Tattooing. A self-taught enterprise?

Question

Well? Why not?

There are many tattoo artists out there who are willing to offer an apprenticeship and why wouldn't you want to take them up on their offer? It'll only cost you upwards of $5000 to $10000 with no chance of an income until its finished because you'll be working irregular hours so even if you can find a flexible employer that will work on the time YOU specify you'll be too bloody tired to do it properly. All the answers here are negative when it comes to someone wanting to start up tattooing and in most cases its prbably well founded because Im sure there are a lot of folk out there who think cos they have a few tatts they know what to do but Im disheartened. I graduated at the top of my class, I've been published and I've sold a poo load of work but all of my art means f#@k all. Ive been told by tattooists that my style and my artistic ability is not even at "embryo stage" of what is required for tattooing. Rubbish. Why do all you "experts", say you need an apprenticeship

Answer 1

I am not one to know tattooing other than these guys are quite artistic.   Being very honest with yourself, how does your work compare?

   Are you that detailed.  Can you draw in that style.  Can you draw on an irregular surface. ya da, yada.

  Inking the skin(or under the skin) is a different paint brush and canvas...that you must learn.  Seems I recall something about doing it on animal carcasses somewhere(but I am not looking it up).  Anything can be self taught.  I mean how did it come to be unless someone self taught themselves, combining various knowledges together to where it is today?

  It will take you longer than an apprenticeship(but is there a true apprenticeship for tattooing?)  Or is that just a way to get a "lackey"?

   You know your skill level, and your abilities, KNOW YOUR MIND   GRASSHOPPER

Answer 2

Tatooing is a very interesting industry, to say the least. It can be very risky because of the insurances that you have to have. I would not look for a conventional 'apprenticeship', but rather look into starting out of your house and dedicating a room to it. Advertising it as a small time operation where the prices are low. Build up your arts reputation. Even do some free work. Get your name out there. Then you will have the 'proffesional' artists wanting you in their shop. Hope this helps keep you inspired!