Just needed to be said!!

Posted by Pinstrcuk from IP: 68.55.182.122 on 01/23/06 Maryland This is something that you shouldn't have to ask...but because you are, it's telling me that you are either a scratcher or even worse, that you are a scratcher! Learn about your tools before you try using them on someone. People like you should not be tattooing. top of page RE:Tattoo machine get too hot Posted by Sayaphsy from IP: 142.161.169.177 on 01/31/06 canada Wow people are not friendly here at all. they act like they were born with all this tattoo skill and asking questions about it goes against being a tattooist. Sad world we live in. Hope they die out with the dinosaurs. top of page RE:Tattoo machine get too hot Posted by [email removed] from IP: 130.36.27.120 on 02/01/06 Pickerington Ohio You know pinhead (Pinstrcuk) or whatever they call you, I only ask so that I can learn! There was a time that the only way to learn was to have someone teach you there in person, well welcome to the modern age, where it I have a question I don't have to rely on one "teacher" I can get the answers I seek from many people that are not afraid to share their knowledge. I am too old to put up with the bullsh*t that SOB's like you would put an apprentice through, and I know about the health concerns as I have been working as a chemist/microbiologist for 25 years, and that is why I use my autoclave to be sure thing are sterile. I have been very pleased with the work I have done and so is the guy that they were done on, ME! So pinhead take your machine and sit on it. Some teachers really enjoy sharing the knowledge they have learn over the years and don't require someone to be their slave in trade. I have read where all the "pinheads" put down this or that machine but no one give any reason why or is just because anyone can buy them that wants too, and that of coarse makes them bad. OK what is wrong with Spaulding machines are they bad because they are bad or just because he sell to any one. What makes one any better than another. Lets here some good reason other than if it cost more its better. On that same note someone please take the time to explain to me what the differences between a good liner and a good shader and what makes them good top of page RE:Tattoo machine get too hot Posted by [email removed] from IP: 130.36.27.120 on 02/01/06 Wow now I feel so much better to know that if you put carbon steel needles in an autoclave it will oxidze them and creat Clostridium tetani, the bacteria that causes tetanus. And here I thought that an autoclave killed all "germs". What ever would that trained tattooist do if he knew that iron oxide is a pigment used in tattoo ink. Maybe he should go back to microbiology 101!!

They deleted my post! Guess I was just too RIGHT! Too many of you afraid of the modern way that knowledge is SHARED!!

this website gets close to a million unique visits a month certainly TattooNow and the artists and fans whose work and thoughts are seen here are NOT afriad of the way knowledge is shared in the *modern* world BUT you simply can NOT learn to tattoo on the internet you cant learn to cut hair or extract teeth and you know I never learned to paint "happy little trees" either no matter how many times i watched the dumb show on that great modern intvention to share knowledge last century: the TV this is NOT the place to learn we can be polite we can be rude but in the end there is only the truth get an apprenticship if you wanna learn to tattoo . . . and embrace patience the end

No sir, you we're not right. Read the first admin post, this is NOT the place to learn to tattoo or talk about the technical aspects of tattooing. If you feel this strongly about it, go start up tattoo-e-mentor.com and talk all you want.

HAVE A NICE DAY AND RELAX, IM SURE YOU DIDNT KNOW HOW TO WALK WHEN YOU WERE BORN...EVERYONE HAS AND HAD TO LEARN INCLUDING YOU!! SO LIGHTEN UP AND ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR DAY..PEACE XX P.S AND MISS KNOW IT ALL (JOKE) YOUR ADVICE PLEASE, I HAVE A TRIBAL TATTOO ON MY SHOULDER THAT I HATE AND WANT COVERED, IS THAT A GOOD IDEA DO YOU THINK? IM REALLY WORRIED YOU'LL BE ABLE TO SEE THE FIRST ONE THROUGH OR THAT IT WILL LOOK WORSE THAN THE FIRST ONE, DO YOU KNOW OF ANY GREAT TATTOOISTS IN LONDON? THANX

You know, I have been reading alot of these entries on this whole site and all of you guys do tend to bash the smaller guys trying to start up. I know that the "right" way of doing this is to be an apprentice, but god damn, didn't any you people start out on your buddies or just give yourself a tattoo when you got started? There is no way that every single person on here started out the textbook way. You know I agree with most of you people on that there is a lot of stuff to learn about the business, but give us beginners a break. There isn't someone looking for an apprentice everywhere ya know.

