Artists Input

I'm lookin for some artists input on an idea i'm contemplating. I'm an engineering student and I've got about 2 years of school left. I have no longing to be an engineer, it's never been a dream of mine but I graduated from highschool with honors and of course the money is kick ass. I was at the very top of my class and my family expected great things of me so I went for the engineering thing. That being said I hate it. I was born with a pencil in my hand and art in general is the one and only thing that i was always better than everyone else at. So I'm contemplating dropping the whole school thing, 3 years of hard work and dissapointing everyone that ever believed in me. I wan't to push my talents to the ultimate limit and try to become one of the best tattoo artists this world has ever seen. I want to drop everything I've worked so hard for and chase a dream that plays out in the back of my mind every day. I'm wondering if theres anyone out there who's ever been in the same boat. The idea of giving it all up frightens the shit out of me so I'm looking for an artist who's been in the same boat. I wanna hear from someone who's been there. Is it worth it? Why do you tattoo? is it the freedom, the flexibility, the money? or is it something more? Why do you all do it? Is it worth spending a lifetime doing even if you are capable of great heights in other careers?

I tattoo because if I did not.........I would die. Maybe not physically die.....but the spark inside me....if tattooing is an obsession for you.......if you look at a piece of art and the first thought in yer head is...."I have to tattoo that on someone" if you wake up in the morning and go to bed in the evenings thinking tattoo..........if you think about tattooiing before you think about eating or screwing..........then look for an apprenticeship.......pursue your dream...........if that does not sound like your thing ......continue to do art and be satisfied with that........

I know you said you hate it, but having some degree in engineering would be an awesome fall back plan. And not to mention with an apprenticeship you will most likely be paying and if not you still wont be making any money during your apprenticeship. I would say as far into engineering as you are to finish it. And then maybe do that partially, if not to pay for an apprenticeship, at least to pay bills. It sounds like your mind is set right to tattoo, but even as good as you think your art work is you should try to find some flaw to correct, or some way to draw it faster. Always look to improve. And for the next two dreadful years of engineering BS, your drawings can be your little glimpse of your dream. Be patient. And if things dont work out, youll have an awesome career set up. I personally would like to see some of your art if you have any you could post. Good luck.

I'm definitely one for following dreams. While I don't actually tattoo myself I quit my "real job" to come work at Off the Map and TattooNOW as a manager. It was scarey as shit, however I still work at the other job and it's there as fall back, because I guess you never know. Needless to say, my thoughts are finish school, and while you're in school draw/paint/trace your ass off. Research tattoos, get tattooed, prepare yourself for an apprenticeship and get informed. As much as following dreams is amazing, liberating, exhileration and many other things, it's also good to be realistic about fall back plans, and unforunately in some ways it does come down to paying the bills. So do it, but do it right! GOOD LUCK!

doesn't make alot of sense to throw away the money,sweat and tears you've spent in school to throw it away. tattooing isn't going anywhere man. do both. finish school you'll regret it if you quit (i do) i love tattooing as well and i can't imagine not tattooing. but i'd also love to be able to have a back up career as lucrative as engineering to fall back on. be patient, finish school(maybe even take some art classes) and prepare yourself for your apprenticeship after you finish school. a nice art portfolio doesn't just magicly appear so it'll take time to create just to FIND an apprenticeship. don't be foolish, alot of people would kill to be able to get the education you're getting. take advantage of it,THEN chase your dream of tattooing. skin isn't goin out of style bro