tattoo schools worth it or not

I have tried for a couple years now to find an apprenticeship via a small private shop with absolutely no luck. Now I have started looking into schools as an alternative to the traditional apprenticeship. Has anyone been to one of these places? Are they worth the money? Can you actually get into the biz through these programs? Any suggestions as to where to go?

Hi The one up in Michigan costs almost $6000 but I have not been able to find anyone that has been there and most all the people on this forum don't think too much of it(and they did not send me their information I requested as they said they would). I did hear of another one where it was about a 3 month course but I did not hear cost and I forget where they were( this getting old shit ani't all it cracked up to be just ask Taz!) Good Luck

If you try getting a job at a respectable shop, they're gonna laugh you out the door with your little 3 month degree from a "tattoo school". Yeah, you may find a job at a scratcher shop, and then you'll just get a bad reputation that will take several years to shake. Read the back posts on this scam. You'll see that the only people that see nothing wrong with it are scratchers and dreamers, and the pros all stand apart from that group for a reason.

Had a guy come in to apply for an artist job...Said he was a grad of the tattoo school up in mn.....when he started using the term "gun" and had no clue as to what a armature bar is or what it s function was I just smiled and showed him the door.

Someone sent me to a "online training" site where they send you like a bunch of books and videos and then you do like 1000 hours of tattooing over the internet I guess working with the person or him watching you do it..dont know i dont really understand the whole concept I can put the website up if you all want to take a look..and then your suppose to get certified and a certifiate of completion..

Please don't post the website. These places definitely don't need any free advertising on a legitimate site such as this one.

Well, it doesnt look like them 'schools' teach you EVERYTHING you need to know about getting started. You'd think they'd at least give you a few pointers on what machine parts are called or something... I dont think anything will ever beat out a good 'ol apprenticeship. They kind of instill that respect for the artform rather than letting just any ol' shmuck pick up a machine and have at it. Are there any reputable artists who have learned from one of these schools? Most are either self taught through trial and error or have done apprenticeships somewhere right??

I wont post the website out of respect if someone wants to see what im talking about they can just email me. I just think its unbelieveable that they would actually have something like that and people would spend that kind of money for what a pretty cert. on the wall.

And Liz....remember just what that pretty certificate is woth.... ....NOT A DAMN THING!!!!!!!!!>>>T

thats what I figured a big waste of time..can you imagine...walking into a shop..explaining my credentials.. owners looking at me like im crazy...but im certified..see my online certificate..but.but..but..my ass in now out on the street..thats my nice little scenrio..

ANd that is EXACTLY what would happen if ya went into ANY real tattoo studio...They would get a good laugh at you expense...TAz

I have looked at about 10-20 different so called schools most of which claim to have a person tattooing in around 3-6 months and I definately think those are crap, but one school stood out as a fairly legitimate school/apprenticeship program. Maybe some of you regular guys would like to check this place out for the hell of it. Maybe a small blip of decency umong the scams. www.notorioused's.com He says the course is 2 years and involves everythink from ink production to machine building to technique and they have been teaching for some time.

Also I've talked to this guy on the phone several times and he reamed my ass for terminology and scratching and the like. He sounds really legit but........ Please someone check out his site for me and tell me what you think. ps: Found alot of different sights that mention the shop but not the school and no details.

I checked the site out and found absolutely NO pics to see what kind of work these supposed teachers and students are capable of putting out. Maybe the link was right in front of me and I didn't see it, but usually those are the things that would be plastered all over a site such as that. Makes me wonder, thats all.

bad enough there are hackin,non artistic,ego trippin tattooists with apprentices lets have classrooms full.............. maybe you get to ride the short bus there,that would be worth it

"cross" you comments show that your an ass. People don't post honest questions to get stupid answers thanks. Krystof thanks for the honest look. I think I'm going to take the advice and keep looking for a traditional apprenticeship. If anyone knows of some good shops to check out in n. texas the info would be greatly appreciated.

Take a deep breath and relax, he wasn't saying YOU can take the short bus, but the students in general. You have to understand that we take tattooing very seriously and get beraded with the same questions on a day to day basis, we feel that schools like this ARE a joke and he was retorting to the joke. There are several back posts about the "Tattoo School". It seems that anyone who wants to consider the "Tattoo School" are already aware of the apprenticeship option but want to find another way that may be quicker and cheaper, and it is insulting to us on a daily basis, so if we get a little defensive, I'm sorry, but it's no need to get into name calling. If you took that as personal as you're going to potentially get criticized for your work, you better grow a thicker skin ASAP.

While i understand how annoying it can be hearing the same things over and over every day (i mean, i work in a daycare with 3 year olds...if that isn't repetative enough), is that an excuse to come out of nowhere with a rude comment? It's almost the whole "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" idea. Nobody makes anyone open these posts, it's an open forum. And, even tho it is obvious that the schools are looked down on if you read the back-posts, some people dun do that, they just post. But, while he may need to "grow a thicker skin ASAP", maybe some artists shouldn't act so harshly...cuz i know having a piss-ass attitude when u hear the same question over and over is gonna turn me away from gettin tattooed by someone if it's my first time...cuz i'm gonna have questions, and i don't want to have to feel like i'm an idiot for askin. Just remember, artists gotta keep themselves in a good light too...for all you know, one of the people posting on here might be a future client

the only way anyonc can become a tattoo artist is to either pay a few thousand dollars for an apprenticeship or like i did become a shop bitch for it, thats the bottom line. you can't go to a school and learn anything, about tattooing. who the hell is teaching these classes anyway ? i'v never herd of aaron cain, soba, or paul booth teaching tattooing at a school. if you have your heart set on becomeing a tattooist then go to every shop you can and beg to be a shop bitch or get a few thousand dollars .

still hard to get in..i offered to be a shop bitch and still no luck..too many artist tattooing in one small place..they had two shops but both were demolished by the hurricane now they have everyone working in one place they were lucky enough to find. I wish I had the ablility to travel!!!

HERE IS AN OLD CHINESE PROVERB...OR SOMETING OF THE SUCH.. "Those who can't do teach...." "Those who can't teach do...." M

Everyone when asked how to get an apprenticeship always says the same two thing either be a shop bitch or pay thousands. If you pay for an apprenticeship isn't that the same as a school? Or am I missing something? I do see the difference in saying you can teach someone how to tattoo in a couple months verses a couple of years, but what is the difference in paying for an apprenticeship at a local shop and paying for a long term schooling in a structured class environment. Same idea right??? I'm a lil confused.

"those that cant do teach... those that cant teach do..." I doubt thats a chinese proverb. Its more like sour grapes that the majority of our teachers suck... Without doubt teaching our youth/population is far more important than actually doing. When your a *good* teacher you influence a far wider circle and those ripples of influence travel much farther and accomplish way more than one person can "do". Now, I had a ton of crappy teachers, but thats the cultures fault, not the job title...

Keep looking for a good artist, in a shop. If you really have talent, shown by your portfolio, someone will apprentice you. And if they do it for the right reasons, like putting a quality artist in the business we all care so much about, and not their own financial gain, it won't cost you a dime, other then a long hard road of work. Be prepared to move. There is an apprentice at my shop that moved from two states away for the opportunity. And i'm not apprenticing him. I'm only tattoing nine years and I don't pretend to be able to teach someone something I'm still learning. The best I can do is help him when I can.

OKay, listen. The schoo;s are scams, jokes and you will be laughed at. Did you learn to draw in two months? I would never have the balls to even tell my cat I took a 2 month course in tattooing. I admit I don't know s**t and want to learn, and have f****d up tattoos to prove it. Find someone real to teach you...

not to piss anyone off, but i myself have attended the tattoo school in michigan,(the worlds only tattoo school). tho it isnt the only tattoo school in the world it isnt a scam. i had already been tattooing for two years and went to the schooll just to see what it was all about. there hasnt been a person i talked to who hasnt thought it was a joke, but im glad to say it was the best learning experience of my life, since attending the school i have opened three shops. you can learn in a short amount of time in the right setting. dr bill pogue has been tattooing for over 30 years and is one hell of a teacher, i have never been laughed at or had trouble finding work, bills program works.you leave with enough equipment to make back the 6000 dollars it costs,and you tattoo atleast 30 people before leaving. dont knock it,who wants to be a "shop bitch" for two years,not me, and most artists havent done an apprenticeship anyway, im sure you will all crucify me for this post but oh well!!!! thats all i can say!!!!!!

hi boofy1 Do you have a web site with any of your work I would very much like to see it. I am already on the shit list here for disagreeing with the old way of doing it. Thamks

no i dont have a website. but if your interested in the school i can glady answer any questions you may have.

No we want to see YOUR work...a graduate of this school!!! I have been in the biz for over 3 decades and have never heard of this "DOC" guy...WAIT A MINUTE!!!! I am NOT sayin he isn't good or anything else...I just haven't heard of him!! But we still wanna see YOUR work!...E-mail it ...whatever...you say you have 3 shops and don't have a website...hmmm ...well thats possible too I guess but your whole posts gives us no evidence whatsoever of the QUALITY of your work ( not the quantity of shops you have opened...that means nothing!...) Show us what you learned in the tattoo school!!!!....TAz

doctor who..................................exactly, nobody has heard of him, 3 shops no website, sorry to be so blunt but you are either 1 of three things then, greedy with your money, a flippin liar, or your shops just flat out suck, no offense, im a straight shooter

Just a friendly suggestion to the grad of the tattoos school...If for whatever reason you aren't making enough money in the 3 shops you opened to get a web site started you can go to myspace.com and get a free site and show us your work...we REALLY want to see it!!..TAz

Yea what TAZ said!!

Well as I thought...probably never hear from him again!!

hi guys, you know i knew you guys would break my balls, im not really sure what the big deal is about having a website....i really dont know anything about computers or the time to deal with it, you guys are pretty mean like i said i had been tattooing for two years before i even went to the school, i went just to see what its about, so many people talk smack about it, the money wasnt a issue, i learned more in those two weeks than i did in my apprenticeship... seems like you guys are hatters but its cool. i will get someone to put my pics on the computer so i can show you. not to be rude but i dont care what you think or say, someone posted that they wish someone from the school would reply......so i did i thought that you wanted to hear from someone not bash me for my reply.. and you can call me a liar my bank statement and client list do not lie...im use to haters like you..thats why there is a school because the majority of people in this business are asses, thats why i do so well im a nice guy. and its funny cuz i have never heard of any of you...hahaha anyway ill make my pics available asap... youd be surprised how well the students of this class do...my bad for posting to begin with...

i tried for years to get someone to teach me and did apprentice and didnt learn much it was a waste of my time and money, the school exsists because of the lack of people willing to teach,the school was the best money i ever spent!!!!!!!, most people i meet dont wanna help other people learn this is why the school exsists you have to learn somewhere......haters

Haters my ASS! I'm a hater just because I asked to see his work and had never heard of dr gonzo or whatever the fuck his name is?,,,Now who is bein an ass? Seems all you people get mad and call us haters when we call you on something...All I hear is how fuckin much you learned and how much money you are makin and etc etc...all I ask is...well SHOW ME!!! Prove us wrong...FUCK!! Is that sooo hard to understand...Hell I could get on here and say I was hugh hefners twin brother and unless I could back it up it would mean absolutely NOTHING" unless I could back it up!!"...Which they HAVE NOT!!!....Care to speculate why?....How about YOU...lets see your work....WHat? I can't hear you?...Oh you will show us when your friend puts some on or your grandmas scanner gets fixed ...well BULLSHIT!! Thats all we hear from you people is excuses and reasons why you can't show your work And haven't heard of some of us?? Goes to show exactly how much you know about the tattoo world...Some of the best artists in the FUCKIN WORLD post on this forum...Dan henk, Joe Capobianco etc etc So I say put up or shut up...until you do feel free to call us haters See YA Tattoo Grads!!...TAz

i call it the age of entitlement taz.. basically everyone feels they are entitled to anything they want now a days. they dont have to work hard for anything or pay there days. maybe spend a year or two starving and struggling to learn or searching out the right people to learn from. no they should just be given anything they want and ask for and when they dont get it everyone is a hater.

Ya know I really hope that one ...just ONE of these people prove me wrong...That would at least tell me that not ALL of these schools are rip offs and shams...restore a bit of my faith in my fellow man...I would be happy to eat my words...Hell I've been wrong about shit before....but I just have this sinkin feelin that I am NOT wrong about these so called schools. 6 GRAND for 2 WEEKS!!!...fuck all but I am in the WRONG business!! And 30 students in a class..DO THE FRIGGIN MATH!! Thats it!! lets open a tattoo school tomorrow....if ya tdo he long math thats 90 grand a week!!! I;m gonna go puke!!!

Taz, Just a side note..or should I say reflection. I don't know if its there now but if you scroll down to the bottom of the page on da puter....there is a listing for a one of these "tattoo schools" in the ads from google....hey might wanna give Gabe a heads up on dat one brother.... here is where the link went to: http://www.tattoosbylisa.net/ M

Taz, Just a side note..or should I say reflection. I don't know if its there now but if you scroll down to the bottom of the page on da puter....there is a listing for a one of these "tattoo schools" in the ads from google....hey might wanna give Gabe a heads up on dat one brother.... here is where the link went to: http://www.tattoosbylisa.net/ M

Ad should be filtered in 12 hours. thanks for the catch. Lets see those portfolios folks.

you guys talk about paying dues, well i did work apprentice in a shop for two years and didnt learn much, the school is well worth the money, you guys asked for replies just to hate. you didnt want and honest opinion you wanted to bash me.. and yea ive heard of the guys you say are posting here, but im talking about you taz never heard of you!!!

oh yeah and the school only has 12 students at a time time since you know so much, and you say there is 30 schools, bullshit maybe 5 in this country, and only one is a licensed school and that one is in southfield michigan. taught by a doctor not someone named doc, and if you do your research dr bill pogue was the first licensced tattoo artist in detroit! his shops are well known in detroit and well respected.

Only 5?...Bullshit buddy...all ya gotta do is google tattoo schools and a fuckin assload show up!...My cousin has been tattooing in Detroit fir 20 plus years and has never heard of the good doctor. I am not a hater...we have given you people plenty of chances to show us your work and have never gotten one reply.Man I would love to see some kick ass work but it has not happened yet we are still waiting...come on!...SHOW US As for not hearing about me...so what?...Its not me claiming to be a famous tattoo expert ( I am not famous, never have been, never will be...I don't give a damn about fame...I do tattoos!) and I don't run a tattoo school...so whats your point? In any post have I ever said I was either famous or a great artist> NO!!!! I am not a great artist by any stretch of the imagination...god! compared to some of the people tattooing today I am a rank amateur.But I do good tattoos...and I get paid..Been getting paid for 35 years...I have a wall full of awards both national and international...I have been featured in 22 industry mags..I have been a paid consultant on 4 major movies....and if ya like I will compare income tax records with YOU any day!....I am booked til January of 2007 so I guess I must be doin something right...No I am not in the public eye hardly at all anymore....I don't do conventions either....don't give a good shit about that stuff...I have put in my time pal and I am just kickin back here in my old age and watchin the new kids tattoo circles around me and lovin every fuckin minute of it!! So again we say Show us yer stuff....I WANT to be proven wrong here!!.....Where is your work??? Have a nice day sonny!....TAz

Well another day with no artwork from the "schoolies"!!!!

ok first, Taz and the rest are completely correct, these schools are a joke. if anyone wants a "official Tattoo school degree" I will print you one for 50 bucks, but it wont be worth the paper its printed on. and you will get laughed out of shops....hell i bet the scratchers will even laugh

Well another day with no artwork from the "grads" of tattoo shools....wonder what the deal is?

Well here it is the 25th of april and still nothing from the tattoo school grads... I was relly hoping to see some great tattoos!! Well POOP!...maybe next week?...TAz

oh yea and its not a two week program up in michigan, its 24 weeks....

Look Boofy...We don't give a flyin crap if the school lasts 22 YEARS We just wanna see yer work ...I am not bein a smart ass man I really do want to see your work...put some on myspace or somethin.

ill send you some pics i just dont want to be made to look like an idiot im trying to learn and be the best artist i can be. can i have your email address.

Just click on my name above my post man...and I have no intention of trying to make you look bad...TAz

just sent them new to computers so let me know if i sent it right thanks taz

just sent again, sorry for hold up

Ok Booffy I got the 1st one keep sendin!...TAz

ok sorry computer is being a pain working on it.

ok sorry computer is being a pain working on it.

Ok Mickey...I got pics of four tattoos....Now look man...I am not tryin to cut you down or make ya look foolish...that just ain't me....but I will say that your work is seriously inferior...your line work is scratchy...shading is amateur at best....just the truth man...look at the tattoos featured on this site and the ones I sent to your e-mail...COMPARE....can't you see the difference?.....Man you need to get an apprenticeship with a REAL tattoo artist....I am not saying to give up....but your work is not even mediocre. I really hate tellin someone that their work is not good, but fuck man you were saying how great this school is and how much you learned and that you opened 3 shops .....come on man! I have seen people get seriously hurt by puttin a tattoo like that on somebody. TAz

thanks

and again those were my first tattoos, never have had a complaint or gotten hurt....? but ok man...compared to shit i see on people out theres body that came out of a shop they aint that bad, considering the were in my first ten.... i guess i have to rely on what you think and not my customers....

never listen to your customers. you think theyd let an inferior artist work on them? customers most always will love what you do on them. appreciate that they are happy but you or we as artist always need to challenge ourselves and push ourselves. that happens when we ourselves are never quite happy with what we do. this will drive us to push ourselves and grow you need to challenge yourself. i finish a tattoo and am satisfied then when i get pictures back im still satisfied but see where i can always improve and grow. also i look back at earlier photo albums and see where i was and where i am now and then look to where id like to go or be in my artwork. also show your work to artist that you admire let them critique your work. it might be painful but growth always is. the truth hurts but sometimes its needed to give us a little fire under our ass and make us work harder.usually there will be good points in a critique as well. ive found no matter what level artist ive worked with there is always something to be learned. in this day and age there is little room for mediocre tattooing. the general public is learning slowly what qaulity tattooing is. i hope you dont take this as a slam boofy but as inspiration to grow and get involved in the world of tattooing. if youre in pa you can make it to many qaulity conventions and shops in the northeast and southern part of the area as well. most of what i say i also say as a reminder to myself. also remember sometimes when you are struggling the most you are probably learning the most! best of luck to all hardworking artists in this crazy trade of ours.

Well put Crockett.....where ya been!...TAz

thanks taz. im around like always just real busy with work and life. i also dont like to respond to every little thing like some people on here. just pulling your leg there buddy.. lol.. good to see that you can help a lot of people out i just throw in my 2 cents here and there where i feel its appropriate. also the other main artist at my shop in ct. just split back to arizona do to an unexpected family emergency so i need to pick up the slack and look for some help and cover his hours. just when i was hoping to get a week off soon. i get a lot of walk ins and a few here and there dont want to wait 2 months for an appointment. keep up the good work taz.

Ok buddy...good to hear from ya!!!...T

Well I was hoping you would post them so I could see them too!!

Email boofy and have him send them to you ...I can't post someone elses pics...TAz

After reading this ENTIRE thread, destroying a box of mini chocolate donuts, and polishing it off with a glass of cold milk....I now have to go shit.... which is EXACTLY my opinion on these "tattoo" schools. The first thing that you cry baby tatt-frat-boys need to understand is that the artists on this forum aren't being "haters" or "asses" just to get off. It's a fucking insult to the truely educated majority who busted their asses as the "shop bitch" before they could be called "Tattoo Artist". It's called RESPECT! You don't automatically obtain that just because you plopped down 6-G's for a 24 week course that all you get in the end is a meaningless piece of paper, probably with old english script, that probably reads "Sucker". You continuosly cry about not learning anything in the 2 years of your apprenticeship.... BULLSHIT! Either you weren't paying attention, you don't any patience, or you truely don't give a fuck and you are in it only for the lust of money. So you decided to take the easy fucking way out and guess what bros, I've seen the pics and your work plain sucks! Hey, check it out, I'm just a motherfucking apprentice, shop bitch, and proud of it. I get my education not from one so called "doctor" but from 3 different artists with different styles, different attitudes, and different opinions. But we all share one love, for the art of tattooing. I read tattoo mags and books because "I" want to learn and share with those that deserve it, not because it's my fucking homework for the night. So TAz, I'm ready for my inclass lesson today. Turn that motherfuckin' power supply up on that machine! I'm ready for some old school, heavy hand shit 'cause these bitches got me heated!

No jwerk..no heavy hand for you tody...today you get tha NERF needles! For those of you who don't know Jwerk is my personal shop bitch...we make him parade around in loin cloths, clean out tubes with his tongue and at least one clip chord beatin a day!! And he LOVES it!!!!

TAz you forgot to mention the tube top that accents my sexy six-pack! You know that is a clientel fav!

Are you up already jwerk?...call me I am at the shop...got here at 6:00!...AM!!!

It's way worth it because if you go to school for the experience and time you could even open up your own tattoo shop. Plus if you go to school it would look better to someone that would want you to be there apprentice. I'm going to school in chicago or detriot for it and im gonna one day open my own shop.

...FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!!!

Thats complete bull. Tattoo schools are the biggest scam to ever hit the industry. Theres no way any of these 'schools' can teach you everything you need to tattoo in a few weeks or months or whatever, let alone open your own business. None of the people running these schools are even reputable artists. Obviously there are people who have done it and started bragging about their skills and all the cool shit that they've learned. But when people have asked to see their work, they've either backed down and swallowed their words or produced work that they wish was on an apprentice's level. Bottom line is this: Noone who is huge in this business right now got to where they are by trying to do things the easy way. THERE IS NO EASY WAY.If you want to learn to tattoo, go do your apprenticeship like everyone else. That being said, people who arent tattooing yet CANNOT say that these schools are worth the money. Dont buy kits and Dont try to go to school

Tat baby can't you read?...Listen to all the professional tattoo artists with years and years of experience....read all the posts above and check out the archives you will even see pics of tattoos from tattoo school "grads"....if you want to waste a few thousand bucks be my guest...

Ignorance is such sweet bliss.... Can't wait to see what this will fire up.

This is the same individual who is letting their 15 year old sister get tattooed on by a "friend." Don't supoose they teach that one in these tattoo schools?

To all you seasoned gents, don't bother getting upset. Think of all the cover up work coming your way. I've spent a lifetime honing my skills as a photographer. Now, thanks to technology, a monkey can do my job for pennies on the dollar. Not that it's any kind of art...........................I recently finally bought my first digital camera, and I gotta tell you, it's like shooting fish in a package. There's nothing about it that feels artistic, and I will continue to incur the high cost of shooting on film for as long as it's available. Those are the images I will be the most proud of years from now. But hey, there's money to be saved on that NEXT wedding. My stepbrother is 45 years old, and has been a consumate surfer since he was a kid. He hasn't been out on the water in two years thanks to some douchebag surf school overrunning his favorite surf spot. We've been reduced to a 'disposable' society. Everything is built like shit and designed to be replaced in a few years. Do you think the big three's and AMC's forefathers passed along a tradition of quality to future generations? Apparently not when the resale value of a muscle car 40 years old is higher than that of one 4 years old. Change is imminent, things that were once considered rebellious have become common and cliche'd (is that a word?). All you can do is rejoice that you are the last of a dying breed, and pray the attitudes about what's valuable in this world change. It's what will set you apart from computer controlled tattooing. My tattoos will always be the real deal, done by guys who did their time in the trenches and didn't look for shortcuts at the expense of my hyde. I love paying great apprenticed artists large sums of cash, even when I can't really afford it. They earned long before I ever came along. Best Regards to you Purists TCE

Oh my God!!!! A voice of conscience!!!!

Wow, i did take the time to read over alot of these bulletins and i've been learning as i go for years. From the fuckin basics of this shit. I want to become a tattoo artist very badly and i've heard of these "schools". I'm still a teenager, still in high school and i've been hanging out at shops forever with my dad and friends. I hope i could find an apprenticeship, i'll be a shop bitch and bust my ass. And yeah people sometime with home equit. will try to get me to be their little test animal and i back away, to much shit. People dont clean their stuff and i know about autoclave sterilization. I hope someday i just could become at least adequate, No schools for me.

so i found a site that is actually giving me information i'm working to become an apprentice. i was looking to the schools to see if maybe i could get some pointers from there so i didn't look completely rediculous in a shop but i think after reading all the oppinions on these schools that i would rather run around shop for years. thank you very much for all ya'lls help.

hey i was looking into buying my own liner and shader anyone want to give me a few pointers on things to look for. are kits a good idea? anyone know of a reputable place to buy it from?

hey i was looking into buying my own liner and shader anyone want to give me a few pointers on things to look for. are kits a good idea? anyone know of a reputable place to buy it from?

GApeach Get your apprenticeship lined up and your teacher will let you know what to get. All artists like different styles of machines and will probably want you to learn their technique wich requires a similar running machine.

why dont you guys try it before you start sharing opinions about it?, im sure there not great, nor even good, ive put a post about them, and was going to go through with one, just cause i might of had it paid for, but after posting on here, reading other things, i dont want to learn things all the wrong way, and glad i didnt go with that, went to a shop here and got an apprenticeship, havnt started it yet, but am soon, so. glad i went with the suggestions on here, but i still think someone should check it out, see how it is.

We HAVE checked them out...we have put out an open invitation for any tattoo school grad to share their tattoo work with us and here it is 6 months later and only one guy sent some god awful pics then when he was told they just were not good he got all crazy and defensive and started calling names etc....I have even e-mailed the schoolin michigan several times to try and get pics of their grads work with no response yet... Does this tell you anything?....It tells us A LOT!!! Look up the back posts on tattoos schools and you will plainly see that we did try to get more info and got shit!!!....TAz

Goddammit, now you got me all scared! The first thing I look for when checking out a shop now is that school diploma proudly displayed on the wall. If I ever see one, I'm not even going to bother looking at the work, I'm running away! Is that childish? TCE

Tim I wouldn't go that far...and I am not sayin that all grads of these schools suck...we just haven't seen any that didn't . We are still waitin to see some kickass tattoo school art...its gotta be out their...6 grand for 2 weeks or something...ya think someone somewhere learned something wouldn' ya?...as for lookin for diplomas I remember when you could buy one for 10 bucks at Huck Spauldings tattoo supplies! And people actually asked me if I had one!!...Christ!

