My Wife's work

My wife has been working out of the house for a while now. I want opinions on her work. http://www.myspace.com/44547602 If you click on pics below the spawn tattoo you can see more of her work. The fairy with the colored wind was one of the first ten tattoos see ever did (early did the B&W & recently about 2 months ago added the color). I like to get comments from actual full artists but anyone is welcome the frog is mine. It's was done from a photograph. So was the black and white fairy her most recent work on the site.

Allright, I took a look at it and I have to say that my opinion is (as a professional... Not a "full artist") that she needs to either go work in a shop or put the machine down. Things like working out of your home seriously can jeopardize the real tattoo artists and shop owners in your area. All it takes is one fuck up and it's in the play of the local government. Has she ever had any training in blood borne pathogens? Cross contamination? Actual training in what chemicals to use and where? Might you have pets? Those are always wonderful things especially cats. Do you know how much fecal matter is in the room that a cat dwells? You may not smell it but the statistics are disgusting. Not to mention how much of your living area is capeted, ventilated properly to be doing such a medical procedure. This truly has nothing to do with her artwork. This does however have everything to do with my profession and what feeds me and my family. Even if you are the best artist in the world, everyone knows that 1 either you have to keep it the same grade as a shop and have a real private studio set up (don't give me a we do because unless you've ever really worked in a shop and had a health inspector come in to approve it you don't know shit. That and the training involved) and two aren't just tattooing any random friend and family member. Some of us *present company included* have or have had a private studio at home. We are not "full artists" we are professionals, we know what we're fucking doing. Most of the people that I've continued to tattoo in my private studio have either been large scal pieces or repeat customers that became close friends. Even then you have to understand the amount of money that went into the ventalation system / flooring / stainless counters / lighting for that room. It is top shop grade. I'm pretty sure that I've established my point here. I am not saying these things to discourage your wife from tattooing, nor am I saying that her work is bad. But without the proper training you don't know what you can do to someone... You're putting everyone at greater risk. If she's always dreamed of being a tattooist then she should have more respect for the industry and go into a shop and give em all she's got. Even bringing in her work to show someone might prove a point. You tell almost any shop owner that you tattoo out of your house without experience and they will be highly offended... If not... they're a fucking idiot and a scumbag who doesn't even realize that these things aren't just capable of making them money... But also making tattooing illegal in some areas.. I read the shit everyday... Take her and her work to a shop.... Do it the right way.... 23 7

Please read the end of the Apprentice101. I explained everything the and the answer to about all your questions is yes. It is a separate room of the house used for that and nothing else and has it's own sink. Local shops won't give her a chance because she's female. She has been doing art all her life. Her sterilization standards are higher than any shop I've ever been to. End of story I realize it's costing them money, especially when she fixes their crap. That's they're problem. She does comply with local laws and health codes. She will be applying to local shops in the next few days for a second time. Any suggestions?

BTW.. I've put nearly 10k into her 2k initially 3k further supplies(including autoclave) 5k converting a room in our new house to a full studio. (With poroper ventilation and stainless sinks and ripped out the capet for tile replacement). A local doctor handles sharps disposal for us. 100+ tats no infections.

P.S. As far as inspection goes. My dad was the head EMS nurse for a UTMB Galveston (in charge of the sterile enviroment for the emergency room). He is the one who inspected it. It meets standards for all local and state regulations.

Tattooing isn't just a job, it's a lifestyle. If the shops in your area don't want her working there or don't like her work then maybe you should relocate. What is the reasoning behind them not liking her / her work? If you're persistant and take the advice and critique of your work and keep attempting to make a change in thier attitude... they will break... If not... Move... you can't keep tattooing out of your house... I don't know the state laws in your area but in this state it's a 10,000 fine or up to ten years imprisonment for tattooing without proper permits and license. I would seriously suggest keeping on thier asses or drive a few hours to somewhere else.... Get a year or two in... Then look into the local laws to start your own business in your area... You must have some shit artists in your area if she's fixing thier work. Call me fucking crazy but I've seen a ton of shit living between brew town and the windy city... where are you guys living anyway.... My shop opens in two months...

