesa. Call me a girl, but some artists and vendors treated me horribly. I left there feeling really sad out of place...I am self taught. I've drawn, doodled and painted pretty much all my life...I never took art classes but I've spent countless hours reading art books and learning to draw what I see. When someone asked if I had taken the bloodborne pathogen standard. I said no and immediately without letting me explain that I ultrasound, autoclave, wash up, glove up, sanitize, wrap my machine etc...she harshly asked if I was trying to kill my friends and family...This woman acted disgusted by even the site of me...I've tattooed for about 4 1/2 months now have only completed about 20 tattoos, which I've been told are better than they have seen some professionals (whom are charging a fee) doing. I haven't asked for any money...I've tattooed my sister,my husband and both of his parents and 2 really close friends and they love my work. I've been asked to work in a shop that hasn't opened yet and won't open until beginning of next year end of this year...I really hope that I'm not a scratcher. I'm really serious about learning. I went straight home from that convention and got online and took the bloodborne pathogen training. I received a 100% on the test and printed up my certificate....I'M READY FOR WHATEVER I HAVE TO DO NEXT....I'm not a poser and I don't appreciate getting treated like one...I do know I need to observe a professional and get an apprenticeship but try paying my $2700.00 mortgage without a paying job. I'm a full time 1st grade teacher with a 6 yr old, 4 yr old and 1 year old and I'm doing the best I can to do what I love, devote time to my family and get in a few hours sleep. I just wish that tattooists (not all of them are like this) weren't so arrogant...

I'm feeling a little discouraged after going to the recent Tattoo Expo in Mesa. Call me a girl, but some artists and vendors treated me horribly. I left there feeling really sad out of place...I am self taught. I've drawn, doodled and painted pretty much all my life...I never took art classes but I've spent countless hours reading art books and learning to draw what I see. When someone asked if I had taken the bloodborne pathogen standard. I said no and immediately without letting me explain that I ultrasound, autoclave, wash up, glove up, sanitize, wrap my machine etc...she harshly asked if I was trying to kill my friends and family...This woman acted disgusted by even the site of me...I've tattooed for about 4 1/2 months now have only completed about 20 tattoos, which I've been told are better than they have seen some professionals (whom are charging a fee) doing. I haven't asked for any money...I've tattooed my sister,my husband and both of his parents and 2 really close friends and they love my work. I've been asked to work in a shop that hasn't opened yet and won't open until beginning of next year end of this year...I really hope that I'm not a scratcher. I'm really serious about learning. I went straight home from that convention and got online and took the bloodborne pathogen training. I received a 100% on the test and printed up my certificate....I'M READY FOR WHATEVER I HAVE TO DO NEXT....I'm not a poser and I don't appreciate getting treated like one...I do know I need to observe a professional and get an apprenticeship but try paying my $2700.00 mortgage without a paying job. I'm a full time 1st grade teacher with a 6 yr old, 4 yr old and 1 year old and I'm doing the best I can to do what I love, devote time to my family and get in a few hours sleep. I just wish that tattooists (not all of them are like this) weren't so arrogant...

Think of it this way - the woman was concerned for the general public. Was she a vendor selling something? In that case, she probably just wanted to make sure you were tattooing safely before using a product with her companies name on it. You had zero business tattooing without having already taken a BBP course. There's no excuse for not knowing better. Sorry. Also, if that's all they were asking and not for shop verification, than they were letting you off pretty easy. As you probably know, some suppliers won't sell to the general public. I tried to order something from one supplier recently and all they required was a scanned copy of my BBP certificate.

The sad part is the artists that were rude probably don't bag their machines or practice safe tattooing.I have seen so many artist talk how people should not do this or that.And while they are talking shit their machine is not bagged and they are picking up a bottle of ink with dirty gloves.It seems a little fame causes carelessness with many artists.I have seen many famous artists with absolutely gross machines and would not get tattooed by them no matter how good or famous they are.Yet they think you are the nobody.So clean all of your equip no matter who you are.Rockstar or scratcher.You can take first aid,cpr,anatomy and physiology,preventing disease transmission,bloodborne pathogens,and any of the (Tattoo like me)seminars and none of them teach you how to be clean and clean your equip!I think I am going to jump on the bandwagon of today and put out an audio-cassette with flash cards on how to be clean or a Tattoo Clean and Safe Seminar.It sucks but it is true and you know it.Go look at your machines.Machines are just an example,everything should be clean at all times!

