New to this website..career help?

Im new to this website, and dont have too much time to go through and read all the info. you guys have posted. Im 17 years old, graduating this year, and I really want to make a career as a tattoo artist (when I'm older of course). Now, I've read a few posts and see that not too many people are fond of new artists going into the buisness. Ill start by saying that yes, I do know how to draw, Ive taken art classes throughout high school, and Im applying to a few art schools (hopefully Columbia college in chicago). Also, I drew up one of my tattoos. Now, ok, my question is, will i have problems going into shops and asking about apprentice work? What should I know before going in? I know it may be too early to worry about that, but I figure I might as well plan ahead. so, advice?

if you dont have enough time to go through this board and read what some of the most thoughtful and talented artists around have to say about becoming a tattoo artist than you sure as hell dont have the time it atkes to become one as my dear sweet hubby always says "patience is a virtue"

So you are now in St.Louis, hoping to get into a Chicago art school, ...Your biggest liability would be you don't know where you are headed yet...Hell yeah you'll have problems going into shops and asking about apprentice work! Basically, you have to think along the lines of "What do I have to offer in exchange for this priceless intimate relationship I am asking for?..." Take the time to read all posts here and elsewhere. Read books on tattoo art & history, practice drawing flash, bring your art into some shops like you would submit art to a prof. at school, try to sell some flash eventually. Don't even utter the word "apprenticeship". that would be like asking for an engagement on a first date...inappropriate at the least, and most likely a turn off. Just my opinion based upon the posts I've bothered to read!

A few more thoughts... I've heard it often enough that I'm begining to believe it somewhat that actually tattooing without supervision (be it on pigskin or whatever) CAN lead to bad habits that take a long time to unlearn...My approach is to learn all I can ethically learn including the things I've already mentioned above as well as needle making, cross contamination prevention courses, Machine building, coil winding, pigment mixing, learning how to operate an autoclave, etc...what you should undertake on your own depends on the depth of both your pocket and your self control...If you will be too tempted to tattoo then stick to theory and drawing...Know thyself.

to the first comment, I meant I didnt have enough time to read all those when I typed the post. yeah. didn't say I wouldn't go back and check it out.

Sorry, I clicked enter too fast Thanks for the input, I'll def. do my reasearch

Hello. I am not replying to this posting as a tattooer, but as someone in a relatively similar situation. I echo the concerns posted above - the business seems very difficult to break into and the paths ambiguous. I am a good ten years older (27) and have an studio art degree from a reputable school and have done lots of varied graphic/2-D work. Even though I have this background, I wonder, like Jennifer, the best way to get started. Any pointers...? I am living in NYC.

Caribou's response makes sense... I think it takes time, research, work, and patience... which makes the business sound even more interesting, desirous and challenging. **(Sorry I did not read the replies before replying - my bad - its my first time to this website).