I need help... convention has me shook up.

Ok, my name is Halo and I work for Positive Image Tattoos in Baltimore, MD. I worked out of my house with my kit like almost every other "scratcher" out there. Apprenticeships are hard to get and they ARE. I went to EVERY SHOP IN BALTIMORE and was turned down. Finally, after a decent drawing portfolio, and tattoo portfolio, Positive Image gave me the chance of a lifetime. Im not glorifying being a scratcher... I just remember the past and at one point I wasnt here. I had finished my apprenticeship of one year, doing everything, I took college courses for Bloodborne pathogen training and know alot and reasearch alot about cross contamination. I also would like to consider myself a formidable artist of only two years. Im nowhere near the best or as good as Id like to be... but I think Im pretty good. Ive been tattooing a measly 2 years... but in that two years Ive learned so much and gained so much knowledge. THE TATTOO WORLD IS A VERY BIG WORLD. I love what I do... and I look up to a couple of artists such as William Webb, Bob Tyrell, Guy Aitchison, Tony Ciavaroo, Joe Capobianco, and Deano Cook. Heres my dilemma... Inkslingers Ball in Hollywood, California. My boss signed up to go... and out of everyone here... he wanted me to go with him. He says that I amaze him and that Ill do great. But Im scared shitless. Ive been to conventions... but to tattoo there... its like dancing in front of Usher, or playing in a band with Van Halen. Is this supposed to make u feel small at first? If at all possible, I want straight, honest answers, not bullshit. This is my career, and I like to hear what others felt. Yeah, 2 years isnt a long time, but at one point in your life, YOU too had only tattooed for two years. Thank you and I appreciate your time. Halo

Halo you are gonna do fine!!!...After the first one it comes easy...listen to your boss...its probably the best thing you could do at this point...network make friends and ENJOY....You will do GREAT!!!...Make sure and let us know how things went !!!...TAz

the shop i work in is working inkslingers this year too. well anyway there was a convention in england last year and it was between me and tony to decide which one of us worked it, both about the same level and experience, two years. i knew straight away i didnt want to do it and tony decided to. let me tell you he was shitting himself. to cut a long story short his first tattoo came along and he got stuck into it, it was clear he was nervous but he did it and after he,d done his first one he was fine, it was as if he had to get one out of the way to calm his nerves. so anyway he got his tattoos and pictures of himself in loads of magazines and i was gutted i had not taken the opportunity myself, so i guess im saying go for it! youre bound to be nervous at first but after youve done this convention the next one will be easier and so on, your boss obviously thinks your up to it! well anyway go for it and GOOD LUCK! let us know how it goes. oh ps what is the name of your shop? i,ll come over and say hello. (if you were,nt nervous before, you are now.... only joking!).

Good luck Halo!

Halo, go and kick ass. And make sure you dont screw up cause everyone will laugh at you. :-P