Yup, tons of hypocracy in this idustry and people who think they are above the rules. Hell, some of the biggest names don't even remember the rules because their "shop bitches" are the ones who have to deal with all of that. Fuck everyone else though. Do what you do the best that you can.

i can't believe no artist has come on here yet and pandered their holier than thou bullshit all over everyone. seriously....I'm taken back in awe and congratulations are in order for everyone for not yet being douches.

Well there wasn't much douchebaggery but there was a little.

Do you know me, because it sounds like you are describing me. I have a Mickey Sharpz machine, Superior machine, a ton of flash and about 10 pieces of practice skin. I am in a job i hate and would love to go and do an apprenticeship but due to mortgage commitments and other bills i have to pay, i just can afford to! However, i have come up with a cunning plan, get signed off sick! That way i still get paid from my current job and would also free up my days to go do an apprenticeship and i can also go do it for free. Although, getting signed off sick is only gonna get me, at the most about 6 months worth of apprenticeship, but its a start! I will be speaking with some local artists soon. Or if anyone can help, that would be great! Thanks

Ok, 1st of all I worked in a hospital in the sterile tech room. We used chemical gas sterilization. If you dropped the gas canister on the floor say goodbye to your life in 15 seconds.! Bloodborn pathogens are no joke but remember the difference between the pride of doing it old school way is only undermined by the fact that hospitals do not use steam based autoclaves anymore should tell you the average fuck up rate of reusable needles? Disposables are the best when thinking about your customers safety b/c you have 100% safe. Skill, education, dedication, and safety. This is what the tattoo pro and beginner should bring to the table with no consensus. Being biased between beginner and pro is like saying a doctor was born that way b/c he likes blood? No sense, your both in the biz, but be real with the advantage disposables do bring and offer. And if that's being lazy then I guess the customer who never complains is the best service of all...

WHAT? First, steam is THE best way of sterilization when it comes to tattooing. FACT. Second, re-using needles is a practice that, if anyone does today, they should have their hands amputated by way of chainsaw. That is not even an option today. Are you even being serious?

I don't see why a self taught tattoo artist can't make just as good of a career as an apprenticed artist. Really what can't you learn in books or on the internet? And really, flash art sucks. Lets face it. Nobody needs to adopt Don Ed Hardy's style to gain extreme technical skill with a tattoo machine. That comes from practice, not being in the scene or doing certain kinds of work.

i know personaly 3 great tattooists within the uk that started out alone and lead a very comfortable life from what they earn i seen somewhere where someone bitched on about making stencils and drawing flash for 6 months ..... 6 months is that it people who think they can just jump straight into a shop and do a little flash and then start inking people are insane ive also seen alot of mention on autoclaves but not much mention on what guys do before autoclaving do you scrub your tubes and gribs and ultrasonic then for 30 mins in something like rapidex before claving what claves do you use vacum or non vacum i buy my needles from powerline uk and a habit i have got into is to autoclave them before use to be 100% sure they are sterile everything like grips tubes and tips get scrubbed after use and claved and claved again before there used again maybes over kill but i paid alot of money for my clave and pay alot to have it serviced and certified every year and like to get my moneys worth out of it i would never forgive myself if someone got a serious infection due to my negligence excuse my spelling again H

It seems the overwhelming majority of folks in the industry favor the apprenticeship. This makes a lot of sense, but I feel it misses a couple of points. The first is the assumption that if you are good enough, and persistent enough, eventually you will find yourself an apprenticeship. Let me say from my personal experience this just isn't the case. Where I live now there seems to be new studios appearing on every second block (kinda like starbucks!) but the opportunities for apprenticeships seem fewer and further between. I'm a guy in my 30s, have been a freelance designer and illustrator for much of my working life, have created a s**tload of flash, I am quite heavily tattooed myself and have made many friends in the industry but have had little luck finding anyone willing to mentor me. Maybe if I was a nubile 18yo chick, or is that just the cynic in me? The other thing is I wonder what the incentive for artists to take on apprentices is? Just having someone to do the scrubbing and sweeping? Seriously, I don't really think thats a common motivator, but I do wonder what is. Does it make good business sense in a competitive industry to teach somebody how to potentially be your next competitor? As for the argument that the only way to learn proper technique is from a professional, doesn't that depend on the professional in question, how and from who they themselves learned? What if they were "scratchers" in their day, or worse were mentored by a hack with bad habits? The amount of seriously average and below average work still being conducted in some studios these days makes me suspect this may be the truth. I plan to practice for a long time with good solid equipment and get used to things before I put needle to skin. When I do, it will be on myself until I feel confident. I will continue to seek an apprenticeship, but if it doesn't happen I'm willing to teach myself. I understand the responsibility involved, both in terms of public health awareness ( I know a lot about blood borne pathogens and infection, will only ever use sterile, disposable tubes and grips etc regardless of access to an autoclave) but also the responsibility of permanently marking another persons body. I take none of this lightly. If this still makes me a "scratcher" then so be it, but I will be one only one reluctantly.