TAz, There are a lot of guys and gals out there that can draw pretty well, they just don't know how to tattoo, and I understand their frustration in trying to figure out how to collaborate the two. But, there is a rite of passage within the culture that needs to be respected and preserved. I can't imagine a school is going to spend extra time or extend the course longer for the guy who isn't quite getting it. I'm not saying every apprentice out there is under the watchful eye of an astounding artist who is going to make sure his student is completey ready before cutting him loose, but when the stakes are higher, I think the chances are better. I was overexaggerating when I said I was gonna run away, I guess as in any scenario, if the guy can tattoo, he can tattoo. So that Tat Be Gone shit doesn't work you say? Damn! I think a have a glob of fresh ink that my body isn't taking kindly to. Did you get the Danny Carey pic this morning? Take care TCE

................................and futhermore, this isn't just giving folks a makeover. This shit is permanent, with the only possible solution being 10 times more painful and probably 20 times more expensive than the original tattoo. It would seem, if someone pays an artist a wad of cash to put something on them, and that artist puts on something other, or of a lesser quality, than what they asked for, the artist hasn't done his or her job. If the artist basically applys a really shitty tattoo, I can't see how it's much different than permanently disfiguring someone through any other negligence. Doctors get sued all the time for similar mistakes. TCE

Yep...thanks for sending it!!! Cool beans Tim...hows the healing coming?

TAz, I went in this morning to have my artist look at the spot. There is a whitish border around the black outline, and it's raised up a bit, with a pink halo around the whole spot. I don't know if the halo is from the magenta bleeding into the surrounding tissue, or from the area just being inflamed. Anyway, he said that it didn't look like it was infected, but that it definitely looked pissed off. As you indicated, it was too soon to really be doing any touch up to the outline, but it was a tiny spot, and I asked him to do it. Live and learn. If I lose ink, or if it just heals badly, I suppose we can fix it up later when we start adding more of the design higher up on my leg. Right now I just want to get the foot part of it done so that I can start wearing shoes again by winter. My slippers have so much Aquaphor in them that they squish! We have one more separate part of the outline that goes on the top of my feet in the space between the other work, which we're doing next Monday. I've spent the last week drawing it up and getting it fine tuned. I'm praying I don't run into anymore problems. I'll send you some pics of it after and see what you think. T

hey thanks for the idea you guys r great a lil hostile sometimes but thats completely understandable thank you very much for your help i really appreciate someone taking the time to inform me.

i was wondering if you guys could give me some pointers on what to bring with me to a tattoo shop to show the owner in attempt to get an apprenticship

ARTWORK! I just started an apprenticeship, and along with a reccommendation from another established tattoo artist, I brought a portfolio with tons of artwork in it when I met my potential teacher. That may not be all that you need, but it is definitely the right place to start. (I think I left my Tattoo School Graduation Certificate at home that day...)

hey tattoo school guy, no ,no,no,no,no,no. ive seen results from people that attend tattoo school and ive heard from people that have attended tattoo school.first, i must say,what do you think you or anybody can get out of a two week program? thats right , nothing! I dont care how dedicated you are or how noligable your teacher is tattooing is a lifetime learning process.its not something your can just pick up. ive been tatooing "WITH NO APPRENTICSHIP" for almost 10 years. not saying that apprenticeships dont matter, but ive learned more from traveling to differant conventions and taking knowledgeable siminars than any apprenticeship will ever teach you unless you are learning from one of the greats like guy atchison "hyperspacestudios.com" or don mc donald " bodyworks-tattoo.com" ect...... not to offend anybody of that callaber that i didnt mention, but those guys know the in's and out's of tattooing. there is so much technical stuff to the biz you cant just learn from a two week course, like a tattoo school. ive acually been thinking about my own tattoo school or apprenticeship program because it should be taught properly, after about a year showing your dedication to wanting to learn " shop bitch " it takes at least a year learning your drawing technices to draw a technical tattoo,differant aspects of dimention and form and semetricalism and many other things,and than you have to learn and practice the bacics of tattooing, and then there are many technical aspects of tattooing after the basics. then you have to " HAUNT "your crafft with a passion to start putting on a clean tattoo.time and patients are the key. If you have any questions just call me and i would be willing to awnser any questions, my name is roger mason i own and operate tattoo inferno in salisbury north carolina. I have learned the little bit that i know from guy, jack rudy, shane oniel, bob tyrell, lyle tutle, brian everette, paul booth " even though i do mostly color " , dave martinez, paco rollins, terry manning, and many others who ive come in contact with and watched or took seminars from or just ask questions. you will find that the artist that will awnser you questions with real sincere answers are the cool ones who really know what there doing. The dickheads, mostly, are the ones that dont even know what there doing. ive had my run ins with the dicks , not going to say there names, most of them have an ego for no reason at all, some of then are really good but they think to much of them selves and think they have nothing else to learn because they know it all and ive seen many of them go down hill cause when you think you know it all it all goes bad. let me know what you think about that. if your really serious about learning give me a call or e-mail, i could definatly piont you in the right direction. www.tattooinferno.com roger mason tattoo inferno salisbury n.c 28144 704 693 0120

First things first. I was the one who started this post and am now in a long term apprenticeship. I was not talking about a fuckin two week course any ass from the little bus could tell a two week course wont teach you shit about shit. There are a few schools that offer a 6 month 1 year or two year program. So if anyone has a relevant comment about schools not two week scams please feel free to speak up otherwise shut the fuck up about those damn two week scams.

I went to a tattoo school in denver and it was the best learning experince i ever had. the instuctor was out going easy to talk to i could ask him anything without feeling stupid. he made comfortible after learning about tattoo school i did my research and the school in denver the most cost efficient. and they supplied me with everything i needed for the course. other tattoo schools make the students pay for the course and supplies.and only offer 2 weeks the school in denver offers a 12 week course. if you would like more info on the course i took contact me at [email removed]

I went to a tattoo school in denver and it was the best learning experince i ever had. the instuctor was out going easy to talk to i could ask him anything without feeling stupid. he made comfortible after learning about tattoo school i did my research and the school in denver the most cost efficient. and they supplied me with everything i needed for the course. other tattoo schools make the students pay for the course and supplies.and only offer 2 weeks the school in denver offers a 12 week course. if you would like more info on the course i took contact me at [email removed]

what kind of pieces are you doing now that you've been to one of these 'schools'?

And where can we see pics of your work?

Hey "thatcos", Now that you are an alumni of "Tattoo U." do you have your own shop in Lakewood?.... Hmmm.... Hey Cactus, that's only about half and hours drive from you isn't it?

I am curious why the Notorious Ed's school doesn't show any pictures of their students work. Or any pictures of his tattoos for that matter. That scares the shit out of me. I'm going to work on my drawings and try and do it the old fashioned way. My tattoo artist has done a great job on me and I think I'm wearing him down! Anyways good luck all, kick ass.

some guy in town here went to a convention i think and they had some guy doing seminars or something on portraits, he said he learnd alot. but we also call him sketchy pete

Whatever, I'd think the most like reason they don't post pics is because then people would know what kind of stuff they produce. What other reason, since digi cameras and phones are so available, could there reasonably be for NOT showing off the work- if it was good. And xDark, seminars at conventions aren't really the same as schools, usually it is someone whose pretty good at something sharing the techniques. Course if someone can't 'too, all the rest don't matter...Doc

hell taz cant you see what you need to do? OPEN UP YOUR OWN TATTOO SCHOOL! SHIT YOU WILL MAKE TONS! ILL BE YOUR SPLIFF STAR AND DO ALL YOUR ADVERTIZING WE'LL CALL YOU DOCTOR TAZ! AND YOU CAN EVEN WEAR A SURGEONS MASK! I AM FUCKING EXCITED LOL!

if you are going to be scrubbing floors 2 years on your closet practice with a real world is going to be you brushing some tubes. Then I see more potential with a two or four weeks course. It all depends on the school and or mentor. There is a schools for every single artistic field. Why would a tattoo school sound like something off topic??. It dislike the fact that tattooing became a main stream topic, but it is here to stay.

We offer an school class in tattooing. It is 3 years long! It has and entrance exam and stringent course work. You will be tested repeatedly. You will learn to build a machine from scratch, make your own ink, make your own needles, be red cross certified in blood borne pathogens, medical sterilization... The cost... We don't want your cash... We want your soul for three years. Being a gopher, scrubber, shop bitch, drawing, stencil making apprentice. We only accept one every two years. Whether or not you have the ability to tattoo will depend on your artistic talent and nerves of steel. You may find out at the end of the first year that you just cannot do it. Trust me I will tell you by showing you the fucking door. We don't charge you anything, but you do not get paid to do the chores at the shop. And you will work for our shop for the following three years at a rate of 40% commission. At the end of your contracted time you will be given a choice to go to another town to continue your tattoo career --providing you can pass-- or you can remain with us if you are good enough and at that time you would get a raise. But be prepared you have to be able to take a lot of shit from us and smile about it. No bitching, no crying, no excuses. You will sign a legally binding contract. [email removed]

Can we see links to the studios tattoos? Sounds like a fair deal...

Gee ...sounds just like an apprenticeship to me!

that's what I was thinking.....

I would like some opinions on some of my work. I can take the crticism. Please be honest with me. my email is [email removed] Thanks Terry

A hands on properly setup and school might not be a completely idiotic idea if done right. Small hands on classes (1 artist per 5 students or so...). Proper bloodborne pathogen training. Acceptance based on artistic and financial ability. Something like a mass apprenticeship without the "shop bitch" part. Might be possible....

Keaz, yeah, right, and all this is going to be accomplished in their 2 week period? Get Real...Doc

Never said anything about time frame. Apprenticeship = 2+ years, Degree = 2+ years. Would cost a small fortune to participants, but it might be a good idea. I was thinking more along the lines of a several year program. 1.Intro 2.Bloodborne pathogen training (Red Cross) 3.Equipment 4.Fake skin/Fruit 5.Final course (Similar to graduation from a cosmetology school) After each course the student must pass to move on.

Keaz...that already exists... Its called "APPRENTICESHIP!"

Apparently there aren't enough "apprenticeships" to go around. My point was run the school similar to an apprenticeship and remove the "shop bitch" part. A two year tattoo school might be able to be a successful idea. My quandary is this: Can a proper tattoo school be created? You have art and design schools, and schools for doctors, dentists, electricians etc... Why not tattooing? P.S. As yet to all interested apprenticeship is currently the best way to go as a hypothetical school like this does not currently exist.

I think it COULD work if run properly

But what impact would that have on the industry? Clearly there would be more artists turned out by these schools.. and how would that affect the market? How many people would bother to work with good artists and get some real-world experience? It's like autobody or mechanics (my husband's field).... you can get a diploma that cuts down on your apprenticeship time, but you still have to put in thousands of hours to earn your papers. Any good trade requires more than classroom experience.

AND i HAVE TO AGREE...It would have a negative effect...I think it would bring this art down to the level of beauty schools...you know where you can go get a cheap haircut from someone just learning. I didn't say I would like it or even approve...just that it could work as a viable option...one I pray I never see...these "tattoo scgools" that are popping up every where now make me sick!

Ok guys and dolls....here goes...First my daughter who is a fantastic artist has many tattoos as well as a sleeve of scarification. She has tried to get "IN" as a "APPRENTICE" in many shops here in TX...Unfortunately all the so called wonderful artists not only want a shop bitch but a shop slut as well...She does not mind doing the bullshit work of shop duties, HOWEVER, she does not want to lay on her back and get fucked, let alone do shop duties for years and years to "MAYBE" be allowed to apprentice...as she is already 25...I have been trying to help her get her dream of owning her own shop...as we will both be partners...We are both trying to find a way into this artistic business and have not found a route yet...So if these so called SCAMS (tattoo schools) are not worth the money or the paper these certificates are written on, then what would you suggest...All I keep hearing is do the time...pay the dues...etc..ect...etc...Did any of you have to bend over and grab your ankles? I think not...This is a hard business for women and if you are lucky, and I mean really lucky there might be one gentleman out there, but I nor my daughter have found one YET!

yo check this out peoples::::::: i only got as far as reading the posts up til the date of 05/16/06 i cant believe i got that far! but i was checking in to going to a school as well, now i say FUCK THAT SHIT! but my only concern now is, well im an artist and shit i think im good and i always have people telling me that i should do something with my gift. i want to be a tattoo artist and i know i can be great at it. i know all about hard work so that shit aint a thang! but the concern is, if i find someone to teach me, will a good tattoo artist be able to find the time to teach? cuz if that fu is too busy, will he have time for me? yo TAZ do you find the time to teach?

I have nothing against apprenticeship, but from the guys I have talked to in the biz, the first few years are spent catching coffee and lunch and sweeping floors...this is after you pay anywhere from two to three grand up front. This is the reason I have looked into these tattoo schools. I don’t want to pay some guy that kind of money and then be his personal slave...It's unethical. I wouldn’t mind sitting and just watching him clean his instrument, tattoo, trouble shoot his equipment and then slowly become integrated into the process myself. I don’t want to be a tattoo artist tomorrow (one of the reasons I have steered clear of these schools) nor do I think that would be possible. I would like an actual apprenticeship though. If I were to take time away from my kids so that I can learn a trade to help make our lives better, I want to actually learn the trade, not be a butler.

No ethical shop is gonna make ya sweep floors for 2 years . There are lots of shops looking for good artists, do you have an art portfolio? It sounds to me like you want things handed to you, tattooing is something that takes commitment and its not an overnight thing.Sure you'll sweep floors and clean toilets so what? Do ya think you are going to start at the top?

So check this. Im in the same boat. I draw and paint like crazy evn bought machines but....... I made some mistakes and stopped thank god!!!! So Im looking for a school too. I dont trust any school that says you'll make soooo much money! What a gimmick. Im currently working on obtaining my masters in art and Im still not giving up on tattooing. It is a trade and all trades and crafts must be learned from someone. What Im trying to say is most schools are gimmicks. I mean look at the crap tattoos they show as their "look what you can do " pieces. As with any art form never go into it thinking you'll make money, go in it for the love. Be patient. Work on your art portfolio and listen to the little voice in your head saying if a busness is good or bad.

Sara!! At last a girl who uses her brain!! Good luck Sara!!

As I understand things, tattoo schools provide the training for a person to apply for a license with the state health department. I'm actually considering applying to a cheap one near home that meets the criteria for Texas. My main interest is the blood born pathogen area of it. I've actually had an apprenticeship at a nice parlor but due to my ex-wife and the fact that he showed up 5 hours late if at all. There were other small issues with my teacher recovering from a drug habit, but it was free and the guy really put what time he could into me. Unfortunately i have yet to find a parlor in my area where I can find someone who's not a complete self absorbed asshole or a greedy piece of shit. I cant afford to work for someone cleaning their shop making no money for 2 years because i have kids. Any education you can receive should not be frowned on. While some tattoo schools are scams, some apprenticeships are as well. You never know what your getting into until you try something, I imagine a well credited tattoo school that provides no BS training, making sure the students that pass through are of the utmost quality to build a reputation of excellence would be highly successful and quickly respected, more so then an apprenticeship from a heroin addict named bob that made you clean his shop for 3 years.

Have you completely ignored the words of all the pros above? these schools are nothing but shams, you cannot learn to tattoo in just a few weeks! Get your bbp etc from your local redcross for $50!! Don't pay these conmen $2 grand for a so called apprenticeship. And if you can't find a way to get into the field and still feed your family then ya don't deserve it. Sounds like somebody who wants to take the easy way out when there is no easy way out. Quit yer whinin and get instructed properly.

[email removed] -time to grow up. Tattoo schools?????? Kids!!!!!!!!!!

If the tattoo schools are nothing more than a scam and if apprentiships are hard to come by,,,why doesn't someone design a school like program that would be not only reputable but structured. It's apparant there is alot of people out there wanting to learn.......taz you sound like you have a wealth of knowledge. You should consider designing a program for us roookies that could cover some of the basics such as blood born pathegins, sterilization and so forth to give us a stepping stone into a apprentiship. A course of such could be of great value when trying to get into a shop as an apprentice and would also teach that there is a whole lot more to tattooing than just sticking a needle into the skin.

Twisted...Ya know what?...I do just that man!...and guess what again?...I don't charge a penney! And I don't treat apprentices like they were slaves either. Now I do require that all my people get their BBP certs etc etc at the local Red Cross...only $50 I just think they can do a more intense course than in a shop. We have never turned anyone away who was dedicated and showed the passion that it takes to enter this art.Now of course we have turned some people down...those that come in with a " You OWE me this" attitude or those who have not put in the time and energy necessary to get their art skills up to par. This is NOT about making an assload of money...( Which is what these "tattoo schoolsare all about) its about insuring that this ancient art will be left in good hands!

honestly, if someones artwork and work ethic is strong enough and they really have what it takes I have never seen someone not learn to tattoo. theres no need for a tattoo school, if you are having a hard time finding an apprenticeship, go to art school and get tattooed by the best. Its very difficult, but pretty simple. Talented artists want to see other talented artists enter the field. The best way to learn the business is to travel to and get tattooed by the best. If you draw for years and years and get lots of work from amazing artists and havnt gotten an opportunity then its probably not meant for you. A large part of learning to tattoo is learning patience. Everything about tattooing is about being deliberate and doing it perfect the first time. Off the Map is currently looking for an apprentice. We will be posting a classified soon. Lets see your portfolio!

And there ya go!! What a great opportunity to all those sayin they want an apprenticeship! Jump on this people!!!

I am a graphic designer, web designer and have been drawing for the majority of my life. I have recently been interested in the art of tattooing, especially with the new break through in removable inks. I think this will impact the industry greaterly since tattoos nolonger have to be forever. I am predicting a lot of back-lash about this new stuff ( all the shit about tats are supposed to be forever....etc.), but there will be massive increase in people getting tats and a explosion in the market all around the world. I saw this as a massive business opportunity. At the moment they only have developed one color (black) but more will come soon. I wanted to purhaps learn basically how to tattoo, (like a accountant learns to basically account at university) so I can get into the industry and begin the lifetime learning process....like any other profession. Why is this industry full of people who don't want the industry to grow? The more shit artists that are out there means bigger profits for those who are good! I understand your all coming from an "artists" perspective but painters don't get pissed at people going to art school! Why would you want to exclude people from your industry? Not every painter is the world is good. not every tattoo artist in the world is good. Why do you give a fuck if a grad student's work is crap? If he/she is making money and living off something they love doing, who are you to shoot them down? You are all probably pissed off that someone who you think is shit owns three shops and makes more than you! "those who can do......and those who can't teach"? I have a better one for you..."True intellect is getting someone better than you are to work for you!!" So, to the guy who's girl is getting sexually abused, try sending her to business school and them she can open her own shop and get some of these monkeys to work for her.

I am a graphic designer, web designer and have been drawing for the majority of my life. I have recently been interested in the art of tattooing, especially with the new break through in removable inks. I think this will impact the industry greaterly since tattoos nolonger have to be forever. I am predicting a lot of back-lash about this new stuff ( all the shit about tats are supposed to be forever....etc.), but there will be massive increase in people getting tats and a explosion in the market all around the world. I saw this as a massive business opportunity. At the moment they only have developed one color (black) but more will come soon. I wanted to purhaps learn basically how to tattoo, (like a accountant learns to basically account at university) so I can get into the industry and begin the lifetime learning process....like any other profession. Why is this industry full of people who don't want the industry to grow? The more shit artists that are out there means bigger profits for those who are good! I understand your all coming from an "artists" perspective but painters don't get pissed at people going to art school! Why would you want to exclude people from your industry? Not every painter is the world is good. not every tattoo artist in the world is good. Why do you give a fuck if a grad student's work is crap? If he/she is making money and living off something they love doing, who are you to shoot them down? You are all probably pissed off that someone who you think is shit owns three shops and makes more than you! "those who can do......and those who can't teach"? I have a better one for you..."True intellect is getting someone better than you are to work for you!!" So, to the guy who's girl is getting sexually abused, try sending her to business school and them she can open her own shop and get some of these monkeys to work for her.

From what I'm reading here-- it's not worth my time nor money, to go into a Tattoo school.. Well NO WORRIES here!! I'm a fast learner, to something totally different-- Then using pastels/characol/oils-- on a canvus... Thank you everyone for the information, that I had read on this discussion board. Now, I know what I need to do, to get myself going w/ tattooing........Hunysukl

I personally wanted to know a lil more about this tat school thing because as a graphics artist and a lover of tattoos i wanted to try to either get into an apprenticeship or one of these school. when i saw 6 grand im thinking well thats for a year or at the least half a year or something. But for 2 fucking weeks? that bullshit! can someone point me in a better direction? fucking 2 weeks for 6 grand my asshole!

I personally wanted to know a lil more about this tat school thing because as a graphics artist and a lover of tattoos i wanted to try to either get into an apprenticeship or one of these school. when i saw 6 grand im thinking well thats for a year or at the least half a year or something. But for 2 fucking weeks? that bullshit! can someone point me in a better direction? fucking 2 weeks for 6 grand my asshole!

I've been interested in learning how to tattoo and after reading all this, I agree that the schools are a scam....but here's the problem.... I live in portland oregon were there's tons of shops and about 10 "tattoo schools". I can't find anyone willing to apprentice. It seems the shops don't want to deal with and and just tell you to go to school. I looked for tattoo artist jobs in portland and the listings require that I have a oregon tattoo liscense and portfolio.... So-I can get the liscense by going to the school and if I do good work it seems like that will get me in the door. My point is that these shops (more than a few) don't seem to be looking for HOW I got my experience...just that I am liscensed and can prove myself. I have a mortgage to pay and can't waste my money-making days sweeping floors for free. I've called around and found some of the schools to be really flakey except for one that seems to be known in the area and says he teaches how to build everything from the ground up and mix pigments and everything....Wether it's school or an apprenticeship it all takes time to gain experience and a reputation.

No time to sweep floors for free? What, are you going to tattoo in filth? Your gonna have to find time to sweep and mop and clean alot if you want to tattoo. Next thing your going to tell us is you dont have enough time to draw. Its hard going through college with kids too, but if you want to learn something you will have to spend the time learning, and learning how to keep a studio clean is something you need to have in your blood if you want to tattoo... Can we see your art?

Can you say "sense of entitlement"? I thought ya could!

Obviously there's a lot of criticism of tattoo schools in general, but I'm wondering if some are better than others. For instance, I've been doing some research for a friend who is seriously considering the school outside Detroit and I'm finding WAY different kinds of programs. The one that looks like the most comprehensive is in Portland and requires 250 hours of training and 150 hours of hands-on experience (it's about 6K). Here's a link to what the program consists of: http://tinyurl.com/2jjaa6 The program is licensed by the Oregon Dept of Education, which seems like an OK sign? They seem to have a good rep as far as things go, but of course this doesn't mean "street cred." Is a program this in-depth worthwhile? I guess I probably already know what to tell her but the market where she lives is so full that she's afraid she can't find an apprenticeship and must maintain her current job while she's getting into the field.

sorry guys my cousin had to go to Asia to learn how to tattoo...

I think before you just blow off tattoo schools, you should first take a look at their graduates and see their shops. THAT is the true testiment of a school, or any apprenticeship. If you are actively earning a legal living and you're shop is highly respected AND you graduated from an online apprenticeship. Then you should be proud you found a way to properly educate yourself AND open your own business. THATS HOW YOU JUDGE A TATTOO SCHOOL, by their grads and their shops! http://www.certifiedtattoobodypiercingspecialists.com

Hey to everybody..i've read most of the post on here and i agree with them..now i'm looking to get into the tattoo biz..like all new people i dont know very much but i know enough to know what the parts are all that kind of stuff...I've also done few few tattoos which look pretty good..i've been looking into tattoo schools here in my area and i only found 1 but theres a few in up state Texas..the schoold i've looked into you have to attend them for 2 years i think...one of the tattoo schools you have to get to seminars 2 times a year and other tattoo thing like conventions and all that stuff which is great..because theres noway to learn to be a artist in just a few months..it takes years alot of down and outs with the biz...but end the end its all worth it

im not sure if you guys know anything about oregon but i was hoping to do an old fashioned apprenticeship but found out the only way to get your license in oregon is to go through one of these schools. im not too happy to find out this information but i figure fine ill do the school so i can get a license but then i will do an apprenticeship to get the skills needed. so unless i move to another state i have no choice but to do the school thing.

man.....taz you have the biggest mouth i've ever heard!! you CONSTANTLY talk shit and it is getting tiresome!! while i agree with you that these tattoo schools will never replace an apprenticeship i don't think your approval is needed to validate ANYTHING you seem to be attracted to drama like a moth to a flame. i've never heard of YOU either other than countless posts of you talking shit about other people here on this forum. answer me this do you currently have an apprentice or are you the typical ass who's too busy to be bothered and to consumed by money rather than quality artwork.? i myself have done an apprenticeship though i know i still have alot to learn and im working to get better at this artform i love. to me, people like you who are so opinionated and rude just give this business a black eye that it doesn't need. i agrre with some of the things you say but the way you say them just make you look like an egomaniacal ass with too much time on his hands.leave the keyboard alone for a bit and pick up your machine then YOU post some of your groundbreaking masterpieces!! maybe then we'll give you some respect. get over yourself taz ...seriously!!!

Hey guys. I was also being a tad foolish and looking into tattoo schools. I ended up thinking "Why in the WORLD would I want to go someplace for 2 weeks to learn.... What?" I've had the oppourtunity to be an apprentice, but only if I could use a computer. Ack! My 'kryptonite'. I'm a traditional artist, working mainly with pencil and inks (not the skin type). Not too fancy but I do it for fun. For quite a few years I was fiddling with the idea of trying to tattoo. I'd love to learn. I'd love to do it. Can I at this point realisticly? No to all of the above. Not trying to sound like a whiny bitch (though I'm sure I am being one, a little). Yes it'd be nice if it was easy and convinient. I know that art is a passion. Could I ever be as good as one of the greats? Nope, not a snowballs chance in hell. Would I try, givin the right setting and teacher? You bet your ass. Can I right now? Nope... Not right now. Might I in the future? I sure as hell will look into it. I have a machine, I only tattoo myself (I know, bad idea, I have the ink to prove it, lesson learned) and my husband. Would I tattoo anyone else? Not a chance. I got the machine, needles, sterilizing equipment, ect. to try and figgure things out. Has it worked? Nope. Will I ever get serious about tattooing in this manner? Probly not to be perfectly honest. But I will continue to look for a great artist that I can respect that possibly one day he/she would hire me even for the most piddly work. I'd do it in a heartbeat, just for the oppourtunity.

