It's not supposed to be like this

Maybe Ive been putting tattooing up on a pedestool, maybe Ive been drowning myself in my addiction for ink. I've spent the last fourteen years of my life envolped in this world, made it me, but lately I've found myself shut out, and I'm the one whos closed the door. I gave up so many things to pursue my dreams, countless realationships, and a life outside just so I could do what I thought I wanted. Now I own my own shop, I work day and night, but for what customers, that don't appreciate art, can't even take care of a tattoo, I mean how hard is it to follow simple instructions, its fucking written down. The only thing people want is a hook-up on free tattoos no one gives a shit about me other wise. I used to live for this, I just get up in the morning hopeing that someone will find their way to me that feels the way I used to so I can feel again. I baised my whole life for this, its not supposed to be like this. I used to have a fire inside, some passion, I don't know what happend. Taz If you read this, maybe you can help me, maybe its just a phase but I can't go on like this, please help.

Skittlez I am sending you a private e-mail...TAz

ditto i too sent ya a privvy e mail

Thanx guys

Love ya kid!

To all you hard workin artists out there...We ALL get to feelin this way sometimes...dealin with all the people who you put a great tattoo on and they end up ruining it because they just will not listen ( and then blame you), the people who act like they are your best friend to get a free or cheap tattoo (and then talk shit about you when they don't get something for free), the people with the " garage sale mentality" who try to whittle down your prices...yeah they suck...they suck a lot ...and that can wear on your soul and make ya wish you were an insurance salesman or something...But then there are the clients who really appreciate you and realize the heart and soul you put into your work....just one good client wipes away all the negativity of the assholes..... But how do ya deal with the creeps and the wannabes...the cheap fucks and the at home experts and even at times the shady backstabbin punks you find yourself workin with from time to time? Well ya just gotta sit back, take a deep breath and think about those people out there who will be wearin your ink for the rest of their lives and wearing it proudly...the clients who walk out your door smilin and cheesin cause they loved what ya just did for them and ya know they are gonna tell all their friends to come to you. When it comes down to it this art of ours can be seriously vexing at times but that makes the good experiences just that much sweeter! Skittlez...we love ya baby and we are here for ya....you are a lady who worked hard and set yourself apart from the crowd in a mans world and you have somethin to be proud of......We are proud of you and I am proud to call you SISTER! Now get yer ass in gear and clean somethin kid!! You got a shop to run!!!...See ya !!!....TAz

"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet" Matthew 7:06)

skittlez sometimes i feel like that, sometimes for weeks at a time. but then i give someone thier first tattoo and watch them stare at it and it's a great feeling. that always makes me feel better. then when i get a new tat myself it always makes me feel all good inside. maybe you should go out and get some new ink.

Hey Man, I am not a tattoo artist, but I am a tattoo recipient, and an artist as well. Just wanted to say, if you ever get feeling that way, just remember there are people like me, like taz said, that are walking around totally proud because I'm wearing a piece of art that defines me in a way that I never was before. I took a leap of faith in myself, and my artist, and now I'm more complete in some way, more proud of myself in some way, and in some way, more of an individual than I ever was before. All because of you, and guys like you. In a lot of cases, you bring out the best in people. You make them feel proud. You make them feel beautiful, maybe confident, or recharged with their self image. Maybe tough. Maybe reborn. I can think of very, very few jobs that come with perks like that. Remember that, and the gratitude of people who are proud of their art like me, and hopefully that'll get ya through it!

ok now its my turn.

Oh No its NOT!!!

Yall are goin to make me cry

dont give up babe, I have been in the trade a long time, and i know it can have its heartaches, I went through a very simular thing maybe 10 yrs ago, I actually did close the doors. IT WAS THE BIGGEST REGRET OF MY LIFE. I closed up and sold everything, and took a 9-5. A couple years later when i realized what I had done I hated myself for giving up, so after beating myself up, I started re-upping on equipment, I had forgotten what was involved with getting started again, and like a schmuk had to buy everything all over again. as it stands I will never quit again, I will do this till I die. and hopefully my kids will pick up where I left off. If you need a break, take one, go on a extended vacation, and get away from that which is causing you grief. BUT DO NOT SELL OUT OR QUIT COMPLETELY, the world of tattooing is much better off with you in it.

Hi there, We never met, but I just wanted to chime in too, I'm a young woman just starting out, and I hope with hard work to one day to achieve what you have. I know it's hard, every day people come in and don't appreciate the art you're trying to provide. It means so much to me, and it does get me down to see people disrespect tattoos, the industry, their artists, themselves, all that. But don't let those people take from you, try to focus on the customers that you make a difference to, the people who love your art and wear it proudly for the rest of their lives, I'm sure that's what made you love tattooing in the first place. Seems like you have friends here, others in the industry who care, and that's a great success to me.....

Hey I wanted to say thanks to everyone for thier support, I've gotten off my "pitty-pot" amd I'm back w/ a vengance and a very clean shop, (Taz), I guess when your down you can't see the good till you want to, thanks for the reminders. sinfully, skittlez

Happy for ya toots!! Ya got uncle TAzs' number and you call me anytime at all.....

TAZ: xxxoooxxxooo

Right back atcha! (just don't tell the TAzettes!!)

good for u

im done see ya all

DUDE thats rough just keep tryin