.....and the debate rages on. Ups and downs to both sides of the argument. As far as not going the traditional route, you'll never get the respect of those that have.....BULL. I went the traditional route for what that was worth, but respect the hell out of some artists that are self taught such as Paul Acker and Douglas Billion......scratchers? I think not!

some of the best artists out there are "scratchers" self taught. this day and age, its near impossible to get an apprenticeship due to the whole, foe issue, in england tattooists dont seem willing to want to teach the trade how else are some to learn it. Im in that position my self, cant afford to do an apprenticeship but i have tried to gain one, i have ink, spent hours apon hours with a tattooist with my own drawings (still only on paper) learnt loads but never been taken under their wings, yet they are happy to tattoo my designs on people. personally if some one can draw, shade, and has general interest, and persistence to do it, will always have the same respect for tattooing, the career chooses the person not the person choosing the career in this case imo. Me ill be going down the self taught, but asking many questions when my tattoos are being done and learn as long as it takes and continue to work in the shit corporate world untill i am good enough to call my self a tattooist. Not a designer.

an artical i just read states and i quote : today many state legislators are looking for a way to update antiquated health codes, licensing processes and fee collection methods. Oregon has initituted a policy requiring a course of study at a licensed or accredited school, approved by the board of education, before issuing oregon residents a licence to tattoo. there are twenty such schools teaching in oregon. here's the link http://www.tattooarchive.com/history/tattoo_schools.htm i have started an apprenticship with an indavidual but lost my job in dec. and wasn't able to pay for the lessons anymore so i've been using what i've learned and tryed to expand on it i have been researching going to a school due to the fact i have 2 kids a morgage a car payment and other everyday bills that wont allow me to not get paid to work for a yr. when i came upon this artical thought you guys might be interested

