New Tattoo Flare Artists Needs Help

Hi, I design tattoos in my spare time, and someday I would like to go professional like some of the artists that are featured here on TattooNow. My problem is that I am a total newcomer to this community, only recently getting my first tattoo, and designing on more than just a personal basis. I have no clue where to start, where to beging submitting my art, whether or not I need to copyright...I need help. Any info on where to get started, and how to set myself up would be greatly appreciated. LilyMoon