What I get as an APPRENTICE?

Hey Artists! Just a question, but probably a long answer, If I were to "Get" an apprenticeship what should I expect out of it? I can learn most anything on the internet, like BBP, CC even get a Certificate!!! how to setup a machine, How to Use an Autoclave, And so much more. I have like 5 "how to" DVDs That gets pretty in depth, I understand I probably have to be there in person to really see how to tune a machine or how to put ink into the skin, But isnt that where the art comes in? I want my tattooing when i do it to be original, not a cross breed from someone elses preferences. And whos to say that The tattoo artist educating me "Should be" and is not just trying to make some extra money by babysitting me. I hope im not way off track here but this is coming from an artist whos created art in every form from pen and pencils to sculptures and from oil paints to Glass blowing, "I have done it all" for 20 years, And is ready to give tattooing a try. I thank all you Tattoo artist for your hard earned right to criticize and give what knowledge you can. PYRO

In a proper apprenticeship the learner will receive the guidance to not fuck up the public, and the learners work is guaranteed by the mentor, effectively creating a safe place for the artist to learn how to permanently mark people skin forever. Doing it yourself will cause you to make a lot of mistakes on peoples skin that isnt necessary. right now, the most important part is your art, lets see it!

You said: "I understand I probably have to be there in person to really see how to tune a machine or how to put ink into the skin, But isnt that where the art comes in?" No. There are certain rules and technicalities. Once you know them, you can begin to figure out your preferences. You are not talking about being artistic. You are talking about trial and error. Your artistic skills will not help you figure out if you're going to deep or overworking the skin and scaring someone badly. If you're so artistically inclined, don't shortchange yourself by learning the hard way and doing bad work. You will learn better and faster with an apprenticship.

More... The other mediums of artwork you chose are not a living organ and allow for trial and error. You simply can not approach tattooing the same way. You can't scrap a piece of skin and start over. You asked "What do I get with an apprenticeship?" Respect. Job opportunities. In-shop experience. The ability to watch and learn. Those dvds you mentioned SUCK and only give you a very basic idea of how to tattoo. If you're so artistic, you will want better skills than are shown on those dvds. I fully agree that most artists (in my opinion) are not in any way qualified to teach. But that's no excuse. Like you said, there is a lot of information that can be learned via books or the internet. If anything, this will help you be able to weed out and avoid any "mentors" poor habits.

90% self taught myself here mate. listen to gabe and ink there giving good advice. with a apprenticeship you will also learn humbleness along with so much more. if it wasnt for me traveling thosand plus miles away from family and spending up to 6 months in the back room sleeping on the couch showering at the piercers place and eating when i could all to better myself and learn the art i wouldnt be where im at. ive watched listned and learned so much. im a compedent artist and do well with my tattoo work. one thing to keep in mind is you will always be learning with every tattoo.this buiss. is a double edge blade here. 1 side will cut you deep the other will glide you to sucess.as with all ventures in life you must take the good with the bad.patience is the virtue mate. every tattoo i do i just ask for my eyes to be clear my hand to be steady and my machine to run true and to be able to give that clent the very best i can for a lifetime of pride with that tattoo.while i am a artist of tattoo i have had to pay my dues to get where i am now.at 43 years of age it is quite difficult to get into a shop as most shop owners are in there younger years.im currently with keystone tattoo but in the winter we pretty much just shut down (tourist town) it would be a honor to guest spot with gabe though he is not a artist he knows the buiss in and out.and not in it for the greed of green like so many are. i stand behind this.if you are in it for just the money then the true color of greed will envelope you with its ugly color. be in it for the love of the art and the happiness of the client and you will be rewarded with the riches of the heavens. don

I think before you start to try anything maybe you should work a bit more on your artwork. Judging from what I saw on your blog page from the other post with your sterilizing questions (http://blogginforjohn.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2007-11-24T04%3A53%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=7), I would definitely suggest that. For starters I'd say work on your tattoo designs, because (good) tattoos are more than they seem. A lot goes into them and there are a lot of factors that can make or break 'em. I'd say study some tattoo magazines and see how things layout or flow. Studying shadows/lighting along with anatomy and the way the body looks can help you out too.

PS - I also realize that those drawings are all done in ballpoint and I'm sure you're limited in art supplies over there, more pics of work might help.

Coffin, where in New York are you?

Hey coffin! Yes I am very limited to my art supplies over here, Luckily my mother or my wife will send me stuff every once in a while but alot of our packages get lost for some reason. Anyway these are only what ive done in the last month or so, Im living in a tent so I dont even have a table for a surface to draw on.. I make the best of it... But as soon as I get home back on american soil..(JAN 16) ....GOD I CANT WAIT!!!! I will show you guys my portfolio. Thankyou all for your help but you have only raised more questions.. What should I expect to pay for an apprenticeship? Thanks guys. -PYRO

give me your soul and everythig close to you.to be a artist you must give all.prices range from 3 grand up