I need a Tattoo aprenticeship

I've been trying to learn how to Tattoo but I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong, Everybody I know wants a tattoo from me and they end up getting someone else to put on something I drew. I bought all my own equipment over a year ago, read a book and watched a video to try and learn. But the hands on experience from a professional is what I need. I know your supposed to hang out a lot and bug the artist but its not my thing to be annoying. If any Tattoo artist in Austin would be willing to look at my work and give me a chance I'll give it all I got.

hey brian a good way to get in to a shop is go to the best guy in town and get tattooed by him.show him your comitted to your goals. be humble put together an art portfolio of all your drawings ,paintings , draw ten sheets of flash that would be tattooable images ,line drawings and coloerd versions these are some ways you can show that you are serious about learning and maybe someone out there will give you a shot.im tired of hearing guys say i want to learn to tattoo but dont show any commitment or that they are willing to put time and effort into learning.you will learn with every tattoo you get.and if you can bust out a nice set of flash, that shows your in the ball park.buy inkets to practice on instead of hacking up your friends.just because you can draw does not make one a tattoo artist.learn about machines learn about line wait needle sizes wip shading verses washes .color theory contrast in black and grey tecture on objects reflective light sources.the learning never stops and the more you can show on paper the more someone will take you seriuosly.so what it comes down to is you have to bring something to the table to be considered worthy to learn.at least thats what i think.PORTFOLIO SHOW THEM WHAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OFF.

P.S.good luck dont be affraid to ask about apprentiships worst they can say is no.you wont know till you try and face to face is better than wasting time on a forum.and if your getting tattooed by the artist and asking questions its not annoying because your paying for his time.get it