Very interested in becoming a tattoo artist

Hello. I'm a 22 year old female who will soon be relocating to Norfolk, VA and I am very serious about wanting to tattoo. I've been around tattoo shops a lot. I dated a piercer for 3 years who was going through his own apprenticeship and accompanied his shop to conventions. I've also had a lot of tattoo work done. Over the years, I have developed a real love for the whole tattoo world. Well, now I'm married and do plan on having kids one day and I'm curious as to how difficult it would be to balance a family with a tattoo career. I really could not imagine myself doing anything other that tattooing and feel that I can hold my own artistically (but I'm sure art classes could also be a benefit), but at the same time my husband is very important to me and so is having kids. So....from those of you already in the business, how easy is it to do the family thing AND the tattoo thing? I would also appreciate any criticism/advice on my artwork....I have several drawings posted on my myspace page(yeah, I know....lol) www.myspace.com/bloodrose333 Thanx for any input!!!!! Oh...I'm trying to get my husband interested in tattooing as well. He is a PHENOMENAL artist....very good at fine details and black/grey work. I have some of his unfinished work (not his best, unfortunately) on my page as well. Thanx again!

I would say definitely take some art classes, you have potential, but you're not quite there yet. Learn about perspective and proportion, and don't skimp on materials. If you're going to use colored pencil as your primary medium, try prismacolors, the blends will be much smoother. After taking some art classes and learning about utilizing shapes within art, then put a portfolio of your best work together and check out some of the GOOD shops in your area. Get some tattoos from them and start discussing your goals and build a repoir (sp?) with your artist, show them your stuff and see what happens. Be patient, and like I said, polish up the art skills first.

Thanx for the response.....I've been researching art schools in the Norfolk area, but they're all bachelor degree programs. Is this what I should do....or should I just pick up some classes here and there. If so, which ones? Sorry for all the questions!