Apprenticeship? How...

I was just wondering what in your honest opinion is the best way to get set up with one. Im currently an Art major and a Junior status, so I do have some fine arts under my belt, and I'm mucho talented or so Ive been told (dont like to toot my own horn.) Ive already talked to several guys who said they were very much interested in my artistic abilities but Im not the type to force myself on someone and come off as offensive. Im very much interested in making it a new portal for an artistic outlet, what should I do to get my foot in the door? There are several reputable businesses in my area how do I get out there and be seen other than just bustin in with my portfolio everyday. Ive heard become a customer and I have at one business but he does need any other guys workin at the shop. What should I do. David Carlson

Its a tough business to break into. I am not a tattoo artist, but heres my perspective on breaking into any art related biz (they are all tough to get into). coupla quick things (you could write a book). Always cultivate your art. You may be good, or even fantastic, but you can *always* get better. Art is the name of the game anyways, and regardless of where you work/ what you do for a living, always make time to feed your art. Its the important part. Keep yer ears open, listen, and learn. Dont be pushy, but dont back down. If someone has something you want, politely ask them for it. dont get it? Politely ask them what you need to do to get it. Them work your ass off to do it. Dont stop bugging someone unless they tell you to, and ask them when they would like you to stop bugging them. If your personable and honest, they probably wont ever. Persistance (but polite persistance) is necessary to break into anything. Meet lots of people, and network. its a pretty social business. You will need to talk to lots of people all the time to build a good clientell, and the more honest cool folks you talk to, the better your chances of getting yer chance are. If I were to break it down to one thing you must do its this... Work hard to hone your art until its so damn good a studio would be stupid not to take you on.

First of all that fine arts major bull shit is not gonna get you anything but being called an art fag ! Tattoo shop owners dont care if you can put together a nude self mossaic . what they want is a hard worker ! a person who will sweep the floors ! Who will clean the toilets ! Fold paper towels ! all the shit that tattoo guys are too lazy to do ! you go in to any shop and ask if you can sweep their floors you might get a good resposnse stop with the oils and acyrlics start with drawing roses and panthers etc thats what they look for not some fancy degree also unlearn what you learned and be a bitch boy for a year or so and it will all pay off in the end oh and being a pest is a good thing they want to see how bad you want it