Well, I've been reading this debate pretty intently, and firstly am impressed with the amount of tattooers out there who are treating the so called Scratchers with civility. There's hope after all, lol. I myself was scratching out of my pad for 2 yrs. I started out researching absolutely everything I could on proper procedure on everything from tattooing technique, to proper sterilization techniques. If I could bring an Ohio board of health official to my house to inspect it, I wouldn't passed with flying colors. But that's not what I want to touch base on here. I spoke with a buddy of mine who works in a shop across state lines, and over a period of a few months picked his brain and learned alot of the stuff that you just can't learn from a book. Afte talking to him though, I realized that going this route of teaching myself wasn't going to cut it. I then put down the needle and ink, and while I went on the search for an apprenticeship, I studied machine building and continued my research on tattooing techniques. After not having done a single tattoo for about 8 months, I was walking out of a gas station one day and this lady and her husband were waiting for me. They asked me who did the wok on my arm. It was sub par to be sure. But it was a whole sleeve, and was entirely done by myself. This is what I told them, and ten proceeded to tell them my story. They immediately told me to come in to their tattoo shop the next week, and when I went in, I was offered a full time apprenticeship for no cost. I've been doing my apprenticeship with these guys for the last 7 months, have been learning redicilous amounts of info that you just can't pick up a book and learn, and I'm also making amazing contacts and building relationships with other shops and tattooers all over the country, by going to conventions whenever possible with my shop. I am also the shop's machine rebuild/repair guy, and have accounts with all of the major machine builders in the country, using the best parts available to me, until I can get back into a machine shop and build my own frames and turn my own screws again. I have gained a ton of respect since I began my apprenticeship, but more importantly, I have built a whole NEW respect for the tattoo industry as a whole. I've always loved everything about tattooing, and no matter where I end up in the business I will still never forget where I came from. Now in my humble opinion, I will say this. I think that self taught artists are great. I encourage anyone aspiring to thrive In this business to start out by doing the research and learning as much as you can, and do whatever it takes to get where you wanna go. But know this. There are alot of self taught artists out there who have been tattooing for years upon years. One day they decide that they want to be called a professional tattooer. They come into a shop with a portfolio a breakdown of their history as a tattooer, and even a speech prepared for how and why they would be an asset to the shop. It comes up that they've never worked in a shop before and they were never formally apprenticed. Unfortunately the chances are, that even though you've been in your kitchen for years tattooing, the way that alot of shops are today, you're still gonna have to do an apprenticeship in order to be able to be called a professional. And that's even if a shop will take you on at that point. Because that's X amount of years that you've been tattooing, that they'll have to break you out of, to get rid of whatever bad habits you may have. And that's even IF they decide to take you on. In my opinion, there should be some kind of midpoint between being self taught and apprenticed, that the two should meet. If it's a crapshoot when you go out on that first hunt for an apprenticeship, what you should do is go home, do as much research as you can for however long is nessecary, and build up your skill. Find some angle in tattooing that you can latch onto and excel at. Build something that you can have and use as ammo to blow away any shop you go into the next time you go out looking for that apprenticeship. Give them a REASON to want to take you on and mentor you, instead of a freshly wet behind the ears 18 yr old kid that just watched LA Ink for two weeks straight and decided they've found their career. It's obviously not a garuntee, but it always helps to have an edge no matter what your doing. I honestly do think that a formal apprenticeship is the way to go in this industry. Of course there are your self taught legends in the biz that have been around forever and have extraordinary talent, but I garuntee you that they had to fight tooth and nail for every ounce of respect that they've amassed. And for every self taught artist in the biz that's made it successfully, there's 1,000 that won't do anything outside of operating in their house. They won't go on to work in. Shop, let alone own one of their own, and they'll never be able to get that respect that every tattooer wants after doing it for so long, as validation for their lifes work. It sucks I know, and personally I do think it's wrong, but that's really just the way that it is. Tattooing is soaked in tradition. Being taught by an older tattooer and having him pass down his wisdom to you, is part of that tradition. The Internet and everything that is so readily available for anyone to just reach out and grab, so they can learn for themselves everything that's take so many people before them so much sweat and hard work, and sometimes blood, has thinned out, or diluted the tradition that so many people love so much about tattooing, the mystique of the tattoo artist, and the process as a whole. So many people frown on the self taught toad, not to be arrogant, but because they feel like something is being taken away from the business that they love and had to work so hard themselves to be a part of, and the fact that somebody can pick up a pc now and just learn how to tattoo, kind of cheapens what they had to go through. Personally I never would have learned so much and developed such a sense of tradition in what I was doing if I hadn't gotten my apprenticeship. If making money is your only concern(and I wouldn't blame you if it were in this day and age), then go about it whichever way you choose. Me, I want to be a part of that tradition, and a hard working motherfucker at that, trying to keep that tradition alive. Sorry to go on n on, -K1.

It's great to see this discussion going in the direction it is. Some of the best in the world are self taught "scratchers". Here in PA the most vocal scratcher bashers just happen to be someone that NEVER did a proper apprenticeship (hanging around a shop doesn't count), and his wife, but yet proclaims that he did. He also tattooed out of his house and did tattoo parties for almost 5 years, even when working in a shop continued to tattoo at home. Almost every time you see a discussion come up about scratchers, one or both of them start ranting and bashing.....R U SERIOUS!?!?!?!?! I guess the thought process is that if you constantly bash others it will make people think that you are different, when you really are worse than the ones you bitch about. You can respect people that worked hard to get where they are, but when they trash talk anyone else who went the same route as they did, they don't deserve any respect.

I found this a very interesting topic. I cant understand why everybody is classed a scratcher for being self taught. It annoys me when tattoo artists who have been in the industry for years deem people scratchers when they themselves are most likely self taught! and if they are not self taught then I bet there tutors were. I thought that tattooists of all people would know not to judge a book by its cover! If you don't have the ambition to learn by yourself then you will only ever be as good as your tutors. For an artist tattooing is another medium that can be learnt whether it is through an apprenticeship or working damn hard doing your research, using a bit of common sense and making sure you are not putting anybody at risk. I can understand how tattoo artists get annoyed at how people who cannot even draw expect to be able to tattoo. If you cant do it on paper, what makes you think you can do it on skin? These people are scratchers....people who cannot properly opperate and handle a tattoo machine, hense the name scratcher. But if you can learn to use a tattoo machine properly and well by yourself then how can you be a scratcher?