I live on the outskirts of San Antonio. As I said she's currently stopped tattooing. She's beating on doors and looking for advice on what to ask so she doesn't get screwed. The close shop is about 25 min. away, but she's expanding her radius more and more. But most shops have 12hr 6 day a week work days. So anything too distant would be difficult. (We just got our house and I have a very nice job in Tx so we can't move yet). Our garage is her other studio. (Painting, drawing, sewing, and a potter's wheel). We have no kids/pets. I work in the oilfield so I'm go 75% of the time. That leaves just her and her art. (Sometimes I feel she's more married to it.) She did attend college toward an arts degree, but had to leave due to family and financial problems. She's 30 and has been drawing and painting as long as she can remember. She wanted an artform that someone can't just buy and throw away. She pours her heart and soul into every piece of any art she does. She wanted her work to mean as much to the client as it does to her. A guy heard she was giving free tattoo and told her just do anything. After an upset speech (which left the room jaw dropped) telling him she isn't going to just throw crap on anyone. She told him to leave and come back when he knew what he wanted. (She did tattoo him with a tribal she made on their next encounter after he explained what he want it to represent and why). As a general society outcast (like myself) tattooing seemed only natural. Plus she likes shiny things (Glitter, plastic, metal doesn't matter as long as it's shiny). Finally, that fact that if they changed their mind later it would either be more pain and money for a cover-up/laser removal. It is still permanent. She will be an artist and a damn good one if not one of the best one day. Her biggest problem has been that fact she is female. I know I've seen it. She's a short tubby native american. Right now if anyone knows of a hiring shop in the San Antonio area let me know. She will gladly drive cross town if neccessary.

Keaz...Look man...Your wife has a good future ahead of her...don't let anyone teel you or her different...yes she has a ways to go but so what?...My only problem is a home studio that isn't licensed.With the money you spent on the home studio why did you not open a real studio?....Then again maybe she is licensed you didn't say.Any way it goes I wish you good luck ...she already IS a very lucky lady...she has a husband that is behind her 100% and that means EVERYTHING...Props to you buddy...If I can be of any help just e-mail me!...TAz

Hey keAz, Your wifes work sucks. Take that ten or more grand that you spent and go get a apprentiship.

How bout seein some of YOUR work Killer?

ya know.. i'm not a tattoo artist. and i'm damn picky when it comes to work. however. after looking at those pieces on her myspace -- they are a whole helluva lot better than i could hope to do. (especially the frog and the one of the girl). and considering some of the awful 'art' i've seen on folks' skin, this is definately a step up and you can see the potential. so to the jackass who said that her work 'sucks', put up or shut up. seriously. you don't like her work, fine. how about some constructive criticism instead? otherwise you're just another jackass on the internet. just my 2cents.

Keaz, From what I see your wife has a great deal of potential and don't place too much credibility with numbnuts like 'killer'. My main problem is with the 'working out of the house' idea, I understand your problem and I know very well that it's particularily hard for women to get into this profession but keep trying. A possible suggestion, have you considered opening your own studio and trying to get an experienced tattoo artist to go to work for/with you and help teach your wife anything she needs to know? It might benefit all involved and I seriously doubt there isn't a good, experienced tattoo artist in your area that isn't disillusioned at the studio they're in or who can't get in that would 'go for it' if you lay it out right, just a suggestion. And yes, killer,as Taz said, let's see some of YOUR work, killer. Taking cheap shots at a woman doesn't impress us, good tattoos do...Doc

That last comment on how this guys wife sucks just goes to show the attitudes of some people. Great, lets reinforce the stereotype of your typical tattoo assole!!!!! Hey, i have tats, and i want to be an apprentice-does that mean that i am also an asshole???NO!!!! Tattoos arent just for fucking bikers anymore, so either be constructive and positive to people or someday your attitude will catch up to you......... Anyways, i want to know what Taz thinks about this womans work, he seems to be down to earth!! I checked it out, and although its not the best ever, its definately doesnt suck. This website has been very helpful as i am also looking for an apprenticeship. Anyone out here in California need an apprentice??? Just thougt id throw that out there. I know the correct way to go about this, though, and am working on my portfolio right now. I desperately want to get into the business, but it seems their is so many Supposed "professionals" out there trying to dissuade those of us who want to do this line of work- even when we are doing it the right way!!!!! Whats with the negativity guys? We know we are clueless, thats why were asking!!!!

How do you post pics on this site?

so that it shows up w/in a thread i've no idea. most folks post links to photobucket.com etc

As I've stated se is still looking at shops to work in the area. The frog, (mine ), and the fairy are two of her most recent pieces, both done from no flash sources. 1 was a photo off google, the other was a postcard (the black and white woman). As I've stated those are her "freshman" tattoos, her only two that are recent are the frog, the Girl, and spawn. As too opening my own shop I've suggested that her a while back and if after trying to get into one during the next three months she can't, I plan on it. She doesn't want me too be the owner for her shop. She wants to make it on her own, but if you've got no other choice. One problem is I make about 50K a year and it's hard for me to give up that job. In the end, I think she's worth it. I'm waiting a few months to save money and get a business loan.

