apprentice

i have a few questions about bieng an apprentice, or even becoming one, i have a portfolio, but what is the best way to get started? can you work at a parlor before your 18? i have wanted to be a tattoo artist since i was 10, and i have stuck by that, but where do i go from here? i went to a parlor the other day and the guy talked to my brother and he hooked me up with an inteview...i walked in and the guy looked at me and said "your a girl" and laughed at me. brandon bond has told me i could be his apprentice but man, thats 5 grand i dont have.

Travel and get tattooed by the best you can afford. Draw your ass off so when you show the folks tattooing you your work, they take you on or if they dont, take their critiques seriously and improve where you can. Can I see some examples of your artwork?