How does an amatuer tatoo artist start out?

Question

How does an amatuer tatoo artist start out?

Answer 1

Get on Ebay and buy a complete Tattoo kit like I did. when you receive it, practice and practice and practice alot on grapefruits before you try to tat anybody to include yourself.  

Answer 2

Usually in prison.

Answer 3

Start hanging around tattoo parlors and asking around. You can become an apprentice at a parlor without any experience. In fact, that's how it should be. You learn from the pros. Don't try practicing on yourself and friends until you know your stuff and have access to an autoclave and proper equipment.  

Answer 4

You can actually apprentice yourself...that's the best way to learn.  Most, however, just start by practicing on themselves and their friends.

Answer 5

Well, usually you should put together a portfolio of some of your good artwork & go into a tattoo shop & ask the boss if he/she does apprenticeship, but usually tattoo artists will charge you $2,000-$6,000 & you have to spend about 6months-1year apprenticing.  I found a guy that does it for free, but expects a lot in return like dedication to your apprenticeship & to the shop & respect for him, the art, & the shop.  Yeah...it's  alot of hard work.  So if you really want to be a tattoo artist, you must know that you really want to do it.