I think I have heard of you Taz (amazingly enough), or perhaps seen some of your work. Have you had any of your work published in Tattoo Flash?

hello im an artist from michigan i would never go to that school i hated school as is man. i have even had an apprentiship im doing it the old fashion way befor you had to have all of the stupid papers to tell people that you can tattoo teaching myself and letting my work speek for its self. i know im not the best artist in the world and never will be the best artist in the world but i am pretty good for my experance. im allwas learning new things and i ALLWAYS have someone to work on. if anyone wants to check out my work i am at myspace.com/domish_pain_ink check it out (expecily taz)

I saw your myspace! my favorite piece of yours is "Rose with Banner" oh and your spelling rocks! I'm surprised you are not in jail yet. Some of those tattoos are just a crime.

i cant speel worth shit. like i said i didnt like school. but what didnt you like about my work. I have only been tattooing sence march with a pro mechine. every thing you see on my site is what i have taught myself sence march.

I have spent the last hour reading every post in this thread ......and what I am getting from this is that tattoo schools are crap.......DO THE APPRENTICESHIP.......who cares if you have to be someone's shop bitch?? what is wrong with scrubbing tubes and mopping floors.........and by the way....I am a girl ....and I was never asked to be a shop slut........yeah it is a male oriented field.......you might have to listen to a lot of "guy talk" and if you are thin skinned you won't be able to hang...........be willing to work hard doing all the shit work the artist wants you to do.......nothing wrong with it.......In the end you will be able to say......I EARNED THIS. nothing wrong with giving up some sweat and maybe some tears to the craft that you love.......

Tattoo schools are definitely looked at as a joke in this trade...The original post mentioned how he can't get an apprenticeship. Well don't walk in with your art and ask if you can apprentice. I presume you get tattoo'd..and if you're like me I'd cheat on my girlfriend before my tattoo artist. Just goto the shop hang out alot...watch him work if it's open...or ask if you can if he's behind a wall, ask some questions, be friendly(buy some coffee or lunch once, in awhile, sh#t like that) and draw for a while at the shop...then eventually ask, hell, when you do it like that they might ask you. Good luck!

Hey Domish...I checked out your tattoos on myspace...I know you said you've only been tattooing for like 6 months but you're still apprenticing, right? Anyways I agree the rose w/banners might just be your best so far, but usually on banners would say something. I would have put the "mom" on the bottom banner, and her birthdate or death date on top banner...just a suggestion.

People do not seem to realize that some states have made it the law to attend and complete a course and set amount of procedures at a licensed private school in order to tattoo legally in that state and have made taking on an apprentice illegal otherwise. I have watched many schools open up, charge people much money, and teach them very little. I think it is bad for the industry and I am fed up with it. I have been against tattoo schools for a long time, but after realizing ther laws are not going to be reversed or overturned, I would really like to see some one open a legitimate place of education about tattooing, cross contamination, tattoo theory, tattoo history, and continuing education for those interested in tattooing. I would love to know more about tattooing and I have been a tattoo artist going on seventeen years (more then half my life at this point) and I feel you can never know all about tattooing. I would consider myself to be a successful working artist. I may open a school, not because I want to cash out, or am unable to tattoo well, but because I think their are artists out there deserving of the knowledge of this field that are not getting a fair trade for there money at most of the current tattoo schools. i am interested in hearing feedback on this from other artists....................

P.S. Not at two week school, at least six months to a year, and one to three students at a time. All the postings here also reference teaching all there is to know about tattoing in the schools courses and we all know that is not possible( just as learning in college or beauty schools can only give you a foundation and pers[ective and its up to you to learn more on your own). Just looking to give people a good foundation of knowledge and a fair chance at making it in this biz.

Miss tat2lady so which states are the one's that require this certificate/license to tattoo?

I stand corrected, upon further research I have found many states that regulate tattooing, but don't require schooling past crossed contamination and sterilization. It seems the only state that requires you to go to a private school is Oregon.

I live in CA and there are no schools here, yea theres apprenticships but they usually use you as a guppy for half a year then find a new apprentice so that there old one dont reach the grad date. im saying most not all of you, only people out there becoming tattoo artists are people that actually get out there and tattoo on giny pigs, i started as apprentice and am now investing my money in every thing a tattoo shop has, i have a few freinds who tattoo and i have them guide me, i can even darkin in there tattoos for them, its all practice, where will you learn to tattoo cleaning tattoo machine parts and windows at a lagit shop for a few years or working with a pro side by side studying how ink goes into skin the right way, also we proly do all have our own style, id say study images of all kinds of shit know your shit before you put a picture on someones skin. Go to a tattoo convention and go str8 to the people and ask them how did they become a tattoo artist, they will proly say geting out there and tattooing. an appreticeship takes too long and is no gaurantee, even the most pro shops arnt clean enough, a needle should come sealed and disposed after used once. parts should be cleaned with a ultrasonic cleaner twice, then cleaned a few times after that, you will need to be cleaner then a docter!

I'm just wondering after reading this whole board....their was mention of one school in particular. Tattoos by Lisa out of Albany NY. But no one got on here and directly bashed her? On her site she shows all the tats her students are doing on a daily basis, (only 4 per session) has some of her work displayed, has several tattoo magazines on her site that she has had her work posted in. Has anyone on here browsed her site? But yeah 5k for 2 weeks.....that's pretty steep! But isn't any training better than no training? If you can afford it that is.

Hi everybody, Im a gal from sweden, who is very in to tattoing. Have been reading this page with all oppinions and find it very usefull. My biggest dream is to be an good tattoo artist, but i need someone to help me to be so good.Here in sweden is it hard for a gal to get a place and master and its hard to find someone who have the time or not already have one in his studio. My last way is to look in other countries, becouse i am willing to go so far. I ONLY want to learn, and im know it gonna cost me time and money and almost ALL it takes, but i will take that chance. So if you are willing to have a crazy swede to learn by you, send me an email so could i send you a portfolio. //Michelle (dont track, its only worth one chance, and sorry for my gramatic) haha

You should post your portfolio online, on a website or myspace or something. If you can't "get in" then focus on creating better artwork. Take more classes, paint with more painters, get so bad ass that tattoo artists WANT to apprentice you. A really really really talented artist has a much easier time finding an apprenticeship than a studio looking for a wicked bad ass artists whos work inspires them. Now, a really talented artist might not have such an easy time, but that means they should get better, those extra two really's make all the difference.

Let me preface this post by saying I do not mean anyone disrespect. I'm just trying to stop my head from spinning between those who are "masters" and those who are trying to gain entrance into a craft. There has got to be a more organized method of entering this field. It sounds like the masters perhaps do not want to teach and the apprentices are impatient (as most Americans are with everything). There needs to be a balance. Okay, so if I want to "become" a mechanic, do I just go and hang out in a garage, bring my car there to be fixed, bring the mechanic doughnuts and ask if I can sweep the floor? If I want to be a dentist, do I just offer to mop the floor because I know the office needs to be clean? Art school is expensive. Tattoo school is expensive. Being an apprentice seems not to guarantee much unless there is a contract. There is frustration on both sides. What I've encountered in college art classes is that the teachers become defensive and threatened and/or tired when students are either talented or not. It seems like a reputible school might offer SOME help to those who want to start especially when sample tattoos are shown. I don't see the point of dismissing all schools. It seems quite difficult to just order the equipment, use it safely, and find an apprenticeship. SO...of course it takes years to master this art. It seems with the increase in popularity, the old timers are annoyed because there are probably more people, newbies, who want their jobs. Is there a way to match apprentices with willing and patient masters that will provide some sort of contract that will benefit both? Tattoos are so interesting and lasting. The fact that they have become more "legit" is to be welcomed. My 74 y.o. mom wants one from my son who wants very much to be an apprentice. I just want to get him started on this path. Any ideas?

tatmom, What you say makes sense except that, as of now, there are no legit tattoo schools. Period. The fact that us newbies might not agree with the traditional apprenticeship (while understandable) doesn't really matter. That's the way it's done and that's how you earn your stripes as a tattooist. Sure, we can bitch about it but refusing to do it is only hurting our own chances of making it in an industry that has certain expectations of the new people they are willing to let in. Have your son seek a real apprenticeship and learn the art/trade the way that the people who will be hiring him will want him to be taught - and no shop owner will say that they want a tattoo school student.

(Heavy sigh...grumble) Well, I was thinking after I posted yesterday that if he is 30 and still not a "professional" tattooist then the traditional method is messed up. He's 20 now and we'll see where he goes! Still, I think the tattoosbylisa school in new york or the michigan doctor is interesting at least to get SOME experience. Okay, I'll stop trying to run his life. Thanks for the space to post!

(Heavy sigh...grumble) Well, I was thinking after I posted yesterday that if he is 30 and still not a "professional" tattooist then the traditional method is messed up. He's 20 now and we'll see where he goes! Still, I think the tattoosbylisa school in new york or the michigan doctor is interesting at least to get SOME experience. Okay, I'll stop trying to run his life. Thanks for the space to post!

If your son presents himself and his artwork properly and professionally and if he is eager to learn, driven and has some killer drawing skills, then it shouldn't take him until he's 30. If it does, then maybe he's not what the tattoo industry is looking for.

If your son presents himself and his artwork properly and professionally and if he is eager to learn, driven and has some killer drawing skills, then it shouldn't take him until he's 30. If it does, then maybe he's not what the tattoo industry is looking for.

If your son presents himself and his artwork properly and professionally and if he is eager to learn, driven and has some killer drawing skills, then it shouldn't take him until he's 30. If it does, then maybe he's not what the tattoo industry is looking for.

Oops! sorry for the triple post. tatmom, check your email.

shops just want you to be there bitch it has nothing to do with earning strips its just a student with little experience cleaning your tattoo machine parts the single use needles go in, NO ONE WANTS TO BE A SHOP BITCH! AND I DONT WANT An inexperienced kid APPRENTICE CLEANING MY GDAM PARTS!, i want somone who is a certifed pro at all the titles of being in a real tattoo shop so i dont get hipititus C or some sh, IF YOU WANT TO LEARN TO BE A TATTOO ARTIST FIND SOMENONE WHO WILL START TEACHING YOU WITHIN WEEKS OR YOUR FORCED TO DO IT ALL ON YOUR OWN- they are breeding scratchers, id recomend getting an ultra-sonic cleaner some alconox, some sergical green soap and another all purpose cleaner and clean the hell out of shit for practice, buy not a decent machine a good machine and tattoo some pig skin then tattoo some real skin gl ps check your local gov health services to get a license and pay your yearly fees once you have your sh down. you have there lives in your hands tattoos are for life!!!!!!!!!!!! so are deadly deseases.......

Hey,I've read this entire topic and i'm not saying that it hasn't helped some, but now i'm a bit discouraged. I live in Antigua and i'm a killer painter. Thing is, their's not muchuse for such talent here. But one thing's for sure the world won't ever run out of skin to tattoo. I'm a young mother and have to make a quick decision career-wise. I was really hoping that these tattoo schools were for real and respected. Their my last hope to use my talent to make money. I found one in the U.K. that looks good so far and I was really considering it. It's www.the tattooacademy.com. I have to send a deposit and don't want my hard earned money tied up in a scam. Please Help!

Hey - I found this place- Im a natural skeptic so I can't help but pic apart a few things that seem odd- but anyone interested can check it out- http://www.spokane-tattoo-school.com/ I guess I'd also like to see if anyone else notices or the same things I am-

ok- I just checked out "www.the tattooacademy.com"- is it just me or does it send up flags that- a) Both the instructors do not have thier last names listed- b) a search for any of the shops or people listed in thier biography/description come with nothing, well, one turns up a shop owned by someone other than attributed to in the bio, and he/she seems to be solo, and a further search for one name finally turned up a shop- but said artist soesn't work there or either of the 2 shop listed in the shops "links" page. and c) the only other name, which is listed as the contact- turns up zero as well- whats up with that?

wow heres another one- its a bit of a stretch- http://www.tattooschoolthailand.com/ and I think someone mentioned this one before- http://www.tattoo-school.com/index.htm thats fucking crazy!!! someone mentioned one above thats completely ONLINE!!! what the fuck!!

...I think a tattoo school is ground breaking !!! ...no offence to the tattoo artist , but the time of enslaving an apprentice is over.Now if you are really interested in learn this ART you should search and find where you can get it ! ! !

So is this on legit? http://www.tattoo-school.com/index.htm If not please email me with suggestions.

Also, please check this one: http://www.seattletpa.com/

ok heres the things I see- and Im just starting out as well- I posted this one before- http://www.tattoo-school.com/index.htm 1) a web search for this guy turns up NADA, nothing, zilch- except that site. 2) no gallery of his or students work 3) no links to any shops past "graduates" are working at 4)as if you needed more- its like six grand!!! I just heard of someone paying $4500 for an apprenticeship at a working shop- and thats the most I've ever heard of!! on to the next one- http://www.seattletpa.com/ 1)wow- a gallery link with NO WORK!! 2)who the fuck are they? no names are mentioned- no owners/founders(oh yeah- they keep mentioning "Doc"- is this the 7 dwarves school of tattooing!!), no artists, not even any students!! too hokey for me y'all-

http://www.tattoo-school.co.uk/school.html just found this one! Check it out please...

www.mydragonlady.com ... and another

www.bodyplay.com ... and another

Whatever the name or who is running it any 'school' that claims to be able to teach anyone how to tattoo PROPERLY in two weeks is obviously not run by anyone who has the best interest of Tattooing in mind. The bottom line is the only real way to learn PROPERLY is to apprentice under a skilled and knowledgeable mentor (not just someone out to make a buck off your desire to learn- do your research) ,Doc

I live in Austin tx, Ive been trying to become a tattoo artist since i was 12, ive done research, and talked to Karen, Austin's tattoo artist of the year 4 years running, I've been talking to her for a while and she explained to me about interning, and shop bitches. Someone above mentioned that the most expensive internship they've herd of was $4500, yeah thats not really true, to intern with Karen its $8,000, and 2 1/2 years of interning.

Hmm....That sounds interesting so how good at tattooing is Karin and does she do any like anime stuff for you see that is what I am best at drawing is anime and have been good at it for a while now as well as tribals and such but anyways man give me her email address.

he guys trying to get someone to teach you how to tattoo is not so easy. alot of you say go and become a shop bitch but come on now i bet half of you didnt do that to get to were you are now. im just saying dont put people down for going to the schools let them make the mistake i as well think they are a scame but let them see that for them selfs its their money and their game.

I have been to the worlds only tattoo school and I can tell you first hand its a joke. Its a two week coarse!!! you can not learn how to tattoo in two weeks i don't care who you are. The only thing yo will walk away from this school is with an idea about tattooing and the feeling of being ripped off. It was a waste of time and money for me. I realized it after the first couple days along with a couple other people and it took longer for others but pretty much at the end of the coarse everyone knew they had been taken for a ride. Don't waste your time or your money. I am now working on my apprenticeship In a quality tattoo shop I have to do "the bitch work" but its all shit you need to know how to do if you don't know how to do this stuff you shouldn't be tattooing anyway. I had to forget everything i learned at the school because it was not right at all. Do your self a favor if you want to tattoo dont waste your money on tattoo school, take half that money you would spend get yourself an apprenticeship and learn how to tattoo. And as for Dr. Bill Pogue he is a fucking chiropractor and i never seen him tattoo or any of his work.

Alright, here's the deal. The only school that's going to help you get your foot in the door to tattoo is an art school! Dream all you want about tattoo schools being the answer, but those of you who seem too impatient to apprentice should stay the fuck out of this industry. Yes, a lot of people who are great now didn't apprentice anywhere...if you don't care about the people you're tattooing, then start scratchin people up. What we know now about health and safety is far more advanced from what they knew then. Those of you crying that it takes too long...well, it fucking should. Pay your dues and stop your bitching. This is why I stopped coming to this site in the first place!!! And yes tatmom you're right, tattoo artists don't want to apprentice because this industry is saturated with impatient, over confident artists...who need to focus on their art before they even think they are entitled to lay down some ink. The pie hasn't got much bigger, but everyone thinks they deserve a slice!

adikkted your so right the only school that will help you get into a tat shop is an art school. so for everyone that wants to get into tattooing the right way do it the hard way and work at a shop with the artist that love what they do. they are the ones that will teach you everything down to the smallest thing. it might be hard but trust me its well worth the bitch work.

The couple posters that mentioned Oregon are correct. You HAVE to attend a school to be able to legally tattoo in the state of Oregon. You have to have 210 hours of theory and 150 practical hours. You have to do a minimum of 50 tattoo procedures as well before you can attempt to get certified. It costs around 6k and takes, I believe, 3 or 4 months. So, what are Oregonians to do if the schools are such a bad idea? There are a lot of talented people aching to tattoo, but have no desire to move out of Oregon. I'm one of them.

Real simple...two options: 1) Work a job, save you're money, work with a tattoo shop at night and learn as much as possible. If they think your art needs work pay for an art school or take art classes at a community college until they think it's satisfactory. Go to the "required school" shit when you can afford it, then keep working while you start to apprentice as soon as you finish that bullshit. Most likely, you won't make good money tattooing for a while! 2)If you couldn't guess....MOVE THE FUCK OUT OF OREGON! Your choice if you're really serious about it!

I am at a school right now, And its not a scam. I really think the tattoo industry is a fucking scam. Tattooing is not an art form, Ok some tattoo artists devolop artistic scills after awhile. But come on guys, i know you all are affraid too loose all that fucking insane good money you all make. And i will also be affraid of that, becouse when i am finnish at this scool i`l go home and make a lot of cash....I have been tattooing every day on real skin for the last 5weeks(IN ASIA) with a teacher telling me exactly what to do for the first two weeks...After you have trained your wrist to the machine and understood the coulors and how to blend them, its SO FUCKING EASY! Any looser can do it...Just have a look on all the artists out there, then you KNOW its a scam and that 50% of them even can`t draw.ALL YOU "ARTISTS" WHO READS THIS; YOU KNOW ITS TRUE!!!!.....And i know i will have a lot of shit for posting this comment if i have enough shit i will post the link to the school!, AND YES THEY HAVE A STUDENT GALLERY WITH OVER 50STUDENTS AND THEN YOU ALL CAN SEE WHAT THEY HAVE DONE! 2 MONTHS GUYS AND AFTER YOU ARE PAID BETTER THAN A DOCTOR;.

Paid better than a Doctor? HAHAHAHA Did your "school" tell you that? Who ever told you that is trying to scam you, especially if you are also taught that you don't need artistic talent to tattoo. Also, to be really successful today, art comes first and learning to tattoo comes later, not the other way around. You've been robbed. You obviously don't see it yet but you will. Trust me, you will. Lets see your work.

Click the link and you`l see my work,.I have finished two full sleeves and are finnishing a full back next week.. And allready got a work in a studio home in Europe, after i sent my portofolio......And i KNOW 100% that MANY of the tattooartists today DO NOT have an artistic background, and yes i dont know about the states but in europe Tattoo artists make the same money as an doctor, And its not the people on the school that say that, I have known that for many years after workin together with the wife of an artist in my city(Wich i will start work for after i go home from Asia) Maybe you should move your buisness to europe? But I know why everybody says the schools are a scam, ofcourse you all wanna protect your Big income.But i think its way to late for that, now everybody wanna be a tattoo artist its the new rockstar, and i think miami ink,london ink La ink is some of the reason for that.And yes i agree many of the schools are bullshit, but this one is not. When i am finnish here i will have a portofolio with about 110 tattoos.. About 10 full sleeves and a couple of full backs....offcourse the first 10 one was shitty as hell, ...I dont say that its done in Tree months to become a good tattoo artist,BUT you can make ok tattoo`s in that time when you practice everyday. I allready got a job after beeing here 6weeks! and the studio has been around in my city since the late 80`s.........AND I agree with you that an artistic background sure will help, BUt you dont need it to learn tattooing. .......................................................Work hard and save money, becouse there will be ALOT of new tattoists in the next few years, and i am sure the prices will drop dramaticly, Unfortanly!

Uh, what's the link and who are you?

l checked some of the tattoo schools out after seeing one an an online ad,and did you see the questions that they ask and images they have you draw?There a joke.My little nephew can draw any of those freehand.And the Head Teacher and his other staff have no tattoos that i can see.

Ok guys and ladies.... I'm just started learning how to tattoo (don't bash me for my rookieness) here's my question to any pro's or anyone who's been doing this for a while already. Is it better just working on my own with a bud whose done it for a while as oppose to aprenticeships?

Does your bud work in a shop? If you answered no then seek an apprenticeship...there are other aspects of this industry that you would need to learn. Good luck!

I have been on a tattoo school in Asia as one is talking about here. Its a 2 weeks to 2 months Course and it cost for 2 months almost 6000Dollars. And Worth it or not The answer is simple and it is NOT worth it. Ok i did alot of Tattoos on real skin, but they dont teach you anything at all. They give you a machine and a poor thai guy who gets about 200Baht for the painful job 200Baht= ca 5dollars. And then its just to go ahead and tattoo him. I have not seen one of the tattoos done at the school(The school goes for beeing a good one) Turned out well, they all look shit, Ofcourse they do.. The people running the school are just interested in Your money and they convinse you that you can do it in two months and that is really BuLL shit!! I was very disepointed after spending all this money, Over 12,000dollars all together with the plane ticket and every thing.....I am really in to learning Tattooing so i dont give it up and are starting to get alittle bit better, but i think allmost all of the people going for one of theese school scams are very disepointed and give up tatooing for good after beeing on one,. So my answer is, sorry folks its no short cut in tattooing. PS. Looking for apprentice, anyone need one, I am VERY serious about tattooing and know the basics from tuning/building/setting up the machine to linework shading and coloring... Looking for job apprentice anywhere in the world.

If anyone knows about ripping people off its gina ..she's been ripping off the people of her town for a long time she doesn't know a damn thing about tattooing ..any thing she says that sounds smart forget it, she got lucky! She's not that hard to find on the net so check her out ! and lets all judge her for what she is and expose her ..hmm, maybe she should invest in a rippoff school ,..however I personally dont think Pittsburg academy of art is a ripp off and they offer tattooing ,permanent and cosmetic!

Wow, you gaping asshole, expose me for what? I've never claimed to be anything I'm not. And if you're going to "out me" for something, do it right. Who exactly in my town did I rip off or do any type of harm to? Who? In fact, I've tattooed a total of 4 people, all family, including myself. Never charged a penny. You can see my work, good, bad or indifferent on my very own site www.inksaneart.com You don't have to like me or what I do but do not pretend to know things about me when you don't. I have been honest and even on this very board admitted to falling for one of these tattoo school scams and that aside from the little I learned from the "school", I was self-taught. I make no effort to hide that. And don't pretend that my (apparent) smartness has to do with luck. I know what I know. It's either factual or it's not. Having served a formal apprenticeship or not does not make those facts any less relevent. And just who the fuck are you, anyway, tough guy?

The reaping bitch! Get ready guyz its gonna get tough out there again!!!

heres a link of the tattoos i did at a school in Asia, thay suck but i dont give up,,, abyone needs an apprenteice! I am Very serious about learning tattooing so if any studio needs someone please email me at [email removed] Ps, i can draw "ok" i guess http://www.TattooArtists.org/DrobachTattoo

Ok..Again I see a honest question regarding tattooing and yet again I see the premadonnas bashing (this is not all of you). I believe it is your responsibility as artists in the industry to guide folks down the right path and not tell them what Morons they are. As for schools, there are several universities and colleges that offer an associates in body art. I dare any of you to argue that they are a waist of money or not ligit. The courses cover all aspects of the industry and are instructed by professionals. If you really want to know if a school is ligit check to see if the state of Tennessee accepts it as they are one of the most bruital states to get licensed in. I totally agree that no training can beat a good apprenticeship but lets not forget how damn near impossible it is to obtain one. Alot of the "Professionals" on this site show why. I myself stayed on a waiting list for 2 years before I was actually even considered. In that time I learned to wrap coils, cut frames, A bars, and springs which I believe was the only reason I was picked up. All I am saying is I would like to see a little more professional guidance and not so much bashing..Again this is only direscted at a select few.

I am so frustrated. I have an apprenticeship. In an apprenticeship you are pretty much the slave that works for free. you could possibly get fired for anything you do or they just dont like you anymore. There is alot of bullshit you have to put up with that I believe would make spending the money on a school well worth it. I am a very talented artist, more talented than any one working at my shop, and a hot single chick. I am constantly sexually harrassed, because I dont want to date anybody I work with, and threatened with termination. The reason being " you dont really want this, you are such a waste of talent." I work for free down there more than I work at my real job making it hard to have a life or pay my bills. Theres a big contract to sign, stating that I have to pay them a bunch of money and if I ever quit or they fire me its theirs, if I am no longer working for them I cant work at another shop within so many 100 miles. I cant remember how many but I would probablly have to move If I wanted to continue in that career. Ive put alot of time and work into this shop and my "teacher" would rather spend his time trying to get to know me on a personal level than proffesional. Basically in an apprenticeship you either have to be good friends with the artist or family because its at your teachers leisure you could be at it for years before you even pick up a tattoo gun.

If you wanna learn art go to art school or take those art classes that just teach ya how to draw, take comic book classes cuz it will help you with flash art and fine art and painting will build your porfolio... while your at it be a shop bitch and learn and apply your art skills to be even better and don't go to the scammed tattoo schools cuz nothing beats one on one experiance nothing... lm profoundly deaf I know this for a fact... and I have an art porfolio from taking art classes at various places and some from a little bit of college, I'm a certifyed massage therapist and I'm currently in school for esthtetics / skin care soon to finish and be licenced... I'm really reallly really intrested in learning permante makeup I'm not sure if its legal in pa but if it is is anyone willing to teach me? I know not all artist are into the makeup stuff but some of you out there are... if your in the nj/pa/del. Area please contact me I'd greatly appreciate it thanks...

Hi all. Just to let you know, in the state of Oregon laws have been passed making it illigal for ANY tattoo studios to hire apprentices without the apprentice first having a license. Unfortunatly now the only way someone can get licenced is to go to a tattoo school. Then the studio will hire you. This law was fought tooth and nail by the studios in Oregon as now it has created a whole band of scratchers and tattoo shops are closing due to most wannabe apprentices moving to other states, apprenticing and staying there instead of paying out the ass to go to school. In Oregon, you want to tattoo ?... you have to go to school or move to another state. Sucks balls.