You know what being it seems that my thread was erased about the proper needle size to use to color a tattoo, which by the way is rude and so is this thread...I needed an experts advice...ive done the video learning, ive done the book learning, not everyone has the time or the money to go and do an internship and well i live in MS so there isnt many tat. shops open anymore,...hello this is something I want to do and be good at..and it takes time and patience...i finished the tattoo off with a 14round going with the needle at 1/16th for the coloring and it came out awesome until it started to heal and now the red is turning into a pink color..i used scream in ferrari red and added a few drops of superiors red hot..I would appreciate any help if that isnt to much to ask..im simply asking for advice not a teaching lesson..thanks

i am not opposed to sharing infomation with people wishing to learn....but i have several problems with manufacturers selling to non professionals and tv and the internet creating instatattooers overnight.....the point is....there was a time when you couldnt buy equipment over the internet...you made your equipment or was handed it down from your mentor....along with the internet...alot of tradition was lost....and the tattoo industry is being flooded with people who arent the breed of person worthy to tattoo...any jerkoff with a tribal tattoo can watch inked or miami ink and purchase cheap machines and scar the shit outta thier drunk friends....when your a tattoo artist...its your lifes blood...i couldnt live without tattooing...i thrive on it...so yeah...myself and other serious artists are a little leary on newcomers....i was a newcomer once also....but things were different then....i had to claw my way into the industry...learn the hard way....but that built an appreciation for tattooing that you just dont get when modern technology gives you the answers so easily....its easy to look at veterans like were nasty or not willing to share info....but when your fighting off the hoardes of scratchers that give your lifes work a bad name....its hard to stop swinging the sword and realize that there are a few that deserve the knowledge and tradition.....i will always show respect to the manufacturers that dont sell to the general public....and tho the internet is a good source of knowledge...certain things should be left to learn the old fashioned way

Well when there is someone who wants to learn the trade the right way but is only able to do it on thier own. Because well lets see i have kids, my husband leaves for the desert every six months, o yeah and I dont have the money that some artists ask to even stand by in there shop, nor am i going to be someones little lap dog. A little advice when asked wouldnt be a crime especially when i about coloring i did not want to do damage on him,come to find out the 14round worked well but it seems the ink is shit(superior) the red came out looking pink..so I bought stable ink that only sells to professionals so there..i just needed some advice from a person whos been in the field and knows more than I do..maybe if the tattoo industry was more willing to except people into thier circle and give people a chance to learn there wouldnt be what you call "scabbers" out there.

Isn't what life's about is sharing our information for the next? What's the point of having knowledge and experience if you can't/won't share it? I have been if Gulfport, are things coming back up?

No I have to honestly say not a damn thing is really being down. After six months theres still tons of debris and household goods every where. Our beautiful coast was totally wiped out and we just recently got the chance to go down there and its just horrible and in a sense amazing what a hurricane can do. It just doesnt exsist anymore all the resturants, casinos, hotels and beautiful homes just gone!

hey liz, I've had pretty good luck with the superior ink. The red is a little wierd though. I use the kuro sumi lining and greywash ink and those are awesome, sure wish they made a red! I totally agree with what you are doing and I understand that it is not possible for everyone to be an apprentice, especially in your situation. I like the fact that you are doing it on practice skin and not just jumping into it. I guess me and you weren't as fortunate to be like all these other "great ones" to be an apprentice! I started out on my own, learning things here and there, and I'm doing just fine with it. Trying to ask these guys for help is like pulling teeth. They need to understand that we are not trying to take over their business, we are just trying to learn. I bet every one of these guys did a tattoo on someone they know before they were actually an apprentice, otherwise, how the hell would they know if it was something they really wanted to devote their life to? Keep practicing and it will all come together for you. Then maybe you can jump on here in a few years and help out the people that are starting out then!

If you do hack shit on people for years, learn a few things, and actually get good and come back, you will understand that this is NOT the place to help other people with technical questions. Its amazing that people dont listen... learning to tattoo from the TattooNOW messageboard is a great way to get bad horrible habits. If you *really* want to learn to tattoo, invest in lots of amazing tattoos by great artists and blow them away with your portfolio.

