WILL A 40 YR OLD BE ABLE TO START OFF IN THE BUSINESS AND BECOME AN APPRENTICE

Hey Guys, Le't say I'm 40 yrs old and I have a really good current portfolio of artwork. I mean really good. And I walk into some of the best tattoo shops in your country asking to become an apprentice. Will I be laughed at?? Most of the guys starting off are really young. But there are allot of really good artists out there who are old right? or shopuld I say, not as young, sorry oldtimers (wink). And a side question, at what age does an artist probably start to get shaky hands and the quality of his work drop? And who can answer this one. Who knows the oldest working PROFESSIONAL tattoo artist out there? I think this is an interesting topic!!

Im wondering if any retired or older artists can respond to these posts, very interested to read what I get

Sorry I'm not an artist, but I'm near you're age. For sure you're not too old to start, no way. Out of interest where are you?

I think that if you want it bad enough that it doesn't matter how old you are. Manakin Tattoo Pismo Beach, Ca 805-556-0303 www.lacustomtattoo.com

hey manakin I just looked at your website and those tattoos are impossibly amazing. How did you get started in the biz?

Hey, I'm out of Trinidad & Tobago, out of the caribbean. the land of the Steel Pan, Calypso, and Soca. Does the name Machel Montano ring a bell. We have a few artists of varying degrees of skill and safety. lol. Love tattoos, esp the ones I see on this site. not into the freaky evil stuff though. Would like one day to become a proffesional tattoo artist, but it won't happen for the next 5 - 10 years, Im 30 now. Have no formal training in art but know i can do a portfolio if i wan to, if I decide I wanna do this......

If I'm right Trinidad is just off the coast of Venezuela ie north of south America - if that makes sense? Anyway you sure sound like you have a nice, laid back attitude which is extremely cool. What is it that made you think along the lines of tattooing? And what makes you think it will take up to ten years to get? I'm sure with the right tuition you can achieve your goals before then?

kinda in the same boat- looking for an apprenticeship at 34- was questioning the possibilities myself- but I've met a lot of cool and positive people- Like they said if you want it bad enough age does not matter- especially if you have a great portfolio- if it helps at all- which it did for me- Bob tyrell didn't start till 35!! good luck-