Hi all. Just to let you know, in the state of Oregon laws have been passed making it illigal for ANY tattoo studios to hire apprentices without the apprentice first having a license. Unfortunatly now the only way someone can get licenced is to go to a tattoo school. Then the studio will hire you. This law was fought tooth and nail by the studios in Oregon as now it has created a whole band of scratchers and tattoo shops are closing due to most wannabe apprentices moving to other states, apprenticing and staying there instead of paying out the ass to go to school. In Oregon, you want to tattoo ?... you have to go to school or move to another state. Sucks balls.

So.. Does anyone no if a license is currently required to be a tattoo artist in Georgia yet?

So.. Does anyone no if a license is currently required to be a tattoo artist in Georgia yet?

oops. 2x b/c of pop-ups.

KINDER: My apprenticeship was alot like that (well, minus the sexual harassment), and i paid a LOT of money for it. I used to buy my boss lunch almost every day, and i scrubbed that place every day, regardless of if it actually needed it. all i did was clean, and I was frustrated all the time because i felt like i wasn't learning anything, and that i could do better without my mentors. but in the long run i would be NOWHERE without what i learned from them. Stick with it. They may be assholes but hey, they're tattoo artsists, alot of us are. And as an attractive woman, if you want to pursue this career, you're going to have to deal with that for as long as your in the business. people will underestimate you, bacause you're a girl, especially if you're a hot girl. but, if your work is good, it will blow them away that much more. Your mentors might be trying to teach you something. or they may just be assholes. in any case, you got the apprenticeship, which a lot of people have touble doing in the first place. treat everything like its a test. mop like you've never mopped. scrub tubes like you were born to do it. after a while, see if you can take on some of the custom drawings if artists get backed up. you're not going to tattoo right off the bat, you may not even touch a machine for months, maybe even a year or so. but don't give up! most of us were where you are now, but we got through it, and so will you.

I Got a mail from my Teacher in Thailand yesterday, about some comments on this page which i was totally unaware of ! I don`t know who, but i think its a hippie fom Finlandia who is posting out things in my name, STOP IT!!. i have red through alot of the posts here and i find 4 posts with my name or my email adress in it!! also one with a gallery link. If anyone here know how to find out where the IP adresses come from i would appreciate if someone could send the info to me..... However i have been on a school, i did a full 3 months course in Hua Hin Thailand (google it if you will see their webpage) There you learn every basics of the tattooing and you also get alot of practice on real skin. At my 3 months i did 2 full back`s 3- 50%sleeves with chest and a bunch of other tattoo`s small and big. For me the school was worth every dollar it gave me the confidence that i can do it and i learnt everything about tattooing, from making needles to the different techniques of tattoo`s.. After i arrived at my hometown i have got alot of questions about making tattoo`s and have made several tattoos every week. i am opening a shop now in the end of August 08 and allready have bookings for the first 3 weeks!!

I Got a mail from my Teacher in Thailand yesterday, about some comments on this page which i was totally unaware of ! I don`t know who, but i think its a hippie fom Finlandia who is posting out things in my name, STOP IT!!. i have red through alot of the posts here and i find 4 posts with my name or my email adress in it!! also one with a gallery link. If anyone here know how to find out where the IP adresses come from i would appreciate if someone could send the info to me..... However i have been on a school, i did a full 3 months course in Hua Hin Thailand (google it if you will see their webpage) There you learn every basics of the tattooing and you also get alot of practice on real skin. At my 3 months i did 2 full back`s 3- 50%sleeves with chest and a bunch of other tattoo`s small and big. For me the school was worth every dollar it gave me the confidence that i can do it and i learnt everything about tattooing, from making needles to the different techniques of tattoo`s.. After i arrived at my hometown i have got alot of questions about making tattoo`s and have made several tattoos every week. i am opening a shop now in the end of August 08 and allready have bookings for the first 3 weeks!!

Let me inform you all of one thing here in Oregon.The student must complete 375 hours of training in theory and application as designated in the syllabus; as well as pass a written and practical exam to complete the course. The students who receive Certificates of Completion from this course will then be approved to take the state test for a Permanent Color Technician License in Oregon. The course will also offer preparation assistance for the state test You MUST complete a course oulined by the STATE to even attempt to take the test to be Certified in the state of OR. You cannot so much as think of doing tattoo work without bieng licensed by the state here! FYI

Starving musician- What affect do you think those laws have had on guerilla tattooers? are there more? less? I'm just trying to figure out if strict laws like that are good for the people, if if they actually encourage illegal tattooing.

Tattoobydoo, Good question and I'd like to see how other pros respond to this. It's my belief, based on what I've heard from others as well as what I've seen over the many years I've been involved in the profession, that regulations cause the price of professional tattooing to increase and ends up 'encouraging illegal tattooing' as a result. I know almost every person who has come into my studio with crap some scratcher put on them and they are trying to get fixed or covered says the reason they went to them in the first place was because they were so much cheaper than going to the pro shops. Since we do not have regulations (but WILL in January) I sincerely believe it's just going to get worse, particularly, like most of these regulations, they do not affect or address the people who do not work out of an established studio/shop. Hell, we have local ordinances that 'regulate' tattooing in various cities that prohibit tattooing from anything but licensed tattoo shops that aren't even enforced, some of these clowns even have websites posted in Tattoo Directories. In my 26 years of having my own studios in this state/county I've never once heard of any scratcher ever busted by the 'authorities', again, even in the areas that have local ordinances regarding it. With tattoos having become so 'mainstream' and more accepted (as well as televised) and the facts that these schools have emerged and that anyone can get their untrained hands on tattoo equipment ADDED to the fact that these 'tattoo regulations' do not really control that, I think we're going to see a lot more crap work than we already do coming out of the scratchers, not to mention the health problems involved. Unfortunately, even now, most folks don't really know that much about what to look for when thinking about getting a tattoo and alot of them are 'bargain hunters' especially due to the economy, IMHO. Hopefully, other professionals will comment on this one.

ThanksThanks, doc. that was insightful. I think you're right. The only thing i see a law making it harder to tattoo doing is encouraging people who want to tattoo to do it illegally. I think its something they should leave to the industry. I understand and support governments enforcing the health aspect, but i think that judging when a person is ready to start tattooing should be left to the mentor. A lot of supply companies (the reputable ones, anyway) won't ship machines or equipment to anywhere but a licensed shop. I think adopting legislation like that would be much more benificial. Not only will it not encourage people to start tattooing illegally, it will prevent home tattooers from obtaining machines, needles, etc, and dissuade people from going to a home tattooers. Granted, some people are just stupid enough to pay half price for a tattoo done with a guitar string, but i think it would really steer people in the right direction.

Tattoobydo, For the most part, most of these regulations do not really address the health aspects properly, as the people who make them more often than not, do not have any real insight into the profession. As to what you said about 'leaving it to the industry' THAT I agree with, as I really cannot remember any health related problems coming out of any conscientious studio/shop (although the 'conscientious part IS the crucial part) Naturally, I'd be all for a law that required suppliers to only be allowed to ship to established shops/studios and certainly agree that would reduce the problem significantly but knowing what most of the people who could/would be involved in THAT think of tattoos and the people going/getting them is, well, I do not envision THAT happening- as much as I do believe it would help. I also realize there will undoubtedly always be the idiots that will let someone with a homemade 'gun' work on them ,the vast majority of the crap these scratchers are putting on folks is being done with 'professional' equipment. Look at most of the shit being posted on such sites as MySpace and Checkoutmyink , to mention only a couple of many and you'll see the 'proof' of that. While I don't know what the real answer is, I do not believe government regulations are the solution or even truly 'help' (as explained previously) Unfortunately, it is not something we can address as we did in 'the good old days' as the assholes have far more laws to protect them than the pros do.

hey TaZ so you do take apprentices with the heart for the business which i can understand dont want every tom dic and harry out there giving the tattoo industry a shit name well im 17 now and i live in south africa and i seriously wanna learn this!!! you think you could help me out?

fuck it im off to see ami james pmpllllllllllllllllllll!!!!

Damned right schools are great. It is self evident, that, a school is only as great as the teacher is. A school is a place, where two or more come together with a common interest. Institutions, which provide libraries for reference and resident masters to consult with ( in person ) !!!! I would sooner / rather handle a school environment, than, as apposed to apprenticeship ( emptying garbage, answering phones, etc...). Just teach me the art, all day - each day - until, I know, for sure, whether it is for me or not. Life is far to short for "show boating" around sleazy commercial tattoo shops, all day, for years, begging "self-important" tattoo artists to teach me something.. Thank you

Re: Posted by tattooforlife.com from IP: 156.34.88.177 on 10/14/08 Canada 'Damned right schools are great. It is self evident, that, a school is only as great as the teacher is. A school is a place, where two or more come together with a common interest. Institutions, which provide libraries for reference and resident masters to consult with ( in person ) !!!! I would sooner / rather handle a school environment, than, as apposed to apprenticeship ( emptying garbage, answering phones, etc...). Life is far to short for "show boating" around sleazy commercial tattoo shops, all day, for years, begging "self-important" tattoo artists to teach me somethingJust teach me the art, all day - each day - until, I know, for sure, whether it is for me or not. Thank you' Sure they're great, where else could you possibly properly learn all you need to know about a serious profession in two weeks or less? The only thing they're 'great' for is making money off the gullible people who think they can actually learn enough to be competent in as little as 2 weeks (or less), have more money than brains and do not properly respect the profession enough to go about it properly (by apprenticing) As long as there are naive people, there will be people making money off them, it's just that simple. I think your comment ' Life is far to short for "show boating" around sleazy commercial tattoo shops, all day, for years, begging "self-important" tattoo artists to teach me something. Just teach me the art, all day - each day - until, I know, for sure, whether it is for me or not. Thank you' tells a lot about your attitude/knowledge, especially the 'sleazy commercial tattoo shops' and 'self-important tattoo artists' aspects and I'm sure that will assist you a lot. How about you refer me to the great work coming out of anyone whose learned through one of those 'tattoo schools'?

I've been getting tattooed for over 17 years now and becoming a tattoo artist has always been my longterm dream. Only problem I had was I was never very good at drawing! I alway's thought I was kinda stuck with the artistic value that I was born with but recently have applied myself wholeheartedly to learning to become proficient at drawing and shading. It is coming along nicely and I am finding that it is possible for me to be become a good artist and eventually great. I still, however, have a long way to go and was wondering what your opinions were on the chance of me getting an aprentiship under that premise. As I learn the techniques of becoming a great tattoo artist, I would also be furthering my artistic value at the same time. I have the utmost respect for this industry and those that comprise it. I have no desire to botch that respect by attending one of those scam schools or finding a teacher that is just doing it to make a few thousand bucks and doesn't care whether I become great or wheather or not the customer is happy with the ink. Any thoughts, opinions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I've been getting tattooed for over 17 years now and becoming a tattoo artist has always been my longterm dream. Only problem I had was I was never very good at drawing! I alway's thought I was kinda stuck with the artistic value that I was born with but recently have applied myself wholeheartedly to learning to become proficient at drawing and shading. It is coming along nicely and I am finding that it is possible for me to be become a good artist and eventually great. I still, however, have a long way to go and was wondering what your opinions were on the chance of me getting an aprentiship under that premise. As I learn the techniques of becoming a great tattoo artist, I would also be furthering my artistic value at the same time. I have the utmost respect for this industry and those that comprise it. I have no desire to botch that respect by attending one of those scam schools or finding a teacher that is just doing it to make a few thousand bucks and doesn't care whether I become great or wheather or not the customer is happy with the ink. Any thoughts, opinions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I've been getting tattooed for over 17 years now and becoming a tattoo artist has always been my longterm dream. Only problem I had was I was never very good at drawing! I alway's thought I was kinda stuck with the artistic value that I was born with but recently have applied myself wholeheartedly to learning to become proficient at drawing and shading. It is coming along nicely and I am finding that it is possible for me to be become a good artist and eventually great. I still, however, have a long way to go and was wondering what your opinions were on the chance of me getting an aprentiship under that premise. As I learn the techniques of becoming a great tattoo artist, I would also be furthering my artistic value at the same time. I have the utmost respect for this industry and those that comprise it. I have no desire to botch that respect by attending one of those scam schools or finding a teacher that is just doing it to make a few thousand bucks and doesn't care whether I become great or wheather or not the customer is happy with the ink. Any thoughts, opinions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I've been getting tattooed for over 17 years now and becoming a tattoo artist has always been my longterm dream. Only problem I had was I was never very good at drawing! I alway's thought I was kinda stuck with the artistic value that I was born with but recently have applied myself wholeheartedly to learning to become proficient at drawing and shading. It is coming along nicely and I am finding that it is possible for me to be become a good artist and eventually great. I still, however, have a long way to go and was wondering what your opinions were on the chance of me getting an aprentiship under that premise. As I learn the techniques of becoming a great tattoo artist, I would also be furthering my artistic value at the same time. I have the utmost respect for this industry and those that comprise it. I have no desire to botch that respect by attending one of those scam schools or finding a teacher that is just doing it to make a few thousand bucks and doesn't care whether I become great or wheather or not the customer is happy with the ink. Any thoughts, opinions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, I do have a tip. Go to college, earn an associates or bachelor degree in art. If that is what you love, that would be a good place for you to begin. A real college or university. Most good schools ask for an ACT score or an SAT score and a high school transcript to review before you are accepted. Make sure they are accredited and well known. Just because it isn't the most expensive college or university out there doesn't make it a bad one. I go to a very well know University here in Utah and Its affordable. Plus, federal aid, or a pell grant, is money that you don't have to pay back, not a loan, just money to help you pay for schooling that the federal government is willing to give you based on your previous years earnings. Checkout FAFSA online. Hope this was a good jump start into what you are seeking. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. I already have an MBA, however. As soon as I get back from Iraq, I intend on looking into some art programs at either WSU or UW, as Ft. Lewis, WA is where I'm stationed when I'm not overseas. I'm nearing the end of my military career however, and as I certainly won't be "hard up" for work I think it's time for me to take some steps to pursue my dreams. If you know of any good art programs in the aforementioned area, I would appreciate the info!

looking for info. iam just starting out and ive been workking to on my own. I use practice skins and pigs. but my question is why do my lines look scratchy?? any help would be good. i know it will be along time before i start on poeple. Thanks Ed

looking for info. iam just starting out and ive been workking to on my own. I use practice skins and pigs. but my question is why do my lines look scratchy?? any help would be good. i know it will be along time before i start on poeple. Thanks Ed

this is bullshit the new laws in new mexico have left all apprentices of tattooing and piercing with out a job now. all shop owners have dropped thier apprenteces due to the fear of been blacked listed. i have dropped $5000 i have 1000 hour of my apprenticeship done. still have 500 hours to go before im a tattoo artist. so i jump on here to look for a school ya that was bullshit some asshole thinks that $6000 and 2 weeks of his or her time well make you a good artist bullhonkey. now my teacher of tattooing is telling to go low for 2 years fuck that with the money i have dropped and then have to chill for 2 years then come back someone is smoking some fucked up shit. i fucking hate the assholes in new mexico that made up this god danm laws for tattoo shop which they are saying its for all the states and by looking at the laws it looks like someone that does not know about tattooing made them laws. tattooing has always as been a ruble outcast freedom that looks like the gov wants to stick thier sticky fingers into the tattooing cookie jar. all i wanted was to become a tattoo artist and now i cant fuck this shit time to kick some ass and take names

I don't think paying for something you love to do isn't worth paying for, I been drawing for many year's and i was given a chance to see if I could put on skin as I could on paper and I loved it I only been doing tattoos for 5 months and already got offered a position in a shop, I tried it out for a few weeks and seen it was all about the money and I myself would rather just do it for fun then for money, so if its something you really like to do then you'll figure it out on your own so why pay for it!

To be honest the school that is here in Toronto, Canada has alot of what people say should be in schools. yes its a short course but the tattoo's in the gallery are not bad quality, to be honest It looks like it's worth the 3Grand. & When Im done my Hairdressing Course I Plan to do the course there aswell as a peirceing course.

TAZ.. MY FRIEND, YOU NEED TO GO TAKE A TIME OUT.YOU MAY BE A INK SLINGING GOD IN YOUR BACKYARD, BUT I HAVE BEEN AROUND BUILDING CHOPPERS AND HOTRODS AND I HAVENT EVER HEARD OF YOU, SO TAKE A BONE AND SIT. IF A GUY WALKS IN MY SHOP AND TELLS ME HE WANTS TO LEARN TO BE A BADASS MECHANIC, WELL FIRST OFF, HE HAS THE BALLS TO WALK IN HERE, IF HE DOESNT CUT IT, THEN HES JUST NOT READY. AERODYNAMICALLY THE BUMBLEBEE SHOULDNT BE ABLE TO FLY,BUT, THE BUMBLEBEE DOESNT KNOW IT, SO IT GOES ON FLYING ANYWAY. MARY KAY ASH. SO I KNOW YOU WERENT BORN A BADASS INK SLINGER, SO SHUT THE FUCK UP!!

captain slap a hoe, you need to quit whining.move. GO SOMEWHERE AND DO IT RIGHT.IF YOUR GOOD AT SOMETHING GO FOR IT, AND IF YOUR NOT.. WELL MY FRIEND SOME THINGS YOU CANT FAKE.I HAVE BEEN AN ARTIST FOR A LONG TIME, AND NETWORKING IS WHERE ITS AT, AND IF YOUR WORTH A SHIT, SOMEONE WILL NOTICE.PREPARE TO LOAD YOUR SHIT AND BOOGIE.

So it seems to be very inconsistent. I've been reading this post and getting more and more frustrated. Here's what I want to know; A. Is it really a waste of time and money for a tattoo school if not for the purpose of obtaining a "degree" but the experience neccessary to apply for a license. California seems to differ that license by county, and what is required. B. Whats the alternative for someone who, like me, has been drawing and dreaming about doing tattoo's for the joy of doing the fucking tattoo's, but can't find an apprenticeship(almost nobody takes them out here)? Or if an apprenticeship is found, the shop is dirty, and full of meth smoking scum bags (the joy of the Bay Area out here)? C. Is it possible to get a straight answer without flaming one or the other? Anyone is free to email me their response, I ENCOURAGE IT in fact. I am also willing to submit a few snapshots of some of my own commissioned work(not tattoo, just designs and the like). I'd also even settle for a recommendation of where I can investigate an apprenticeship... maybe you if you're looking for one. Thank you. Jack D-

So it seems to be very inconsistent. I've been reading this post and getting more and more frustrated. Here's what I want to know; A. Is it really a waste of time and money for a tattoo school if not for the purpose of obtaining a "degree" but the experience neccessary to apply for a license. California seems to differ that license by county, and what is required. B. Whats the alternative for someone who, like me, has been drawing and dreaming about doing tattoo's for the joy of doing the fucking tattoo's, but can't find an apprenticeship(almost nobody takes them out here)? Or if an apprenticeship is found, the shop is dirty, and full of meth smoking scum bags (the joy of the Bay Area out here)? C. Is it possible to get a straight answer without flaming one or the other? Anyone is free to email me their response, I ENCOURAGE IT in fact. I am also willing to submit a few snapshots of some of my own commissioned work(not tattoo, just designs and the like). I'd also even settle for a recommendation of where I can investigate an apprenticeship... maybe you if you're looking for one. Thank you. Jack D-

Tattoo schools can be beneficial for those of us who desire hands on training. www.tattooforlife.com has a school now since 2005 and since 2008 has been running tattoo workshops. Zao ( Master Tattoo Artist ) is the head of the faculty. I highly recommend the three day workshop! ___________________ Sincerely Vitor

Thats a very good question... imm tryin2 get in2 the same thing, bt i dnt want 2 spend tha money and travle to anotha state for a lost cause... Would somebody please anser this mans questions...

The three month course your refering to I juts seen online researching myself. They friggin want almost $15,000 (just a little under that). I don't think they all are rip-offs. Check out all of them you can find, check the portfolios, student comments, and any concrete evidence. For example, the tattoo school outside albany, NY is a little over $5,000, and one student was published in "Tattoo for Women" magazine. Like any lucrative opportunity, there will be shams and pirates, we just have to safe guard ourselves and work our a**es off to get what we want. The tattoo apprenticeship programs are starting to become a thing of the past now that tattooing is becoming more of a mainstream activity (although you cannot replace hands on experience with a qualified artist whom has been at it for decades). Good luck to all interested in becoming an artist, it's a competitive world and we're all out to get ours.

Forgot to mention the tattoo schools are primarily if you are interested in opening your own shop. As for earning a job, You don't friggin say, "I just graduated a three month or even a three week course". That's retarded. It's not really the training, it's the portfolio they are interested in. What the hell can you and have you done? Check local regulations on bloodborne pathogen certs and other licensing, then talk to a shop. Show them the tattoos you've done, and if good enough I'm sure you'll get a job somewhere. If tattooing is really what you want to do for the rest of your life, you'll damn sure find a way.

im staying in chicago i just got out of the joint and im looking in pursueing a tattoo career i have experience and am a good artist if any one could point me in a direction to get started off i would appreciate it...school or any thing

Well after considering and weighing the facts this is my observance. Most tattoo schools are only in it for the money. In Oregon this presents a very complicated predicament. You must be licensed but to get licensed you must take a course at a tattoo school. So what happens to the honest eager student who paid tuition and has completed most of the course only to find out that the instructor is incompetent and the only thing for anyone with any ethics to do is to withdraw and use the skills that were learned as a scratcher until the student can afford to transfer to another school to finish the work needed for licensure. (In Oregon you can transfer schools and keep the hours you have completed but must pay a prorated cost). In reality yes this kind of fictitious oversight is causing a lot of people to become underground tattooists. But on the other hand how does one really learn the art of tattoo if you’re not actually using machines and tattooing. There are a lot of shop owners that take advantage of the starry eyed hopefuls. Whats the solution? I believe its due to such crappy apprentice practices that big Bro is finally stepping in. But it is causing a huge underground tattoo movement here in Oregon. Look the reality is there is no right training method other then diong to others as you would like done to yourself. If people could be respectful and not so pride filled there could be great opportunities for those with aspirations of becoming a tattooist. In general there is a negative condensation to the whole field of tattoo and who’s at fault? Well we are. The very people who apply tattoos for a living. If we were able to give people the benefit of the doubt, put our selves aside and really focus on the tattooing and the training of others then maybe we will see change. Its one thing to be a great tattoo artist but its much better to be a great person and teacher. Honestly there are a lot of good people out there but what I have noticed is that most tattoo artists have big egos and expect people to kiss their tattooed arse. Here is my 2 cents, If you want to tattoo learn all you can about diseases and viruses of the skin, and how to assess them. Learn about safe methods and cross contamination, learn about how to properly set up and break down your station and learn your machine. One stick with a dirty needle is all it takes to kill you or give you a bad disease. It is so hard to get good advice from people who are not invested in you so take initiative. If you have never used a machine get something cheap and get the feel of it on second skin. Learn how to make great stencils and work on a portfolio. Dont give up no matter who yells at you or tells you that you will never make it. If your passion is tattoo's then learn the proper way to tattoo. Research inks, color blending, shading ect. I have seen some work that is just awesome coming from newer technologies. Don’t be bogged down by the past. If a traditional machine is not your cup of tea there are great machines that require little to no effort to set up and switch from liner to shader (like a swash drive or pneumatic). There is a dawn of tattooists on the horizon and the new technologies will lead them to success in a lot less time then that of the old. After you are confident and have tattooed yourself up then you are ready to ask yourself if this is the right fit. The problem I see is that people are not given this chance and experience as apprentices, all to often they are shop lackeys. Wake up people. A lot of us have kids and families to look after and cannot afford to pay someone to belittle and humiliate them for however long it takes until they feel you are ready to begin to learn. There needs to be a universal style application with a rigid outline for apprenticeship. If there was a list of things that a tattooist gave their apprentice that outlines the expectations and clearly states the objectives and the training routine that would give the apprentice a timeline and the experience to make an educated decision for them. A lot of people are hands-on learners; I think that being a Tattooist is just another job. People get to egocentric and run their shops how they see fit instead of focusing on being professionals. There is a tattoo revolution in our midst; will you be supportive of new ideas and technologies, theories and applications? Ethics and moral fibers are the biggest lacking elements within this community and if we cannot reform ourselves from within as a field of employment and instruction we will be seeing a lot more of big Bro in the future. Treat all people with respect. Scratchers, professionals, students, wannabes. We are all people and all deserve the same opportunities. So open your minds a little and maybe that next scratcher that you don't laugh at will be saving you someday. You never know so don’t act like you do. What goes around comes around. If you feel that you want hands on training go to a school. If you feel like being an apprentice go investigate your local tattooists. Take away what you can and can the crap. Be real. Don’t just be BECOME.

starving musician you are right,tattoing is what i will do for the rest of my life and i will get my experience and certification however i can,i have alot of respect for the other tattoo pros don't get me wrong-but things change and tattooing is art that needs to be shared,tattooing has been taboo for along time and over the past few years has been recognized as a respectable art form,thre are alot of execelent skin artists out there who inspire those of us trying to become great skin artists.As far as artistic back ground goes I 've been drawing landscapes,seascapes,animals,portraits,cars,trucks and anime since i was 5.I had my first professional artkit when i was six.So yes ican draw any thing I want,including anything somebody else comes up with.Yes I tattoo-have been for 6months on friends and family as well as myself and they are very pleased with my work .Taz if you want to see samples of my artwork give me your email address,I'll gladly send you some pics.This is IKE future great skin artist telling all you that want to be skin artists let know one stop you from your dream of keeping this artform alive.My respects to Guy Atchison and his sister Hanna,Kat von D,Kim,Corey,Paul Boothe,the Miami Ink Crew,You are my main insperations for becoming a great skin artist.

In Oregon, it's law to have a certified "teacher" give you hours of education to be accredited to tattoo. You can't tradtionally apprentice here anymore. If you recieve grants and can go to these expensive schools for three months for cheap, DO IT. Just don't consider yourself a professional. Consider your certification the beginning of your education as an artist. You're only a scratcher if youre not certified and just because you didn't have to spend 2 years mopping floors in a seedy parlor before you could "get your hands dirty" doesn't make you any less of an artist. Certification depends on educational hours in this state and if noone will apprentice you, go the other route. If you show up at someone's door, and ask to apprentice WITH certification, theyre much likely to accept your help.