Thanks hilljack at least someone understands. You think they would give a little advice or thier opinions on what is best on a subject that is asked, its not a crime. So I continue to work on my skins and being I dont mind being the guinea pig Ive done a few on myself and they come out just fine. I have stars on my wrist and a butterfly on my leg and my husband let me do one on his arm after I had practiced it on the skin so that I knew that I could do it. Unfourtanely the colors dont bleed out on a skin like his did so I have to go back and touch up the red so its not pink when its all healed. I used the Kuro Sumi on the black parts and your right that great, makes it look really sharp. I agree with you not everyone is able to get apprenticeships like these people did and its to bad that they dont share thier experiences and what works best for them. Look it you didnt and you seem to be doing just fine thanks for the confidence!!

Thanks hilljack at least someone understands. You think they would give a little advice or thier opinions on what is best on a subject that is asked, its not a crime You obviously havnt been listening to what people tell you. Do you think all the artists on the board giving you advice dont understand what its like to want to tattoo more than anything? They have given you the best advice you can get, which is dont tattoo people until a talented tattoo artist who is teaching you in the real world tells you your ready. In other professions people are expected to learn the right way, same here. Often the right way takes a lot of time commitment and is much easier to do in your early years before families and work and whatnot. good thing you dont want to do something that required a 4 year degree, how unfair would life be then? It amazes me how people can care so little they put blinders on and if they dont get the answer they want, assume we are being jerks who dont understand. This forum will NEVER be for people who want to learn to tattoo out of their house. This board is for professionals who care deeply about the art of tattooing, clients who want to connect with them, and smart artists who want to take the advice of their respected industry leaders. So, how many tattoos do you have, and from what artists? What do they think of your portfolio and why wont they teach you?

iceprincess: Life IS about sharing knowledge. the artists on the board are sharing their best advice, and if you talk to them in person are generally very helpful. The fact of the matter is not everyone deserves to be a tattoo artist. People who dont respect the art of tattooing expect it to be something thats easy and can be done via videos and books and the internet. Well, talented professional artists at the top of their game know how dangerous and how many mistakes this leads to (many of them made those mistakes). It amazes me that people dont listen to successful people in their field... they just point fingers and say "thats easy for you to say". The best advice you can get when learning to tattoo is not what needles or inks to buy and use, its get so good at your art that a talented artists wants to teach you. You dont need to travel or fuck up your family to do that, and in the long run it makes you a more desirable apprentice with less mistakes to fix.

Gabe If I were you just let it go. Its obviouse that this woman just doesn't want any good advice, and she'll take what ever people are willing to throw at her. The unfortunate part of our business is there simply no real stringent way to regulate it. People don't see the inherent problems, and dangers in what we do. Especially when you consider the fact that there doing it outta there freaking house. Hell your dealing with bio hazard material, there are pets, and children involved. Maybe its cool now with your self, and family, what happens when you start tattooing friends and strangers. Hell if your cool with inviting that into your home and introducing your kids to that kind of mess, Knock your self out. And the industry itself doesn't help matters much, you've got all kinds of suppliers out there selling these people crappy equipment. Shop owners taking on mediocre, or non artists, just for a couple of bucks, and than just setting em loose on the world. And than the people who offer info up on a message board, for what, do you honestly think its gonna help. The way I look at it is this, Fuck em. Let them keep banging up them selves, there friends and family, and everyone else that doesn't have the common sense to go to a professional. I cant say how many times I've had a client in looking for a cover up because he let a friend do a "Tat" on him. There always gonna be out there, and if they cant understand that this is the incorrect way to go about doing it, Oh well. Have a happy... J.Capobianco

Right right. Advice taken! thanks

Once again, Capo hits the nail on the head. Well put!

Ok dumbass since were constantly going to go back and forth on this im not looking to learn from you people on how to tattoo. You answer questions like what is the best ink, why machine do you like the best..what the fuck is the difference...ya i do it out of my home for the meanwhile I have a room for it that is sterlized and have all the equipment necessary to make sure that everything is sterlized and not hazardous. So whatever just cause im not working in a tattoo shop dont mean a damn thing...as for the four year college comment I went through college for four years so dont talk shit if you dont know, and you dont know anything about me. I have a degree in the medical field so I think I know a tad bit about material hazards, sterilization, and cross contaminations...so dont preach to me..im going to continue to work at it and nobody is going to tell me otherwise..maybe somewheres on long the lines i will find a tattoo artist that can show me some things but for know ill read the books, watch the videos, get some hands on experience hmmm sounds just like what I did to get in the medical field.!!