KeAz, I like your wives work, I had a simular problem with my Ex not wanting to take my $$ to open her shop she wanted to do it on her own, well here is how I handled it, I told her I would loan her the money, and she would pay me back, and that Until she paid me back I was the silent partner (Cash Cow) I wanted her to be legal, and to do it right, We had a rough time back then as I did not make the cash I make today, but we managed and she was able to use her talents legally. There is no excuse for not doing this, Expecially in Texas where you and her split the property 50/50 anyways. Go find her a spot, get her the license, and say happy Birthday to her! Blacktri

Believe me I've tried that. She does want to deal with business end of it. I've got a 50K+ year career of my own. A home studio: 1. Can be as sterile as a shop and under the right conditions more so if properly done(less traffic). I wouldn't let her do it there any other way. 2. She has "professional" help, both artistic and m edical. She has passed the New Mexico & Colorado Health Certification requirements. Attended college as an art major. (Texas doesn't have artist liscensing requirements only shop licensing for professional shops) $450+Inspection, $150 for piercing, $550 combo. 3. Starting a shop costs way more than even the best home studio if done right. (1. Location: commercial real estate is more expesive. 2. Liscense: She doesn't charge, so not required in Texas. However, she still follows regulations and then some. 3. Aquiring other artists: without business to pay them they won't come which brings us to 4. Advertising: Even signs cost money) Overall looking at 50k+ minimum start-up to do it right (even a good shop would only hope break even first year.) I do plan on owning a shop, but I gave her 4 months left to be in a shop professionally or I'm taking it into my own hands. In the mean time. I'm saving for the start-up and looking into properties and business loans. I will handle hiring/money/management. She will be treated as any other artist at the shop. This is NOT the route she wants to go. She wants to earn her stripes errr.. ink first. I don't want to give up my career yet. I'd rather have our two separate incomes and cross that bridge after she builds a professional rep. I'm her husband and fully support her. The money doesn't matter to her, but I'm a little more pratical. I know what she is capable of I've seen it and our home and now my flesh is decorated with her. Pottery, (poured, wheel and scuplture), painting (water color, oils and acryilic), sewing, (curtains, pillows, clothes), and more... art is more than a passion for her it's her life. I'm just trying to be a small part of it. Well that's more than anyone here needed to know. What I was hoping for was just professional critizism of her work. So I know where she stands. It looks good to me but I'm not an artist. She has a friend who is, she lives 2 states away and is biased as a friend.

Ok now this is a totally different story...She has NO business doing "FREE" tattoos...PERIOD!!!!

Her business is bulding a portfolio 9/10 they do "pay" for supplies via tips, but are never required and that's stated to clients.(That's why it's legal technically) Many have said they will be back when she gets into a shop and some have shopped around around to local shops and paid her shops prices as a tip even when they didn't have. I notice the big push of free handing on your site. Much of her work if freehand work. Including my frog from a photo and the B&W fairy from a post card. If you scroll down on her MySpace there's a pic of the postcard. The line work of the the Boogeyman is also recent. It came from a blurry piece of downloaded flash he brought in and she "cleaned up" The green auraed nife girl is a free hand rendition of the ICP Hatchetman with a Twztd them. One peice of "professional" work she had to fix was a hatchetman on the girl's other leg. It's was supposed to be a hatchetman with a similar red aura, but the artist basically had a red blob behind it she redid the uneven line work and then shaped the red into a heart with an artistic border 100% free hand. Another reason she loves tatoos is the challenge. From what I've seen the greater the challenge the more she excells.

kaez, now this is a bit different than what you made the situation first sound like and as to what you said about all the expenses, rent, insurance, utilities, and all the rest-that's right, that's what we pros have to deal with, that's the way it's done and that's why we have to charge people, so we can keep the bills paid and support our families, unlike your lucky lady, we don't have someone to fall back on for funding. But, again, I sincerely believe by looking at her work, that she does indeed have a lot of potential and you might want to consider that most professional studios may not want to hire someone who was doing 'free tattoos' out of their home, that don't look good on the 'ol resume'. As to your statement about 'taking it into your own hands, you'll do the hiring, firing, etc., and she'll just be 'another artist', son, you might want to do some serious thinking if that's your attitude or I think you'll lose your investment. See if ya can't find the post addressing just that subject, you'll find it informative...Doc

Believe me when I say I've done the research... Yes, I'm still doing more and realize it take more than that. A good shop like any good business is a family. Money is money, but in an industry like this I know it's the artists that make all the difference. I've seen shops treat good artists and apprentices with great potiential like crap. I'm NOT prepared to open my own shop (one of the reasons she got an extension, but she doesn't know that.) I know and never claimed to be ready. A combo of good artists (not only talent but commitment), a surgically sterile enviroment, a friendly atmosphere, good business sense, and the list goes on are all required. I didn't realize TAZ was a shop owner.(stupid me) I thought he was an if I had 10k to spend I'd open a shop type person... I've got a long road ahead of me with my wife on this and I'm in it for the long haul, but I'm not stupid enough to jump off the deep end of the pool without knowing what's in and testing the water.

KeAZ..check your e-mail man