In Oregon you can no longer apprentice- you have to go to a "tattoo school". It seems that it is just one more way for the state to get their hands on some money but of the schools that are here most of them are at least one year and teach needle making, color theory, machine making and maintenence, blood bourne pathogens, heath codes, business, customer relations ect. They also require at least 50 finished pieces and 350 hours of practice. The downfall is that most cost 10,000 and will not allow anyone to be a shop bitch to pay off tuition. This seems one of the ways that artists prevent competition as most of them supported the change from unregulated apprenticships to tattoo schools. Pretty shitty as my boyfriend is an increadible artist and has been doing tattoo's for many years but can not get legit in OR. Crazy but he is better than alot of the lisenced artists. His family is here in OR and he can't leave to apprentice elsewhere and even if he did OR does not have reciprocity with many of the other states. So until he comes up on serious money he will continue to be a scratcher and doing tattoo's illegally.

bonjour ive been looking at becoming a tattoo artist for some time and my father is covered from head to toe with some real good art luckily for me he happens to be good friends with pretty much every tatooist in my area meaning i get some really good advice passed my way, im currently developing my portfolio and visiting every tat shop in a 10 mile radius looking into getting some big time work done as a friend of my told me his bodysuit was his apprenticeship i would say that if your not willing to go on a harder journy than the person you aspire to be then youll never be as good or better than them and i would assume that if you want to be a tat artist that you wanna be an amazing one tattoing in many cultures is treated as a discipline and so it should be im 22 have 2 kids and care for my youngest brother i work full time to support my family knock out flash 2 hours a night and am studying fine arts one night a week also watch friends tatoo every weekend because wen i enter the scene i want something to bring to the table. skill is never frowned at ignorance is. The harder you work for it the better it feels wen it comes if u want to do tatoos in a tattoo shop the best way to learn has to be from a tatooist in a tattoo shop it may seem like hard work BUT IF U WANT IT BAD ENOUGH THEN no pain no gain thanks 4 reading

So I've read most of these posts, I might have read them all if it weren't the same argument set on repeat mode. I've been drawing my whole life, since I was a little girl, and my life dream is to be an artist. I'm going on 22 now and I'm tired of not having my foot in the door for an artistic career. It's my passion and I feel that tattooing is the best way for me to express my creativity. What better way to display your artwork than to have a walking canvas showing it off? I'm a very motivated learner, it's just difficult to get that first step, especially in my area. I even have a couple of friends who tattoo, but I'm very picky about clean lines and neither of them are consistant with that. Like many other inspiring tattoo artists I got frustrated and went digging for information on schools. I found one near me, about 40 minutes or so away in Rotterdam, NY (about 10 to 15 minutes away from Albany). It's called the Tattoo Learning Center if anyone wants to google it. It's only 2 weeks, which seems nearly impossible to me. They have some of the student artwork posted up on the website, along with the artist's work, and I have to say it's some of the best I've seen in the area. It's $4,800 but it includes quite a bit for a 2 week period. I'm pretty skeptical about it, I wanna do this the right way, and I have so many people that have been waiting for me to start tattooing so I'm over-excited to get begin. If I had the extra cash to blow I'd give it a try just to see for myself whether it's worth it or not, (and maybe try and prove that good work CAN come from a school) but I don't so I'm not willing to take the risk quite yet.

unfortunately you have to make sacrifices and take risks not dangerous risks on bodys i mean leaping into the industry head first no matter what you do if you keep heading the rite way youll get it oh and good things do take time nothing happens over nite other than pissing the bed

if you have the equipment tat on some bananas and take pics. i have ran into the same problem because no-one around knew the states laws on tatting, after about three hours of surfing i got it. yes school is worth it . most people want to open up a shop when they graduate i want to open a school.

I have a suggestion. I just came back from Thailand. There are some great tattoo artists there. I have met two. One on Phi Phi island and one on Koh Samet. Both the islands are small enough that if you ask several people who the best tattoo artist is on the island, the most common answer will probably be the right answer. So the suggestion is why don't you apprentice somwhere like that. These islands are like a paradise. You can have a great time while going to 'school'. You can get a huge two bedroom apartment (beautiful and furnished) for 8,000 bhatt (almost 300 CAD) for one month on Koh Samet. Two ppl can EASILY share this apartment. Really four guys could easily but dont know if they would rent to that many? I think so because I saw a family of four rent one of these apartments. Otherwise you can get some fan rooms (no air conditioner, basement type of smell) for 4-5,000 Bhatt (28 Bhatt = 1 CAD) . Meals at restaurants you can easily find for 60 - 100 Bhatt. Anyway, you would have to strike some kind of rapport w the tattoo artist because what could you really offer them? These artists do make good money especially the good ones as they are busy. But if you were to offer them 1,000 dollars a month.... and work with them all day for six months it's not too bad a deal. Especially if you went during the low tourist months when they are not so busy. The Koh Samet artist would train I know for no money if he really liked you and you went and first got to know him. But any of these places you would have to ensure that the goals are clear i.e. what you want to learn etc. A lot of these ppl don't give away too much of their trade, I imagine. It could be a big waste of time otherwise, if not money. Plus you would have to get assessed by someone honest and truthful and this Koh Samet person I mentioned is very honest. I mean don't you have to be naturally artistic to get into this trade. There are tattoo schools in Thailand but I don't know how good they are. i think most schools would be scams and good for a total beginner to get basics down before going for an apprenticeship. but why wast all that time and money if you can work as an apprentice.

I have a suggestion. I just came back from Thailand. There are some great tattoo artists there. I have met two. One on Phi Phi island and one on Koh Samet. Both the islands are small enough that if you ask several people who the best tattoo artist is on the island, the most common answer will probably be the right answer. So the suggestion is why don't you apprentice somwhere like that. These islands are like a paradise. You can have a great time while going to 'school'. You can get a huge two bedroom apartment (beautiful and furnished) for 8,000 bhatt (almost 300 CAD) for one month on Koh Samet. Two ppl can EASILY share this apartment. Really four guys could easily but dont know if they would rent to that many? I think so because I saw a family of four rent one of these apartments. Otherwise you can get some fan rooms (no air conditioner, basement type of smell) for 4-5,000 Bhatt (28 Bhatt = 1 CAD) . Meals at restaurants you can easily find for 60 - 100 Bhatt. Anyway, you would have to strike some kind of rapport w the tattoo artist because what could you really offer them? These artists do make good money especially the good ones as they are busy. But if you were to offer them 1,000 dollars a month.... and work with them all day for six months it's not too bad a deal. Especially if you went during the low tourist months when they are not so busy. The Koh Samet artist would train I know for no money if he really liked you and you went and first got to know him. But any of these places you would have to ensure that the goals are clear i.e. what you want to learn etc. A lot of these ppl don't give away too much of their trade, I imagine. It could be a big waste of time otherwise, if not money. Plus you would have to get assessed by someone honest and truthful and this Koh Samet person I mentioned is very honest. I mean don't you have to be naturally artistic to get into this trade. There are tattoo schools in Thailand but I don't know how good they are. i think most schools would be scams and good for a total beginner to get basics down before going for an apprenticeship. but why wast all that time and money if you can work as an apprentice.

I have a suggestion. I just came back from Thailand. There are some great tattoo artists there. I have met two. One on Phi Phi island and one on Koh Samet. Both the islands are small enough that if you ask several people who the best tattoo artist is on the island, the most common answer will probably be the right answer. So the suggestion is why don't you apprentice somwhere like that. These islands are like a paradise. You can have a great time while going to 'school'. You can get a huge two bedroom apartment (beautiful and furnished) for 8,000 bhatt (almost 300 CAD) for one month on Koh Samet. Two ppl can EASILY share this apartment. Really four guys could easily but dont know if they would rent to that many? I think so because I saw a family of four rent one of these apartments. Otherwise you can get some fan rooms (no air conditioner, basement type of smell) for 4-5,000 Bhatt (28 Bhatt = 1 CAD) . Meals at restaurants you can easily find for 60 - 100 Bhatt. Anyway, you would have to strike some kind of rapport w the tattoo artist because what could you really offer them? These artists do make good money especially the good ones as they are busy. But if you were to offer them 1,000 dollars a month.... and work with them all day for six months it's not too bad a deal. Especially if you went during the low tourist months when they are not so busy. The Koh Samet artist would train I know for no money if he really liked you and you went and first got to know him. But any of these places you would have to ensure that the goals are clear i.e. what you want to learn etc. A lot of these ppl don't give away too much of their trade, I imagine. It could be a big waste of time otherwise, if not money. Plus you would have to get assessed by someone honest and truthful and this Koh Samet person I mentioned is very honest. I mean don't you have to be naturally artistic to get into this trade. There are tattoo schools in Thailand but I don't know how good they are. i think most schools would be scams and good for a total beginner to get basics down before going for an apprenticeship. but why wast all that time and money if you can work as an apprentice.

So sorry for all those posts. I just refreshed my screen and everytime I refreshed it reposted ! Apologies :)

This is my issue... The only reason I was searching tattoo schools is because, as a grown man, I do not care to spend my time and money running around in a loin cloth, cleaning tubes with my toungue, standing on a street corner in a bikini (i'm a dude, not a woman, not into drag and not gay), holding a sign for the tattoo shop. If I KNEW that I could go into a shop, WORK my ass off, learn what I needed to learn and start my career as a tatoo artist, then I would do it. I wouldn't mind mopping floors, cleaning counters, windows, taking out the trash, making needles. That's fine with me... but me standing on the street looking like a moron has absolutely NOTHING to do with me learning to tattoo. Granted... I WOULD have done all this when I was a kid outta high school and would be tattooing right now, except my state of South Carolina JUST legalized it recently. Now I have a 5 year old son, a wife, a house and two cars to pay for. If I could learn how to tattoo, I would, but I wouldn't be caught dead doing some of the stupid crap you guys make people do, unnecessarily. How do you think I would feel if my wife brought my son to see me by surprise and I was in a loin cloth getting spanked with a cord by another full grown man? Screw all that crap. Tattoos finally come to South Carolina because they FINALLY convinced the state to get over their OLD traditions and to be open minded... then the tattoo companies want to stick to THEIR OLD traditions and ways? You can go to school to be a doctor, lawyer, architect, whatever.... you know what? You sure as hell should be able to go to school to be a tattoo artist. I am NOT saying that any of these schools are reputable enough... i don't know that... but there SHOULD be schools that are and the tattoo industry and veterans should be willing to accept and BE HAPPY WITH THE FACT THAT THEIR INDUSTRY IS FINALLY ACCEPTED AND GOING MAINSTREAM!!!!!!

This is my issue... The only reason I was searching tattoo schools is because, as a grown man, I do not care to spend my time and money running around in a loin cloth, cleaning tubes with my toungue, standing on a street corner in a bikini (i'm a dude, not a woman, not into drag and not gay), holding a sign for the tattoo shop. If I KNEW that I could go into a shop, WORK my ass off, learn what I needed to learn and start my career as a tatoo artist, then I would do it. I wouldn't mind mopping floors, cleaning counters, windows, taking out the trash, making needles. That's fine with me... but me standing on the street looking like a moron has absolutely NOTHING to do with me learning to tattoo. Granted... I WOULD have done all this when I was a kid outta high school and would be tattooing right now, except my state of South Carolina JUST legalized it recently. Now I have a 5 year old son, a wife, a house and two cars to pay for. If I could learn how to tattoo, I would, but I wouldn't be caught dead doing some of the stupid crap you guys make people do, unnecessarily. How do you think I would feel if my wife brought my son to see me by surprise and I was in a loin cloth getting spanked with a cord by another full grown man? Screw all that crap. Tattoos finally come to South Carolina because they FINALLY convinced the state to get over their OLD traditions and to be open minded... then the tattoo companies want to stick to THEIR OLD traditions and ways? You can go to school to be a doctor, lawyer, architect, whatever.... you know what? You sure as hell should be able to go to school to be a tattoo artist. I am NOT saying that any of these schools are reputable enough... i don't know that... but there SHOULD be schools that are and the tattoo industry and veterans should be willing to accept and BE HAPPY WITH THE FACT THAT THEIR INDUSTRY IS FINALLY ACCEPTED AND GOING MAINSTREAM!!!!!!

Wow! man you guys are rude. I just wanted to find out about tat. schools because I'm also an older guy, 40 and don't have time to be a bitch. I am an artist and always been interested in tattooing I had my own sign shop for 10 years before business fell off due to competition and I have 3 kids to feed. Some of you guys make it sound like it's impossible to become a tattoo artist unless you go thru. a couple years in hates and get treated like a dog licking some official artist's ass. No one wants to give away their secrets or talents they have worked so hard to achieve, lets be honest it's the competition that no one wants. So guys like myself and the guy before me who care a lot about art need to learn the trade some way. Thanks for reading!

Wow....thats a long damn thread. Anyway, to get to the point, forget the whole school BS.... what needs to be done to get started beyond going door to door at shops begging for a chance? What is plan B when you've been turned down? It's completely understandable that the veteran artists would rather have somone come in and ask, if only they had an inkling of an idea of what they're doing. All I have is years of pencil\pen drawing experience, and of course thats not gonna get me anywhere. So what would be suggested to just get practice in?! Any sound, respectable advice? Perhaps somone knows a patient artist in Iowa? Please let me know...thx

There's a few threads at the top of these forums that can help you, read them. Start getting great artwork done - GREAT being the operative word. In addition to having great work, you can watch what they are doing. Be really observant and, if they are willing, ask questions. Can you show some of your artwork? If you have great artwork, getting an apprenticeship shouldn't be a problem. Then again, many of the tattooists who are willing to teach aren't qualified and just want your money or cheap labor. While the others know they're not qualified or, they realize that the amount of tattooers compared to the amount of people getting tattooed is rediculous. I'd say tidy up your portfolio, only including your best stuff and befriend a shop (by getting heavily tattooed) and getting to know them really well. Then present your artwork to them... Hope that helped a little. :)

i've been reading all these different post and agree with alot of points on both sides. The only thing i can say is "times change..." im glad to see all tattoo schools, tattoo reality shows,tattoo internet forums, any thing showing progress!!!! and no, not everyone who goes to Tattoo school is gonna learn, just like any school!!! But the majority will learn enough to be put in the right direction. I am fortunate enough to have a tattoo school in my neighborhood. The school is called The tattoo learning center, Taught by Lisa Fasulo. she is a world renouned Tattoo artist, Spotlighted in several tattoo magazines around the world. Now i do not attend the school, i would like to, because knowledge from someone with experiance is a whole lot better than trial and error!!!! but i did get several tattoo's from Lisa and her students, they all look great, and i learned alot with ever tattoo i got, by simply talking and watching, then going home and try'n the new technique's iv'e learned. and so that we are clear, all the models that get tattoo's from students pay a small fee for the tattoo, and their is a long waiting list for the models... as word got out of decent tattoo's being done their were to many volunteers. and you can look at many pic's of the students tattoo's and the teachers tattoo's on their site-The tattoo learning center any way you can gain knowledge helps, wether school, or apprenticeship, or just getting the time in and trial and error. good luck to all of us

THERE ISNT A SO CALLED TATTOO SCHOOL THAT CAN DO WHAT A SINGLE PROFESSIONAL CAN DO THOSE SCHOOLS TAKE ANY ONE

THE ONLY REASON PEOPLE AGREE WITH ALL THE SHOWS AND THESE DUMB ASS SCHOOLS IS CAUSE THEY ARENT GIFTED OR TALENTED ENOUGH TO GO GET A REAL APPRENTICSHIP AND START WHERE US REAL ARTIST STARTED AT THE BOTTOM PEOPLE TRY TO TAKE THE EASY WAY AND THEY GET NO WHERE

when it comes to tattooing, u either got it or u dont, regardless how u learn...but a good artist will learn from every available source.. but nothing compairs to hands on hours of tattooing, personaly i started tattooing myself and then tattooed friends and family, then their friends and familys, ive learned things from other artist and from the school, i've takin my machines apart tons of times i kno how my equipment runs,feels, and compares to other setups.i kno wat type inks i like,wat type needle config's i like,but i have not learned enough to say i am one of the best, but, i do feel comfortable with most desings that come my way. i would not mind being the shop bitch, but i make alot more money doing wat i do now, and if i can learn other ways and do my own thing, then why would i be a shop bitch.??? tattoo schools dont produce tattoo artist, but they do give you some good do's & dont's and a hand full of test dummies!!!! also did you kno CERTAIN STATES REQUIRE A SET AMOUNT OF HOURS TATTOOING BEFORE U CAN APPLY FOR YOUR LICEANCE, AND TATTOO SCHOOL HOURS COUNT AS DOUBLETIME!!! also why whine and bitch about these schools, if your a good artist then you should have a good clientel, and a good reputation, what do you care wat someone else does???? unless your nervous of competition, wat if this shmuk is actually good, and more shmuks come out the woodwork and prices of tatts start changing, watever!! its time to stop bitching, and focus on wat you have goin on. our work speaks for us............

A guy goes to college pays 75,000 to learn how to be a surgeon and still has to work under someone to learn how to cut you open and know what the hell they are looking at books can only teach you so much actually learning and practicing under someone is how a person gets good i am sure that you cant get out of college with a business degree walk into a company and demand a job as a general manager you have to work your way to the top i dont see where taking classes can hurt but its not going to make you a great tattoo artist only time and experience can get you there just as in any profession and guys maybe instead of spending hours on here dissing schools and scratchers all your doing is just giveing us artists a bad name and reinforceing the fact that we are all bitches and assholes maybe we should be sitting down at the drawing table and working on new art rather than traceing off flash i dont know how many weeks i waited for a so called professional to help me design a tat when i finally gave up and went to another establishment if a person learns nothing else in tat school maybe they can work on their customer service skills i know that is my down fall too

Having just spent a whole bunch of time reading this thread -- What a bunch of crap. A whole bunch of "old" tattoo artists dissing those that are trying to break into the biz......What's wrong guys -- afraid of a little competition from artists that have a whole lot more skill in drawing than you do?? Tat'ing isn't rocket science. The hazing that seems to go on in the so called apprenticeships is for grade school. It is NOT something you're going to learn in a 6 week, 12 week, 24 week or whatever week school. You can learn the ins and outs, the basics and the process at a school. Will you learn to apply a quality tattoo??? No. That takes time, practice, practice and more practice. Personally I used to do Ed Roth shit in my sleep - but I wouldn't try to put that on someone's body after attending a tat school. That's where I go to learn what it's all about. Learn if it's what I really want to do with my talents. When I was trying to come up with and draw a logo for my "new business" it turned out to be too much like Scrooge McDuck to use - I haven't seen a picture of Scrooge McDuck in 40 years or more.....The eye is still there!!!!!!!!! But I'm fucking 60 years old. I spent my time in high tech and my job was sent to India. I don't have time to play silly fucking apprenticeship games with two bit hacks - I know better than to think I'll turn my artistic talents into tattooing. Ain't gonna happen!!!! If a school is what you want to do, go for it!!! But don't think you're going to become "Spider Web" (he's probably dead by now - put on my first tat's in 1969 - San Diego) or "Wild Bill Hill" (Wild Bills - Roseville, CA).....Like anything else in life, ya gotta put in your time!!! But if I was a youngster, and I saw the attitudes presented here I'd certainly take my talents elsewhere - I wouldn't be pissing away my time with this bunch!!!!! Man.....what a buncha schmucks!!!!!!

can you help me.

man this whole thing is funny to me honestlt even after being an apprentice your work is still shit to all you vets out there one thing even you have to realize that you only get better with time i mean honestly how the f**k are you going to compare your 30 years in the game to some one elses 2 years its all timing learning the tricks of the trade sure you can go into a school and they can teach you about your machines and your needs and shading and such or you can learn it from some one who has been in the game for years when it all comes down to it you will learn with time but the fundamentals have to be there to start with you have to have a love for the art and stop being ignorant instead of cridasizing some ones work give them tips to make them better these people arent in your town they arent making your money they arent taking your cliants and ultimatly thats what its about isnt it? a fear of loosing your art to a pop culture you vets need to get a grip this isnt the 70's this isnt the 80's and its not the 90's new age

man this whole thing is funny to me honestlt even after being an apprentice your work is still shit to all you vets out there one thing even you have to realize that you only get better with time i mean honestly how the f**k are you going to compare your 30 years in the game to some one elses 2 years its all timing learning the tricks of the trade sure you can go into a school and they can teach you about your machines and your needs and shading and such or you can learn it from some one who has been in the game for years when it all comes down to it you will learn with time but the fundamentals have to be there to start with you have to have a love for the art and stop being ignorant instead of cridasizing some ones work give them tips to make them better these people arent in your town they arent making your money they arent taking your cliants and ultimatly thats what its about isnt it? a fear of loosing your art to a pop culture you vets need to get a grip this isnt the 70's this isnt the 80's and its not the 90's new age

gotta be persistant . i dont know what the schools have to offer , but i feel the best way to learn all the dynamics of the tattoo industry is to participate in an in studio apprenticeship . it has taught me things a school would not be able to .an apprenticeship isnt always a guarentee of a job in that studio , but you should have some direction by that point on where to offer your services . my apprenticeship molded me to endure this industry , and rely on it to support myself over twenty years now , working in others studios anywhere i go , and know what it takes to open and operate a studio for others or myself . keep knocking on doors , hang out , offer to scrub tubes , bathrooms , whatever . above all , get knowledge any where you can , schools or not . scott lee

another thought , whatever it takes to be a better artist is what we all should be striving for daily . dont forget the convention seminars , trade publications , these are relativley inexpensive resorces for anyone to hone there skills , once they learn the basics . i believe it isnt where you aquire the information , but how we apply it that counts . in the trade publications , reading featured artists bios i see time and time again , "...i just started hanging out , and one day they saw my drawings and asked me to consider learning to tattoo " moral of the story ? keep drawing .have something to offer a studio for them to want to spend thier time with you , and then take it another level . [email removed] or myspace/tat2scottlee

does anyone know of any reputable artists in the Washington-Seattle, Oregon-Portland area that would be willing to take in an apprentice(Bitch)... : i would gladly be willing to sell my soul for and undetemined amount of time(years and years). also anything you would ask of me including, but not limited to: ripping the flesh of my forearms with my teeth and repeatedly gougng my eyes out with unsterilized needles. NO ONE ive seen is taking in now . help would be greatly apprieciated. thank you very much

does anyone know of any reputable artists in the Washington-Seattle, Oregon-Portland area that would be willing to take in an apprentice(Bitch)... : i would gladly be willing to sell my soul for and undetemined amount of time(years and years). also anything you would ask of me including, but not limited to: ripping the flesh of my forearms with my teeth and repeatedly gougng my eyes out with unsterilized needles. NO ONE ive seen is taking in now . help would be greatly apprieciated. thank you very much

i wish people would stop referring to themselves , and others as bitches . an apprenticeship should be demanding to prepare us for this tough industry , nobody owns the right to say who should who shouldnt do anything , who the hell appointed anyone tattoo gaurdian . who the hell told you YOU could tattoo , and who the hell came up with calling anyone someones bitch . this is really flattering on our industry . some of us worked our asses off to get society to consider giving our profession legitimacy and the respect it deserves , AND backed it up with outstanding advances in our industry in every aspect . i dont believe scratchers will go away , most of us try to stay ahead of that mess by excelling in our trade , and having a better product to offer , and they will come . if we disrespect each other , how can we ask anyones respect ourselves . it is an insult to all that have done so much to help this industry to evolve and shed the stereotypes of old .

Okay, i've read a few post and see that a lot of people don't like the tattoo schooling ideal and say everyone will get laughed at if they do it. Well I'm 17 and out of high school looking into tattooing. three are three tattoo shops around me but none are doing apprenticeships and i can't go anywhere else in the state because i can't drive and my parents go to school most of the time so i have no ride anywhere. I've been looking into tattooing school and only found two that seemed good and coasted less then the one in Michigan. One in louisiana that gives you all the equipment and the cert. The one in new york that just give you the cirt. for a thousand more. Now since i can't get an apprenticeship i went to one of the shops, Eternal Tattoo, asked them if i was to go to the school, come back and apply would i be employed. The women i talked to said if your work looks good, yes. I showed her my work that i sketch out on paper and she liked it. She said if i was to get some experience and come back i would have a better chance then some one that came in from another shop with an apprenticeship. So my question is since i can't find a place to get an apprenticeship, why shouldn't i consider the tattooing school?

Okay, i've read a few post and see that a lot of people don't like the tattoo schooling ideal and say everyone will get laughed at if they do it. Well I'm 17 and out of high school looking into tattooing. three are three tattoo shops around me but none are doing apprenticeships and i can't go anywhere else in the state because i can't drive and my parents go to school most of the time so i have no ride anywhere. I've been looking into tattooing school and only found two that seemed good and coasted less then the one in Michigan. One in louisiana that gives you all the equipment and the cert. The one in new york that just give you the cirt. for a thousand more. Now since i can't get an apprenticeship i went to one of the shops, Eternal Tattoo, asked them if i was to go to the school, come back and apply would i be employed. The women i talked to said if your work looks good, yes. I showed her my work that i sketch out on paper and she liked it. She said if i was to get some experience and come back i would have a better chance then some one that came in from another shop with an apprenticeship. So my question is since i can't find a place to get an apprenticeship, why shouldn't i consider the tattooing school?

look guys i taught my self how to tattoo you have to have the foundation to start with if you have no raw talent to start with im sorry but theres no sence in trying lmao its like singing if you cant sing you fuckin know well you aint going to be a platinum selling artist you can buy singing lessons all you want but truth is you voice is you voice and its somthing that cant be changed just like tattooing if you cant hold a pencil str8 what makes you think you can hold a machine? and i started off as a "scratcher" working out of my bedroom at my mothers to me theres nothing wrong with being a scratcher as long as you intend to open your own and take things seriousey as far as sterilization and the art of it all its somthing to be respected and loved just like anything else

salem oregon has about 4 tattoo schools..i hear the good one to go to is hot rod betties..they teach you everything..its 9 months long but the price goes up every year..i think it cost 10,000 dollars right now...a buddy of mine went to school there and he got a job as soon as he got out..im trying to get in right now..it starts next month...good luck with your deal

to be honest , over 20 years of working in studios , i have accepted only 2 apprentices , old school style , duties for instruction . now i would charge 5,000 dollars if i were to accept another . out of literally 50 people inquireing about the oppertunity , none has shown any initiative for themselves , or interest in following the rules of schedules and shop duties . what i have seen are people who dont want to work or contribute anything what-so-ever . yes it is hard to get a respectable shop to be interested untill you have something to offer . i do firmly believe in what was stated by another in our family , i see studio artists that could stand to brush up on the basics , and i have seen homemade equipment put amazing artwork in the skin . who is to say ... if you know your a tattoo artist , and hear the word no , brush up your roll . get used to hearing no you will hear it often . a wise teacher will say NO untill you are ready .