okay lets define dumbass. . . a. gabe the owner of tattoonow the website you are asking questions on (who says this isnt the place to ask these questions) b. joe capobianco one of the most influential tattoo artists in the world (who said chill out gabe let her and anyone else hack all there friends up) c. the mom who doesnt have time to learn right and admits freely that her drawing is not very good but demands to be taught how to tattoo on a website ???????????????????????? btw: WHY do you wanna learn how to tattoo??? do you have alot of tattoos??? who did them for you???? maybe they would be willimg to help????? signed, a working mom who isnt great at drawing, doesnt tattoo but collects fan-friggin-tastic ART from talented and SMART artists in the USA

and PLEASE read the first post entitled. . . . Admin Post:Read BEFORE posting where gabe writes: Technical questions about tattooing should be answered by the talented artist training you, any posted here will be deleted. you havent been deleted yet so feel lucky and STOP!

Gabe, You don't know her. She's bad, she does what she wants! Man...this is almost as good as Jerry Springer!

" the mom who doesnt have time to learn right and admits freely that her drawing is not very good but demands to be taught how to tattoo on a website" You dont know me and first of all I do not DEMAND to be taught how to tattoo I simply asked a questions and have been slapped around since then. Umm lets see I have all the time in the world to learn the right way, and yeah I dont draw very well so I guess I would be a tattooist. Why I want to tattoo lets see, its something that I find interesting and actually have a passion for. I believe over time that I could be really good, again im not going to be a professional over night and lets see yes I have tattoos, seven to be exact. I actually had the artist who did the lizard man do two of my tattoos but I dont live in that area..again i live in fricken mississippi.. dont patronzie me, I dont know who ever one is and if I offended anyone sorry but im kind of tired of people be rude and mean!!

If you're so tired of people being rude and mean (and this goes for everyone out there complaining about it recently), then read through the previous posts. You should realize that people are very unlikely to change just for you - especially if you keep asking the same questions over and over and provoking the frequent posters. Reading through the previous posts isn't just about finding out what information has already been gone over, but also to get a sense of how people react to certain questions and attitudes on this message board. It's unfortunate that some are rude and mean, but it happens (quite often apparently). When it does happen, try not to sink to their level and just let it go. It's all about learning from our mistakes…

If you're so tired of people being rude and mean (and this goes for everyone out there complaining about it recently), then read through the previous posts. You should realize that people are very unlikely to change just for you - especially if you keep asking the same questions over and over and provoking the frequent posters. Reading through the previous posts isn't just about finding out what information has already been gone over, but also to get a sense of how people react to certain questions and attitudes on this message board. It's unfortunate that some are rude and mean, but it happens (quite often apparently). When it does happen, try not to sink to their level and just let it go. It's all about learning from our mistakes…

What makes anyone think they "will be really good" in an art field, but they admit they can't draw well? I wouldn't go to a surgeon who "admits he has the shakes and isn't to good", I don't think in any field "not being to good" at the single most important aspect of that field is no big deal! This is why so many people don't take tattooing seriously, why they come in and ask if we can draw or just trace the stuff off the wall, why people on the street look down on it as second (at best) class art. You have people like Robert Hernandez who can draw circles around even many professional illustrators, and you have people who work out of their house, admit they can't draw, and the public lumps them both in the same field!

maybe im just not giving my drawing credit enough..im modest and Im not going to sit here and say Im a damn good artist because I know that I can improve...to me as a tattooist i dont believe Im the artist, yes its a form of art but I believe the person that is bringing me in something that they want on them is the artist all im doing is making it real for them. Whether thats an artist or not I dont know, thats just MY opinion. As so im entitled to. Yes youll have your pieces of work on the walls that people may want but I feel that if your going to be tattooed it should be a piece that means something to you. I know I have tattoos that are straight off the flash and I cant stand them now...

Hernandez no matter what anyone thinks KICKs ASS .Unique to the bone with the technique to back it.I would say one of my all time favorites.I no thats not what we are talking about but since you mentioned it.

Most really good artists rarely do anything from the flash (that stuff on the wall). They craft an individual tattoo that is both what the customer wants, and it infuses their style as well. That is what the customer actually seeks them out for, a translation of the customer's idea through the eyes and artistic midset of the tattoo artist. If that is what you are doing, let's see some of your artwork.