What if you can't get an apprenticeship?

Obviously it can happen, but if you have a kick ass portfolio, and the right attitude, what happens if you simply can't find an apprenticeship at a reputable tattoo shop? There are three tattoo shops in my area... I guess if you're 1000% commited to becoming a top tattooer, then you just have to travel, huh? Probably a good idea, to be tattooed by many different artists, to latch onto whatever scraps of info you possibly can.

Hey, there are a lot of great tattooers in flordia, and yes, many people have to travel to find a good mentor. Lets see some links to your artwork!

I'd say get as much info take some courses (bbp etc.) read and learn everything you can...its a catch 22 though if there is allready 3 shops in your area what i have found is they(tattoo shops) don't want 4 its a tough business and times have changed check out all your local and state laws too. just learn learn learn and don't use others for practice.practice on yourself if you feel the need to tattoo on real skin and good luck. viper

then you dont have a kick-ass portfolio. also if i couldnt get a job working as a scientist, do you know what would happen? i wouldnt be a scientist . it doesnt take einstien to figure that out. if your asking if it justifies you working from home, hell no, and if you do i hope you get caught with the new strict regulations

Get a real job for christs sake

ROTFLMAO

Go screw yourself, Snowlion... and I have a forty hour a week job, thank you so kindly. Obviously you're just another tattoo snob that's scared somebody might be better than you. I have finally found an apprenticeship, the shop owner was out of town, and called me yesterday. Looking forward to starting with sterilization techniques, and he has hooked me up with a BBP class. Amazing to find a real artist who wants to take a newbie under their wing.

There's a lot of tattoo snobs around or what?