I've been looking at tattoo schools myself...but don't know the credibility of these places. For your average apprenticeship aren't you spending the same amount of money these schools are asking for? And the fact that the shop has to agree to take you on as an apprentice. I'm living in the Columbus Ohio area looking for an apprenticeship! If anyone could give me some pointers on how to obtain one, where to look, anyone to talk it would be greatly appreciated! After reading some of these comments I don't think the Tattoo School option is for me!

im what you call a scratcher don't really give a fuck what any one says about me who give a fuck i just want to be the best tattoo artist i can be i just want a chance to prove my self become one of the greatest out there no one will give me a chance.. so im teaching myself from what other people know on here tattooing.you know you tube.yeah i know fuck them to but i have to much pride to kiss some uppity tattoo artist asshole just to get a shot.... fck that, that is for loser's who wont amount to shit anyway.so say what you want about me but ill get there one way or the other.who gives a fuck how you get there the only thing that matter's is you make it I aint scared to say" hey here is my work take a look myspace.com you know the [email removed]." I might not be that great but we all start somewhere ..am i right?fuck me and everyone that is trying to make something of themselves right?just because most shop owners are the biggest asshole's!.let them laugh.there will always be that one decent guy that owns a shop and will give you a chance.if they laugh at you tell them to fuck off hold your head high and keep on trying.just remember everyone started some where most of which were most likely treated like shit and that is why they intern....... treat everyone else like shit.

Im glad I read this. I met someone who went to the school and said it was amazing and they are doing so well,yet i didnt see how you could go to a school and learn the art of tattooing in 2 months when it takes years to get your hear around it, and even then its not something you really fully learn because just like with art and drawing you are always learning and always improving. like someone said *you didnt learn to draw in 2 weeks did you* yet i also agree with the other guys who say its hard to find a place to apprentice. i think doing tattoos would be amazing, its something ive always wanted to do, yet im not going to lie, you guys intimidate the shit out of me hah.Not because i think youre assholes or anything silly like "haters" haha the whole "gangster" terms are kind of childish, yet its your artwork I find intimidating. it fascinates me.So yep Thanks for the post, you guys are rad. Cheers.

i would love to lean how to tattoo i have look at doing it for a verry long time i have been in to meany of shops and ask them but thay all look at you like thay want to rip your head of or something it is not rong to want to lean i love the stuff tattoo all complane about back yard jobs well if thay was not such tie arse about teching others then there would not be some much rubsih tats out there i dont have a much of a bad thing to say about a tattiest except think of what it was like when you wanted to get in to the art of it i am 31 years old and i can not find some one to show me how to do it we all have to start from some where and trust me i am trying i am trying to tech my self but it would make like so much better for me if i had that hand beside me to tech me what to do wat i am doing rong from right thank you for your time i just felt like i need to tell the truth about getting in to the art

Ive found one, but its in thailand, and its only a 6 weeks course. As long as you dont take it as a education, but just more knowledge and skills it could be an option. Its $5400 though, so unless you got enough money and you want to go to thailand its proberly not worth it. As i am also looking into schools and have serched the net alot, this one seems to be the most reliable, if i HAD to choose one. Still, i think its alot of money for 6 weeks, and i havent planned on doing it. In generak these different schools seems to be pretty crappy. If i dont get an apprentiseship, i may consider it though! Anyways, here is the link: http://www.tattooschoolthailand.com/index.php?id=1

i think a school would be good for the first timer if u dont now shit u need to start some were its better thin the bs ive seen on people a school that clams to teach in 2 weeks it can happin for some not all and fuk that shop bitch bull shit u cant get one here in cali unless u knowe some one they just dont have room any more the best thing to do is take a school learn the basicks and just keep tatting your frinds u will get it take picks do small tats watch your lining ive seen some shop bitchis that do not have it and they suck so i guess it is what it is i work in a shop and i was self taught that is the hard way but there was no shop bitchis avalable wen i started there were just books and a lot of money spent geting tattoos on mu self so i could c how it was dun ................so i guess a school will get u started but do not think u can walk in to a schoop with it i c what taz is saying u will get laught at so dont do it learn and use what u get from it giv free tatoos til u think your good and go to a shop thell let u now trust me

I really don't see why ppl are crapping on tat schools.....im not an artist....yet lol....however....i will be attending a school in Toronto soon....and i know its not a place to go and get out expecting a job...however...they DO teach you some things....and wouldn't it be better to have an apprentice with an art portfolio come in asking for a job that has had at least SOME experience.....even if they are a scam as you say it.....its just a little more experience....i don't think someone should just get outta school and open a shop.....i still think they need the apprenticeship.....but....if i owned a shop...needed to hire only 1 person.and there were 2 equally good artists with portfolios....but one had schooling and the other didn't.......i would pick the one with school....obviously no?

No! A mentor doesn't want to see your half-assed tattoos that were done at a 3 week or 3 month, slap-in-the-face-to-the-industry tattoo school that you would be producing. If anything, they want to fresh, clear head who's mind hasn't been contaminated by these school who will tell you "you don't need artistic talent" to tattoo. They will also want to see your artistic efforts on paper or canvas, not on skin. Hey, dude, the call is obviously yours. But you have to keep in mind what a potential Shop Owner's general opinion is. You know, the one who will apprentice you or pay you to work for them? and not the "school" who will claim that their so-called education will put you a step ahead the rest. It won't. Ask any potential mentor.

u should all kill your selves. <=======3

Tatto School was a fantastic place for my introduction to the art of tattooing. The place has a laid back atmosphere and is very proffesionally run by a great couple. I have no idea where in the world I could learn as much and gain so much hand on experience in just four weeks! I leave now confident and competant to go home and sink some ink. The course covers all aspects and styles of tattooing. If you are keen to learn then this is the place where you get the support ant tuition to enable you to move ahead fast. Regards Kristain Data recovery utility http://www.recoverybull.com

I have been a tattoo artist for over 20 years in S. California, Washington And Utah. I know what the hell I am doing. My wife and I want to open a shop in Oregon and to get the license you have to attend the school or they will not let you tattoo. Even if you apprentice get letters from shops you have worked in you still have to go to school. I am not sure who will be the student and who will be the teacher in my case. It is a waste of 8000 dollars and a waste of gas money since I will have to commute 2 hours each way 5 days a week. Just to kiss the State of Oregon's Ass and give them a piece of the pie. I wish politicians would not make laws they know nothing about. So after investing a lot of money into a shop remodeling, things are now put on hold until I can save 8000 to go to school where I will be doing more teaching than learning. Meanwhile I will be hiring licensed and experienced artists. If someone walked into my shop and told me they just graduated from the school and was looking fort a job I would still make them apprentice. A pretty piece of paper don't mean nothing to me. Give me talent and experience.

TattooFever, That completely sucks, sorry dude.

it would totaly b worth it because people are ganna stop with the appreniship thing and you'll have to go to school for it.im a tattooist to i've been ta2in for 6 to 7 years and i thought it was time to get one and i went to this tatto shop down town in waverly and he said hes full but theyll b passin that law soon, so id say ya go 2 skool.

Ok so i was thinking about going to school for tattooing but not only is this site changeing my mind but ppl around me. I just recently decided that this is what i want to do for sure with my artistic ability so i dont know anything about anything.....so withought the school how will i learn everything i need to know?

THIS TOPIC INTRIGUED ME TO THE FULLIEST BECAUSE I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR APPRETICSHIPS AS WELL AS SCHOOLS AND MOST ARTIST I KNOW ARE TO BOOKED AND BUSY FOR TEACHING THATS WHAT MADE ME TURN TO THE SCHOOLING OPTION BUT YOU GUYS GOT ME THINKING AS WELL AS LAUGHING LIKE DAMN REALLY WHO TEACHES HOW TO TATTOO IN IN SUCH LITTLE TIME BUT I ALSO WAS THINKING THAT WHEN I SEEN THE SITES MYSELF AND THEY ARE SO COSTLY I'M THINKING MAYBE IT NOT THAT HARD IN A SENCE BUT SHID I DON'T KNOW I'VE DONE A FEW MYSELF BUT THE QUALITY IS NOT UP TO PAR WHAT IM LOOKING TO BE...HAVE YOU GUY HEARD OF THE WORLD'S ONLY TATTOO SCHOOL (YOU CAN GOOGLE IT JUST LIKE THAT) IT LOOKS PRETTY INTERESTING BUT ALSO EXPENSIVE AND THATS WHAT I WAS LEANING ON BUT YALL STARTING ME TO THINKING SCAMS AND I DON'T WANNA LOOSE 5600 BUCKS TO SOME BULL SHIT I WANT TO BE ABLE TO MAKE MY MONEY BACK AT LEAST. I GUESS ILL KEEP SEARCHING

I realize this all started with a question posted way back in early 2006 but I'm hoping a legitimate source can reply me. I've been drawing all my life, YES all my life and I am now 23 years old so that's years of me tuning my artistic capability and extending my art to my limits and developing techniques and developing preferences like in any other art form. I still don't consider myself very "good" at what I do because I always see what and where I need to improve when I look back on my previous pieces but I believe I don't have the capability to stop where I am artistically. I extended my art to different mediums of almost every kind you find in all colors in black and white and on many different surfaces and such and recently I realized that I would LOVE the opportunity to be a tattoo artist... and not just any artist you can find in any shop or the kind of artist that produces these sloppy cookie cutter style tattoos my friends get in cheap ink that look like the product of a first grader with a magic marker... and trust me these are a dime a dozen in my area and I've seen the guys who produced them with their piece of paper from some tat school in another state and their mini machines they haul around like a rolling back-pack showing off their "free from a friend" tattoos that are just disappointing in my own opinion. I really want to enter into the tattoo world as an extension of my art and be credible but like many people who have posted on this... I can't find any apprenticeships. The really good talented guys have a no apprentice policy and the guys who are mediocre are assholes with not very impressive portfolios and are hardly serious because they're more interested in putting ink on fast ass girls who can't afford to pay with anything else but sexual favors and I'm not about to sink to that level and be a pupil of some guy who doesn't take his own art seriously because when I tell people that I learned from the best... I really want to mean I learned from the best teacher who had time for me and understood my artistic interest in what he or she does because it's a reflection of not only my work but of the work done by he or she. I don't have thousands of dollars for a school nor would I bother with one but I don't have thousands for any local apprenticeship either so if the guys who posted on this a long ass time ago still read this and if any of your offers still stand I'm interested. Or if any new offers are out there I'm interested. If anyone knows of any skilled tattoo artists in my area or near by that might be worth asking please let me know. athena albuquerque [email removed]

After reading all of the replies I cant help but throw in my own thoughts. I am one of those scratchers that learned tattooing by trials and mistakes. Born naturally talented in art with a steady hand. Grew up on the streets, got into trouble with the law, sentenced to the California Youth Authority and thats where I first tried to do tattoos. As a youth I always had a passion for drawing. I had a way of seeing things in my mind, zooming in to the details and putting it on papaer. While incarcerated I had all the time in the world to draw. I drew my ass off. Fellow inmates really like my drawing, some wanted me to put it on skin. So I did. Made mistakes, scarred friends here and there. Mostly gang related tattoos. It wasnt until I went to the pen before I attempted to do picture tattoos. I practiced on my legs, my celly. Homies in the yard saw my style and what I can do. Shit hit the fan. Next thing you know, I was doing whole back pieces, quarter sleves with a fucking rotary gun using higgins black ink. Trying to do solid black shadding with a single needle is a bitch!! Considering how things were and the equipment that was availible, I tatted okay and was making lots of money in the joint. I was never hungry or went without. 10 yrs later I paroled and finally got myself a tattoo kit from Superior Tattoo Supply. I bought the V-Tek kit & an Autoclave for a little over $1000.00 and started scratching people up in the garage. Hated how heavy the coil machines were at first but after getting used to it I learned to like that machine. By no means am I to be considered a pro but I can lay some mean ink. With proper apprentice, I know I can put down some heat. My point is, no mater how much you think you know, no mater the schools you go to, how much you spend on your equipment, if you aint ment to sling ink, you wont. But no mater what anyone says, if you have the passion or the drive your going to do what your going to do. If you think you have heat than bring your art to a real Tattoo Artist and he would decide weather to train you. Aprenticeship is probably the best way to go.. Just my thoughts.

I was "supposed" to start an apprenticeship at a legit shop in Las Vegas, but that all went to shit after I went to barber school. So now I'm stuck working with a buddy of mine who after starting working with me decided to leave the shitty hole in the wall shop and just do it from home till he got in to another shop. So now my options stand as to work with him out of his house, or just open a tattoo/barber shop just so I can obtain a formal apprenticeship. I have been looking it to books such as "Reinventing the Modern Tattoo", and other books as such which was recommended by Rex, from Stay True. I'm getting some custom machines from Ryan Downy which I am supper stoked on. What would you guys do? If you have something stupid to say, eat shit.

taz as requested link to an artist that went to one of these schools borrowed from another thread on this forum http://www.myspace.com/risapower

I have been looking around at the various "tattoo schools" offered in Canada, on in Toronto and another in BC. Neither really look all that promising. It appears as if apprentiship is the way to go, but was wondering what you might think of a course such as this one. Not as a replacement for an apprentiship but to compliment it. See below, sincearly Chris Gielens Langara College: Display and Design Launches Tattoo Design Course this Fall This Fall Langara College is offering an exciting new course - Design Exploration: From Typography to Tattoos. The brainchild of Sherry Hancock, a graphic design instructor with the Display+Design department, the course will explore the history and the effects of technology, culture and environment on everyday design. “Tattoos were the initial inspiration for the course,” says Hancock. “The realization that many of my students had tattoos and that it had become a mainstream form of personal expression.” Her exploration of tattoos and its evolution from tribal identification to accepted body art form opened her eyes to other evolving design trends. The course will touch on typography from Gutenberg to Grunge; changes in music album covers and poster art; advertising icons and how design affects our product choices; graffiti as an art form; and the evolution of the bicycle from a utilitarian transportation device to a high performance vehicle. “It’s a design course crafted to get people excited about design and how it affects our daily lives,” says Hancock. Design Exploration: From Typography to Tattoos is open to all students Fall 2008. The Display+Design program teaches a unique combination of design and problem-solving skills that encompass 3D Design for Retail, Exhibit and Special Events, Interior Design theory and graphic presentation. Source: Langara College, British Columbia

The above mention College is an actual accredited college, it is not actually teaching the art "of" tattooing. Im a little on the old side to be breaking into the tattooing field (36), but would honestly appreciate your thoughts to a course such as this.

The above mention College is an actual accredited college, it is not actually teaching the art "of" tattooing. Im a little on the old side to be breaking into the tattooing field (36), but would honestly appreciate your thoughts to a course such as this.

SAILOR JERRY - OLD SCHOOL http://s0b.bluestreak.com/ix.e?hy&s=8020523&a=7483368

Hey now I have had about two years under my belt learning on my own .And It has not been easy as it sounds to get into a Shop to get some training.But I have looed at this Great School Called the Worlds only Tattoo School IN LA Shreveport I think.Bill Pouge is the instructor.The site is nice and everything seems to check out .They even allow you to come see the place if you like and talk to Bill himself.But if one of you guys could take a look AT it for me and get back to me it would be great.www. This is the link www.tattoo-school.com. Thanks .

I am currently getting ready to attend school at The Worlds Only Tattoo School. Its legit and I have seen lots of great work come out of it. I am personal friends with a tattoo artist that went to that school 15 years ago and has made great success doing tattoos and piercings. Its a little on the expensive side, but they give you lots of equipment to get your business started. If you want to look it up just google 'Worlds Only Tattoo School'. The instructor is Dr. Progue and he is an amazing teacher with much patients. And the nice part is that you can get certified for tattoos, piercings, and permanent make-up all at the same facility. I have already snagged a job for after I graduate.

World only tattoo school? got one of those in Royal oak MI. had a girl spend 5-6 grand there, came to the shop and worked for about a week . there was so much they didn't teach her. I didn't have the time to run her through everything. Id ask her question about set up or tuning her machine and she'd look at me puzzled. We had to let her go. she ended up becoming a nurse. it seemed like a waste of money. An apprenticeship is the way to go

We can say, very very easily, that if you ask any of the artists associated with this site, and there are a lot of them, they will all say the same thing, tattoo schools are a scam set up to take your money. Go to art school, get a ton of bad ass tattoos, and take the tattooers advice. Thats your tattoo school for ya! If you pay for a tattoo school, you are a SUCKER!!!!! Maybe in the future there will be something responsible, but not now...

I just discovered this site and would like to respond. I am Bill Pogue, director of World'sOnly Tattoo School. 1) It is not the only tattoo school , but it was when i established it and it is the legal name of the corporation. 2) If you never heard of me, i probably never heard of you . I have tattooed in Michigan, Georgia, Louisiana , South Dakota, Mexico, Trinidad- blah blah since 1968. I have made millions of dollars out of my right hand- that's who I am. I am a professional trainer and can teach an artistic person to tattoo very quickly and can prove it 3) i do not know anyone who did a two-year apprenticeship and then started to tattoo- everyone has to have a start. not everyone is as good as Ed Hardy or Bob Terrell 4) about 1/3 of my students have been through an 'apprenticeship'- they just don't work out very well 5) I only sent one person home in over 40 years because she just couldn't do it 6) not all the grads are super-artists yet. but they have all the tools to get there 7) i hate to have to defend myself- but at least make a comment from an informed position and not one of total ignorance when it comes to my school. By the way- if anyone takes my course and is not happy, they can re-take as many as six times at no charge and/or do a 12-week apprenticeship with me for free. I do not rip people off - I help them when no one else will

I've actually been looking into apprenticeships and schools myself and have been talking to a lot of people in the Portland Metro area. There are quite a few schools that are just BS....but I knew an artist who was a graduate from one of the schools in the Portland Metro area and his work was amazing. He was one of the better artists that I've come across. He walked me through thier process and what thier requirements are and aparently you spend about a year at the school and you have to meet a certain grade level to even move onto the Oregon License Test. It seemed pretty serious and professional from everything I found out. I will say that its true that most schools out there arent worth the money nor time....but it may not be true for everything. Apprenticeships are definitely a good choice when trying to get into the industry......they just take longer then the schools and can cost more. If you want the schools information in detail....just ask!

schools are for artists who arent good enough to attract a mentor. period. If your artwork is awesome and you have what it takes, a talented artist will take you on. Not for nothing, but right now the economy sucks ass, so unless you are so bad ass you will be bringing in more clients your gonna have a hard time of it after your "schooling". as always, lets see some of your work...

I understand that a lot of schools out there do not offer the pics and all of the information that a normal thinking person would want to make the decision as to the best place to go. I do believe that in order to be an artist that you need the practical training. With that said I do have to say that I have found a legit school for tattooing and piercings. They have the pics and the credentials behind them they are not just a school and NOT an internet school, to be honest internet schools would not be a good way to learn. Now that we found one my hubby is in the position were we need funding. I don't know were to go to find such funding as this profession we be it an overlooked form of art isn't a normal funded area. I was wondering if you would be able to help with that just some names or something. And granted there is the saying of " those who can't teach and those who can do" but I know I have found an opportunity in which my hubby can take his skills that he already has and take off with the knowledge that can be gained. Thank you

I say just buy a gun or ( What i will likely do, build my own) , and practice on fake skin...and look up everything you need online, thats what i will probably do, that will get me a head start on grabbing a job/apprenticeship at a shop... It cant be that hard....

Also, i suggest not paying for either a school or apprenticeship, save your money... get to know an artist at a shop, he will likely apprentice you for free,( as long as he is a competent artist) in which case if he isn't, and he cant find find customers to pay his bills by inking people up, i wouldn't apprentice with him anyways, because i could learn nothing from him but failure.. -Jared

Also, i suggest not paying for either a school or apprenticeship, save your money... get to know an artist at a shop, he will likely apprentice you for free,( as long as he is a competent artist) in which case if he isn't, and he cant find find customers to pay his bills by inking people up, i wouldn't apprentice with him anyways, because i could learn nothing from him but failure.. -Jared

Here is my theory. A true 2-4 year school needs to be set up for tattooing. Nothing against the artists that do apprenticeships but if there is going to be a "tattoo school" then there should be a school that shows you everything you need to know just like an apprenticeship. everything from cleaning to air blood borne pathogens to breaking down and identifying each component of a tattoo machine to different stroke styles. Also in this school I would suggest that there be art courses and business management courses so that you will learn what you need to run a successful tattoo studio or identify a non-successful one. this school need to be treated as a true apprenticeship but without the ridicule or mistreatment one might suffer at the hands of a personal artist. Now in no way am i trying to insult those artists that would provide a good environment for learning the tattoo business. all i am saying is that i would like to see a reputable tattoo school created that will properly train a person to tattoo. And to Dr bill if you can provide such a school then true artists would take you seriously anything less than a year is a joke and not worth anyone's time or money. Thank you all for letting me rant.

Not for nothing, but we dont need schools pumping out more mediocre tattoo artists when there are already more than enough already to handle the demand. Great artists can and do find apprenticeships... Again, any great artist who has what it takes and is getting bad ass tattoos from respected tattooers will have the right doors opened to them when they are ready... Patience is not only a virtue, but a necessity when it comes to tattooing.

@gabe Nor am i suggesting that the schools pump out mediocre artists the artist has to have some artistic ability to even be accepted. but if there has to be a school such as the case in Oregon then that would should be the requirement

@gabe Nor am i suggesting that the schools pump out mediocre artists the artist has to have some artistic ability to even be accepted. but if there has to be a school such as the case in Oregon then that would should be the requirement

@gabe Nor am i suggesting that the schools pump out mediocre artists the artist has to have some artistic ability to even be accepted. but if there has to be a school such as the case in Oregon then that would should be the requirement

@gabe Nor am i suggesting that the schools pump out mediocre artists the artist has to have some artistic ability to even be accepted. but if there has to be a school such as the case in Oregon then that would should be the requirement

@gabe Nor am i suggesting that the schools pump out mediocre artists the artist has to have some artistic ability to even be accepted. but if there has to be a school such as the case in Oregon then that would should be the requirement

sorry for the spam re-posting apparently refreshing the page re-posts the message

Wow, ok I have to say, and I really dont care who wants to throw a tantrum...but what's up with the ego's and attitudes of some of the "professionals" on here? I totally get that the tattoo industry as a whole is looked down on, but your not special because guess what...ALL artists are usually looked down upon, it just comes with the territory. So why are you guys being all defensive like the rest of us are here trying to attack you?? If anything, we respect your work and what you do...we respect it enough to want to get in on it. Maybe you guys should take it as a compliment and actually give out some useful advice instead of just being what appears to be bitter and hateful. If you're looking for tattoo artists to stop catching so much crap from people, start by losing your "we're the gods of tattooing" angle and quit acting like being a tattoo artist is like joining some secret society that you have to crawl over broken glass to get to. That's really what's it's coming off as. Seems like all the pros who did the shop bitch thing are just a little mad because other people are choosing the school route and not being treated like a bitch. If you pros don't like the school idea, fine, that's your opinion, and you only need to say it once...a simple yes or no. All these extra insults you guys are kicking out here is a bunch of immature nonsense. Right now you're making tattoo artists look like serious douchbags and it's not helping your reputation. If you're really professionals and not children...then start acting like it and give some decent information.

it seems like taz and jwerk got a lil more than a shop bitch relationship but anyway.... You dont learn everything there is to know about tattooing by working under some1 like TaZ either how would he consider himself more qualified than some1 who is a doctor .im sure the doctor knows alot more about blood and diseases than some1 like taz.not to mention hes tattooed for 30 years.. All you people who apprenticed hate on the school because you know that you wasted your money shop bitching while the next generation pay money for a legit learning experience... Also the school is 2 or 3 months of solid school days packed with learning....if you were apprenticing you would probly walk away with less actual learning.

In Oregon, school is required to get your license. Hawaii is another that requires it. Move somewhere else if you want to get an apprenticeship.

ok,let me state upfront that i am a deuchebag. having said that, let me say this....how awesome would it be to attend one of these tattoo schools.. I mean come on...you could hang out with a bunch of joe dirts....you'd get to see a bunch of "bad ass" icp tattoos....you could have a heated discussion about who would win: a guy armed with num chucks or a dude with ninja throwing stars...hell, you could even wear a belt that had a ninja throwing star on the belt buckle...you could get up to speed on the latest technological inovations for homemade guns.............it could be fun...I'm just saying...

My first portfolio appearance at a shop was in Virginia back in '93. Since then I've been through the Marines and raised two kids. I've been to hundreds of shops in a dozen countries (not to mention states) and still not been able to secure a decent apprenticeship. I will, with a great teacher, it's about patience and not settling for a scratcher as a teacher.

I know in Virginia there are two ways to get professional licensure. You can go to a school and take a 750 hour course to become an entry-level tattooer or you can do a 1500 hour apprenticeship to presumably be a more senior entry level tattooer. At the end of either, you must take/pass the professional tattoo artist exam. Given the way both programs are highly structured, I do not think they are very different from Oregon's requirements. I guess there are about a half dozen schools in Virginia and probably a dozen dozen tattooers licensed to be able to apprentice other. Two of the largest shops I personally know of in Virginia charge around $10,000 for an apprenticeship. The one tattoo school I know of charges $7800.

just do it....i did & i'm fantastically happy & so r my clients.....use ur own skin but watch everything u can about it & on utube.....its not rocket science & the cavemen did it with bone...do learn bio-hazard tho

I would just like to point out to all those who are considering the school idea that this type of response is typical from those that have performed an apprenticeship. I have performed a 4 year app (thou in a different feild) and the attitude is alwayse the samewhen somebody chooses to take a different way. To hell with the guy who is doing everything in his power to better himself. Perfect example; I have a friend that tried to get into my trade which requires a high school diploma or GED. My friend who is one of the hardest workers and inteligent people I know has a learning disability that prevents him from reading. In order to get either of the above you have to be able to read. Though the only reading we do is the hire in paperwork or a magazine at lunchtime. He is perfect for this work in everyway but he got turned down. So I got in through a similar trade and found a loopholeto get him in. Now they wont give him any work. He is married with 2 kids, is in foreclosure, and loosing everything he has because of people with this bullshit holier than thou attitude. This is just plain human ignorance and it has been around since the dawn of time. There are people who have taken advantage of this situation over the centuyies though. In many other trades schooling is a must before attending an apprentiship i.e. lawyers,doctors, chefsjust to name a few. I think all these people like TAZ need to realize that thou there may be a select few people who are doing it for the wrong reazons, most are just trying to hone their talents alittle more. Some in hopes to maybe obtain an apprenticeship alittle easier, you know to give them the edge over the competition. Like I'm sure many of you old school guys have or would have done given the opurtunity. So the next time you hear somebody ask about these schools dont BASH them encourage them. It just makes the Journeymans job easier in the end. In response to alot of the rederic i've been reading, I did alittle research of my own and none of these schools make the claim to teach you everything you need to know about the trade. In fact to quote one of them "We seek to advance the level of competency of all learners by supplying sound insight through dedicated and experienced trainers. We will provide the learner with the essential mechanisms they need to be proficient in their chosen field of study." OH and as a side note. The diploma on the wall or in the wallet for my trade. When properly displayed to your clients, does make them feel more comfortable and relaxed. Then you add the portfolio and you cant loose. And so the moral of the storyis. KEEP DOIN EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO BETTER YOURSELF and YOUR TALENT in doing that you should be given all the "RESECT" you deserve it. You make me and all the others like us proud. As for all the haters,(wether you like to think you are or not) all you're doing is making yourself look stupid. Next time do a littlt research and keep an OPEN MIND before you make a comment after all isnt that what tattooing is about? or atleast part of what its about?

Don't listen to all these screw balls that say Tattoo School is not cool! Do whatever you can to get the experience and education to get into the field! In the end, its not the school that makes you, or the best tattoo machine in you hand, because anybody can get all that. Its what you can do with those tools and the creativity you unleash that will get you to the top!

It is hard to get your foot in the door, partly because money is slim and shops don't have enough business, also I've been running into artist that talk to you like you're trying to take their job, wtf? I've never worked in a shop but have enjoyed tattooing my artwork on friends and friends of friends for 8yrs. now! I've finally decided to fallow my passion and have been looking for a shop position as an apprentice wanting to learn the business from the ground up in order to know every facet of a tattoo shop so I know what I want and don't want in my own shop some day! But to no avail however as anyone with art in your hart will tell you, don't quit! so wish me luck and if anyone needs a place to stay while searching for a position in central cali my door is always open! And thank you for your insight on the schools you made up my mind for me, I'll keep fighting the good fight and do this old school! Know anyone with a shop that is down to teach me the ropes?

It is hard to get your foot in the door, partly because money is slim and shops don't have enough business, also I've been running into artist that talk to you like you're trying to take their job, wtf? I've never worked in a shop but have enjoyed tattooing my artwork on friends and friends of friends for 8yrs. now! I've finally decided to fallow my passion and have been looking for a shop position as an apprentice wanting to learn the business from the ground up in order to know every facet of a tattoo shop so I know what I want and don't want in my own shop some day! But to no avail however as anyone with art in your hart will tell you, don't quit! so wish me luck and if anyone needs a place to stay while searching for a position in central cali my door is always open! And thank you for your insight on the schools you made up my mind for me, I'll keep fighting the good fight and do this old school! Know anyone with a shop that is down to teach me the ropes?

dude ive checked in to a couple but they're all out of state and bullshit i think. cas being qualified in a diffrent state dont help me where i live now. someone needs to help us out somehow with gettin started with these careers. ive done gave up on it almost. i jus sit at tha house and hope for a break one day.

Well, I came to this site looking for opinions on tattoo schools and apprenticeship. I am a female and as hard as it is for us females to even get someone to take us serious in life, imagine how hard it is for us to have a tattoo artist take us serious in terms of wanting to be tattoo artists. I just came back from this tattoo shop where I live. About 5 years ago I saved enough money to get me an outfit from Superior Tattoo, like a starter kit and what not. I started practicing with it. I have been interested in art ever since I can remember. I mostly draw with pen and ever since before I even received my first tattoo I wanted to become a tattoo artist. I know good tattoo artists who will take me under their wing without me having to pay them but they just live really far from me, which sucks. I wish i could move because I would but right now I can't. Well my opinion is to respond to what Taz what's saying about tattoo schools being scam and there is nothing like an old school apprenticeship or paying a tattoo artist to teach you. I have seen some schools are run by good tattoo artists and I guess in my opinion they probably received so many people wanting them to apprentice that they said, why not make money off this. If there are schools and classes to teach you how to draw, how to do printmaking, how to paint, etc, then there are schools that can teach you how to become a tattoo artist. People just have to be careful because a lot of them are just out there to get your money, just like a lot of contractors are out there to get your money and don't finish the job correctly in your house. Buyer Beware is always what I say. Do your research, before you spend thousands of dollars paying someone to teach you. I say buy yourseld a started kit, do your research, get some books, dvds and start on your own. Like MOST well known tattoo artists have done "self taught" or am I wrong? As for me however, I just can't afford to pay anybody right now. Because of that I have been trying to get old school style. I only work 2 1/2 days a week, I gotta pay rent, car note, and all my bills and I live alone. So the rest of the week I do what I like which is either draw or write, etc. look for others jobs, clean houses, whatever you know. I got discouraged by a tattoo artist who told me "this biz is not for chicks" and I stopped looking for a old school apprenticeship (but that's a whole 'nother topic that I don't want to touch". I just came back from a tattoo shop where the guy has only been tattooing for 3 years and he wants 3,000.00 for 6 months of apprenticeship. I just don't have the money so I offered my time and help around the shop in exchange for guidance. Because after all if you have drawing skills and you are artistic and focused and dedicated all you need is guidance. He told me I could hang out at the shop and if I had any questions he will answer, but he could not dedicate the time it takes to teach someone without getting money in return. I mean I understand that perfectly and right now with the economy the way it is, well people gotta get their money. He still said he could not do it because he had an apprentice and he paid the 3,000 and that's his friend it would not be fair for him. Ok, understood. At least he did not say, this biz is not for chicks. haha so I'm on the right track. He's cool and I will be hanging out more in there. Even if all I do is look and not ask questions. It takes you to take time to get associated with that environment and show them you really want it. Hopefully his heart will soften up you know and lets me do it, it's like a relationship. It comes with time. People just don't open up to just anyone. I don't care if learning takes me years because of the simple fact that I wasted years not pursuing it and getting discouraged by the money aspect or by people who just don't care enough to help someone out live their passion. I say if nobody cares to help you out, then do it on your own. Do your research. Buy your own shit, learn how to use it and practice practice practice. Myself I don't practice on people because to me that is irresponsible and I would not want someone to be like yeah Jaz did that and they be like WTF, that shit is wack. But if you have a friend who is willing to let you practice on them. I say go for it. I wish I should have all those times that my friends asked me tattoo me. I will definitely before doing so suggest however to get a course on the health aspect of tattooing. Tattoos are safe, it is when they are done "dirty" that they become dangerous. Funny things is that most tattoo artists learned on their own, but a lot don't take you serious when you want a tattoo artist to guide you. It makes no sense. If you don't know how to draw, Don't think you are going to become a great tattoo artist, because it takes skill as well. Good Practice and learn from your mistakes, that's how I can say a lot of great tattoo artists begun and became well known. You are not going to know everything. Take your time and be patient. I know I will because I ain't paying no 3,000 bucks for someone to teach me how to tattoo when they themselves are learning. My advice is hang out at tattoo shops, become friends with tattoo artists or friends who are friends of tattoo artists and improve your drawing skills and if nobody wants to believe in you, believe in yourself and if this is something you are passionate about, don't let anyone discourage you. I'm sure most tattoo artists who are now well known did not have to spend thousands of dollars learning their craft. It took years of trial and error to become who they are. After all it does not matter who teaches you, the important thing is that you learn correctly. Use common sense and keep yourself and others healthy. Funny thing this artist I just saw called me up and told me to come by the shop and hang out and bring my drawings and my tattoo gun and he will give me some pointers and then we can head out to AppleBee's. I'm not giving up on my dream you know. One stepping stone at a time. I wish everyone one the best of luck. Much love and respect to all those who are passionate about becoming a tattoo artists and specially to those who already are. yes I have a little professional profile. http://www.brightfuse.com/yv2009 you can check me out there. I'm out. Jaz "Everyone has a mask, I just don't wear mine" ;)

i was reading the post about tattoo schooling and if its worth it or not...i have been tattooing my friends for a while and i realize that a school will teach you nothing. you either have the skills or not..if you are really intrested in becoming a tattoo artist then you should do the right steps and not try the easy way out...practice practice practice and go for an Apprenticeship ...

Here's my experience....I went to a "real" tattoo artist to get a tattoo that I originally drew. He liked it as well as the rest of my sketches and asked if i thought of tattooing. So I began my ridiculous journey into tattooing. After 7 months my "mentor" and I had a spat over his jealous wife ridiculing me and the fact that picking up his dry cleaning or babysitting his daughter has nothing to do with tattooing and at that point I didnt learn shit....and so I left after 7 months of waisted time. that christmas my brother bought me a tattoo kit online, I decided that I'd tattoo and pierce my friends and family. Since clean lines and awesome shading came natural, not to mention I had enough common scense to get bbp/cpr and study greys anatomey. I was at least a cautious scratcher. I was putting out work that was better than the proffesional downtown thats been there for 22 years. So word spread quick and before I knew it I had a clientel of 180 ppl (my cell contacts is now 530)...Luckily I found a tattoo shop that provided me with the state issued apprenticeship certfication because I had great skill in art and not once made me "shop bitch"...how degrading. Cleaning the shop and equipment is EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY WHO WORKS THERE, not to mention by accordance with law, ANY PERSON DOING ANY WORK IN A PLACE OF BUSINESS MUST BE PAID AT LEAST MINIMUM WAGE.....if you choose not to pay the apprentices to be "shop bitch" then they shall not perform duties on a regular basis only watch, learn, and take all required exams for health dept. all hands on training should be MONITORED until successful, apprenticeship certification application is at either health dept or city hall (depends where you live). NOTICE TO ALL PROSPECTS, make sure the "tattoo artist" immediately applies for the apprenticeship certification per your county as soon as you begin( after 3 years you are proffessional regardless and can apply for your state issued liscense to practice, even open your own shop unless the shop owner can prove otherwise and he better have a good reason). Thats what contracts are for, if the mentor kicks you out of the shop before the term, there should be a contract containing the list of regulations and precautions to protect both parties.Thank the Gods for some protection.Tattoo artists are known to be arrogant assholes that really dont want people to become their competition , also contributes to lowering prices. However who the hell are they to say who can or cannot tattoo especially when most of them do "carnival tats" anyway. I can take you to the local hack that overcharges and leaves people scarred. He's a proffesional in all your eyes because he got his apprenticeship from another artist and owns a shop, or per your terms legit. I understand that these schools are letting people pass without clean line work, but really it depends on the person. The school is for all the basic knowledge and a few skills. Learning to tattoo perfectly is practice....scratcher practice to be exact....only with knowledge to not infect anyone. The "good" work is judged by the customer reviews. Really I dont give a shit what anyone else thinks, my customers come back and in fact recommend me to others. So I vote yey on the tattoo schools, we'll always have hackers and scratchers, might as well let them be schooled in the tech part so they dont spread disease and infect my clients. I just think they need to be tweaked. As for the goons wanting to open a school but had everything bad to say about it, well I hope you dont find out that if you open a school you cant run it like a lil shop. youll have to treat them like students not "shop bitches".............the tradition must be broken somehow to maintain health concern

in the state of oregon we do not get the choice of apprenticeship or school. the state requires a state certified school and instructor, based on OSHA law and legalities not skill or talent. i gave up a six figure job for a apprenticeship opportunity in bend oregon with a well know shop and a good artist. the shop closed shortly after moving hear. i have been seeking a teacher to learn the art of tattooing from ever since. as i do not currently have the money to move from oregon to a state that allows traditional apprenticeships, i continue to search for a shop that meets the state requirements and focuses on quality and art over profit from a "tattoo school". i wish you the best in your search. if any one has some knowledge of schools in oregon i am very interested. thank you tmax.

I had to comment on this "Tattoo School" and Im speaking from experience and actually knowing the head instructor Harvey Kennedy,who works under Dr. whoever Ive been in the biz for over 23 yrs. and owned one of the first tattoo shops in shreveport,Zoo Studio. The other belonging to harvey kennedy...actually it wasnt really even a tattoo shop it was a karate class and harvey tattoo'd when he could. The only shop I know of him doing any tattooing professionally at was the state fair for 1 week a year for 2 or three years. Thats only 2 or 3 weeks. Harvey Kennedy's skills as an artist are far to low for him to be teaching anybody about tattooing! I now live in tulsa but 1 of my daughters is living in shreveport, Chrystal Oxley and naturally she has become a skilled freehand artist in less than a year.She mentioned something about legallity and licences to her mom to avoid any possible trouble. Well now theyve looked at the worlds only (not the only!) tattoo school as a Option .Please! The girl is already a far better artist than the head instructer. THIS IS A >>> $6000 <<< TUITION for a 2 WEAK TATTOO COLLEGE!!! If there are students at this place they cant possibly think that this is wise for their future. We all learned how to "stay in the lines" while coloring in preschool, now you have a 6g. refresher course, They teach you the names of all the parts of the machine, sterilization procedures, & how to trace a picture. Something needs to happen soon, Currently there are over 20 shops in the shreveport bossier area, when I started there were none (except for the fair) its crazy to think you can become a tattoo artist with zero artistic ability I feel for the customers wearing their scars. I guess if you can become head instructor of a college with the skills & credentials harvey has anything is possible..Note how their front page on their website brag on their karate skills. I think maybe subconciousely that has intimidated these rich kids out of their parents money.!! Hey, whatever it takes harvey & Dr sideshow. Im amazed at the entrepreneur skills coming from a couple guys who spend their time kickin each other. No ,my daughter will not be taught under harvey kennedy or anyone of those pop-up tattoo shops. what she cant get figured out Ill explain. .first and foremost is not to become like any of the rest of those tattooist's & take pride in being an artist.

guy's,i am so sorry i wasted my time reading this forum,just when i still had some hope left in tattoo artist,taz and your shop bitch just took all of my hope that tattoo artist are cool.you guys sound like a bunch of highschool kids on the play ground talking about lastnights episode of l.a.ink.give me a break,you expect people to suck your asses for a 2000 apprenticeship being a shop bitch,when i could spend a few more grand to be taught by real proffensionals with a real proffesional attitude to me would be way worth the extra money then to slave over one of you cocky people who probabaly started out before the laws chganged when anyone coulld pick up a tat gun and open a shop without licence or experience,what about folks that happen to be naturally over tatented at tattooing,well guess what,3 decades ago,all you had to be was good to open a buisness and now you expect good decent people wanting to follow in your footsteps no matter it be for the money or the love you want them to pay dues to you.bullshit,i bet you never apprenticed for anyone taz and anyways when did tattoing become something of a jedi fucking night secret from star wars.you either got it or you dont,and i would much rather go to a school where i would atleast be treated with respect then to learn from some stuck up jerk like taz or his lil bitch who thinks hes already corey miller or something.get a grip guys,there is no fucking big secret behind tattooing,its the laws of the states that make it so you have to start out this way and most of you artist act like your god and us as people are learning the secrets of life and only you can teach us.wake up and get your head out of your asses,we are all human beings,and we all have to start somewhere and im dam glad i dont have to be forced to learn from one of you stuck up jerks and have the option of a school...whats wrong with school anyway,its one of the first and mainly last things all people do in their life.so now they have tattoo schools,what about truck driving schools,are they a joke for you too taz??because if so,i wouldnt want my wife and kid on the rooad with a bunch of truck bitches learning to drive with the attitudes comeing from you artist or what ever you call yourselves.stop taz and look at what your projecting into the tattoo world,look at the dumb attitude you gave your lil shop bitch.i wouldnt want you or that dumbass tattooing me..tattooing is not a secret,it is sacred,and from one human to another we all should deserve respect no matter what proffession we decide to take up in life..get a grip!!!blackduke...

I own the World's Only Tattoo School. I started it in back in the 60's because no one would apprentice anyone- which is still pretty much the case. Anyone with basic artistic skill can do this is a very short time. Anyone who says you need two years is either ignorant or flat-out lying. Every month I take a group of students from zero to decent in two weeks. Some like to stay longer and get more experience. I teach the classes myself because I know how to teach and have done if for over 40 years. There is just no one on earth that has trained any more artists than I have. Not all are good, but some are fabulous- like any profession. yes, I am a real doctor. Yes, I am a 50-year martial artist. My friend and business partner is Harvey Kennedy- he teaches piercing and bloodborne pathogens at the school.He is honorable and proficient. When i taught martial arts full time, i had many people come in and challenge my ability because they did not believe i could do it. Well, I can. I am still here and a few of them are not. Apparently the tattoo business is full of challengers and i invite you to come to my school and see for yourself. I do a good job to help people start a new career. I do not have to make the other tattoo artists happy- in fact most of them are low-class punks and they know it. The few who are honorable professionals are the exception to the rule. I can prove anything i say and i guarantee my training to be the best available in the world. Believe me, i do not get rich doing this. $5600 is a bargain- massage school is close to $11,000 and i could teach that in one week. All of you with yours mouths wide open, put up or shut up.

Dr. Bill.. Just what the tattoo world needs..."decent" tattooers. You are teaching very rudimentary skills to (mostly) inartistic people. That's just great. I've seen the work that comes out of your "school" and it's poor to mediocre. Never great. I feel you are doing the industry an injustice, as well as your students, by taking their money and giving them false hope. But as long as it pays the bills, right? Point blank, you are ripping people off. I guarantee there is NOTHING you can teach me, not because I know it all but I do know more than the basics. And I learned it all for free and I didn't have to wipe anyone's arse to learn it. While you may have the poor, unsuspecting students lined up, there is NO need to bring untalented tattooers into the profession, which is basically what you've admitted to doing. A potential mentor (often times) picks someone based on their talent. You, on the other hand base it soley on the size of their wallets. Have you ever once refused someone's money because they just don't have what it takes? Granted, everyone has to start somewhere but I feel your attitude that anyone can learn the trade is, as you put it, ignorant. The world needs more Nick Baxters (Do you even know who that is?) not more hacks. Then you take it a step further and insult the industry by calling the majority of them "low-class punks". Really? I suppose the "honorable professionals" are the people who pay you butt-loads of cash expecting to be the next Nikko Hurtado, via your "school"? And, great, you're a martial art's teacher, what the hell does that have to do with tattooing? NOTHING. And, good Dr., paragraphs are your friend. Not to mention that the only tattooers that are coming out of your school are probably tattooing at flea markets and biker ralleys. But, as long as you can sleep at night...

And your comment about making money from message schools VS. tattoo schools is null, considering there are tons of message schools and little tattoo education, via schooling. You prey on the unsuspecting students and anyone who dares call you on it is ignorant, lying or a low-class punk. Um, NO, maybe we just see through your bull shit, you conning disgrace. Really, you're embarrassing yourself. For your own sake, stop it.

I'm no genius or anything, but i just love art and I dont see anything wrong with trying to look for a school to do this. I dont agree or disagree with any comments made. For me, if I decided to go to school for this... because it is a pretty penny for what seems like most of these school are offering (2 weeks)... I would just try to open my own shop or do it on the side. I think most ppl if you went to a tattoo shop you would just get laughed at with you little folder of credentials. This may suck but thats the way it is. Like every other trade this shit is competative what the hell do you exspect haha! I would be the first to do it in my family so no hand me downs and I have no friends that do it. Basically no apprenticeship options for me ...I mean not really anyway lol... ... All I would be able to do is practice on friends and save until I can do my own thing, I'm fine with that because it's about the art for me....not the money...I have no problem with doing it on the side or trying to start my own business and I think with this so-called "school" for tattooing Idea maybe thats where you head needs to be at..... Just an opinion. LATER!

I'm no genius or anything, but i just love art and I dont see anything wrong with trying to look for a school to do this. I dont agree or disagree with any comments made. For me, if I decided to go to school for this... because it is a pretty penny for what seems like most of these school are offering (2 weeks)... I would just try to open my own shop or do it on the side. I think most ppl if you went to a tattoo shop you would just get laughed at with you little folder of credentials. This may suck but thats the way it is. Like every other trade this shit is competative what the hell do you exspect haha! I would be the first to do it in my family so no hand me downs and I have no friends that do it. Basically no apprenticeship options for me ...I mean not really anyway lol... ... All I would be able to do is practice on friends and save until I can do my own thing, I'm fine with that because it's about the art for me....not the money...I have no problem with doing it on the side or trying to start my own business and I think with this so-called "school" for tattooing Idea maybe thats where you head needs to be at..... Just an opinion. LATER!

My opinion on this topic has changed recently. I've been seeking an apprenticeship here in small town pa for a long time now and none of the "pro" shops are willing to take on an apprentice. So where does this leave me? Should I give up my dream just because some stranger isnt willing to get paid to teach me? No. I'm not stopping here. I think an apprenticeship is technically a big fat scam that the "secret ancient society of the pro shop" has come up with just because they can. So I am a good artist, better than a few of the "pro" shops here. I have been artistically gifted for my entire lifetime. I won my first art contest in kindergarden. I have the gift of art and a good eye. I considered interior design for awhile. I feel "pro" shops take a big chunk of money from the "apprentice" and get 2 or more years of free labor out of them, not to mention the big weird ego boost they get from calling themselves "a master tattoo artist". I have bought myself all of the equipment I need to function as a legal shop. I set up a master suite in my home as my studio. I have an attached restroom and the room itself has been inspected and meets all standards. I do autoclave, before I could afford to buy my own I had my autoclave outsourced to a local medical office here in town. But now I do my own. I am not charging clients as of yet. I'm continuing to give free art to friends untill I'm certain I can offer a tattoo that someone would beg me for. So to all of the "pro" shops I'm a 'SCRATCHER" and I dont care. If pro shops are so concerned about proper this and proper that then isnt it their responsibility to continue to teach and spread awareness of proper procedures? How can anyone look down on me when they have turned me away when I asked for their help? If they frown on schools and scratchers then were else can a truely passionate person become qualified to tattoo? If they are the only source of knowledge then they are the only people to teach. I've been tattooing and doing some BEAUTIFUL work here in my home studio for many months now and I cant imagine how any pro shop could justify taking a large sum of money to teach this stuff. If a person chooses to work in a particular shop and they require apprenticeships then that is their choice. But if a person doesnt want a boss, doesnt want to ride the coat tails of an existing shop then why not go on your own and do it? Why do I have to be a grunt and scrub someone else's shop and be considered lower than them? Pro's use the term "PAID MY DUES, WORKED LONG AND HARD ETC" big stinkin deal. Isnt it just as hard if not harder for me to go at it on my own? For me to only depend on the knowledge I can get from attending seminars and reading extensively and watching countless hours of instructional material makes it an even harder road for me. I dont have someone standing over me. I have me and my own intelligence to study and learn and do an amazing and PROPER tattoo. I bought my own equipment...all of it...every penny of it. I didnt walk into a shop and use my boss's equipment. I didnt use my boss's hard work to further myself. I'm using my own. I am working legally and morally correct. I have done nothing wrong and i will never appologize for saying no thank you to the apprenceship and working hard on my own and making my life the life I want it to be. I'm in my mid 30's. WHo knows how much longer me or any of us have. LIVE YOUR LIFE. DO WHAT YOU WANT. DONT WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO DECIDE YOU ARE WORTHY OF YOUR DREAM. I have 2 full sleeves and a chest peice as well as other art sprinkled about my body. I am well aware of and immersed in the world of tattooing. I now only go to get my own work done at LEGAL home shops. The pros frown on me so they can frown on my money too. There are countless home artists out there who can turn out a better tattoo than these stupid chicken scratching mom n pop shops.

Hi guys, maybe im asking the right question in the wrong website, but does anyone know of any descent tattoo schools in Europe?

Hi guys, maybe im asking the right question in the wrong website, but does anyone know of any descent tattoo schools in Europe?

Hi guys, maybe im asking the right question in the wrong website, but does anyone know of any descent tattoo schools in Europe?

Hi guys, maybe im asking the right question in the wrong website, but does anyone know of any descent tattoo schools in Europe?

In my experience as a tattooee it is NOT worth it to go to tattoo school. It is much better just to wing it. However if you like touching peoples "junk" it is VERY much worth it. On an average day at tattoo school I would touch 37 nuts, 5 nipples, and 4.5 times a day id stick my finger up someone random persons ANUS! That's a total of 46.5 times and only once did it end up with me getting someone pregnant. Now, if your into that sort of thing I recommend that sort of thing, however I recommend viewing the movie Juno before even considering having a baby. Theres this girl that I know named Tyranus Laquisha Boggs and she is the reason why the tear drops on the guitar that inspired me to get a nut sack tattoo (grapes on a tree, tree being my willy) Now if you'll excuse me I have to go play my cowbell using my twig and berries. Tootles, The kingdom of heaven is in heaven.

hey blacklist, lets see some pics of your tattoos.

I have looked everywhere around where i'm at have even tried down in co and i get da same line bring in a 2yr scratcher portfolio and then i'll think about it. In 2yrs i'll be stuck on my own ways of doin it and might as well start m own shop. Not considering tattoo schools at all... The only way i would even attend one of these schools would be if someone else paid for it. But also i have seen some work that have attended the school in denver and i can say i was shocked some was awesome and some looked like scratcher still.. So i guess it would come down to da person attending. Now i know i'm gonna get slammed for scratching but keep in mind not all of you were just born artists and were scratchers at one time.

hmmm...my pesonal opinion on anyone in the industry who doesnt have pictures readilly available via myspace,facebook etc. is more than likely a scratcher...being a tattooist since 1998 the internet has become my best tool for getting my work out there for potential customers to view. for anyone on here claiming to own or work at a shop and not have thier work available to view is just plain a liar or too old to give a sh*t....this is my trade, my buisness, not a claim to fame...i take everything i do seriously. that being said i cant tell you how many people i have had come into a shop i was working at and asked to be apprenticed...99% of those people dont have what it takes or assume just cause they can draw some they can tattoo...well sorry to burst any bubbles but we all get kinda bitter with all the empty promises many of us have had from people who would be our shop flunky only to have alot of our apprentices flake and go bad to tattooing on a couch because they couldnt stick with the investment in a professional trade. I personally handpick my apprentices and my last apprentice im happy to say is still with us and kicking ass. if you are serious keep going to the shop you want to work at and keep letting the shop know how serious you are and that you would be a loyal addition to thier shop...this may take a while to get them to notice you but if it was meant to be then it will happen ONLY with your eagerness to learn and your ability to make sacrifices on the way...and bringing pizza for the crew doesnt hurt either...lol

this is a response to BLACKLIST TATTOO COMPANY....this is exactly why i responded to this forum topic...in my own opinion you make it sound like you are entitled to a position as a tattooist...wrong outlook on this entirely....what are you going to do when and if you give someone a staph infection? do you even know why or how you can give someone a bacterial infection? how about proper cross contamination techniques? im assuming you will say yes but im pretty sure if asked to explain each you wouldnt know how to....there is alot more to tattooing than "tattooing" bro...how about hopping off your everybody owes you horse and find out why your "portfolio" (since you said you have been doing home tattoos) hasnt been good enough to get you in a shop door...you apparently have everything figured out...if i asked you to tell me without looking at any paperwork what is the pressure a autoclave should operate at and what is the proper temp that you wouldnt know...there is many things that are taught at a shop that you over look....how about fixing your shit and your attitude before you go into a shop and "expect" them to give you a job because of your superior artistic talent...and if you are so good lets check out some of your work to be critiqued....and if your work is as good as you say then ill give you props...plain and simple

Im new to the site but decided to give my opnion anyway. i looked into tattoo schools a few years back BEFORE i got an apprenticeship at a local shop. no portfolio no nothing i heard the shop was looking for an apprentce so i went in and put my name in the running since i did a 2 1/2 year stretch in state prison i was somewhat familiar with tattooing because that was my prison hustle. the apprenticeship was the best thing that ever could have happened i have everything down to a science but i guess anyone would after breaking machines apart week after week rewrapping coils week after week constant drilling about cross contamination working the autoclave learning the trade by using tattoo skins pig skin and even oranges at times, anyone looking to go to school whether its 2 weeks or 12 months just wont have the neccisary experience in an actual functioning shop enviornment to call themselves taught, im no longer an apprentice but im still learning new things everyday and you just wont get that in a school enviornment youll get it at a real shop with real artist's showing you the ropes

can anyone help me. the laws in oregon state that u have to attend a school in oder to get a license to tattoo. unfortunatly there are no schools in my area. online schools are bogus. it would be great if anyone had any ideas for me.

no its not... i went and look at one in sf and thy were asking 4500$ for 6 weeks and what thy were going to show me i already know and ive been tattooing for 2yrs..... i have a cupl friends who have a shop in sacramenton and just from what thy told me that thy wouldnt take anyone that went to tattoo school. all i can say is you can try and do what i did i went back to school and did a culp yrs of art and push my self to get better and better ...

Well i made it to page 16 and ive made my decision.IM a 40 year old guy and im selling my place paying 12 month on rent and bills and going to a tattoo school.I realize i will will not be a artist or even a tattooist when i get my certification. When i get to the point when i think i know it all it will be time to stop tattooing. So after my 6weeks or so of school i will be going home and practicing on fruit drawing reading everybook i can find and afford. Iwill be be ordering every how to tattoo dvd instructional i can find and watch them often. I will do 5 days a week 8 hour a day it will be treated as a job for the 12 months i dont have to worry about anthing else.I will make it, failure isnt a option. The certificate will never be hung on a wall and will be stuck in a folder somwhere.It is ludacris to think some one could learn a art in 2 to 6 weeks. But it will give me some basic concepts. A start On realizing my dream. You may walk in my shop someday as that is my plan oklahoma is now a wide open market.You will never know i went to a tattoo school. But when you see my art i hope it blows your mind . A new generation of tattooist are up and coming. Shops that realize this is a customer service industry, shops that open on time, appointments that are kept. Curtious tattoo professionals that assist the customer rather than point at the wall of flash and say let me know when you find somthing. Things change all i can say is if you want somthing bad enough you will find a way. And if i learn only one hundreth of what i need to know at school its a start. And all you guys that think im foolish for going to school thats cool that peice of paper means nothing to you but It has stroke with the state,as you are correct when you say they know nothing about tattooing.It will assist me in getting my licence.peace

I understand, it's been hard for me to find someone or someplace for me to get licensed also. I've been doing tattoos for 6 yrs on my own but would love to go into a shop and work but can't find a place in KC Missouri to help me out. No schools around here!

I WAS GOING TO ATTEND THE TATTOO LEARNING CENTER IN ALBANY NEW YORK BUT EVERYBODY TOLD ME THAT 2 WEEKS IS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO LEARN HOW TO TATTOO SO A FRIEND TOLD ME ABOUT EXCLUSIVE TATTOO ACADEMY & STUDIO ( located at Allentown PA ) ITS A 4 MONTH INTENSIVE COURSE ( 16 weeks ) THEY ALSO ALLOW YOU TO WORK THERE FOR 12 MONTHS TO SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS SO IM DEFINITLY GOING TO ATTEND THAT CLASS..

Hi, I just wanna learn to make tattoos, what should i do, i can draw anything, but I just need the skill to make tattoos and also I need to learn how to use all the tools necessary for this job.

yes its worth it i went to tatoo school in louisanna in only two weeks my work look like if i have been doing tattoo for years you dont need no experience and its only 2 weeks it cost a pretty penny 5600 but its worth and you earn 75% of your money back in your second week go to google and check it out

i know in oregon it helps alot but up there you have to go to school for it no appretice ship if that was the case i would of been workin in a shop by now i did the apprentice thing just so i could learn everything about them now i just do um outta my house

i know in oregon it helps alot but up there you have to go to school for it no appretice ship if that was the case i would of been workin in a shop by now i did the apprentice thing just so i could learn everything about them now i just do um outta my house

Im starting a tattoo school in GA ,Its not a scam ,it is going to be a 6month - 12 month course depending upon how fast you learn...its all up to you...you will get a certificate upon completion....it is basically an apprentice program..If your interested email me at [email removed] is limited ...We also have different payment options....

Visit us online or in our tattoo schools located in the USA & Canada. We are HALF THE PRICE of other schools and limit our students to 3 at a time so you can learn with a much higher success rate. We also include dvd sets and online training and support for an additional year :) http://www.internationalschoolofbodyart.com

Okay, so how does one get an apprentice then??? My daughter is an extremely talented tattoo artist, when I say that, she has designed tattoo's for others and they have gone and had them done in parlor's. She wants to learn but no one will take her seriously cause she is this cute little 5'2 girl who doesn't look like she would be a tattoo artist. Her portfolio shows her talent. What should we do?!

I have been tattooing since 1978 and anybody who wants to get into this business will find it tough at best, its a whole new world since i started and getting into a shop back then was real hard and you better have two things great art skills and cash up front. I find just like i see on this site the new qualifications are you must be cocky as hell wear your ball cap on backward and have a thousand foot ego, slap yourself on the back every ten second and make sure you talk smack about any competition which may be around you and have a good sharp blade because back stabbing is the norm. Back when i started this rarely went on people didn't open up across the street from you the artist respected each other weather you were good bad anything in between and i say that anyone whom wishes to learn this art should try to find a shop willing to teach and if you can't better to find a school or online teacher( whom is good of course do your home work) and don't give up if you really want to learn this Art don't learn on your own because you will give yourself a bad name before you get good and remember this 70% of these smack talkers act this way do to lack of pure raw talent, this is there way to make up for that and they don't want you in a business that already over crowded.

What I did was I first went to a bullshit tattoo school but that was just to learn the bare basics of tattooing and as soon as I got back to buffalo I went and became a shop bitch because I already knew the sterilization Process I did that for a few months until I received a apprenticeship since I have already completed around 20 tattoos before I started learning again I knew what he was already talking about most of the time my apprenticeship only took about 18months now I'm working right along side My teacher so the schools shouldn't be used to jump right into the industry but used as a stepping stone to start learning the right way

I love art, and am young and am few credits short of a art degree I decided college wasn't for me, and have wanted to get into doing tattoo work I went to a few interviews at local shops some with bad reputations and others with ridiculously high priced apprenticeships, I was offered two but there is no way that I could afford it, and me allowing my so called "mentor" to steal my art and me bust my ass for 2-3 years without pay isn't really an option, I had a friend that attended tattooing school and he seems to do fine for himself working in a shop, I let him do some of my work, I know what good work is, I know that it isn't very highly spoken of but I often think about going this route.

I've been looking for an apprenticeship for a while too and I've had no luck. I always get shut down. I honestly think these schools are around to give people a chance because these tattoo artist act like there shit don't stink and they act like there too good to teach someone something. They forget where they came from and how hard it was for them when they were in need of some tattoo knowledge. You guys need to get off your high horse.I've never been to any school for this but I think its better than nothing. Because most of these conceded ass artist aren't gonna do shit for you but say no. The ones that do teach I respect n appreciate... but where the fuck r u guys??????

if you cant get an apprenticship your artwork is most likely not good enough yet. To the folks complaining we never let anyone in, show your artwork... we can give advice to yas...

I have researched this school for some time. So far I have not heard anything negative but, please feel free to do your own research. Do what works for you. http://tattoolearningcenter.com/home.html I am a novice at tattooing and have not attended a school (yet) nor have I chose to currently expand my skill because I found that learning tattooing the western way tends to be filled with snobbish, so called school of hard knocks mentality or you have to have served some time in the jail system both of which I have never been interested in. I do have a friend who has been tattooing for over a decade and she learned from her boyfriend (she and he have taught me a thing or two). She supplemented her knowledge appropriately with health care codes and regulations because she likes to consider herself a professional. Especially on the east coast you must be knowledgeable in the layers and mechanics of human skin as well as health codes to even have a legitimate business. In addition there are many tattoo artists who have formal artistic training that supplemented their natural talent. They simply brought their creativity into another venue and medium--human skin. Therefore, it is not unheard of to have some sort of formal education within the business. The problem is that tattooing in the western world is considered a sub-culture and therefore a bit clannish. Also, artists may not want competition when really there is enough business out there to fill anyone's plate. That is why someone inquiring into the legitimacy of available schooling may be looked down upon a bit. No worries though. All that snobbish, shadowy behavior can be circumvented. So, to all those out there who prefer to bring a more formal dimension to the sub-culture of tattooing--that's ok and don't be discouraged. It does cost but, everything in life costs in one form or another--just choose what works for you and don't look back. Again, here is the link: http://tattoolearningcenter.com/home.html Good luck to all who seek a different path. Peace!

I have been researching schools in the States for a friend of mine along the Western sea-board and it seems that the following State is the best for both a) finding a reputable school of decent length and reasonable price, and b) finding a paying apprenticeship afterwards (without stigma): Oregon. Why? Because of this "Pursuant to ORS 345.010(4), education and training in the field of tattooing shall be conducted by a school of tattooing. Licensed by the Oregon Department of Education, Private Career Schools, and provided by instructors approved by the department under ORS 345 and OAR chapter 581 Division 045. All artists have extensive training and full licensing as required by Oregon state law. In addition to schooling as required by state law, all artists have also completed "formal" apprenticeships with "old timers" as "required" in industry the "old school" way. Additionally, we have extensive training in First Aid, CPR, OSHA, blood borne pathogens, universal precautions, waste disposal, sanitation, disinfection and sterilization." As far as I can tell California is the worst possible State for a reputable tattoo artist school, and you will most likely be black-listed coming out of one from being able to apprentice in a shop... also most comments having to do with hazing rituals as a supposedly positive apprenticing practice and just "part of the territory" come out of this State.

I have been researching schools in the States for a friend of mine along the Western sea-board and it seems that the following State is the best for both a) finding a reputable school of decent length and reasonable price, and b) finding a paying apprenticeship afterwards (without stigma): Oregon. Why? Because of this "Pursuant to ORS 345.010(4), education and training in the field of tattooing shall be conducted by a school of tattooing. Licensed by the Oregon Department of Education, Private Career Schools, and provided by instructors approved by the department under ORS 345 and OAR chapter 581 Division 045. All artists have extensive training and full licensing as required by Oregon state law. In addition to schooling as required by state law, all artists have also completed "formal" apprenticeships with "old timers" as "required" in industry the "old school" way. Additionally, we have extensive training in First Aid, CPR, OSHA, blood borne pathogens, universal precautions, waste disposal, sanitation, disinfection and sterilization." As far as I can tell California is the worst possible State for a reputable tattoo artist school, and you will most likely be black-listed coming out of one from being able to apprentice in a shop... also most comments having to do with hazing rituals as a supposedly positive apprenticing practice and just "part of the territory" come out of this State.

To reply to the tattoo school worth it or not- I attended a tattoo school-it was NOT owrth it- the two week experience cost me well over 6000- the curriculum outline promised was NOT delivered- the curriculum states that you will learn about autoclave use, business plan and business planning, color theory- NONE of this was covered- as a matter of fact I never even saw an autoclave and the thermofax was broken- don't get me wrong, i learned a few things from a very good artist- I dont fault the tattoo artist- I fault the owner for misrepresenting what would be gained- 6000+ dollars and months later still have not come close to getting into the industry- my savings is drained, and I am angry as a hell imprisoned angel...I am going to say that I doubt very seriously that this person is in this for what they say are reasons related to helping others. I wrote to the owner to let the person know of my dissatisfaction adn to this day have not had a response- so clearly money is the motivation- The owner makes these grand statements that you will learn to be a tattoo artist and they will teach you all you need to learn- not hardly- I spent most of the time being rushed to complete as many tattoos as possible during the day- there was no instruction really- just doing there was no instruction about what you were doing wrong adn how to correct it, we spent an hour or so practicing on a banana and then onto humans- there was no logical progression from simple to complex, from black and grey to color and there was a lot favoritism, even though we all payed the same to be there- I left with a few usable photos of a few tattoos- many were not usable- I did not learn color theory, that portion consited of use a color wheel- Running a business consisted of how to rotate artists, we learned needle groupings, whcih was useful- we learned how to trace the design to make a stencil and we did A LOT of that- we learned how to set up and break down a station, we learned about sanitation; although some of what we were told was not the best info and somewhat inacurate- we learned about cleaning our areas, although the "school" as a whole was dirty and not terribly clean- the stations looked as though they had not been cleaned for a while, the client chairs were pretty dirty, and dust/dirt and dried ink was everywhere on the stations, it was evident that thurough cleaning had not been done in a while, if ever-including the bathroom and kitchen area which was pretty gross! Most of those wanting student tattoos were treated pretty badly and were clearly low or no income people who just wanted to get tattooed-one student was allowed to tattoo a really negative word on a young man- the man later said that he regretted the tattoo- I feel that is an ethical issue which should have been addressed, or at least some policy about- it was a pretty large tattoo as well- I wish that I had not beleived the hype and the lies which were printed- all of the "testimonials" and the BS the owner spewed before getting my money- I feel like I have definitely been scammed, I hope that this will help others to really think the decision through before jukping in- I thought it through almost a year, after trying to get an apprenticeshp for almost two years and teaching myself for almost one year-so I really thought that this would help me to get into the business- IT HAS NOT- AT ALL- I feel foolish and ripped off and mislead and angry and BROKE and still have no tattoo carrier, apprenticeships, shop person, shop manager prospects lined up...so really do your homework, really investigate these places before you give them a dime,...don't jump inonly to regret and end op broke and still not in the industry- I continue to try to get in although now my confidence is a bit shaken, I draw daily and practice on practice skin as often as I can although I am in the same place I was before "Tattoo School" only 6000+ poorer - IT WAS NOT WORTH SPENDING MY SAVINGS FOR! I don't know if there are other schools which are good and do what they say they will, alhtough my experience was very not a good one, which cost me a lot, and one I would not wish this situation upon anyone; so please do your homework and make sure you will get what you are promised - and if you do not what your remedy is...

To reply to the tattoo school worth it or not- I attended a tattoo school-it was NOT owrth it- the two week experience cost me well over 6000- the curriculum outline promised was NOT delivered- the curriculum states that you will learn about autoclave use, business plan and business planning, color theory- NONE of this was covered- as a matter of fact I never even saw an autoclave and the thermofax was broken- don't get me wrong, i learned a few things from a very good artist- I dont fault the tattoo artist- I fault the owner for misrepresenting what would be gained- 6000+ dollars and months later still have not come close to getting into the industry- my savings is drained, and I am angry as a hell imprisoned angel...I am going to say that I doubt very seriously that this person is in this for what they say are reasons related to helping others. I wrote to the owner to let the person know of my dissatisfaction adn to this day have not had a response- so clearly money is the motivation- The owner makes these grand statements that you will learn to be a tattoo artist and they will teach you all you need to learn- not hardly- I spent most of the time being rushed to complete as many tattoos as possible during the day- there was no instruction really- just doing there was no instruction about what you were doing wrong adn how to correct it, we spent an hour or so practicing on a banana and then onto humans- there was no logical progression from simple to complex, from black and grey to color and there was a lot favoritism, even though we all payed the same to be there- I left with a few usable photos of a few tattoos- many were not usable- I did not learn color theory, that portion consited of use a color wheel- Running a business consisted of how to rotate artists, we learned needle groupings, whcih was useful- we learned how to trace the design to make a stencil and we did A LOT of that- we learned how to set up and break down a station, we learned about sanitation; although some of what we were told was not the best info and somewhat inacurate- we learned about cleaning our areas, although the "school" as a whole was dirty and not terribly clean- the stations looked as though they had not been cleaned for a while, the client chairs were pretty dirty, and dust/dirt and dried ink was everywhere on the stations, it was evident that thurough cleaning had not been done in a while, if ever-including the bathroom and kitchen area which was pretty gross! Most of those wanting student tattoos were treated pretty badly and were clearly low or no income people who just wanted to get tattooed-one student was allowed to tattoo a really negative word on a young man- the man later said that he regretted the tattoo- I feel that is an ethical issue which should have been addressed, or at least some policy about- it was a pretty large tattoo as well- I wish that I had not beleived the hype and the lies which were printed- all of the "testimonials" and the BS the owner spewed before getting my money- I feel like I have definitely been scammed, I hope that this will help others to really think the decision through before jukping in- I thought it through almost a year, after trying to get an apprenticeshp for almost two years and teaching myself for almost one year-so I really thought that this would help me to get into the business- IT HAS NOT- AT ALL- I feel foolish and ripped off and mislead and angry and BROKE and still have no tattoo carrier, apprenticeships, shop person, shop manager prospects lined up...so really do your homework, really investigate these places before you give them a dime,...don't jump inonly to regret and end op broke and still not in the industry- I continue to try to get in although now my confidence is a bit shaken, I draw daily and practice on practice skin as often as I can although I am in the same place I was before "Tattoo School" only 6000+ poorer - IT WAS NOT WORTH SPENDING MY SAVINGS FOR! I don't know if there are other schools which are good and do what they say they will, alhtough my experience was very not a good one, which cost me a lot, and one I would not wish this situation upon anyone; so please do your homework and make sure you will get what you are promised - and if you do not what your remedy is...

The state of Oregon mandates school and has specific requirements for the school, instructors, and the training. It is illegal to tattoo in Oregon without taking an approved training program and passing the state license testing. In many places apprenticeship programs are illegal unless the apprentice is paid at least minimum wage. In all fields, apprenticeships are becoming a thing of the past mostly because of legal issues it has brought up. Apprentices can sue over a vast number of things and what artist wants to open that can of worms by taking on an apprentice? Some schools are worse than apprenticing because you have paid a huge chunk of money for the "privilege" of doing their scut work and cleaning their toilets. They see you more as free slave labor than as a student. You spend more time cleaning and watching the front desk than you do learning to tattoo. Not all schools are like that but check the school out very carefully before investing your money. Visit and watch a class or training session. Talk to instructors as well as students. Look up past graduates and see what they have to see. There is no easy answer at this time. The industry is in a state of change. It is coming under more scrutiny by governing agencies and their regulatory bodies. I can see Tattooing going the way of many other professions in the training and licensing practices.

If you want a certificate mail me a check and ill make one up for you, tattoo schools are just way to waist your time and money a lot real apprenticeships cost money these days so the same money at a legit shop will get 1-2 YEARS under your belt and you might even have a job when your mentor cuts you loose

I have been trying to find an artist to apprentice under and its like trying to get into the f-ing mason lodge or some crap!!! Ive been trying for three years to find someone to take me on as an apprentice! I have a bachelors degree in art and art history,i have drawn up new flash for alot of artists and even drawn some complicated biomech pieces for a few artists!! Why is it so damn hard to find an artist willing to take on an apprentice?????

If you're in the NYC area, the only one I know of is New York Tattoo School. They are in Jersey City actually, but on facebook they look like they're teaching what you need to know.

NOT. Someone posted on page two about the differences between paying a shop and paying a school...here's a few in MY experience as a tattoo artist... A tattoo school isn't with you day in and day out for months, years, houuuuuuurs. But a tattoo artist is. You learn MUCH more through one person than the crap these schools are teaching. I watched the TV show. These kids were tattooing people, and laying them wide open with six by six tattoos. After my first YEAR of apprenticeship, I was allowed to tattoo small pieces. The size of a damn silver dollar. I had to make needles, clean, clean, clean, draw, draw, draw. All the bullshit you go through? You do your time. It not only gives you perspective, but it teaches you respect. And humbleness. On one of those crap TV tattoo school shows, some girl was spouting at the mouth how her 'mentor' was wrong--her tattoo didn't suck. Oh, you just shaded an entire tattoo (two fist size flowers) with a 3RL? No biggie. I would BAWL my eyes out if I did work like that. Moral of this rant? You are throwing money down the drain. Every tattoo school I've seen, the students are left to go at people all by themselves. And berated for their lack of listening skills. As if the hand motions of fluid line work is REALLY learned in two weeks. P.S. The guy who got an attitude about the school bus joke? Tattoo artists respect their clients. They don't respect people looking for the shortcuts in the industry. (AKA two week tattoo schools). I busted my ass for FIVE years in an apprenticeship being a shop bitch, and you get it in two weeks, and totally tear people up, making the industry again have a bad rep? Tattooing is an artform, that should be passed down, not disrespected. Tattoo artists are touchy about their LIFE long ambitions.

All this is a bunch of bullshit for some business savy old man to make money quick. Granted yes I love making money too but come on. He and all of these schools are taking advantage of the ignorant. There are things that you learn in a traditional apprenticeship that come only with time. I would love for them to show the intensive two week training they recieve on machine building, meintenance, needle building.. yea we buy needles ready to go out the box but the proper training on making needles on the bar will clue you in on what to look for because I dont know about any other PROFESSIONALS out there but even the neddles bought ready to go from suppliers are on usable 50% of the time., Inconsistancy's run ramped in the mass produced industry. These are things they will never know. OHHHH I bought and Inks set for whoo hoo. you will not find consistant colors from anyone.. (unless they sponsor your road trips..) all I say is save your money and dont take the short cut because it will hurt your credibility in the end. oh and by the way... send me $500 that you barrowed from your family or used your car as collateral to get and I will send you a certificate for tattooing and Dentistry... Wise up people I know humanity hasnt gotten that stupid...YET!!!!

I think your best bet is to find smaller shops in your state and bring in some of your art work, show it to the owner and explain that you have the desire to learn the art of tattooing, be sincere when talking with owners. I learned the hard way got turned down by several studios before I finally got excepted in one. Just don't give up and respect the owners you talk to, after all they are the decider's if you get in or not. Good Luck!!

Okay, I'm seeing a lot of bitching about schools and scratching but not many people offering alternatives. I have never seen an industry so vicious towards new blood like tattooing. I've wanted to learn since I was a kid. Now that I can learn, the only people willing to teach are scratchers and schools. Anybody at a "respectable" shop says that our city is too saturated with shops and they don't want to train competition or if you haven't been friends for years they won't even look at you. So, what's a guy to do? Don't have money for "schools" and I can't spend all day stalking tattoo artists hoping one will be kind enough to accept me into his clique. I have a family to raise. So, any other suggestions would be incredibly welcome.

i just spent an hour reading 20 pages and 4 yrs worth of opinions that dont say anything LISTEN UP PEOPLE!!!! if you want an apprecticeship you cant just walk in and ask to be my bitch ill laugh you out of my shop too ........BUT !! if you walk into my shop and have your CPR certifacation and your osha certificate for blood bourne pathagens and a kick ass portfolio of your artistic talent then and only then will i let you be my bitch. so for all you who want to be tattoo artists now you have a legitamate starting point. this is how i did it and every artist i know. and ill probably get alot of flack for letting the cat out of the bag but thats it folks.

Drake: Get amazing tattoos by amazing artists and show them your portfolio and ask for their advice. If your portfolio is awesome, and you have what it takes, you will get your opportunity.

I think its really what u want for yourself ....me personally id go to one but for the reason of betterin my art not for a quickfix or anything like that.... bottom line don't let anyone disrupt your flow.......TATTOO THE WORLD!

I think it would all depend on the actual school and your own natural talents and abilities. I live in a smaller town where most shops are quite small themselves, usually a one person shop, which makes it quite difficult to get an apprenticeship. While I was on the search to find one, I talked to one artist who told me of a school they attended. I looked into and signed myself up. It was across the country but worth it. it was only a two week course, basically teach you some basics and different theories and it's up to you to get better. The very first day all we did was take apart our machines and put them together over and over, so learned quite a lot about how a machine works. I now have my own shop with a good cliental and steady work. I haven't received much judgment from fellow artists, but rather advice, the most common being that the best way to get better is just to do it. As far as I see it, if you want something bad enough, you'll do whatever you have to get it!

I'm an artist, and I'd love to be a tattoo artist in a short future. Actually, I'm looking for a tattoo school to make my dream comes true. I think, first, you have to be a master in drawing and coloring if you want to excel on this profession. I you don't, you're wasting your money and time. That's my point of view. www.calburillustrations.com

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I get a negative knee-jerk reaction when it comes to "tattoo school". I always felt it was a short cut that demonstrates an utter lack of respect for the craft. Like most artisan traditions, ie tailor, butcher, it is a craft that is deeply routed in tradition. Doing things the traditionaly way just shows respect. It took me 3 years of pounding pavement, showing shop owners my portfolio, and having many many doors slammed in my face until I landed an apprenticeship. I could have gone to "tattoo school" but again, it always felt like a short cut. I worked to get my appreticeship and endured a lot of hazing and grief to keep it, and I loved every second of it. When my apprenticeship ended and my mentor handed me my first machine, I had this overwhelming feeling that I earned it, it wasn't handed to me. Next month marks my one year anniversary and I can look forward to that with my head held high because I went about the process with respect for the craft and for those who came before me. I may be a baby in the industry but I feel I have learned more by my strggles than someone who "earned" a diploma from a "tattoo school". So my reccomendation is to find an apprenticeship, no matter how long that may take. And do it with respect. It's a more difficult path but you will learn more and get a better sense of the art. Thanks for letting me post on here.