I started out as a “Scratcher” and work from home for about 2 years before I was offered a job at a shop.
I spent tons of time researching CC,BBP, cpr before I even started tattooing. I even blew the shop owner away with how clean I set up he even had other artists that at that point had all of their certifications. I think alot of people in this industry
are scared of competition. Take a look at the past none of us would be here if it wasnt for a scratcher. Even take a look true tribe tattoos they boil and reuse there tools to sterilize them if that and tattoo on a floor in a hut. So american or not
we all have out roots that are way to often disregarded. who do u think mentored Alfred Charles, Charles Wagner,
Percy Waters, or Carol Nightingale. This is a trade that has very deep roots and just think everytime u tell a “scratcher” to go get an apprenticeship really your are just telling them try harder to prove you wrong. Realistically one or 2 good tips maybe the difference between them chewing someone to shit or producing something that people would be proud to wear as art

I started out as a “Scratcher” and work from home for about 2 years before I was offered a job at a shop.
I spent tons of time researching CC,BBP, cpr before I even started tattooing. I even blew the shop owner away with how clean I set up he even had other artists that at that point had all of their certifications. I think alot of people in this industry
are scared of competition. Take a look at the past none of us would be here if it wasnt for a scratcher. Even take a look true tribe tattoos they boil and reuse there tools to sterilize them if that and tattoo on a floor in a hut. So american or not
we all have out roots that are way to often disregarded. who do u think mentored Alfred Charles, Charles Wagner,
Percy Waters, or Carol Nightingale. This is a trade that has very deep roots and just think everytime u tell a “scratcher” to go get an apprenticeship really your are just telling them try harder to prove you wrong. Realistically one or 2 good tips maybe the difference between them chewing someone to shit or producing something that people would be proud to wear as art

I think that because of the dangers that are out there now such as AIDS, Hep A, B, and C, MRSA, etc.. an apprenticeship is important. It’s also way easier to have someone teach you what you need to know than hope that you found reliable information from anonymous people on the internet. A house is no place for a tattoo studio. You cannot guarantee that someone won’t bring a contagion into your home where there are surfaces that CANNOT be sterilized. In all actuality taking a “shortcut” can set you way back because you have to figure out everything on your own. I waited patiently for an apprenticeship for 12 years from the right shop. I had been offered apprenticeships from other places but the fit and/or timing wasn’t right. I also had to work on my artwork for quite some time to get it up to snuff. Most of the unlicensed work I’ve seen around here is not only poorly executed but poorly drawn as well. Usually if you can’t get an apprenticeship you are either too lazy to put in the leg work or your art isn’t where it needs to be. Everyone at our shop has a degree in fine arts. It seems that’s the way it’s going to be in the future of the industry. More and more serious artists are tattooing and elevating the level of quality of tattoos. Scratchers aren’t competition, they can have the idiots that just want crappy tattoos just for the sake of having tattoos. I want clients that care what goes onto their bodies and knows what a good tattoo looks like.

Apprenticeships and all the work that goes into them is really a test of character and quality. It’s there to weed out the dedicated from the wanna be’s. Show respect for those that came before you and you’ll get the support and respect that you’re due.

I’m sorry i grew up with websters english dictionary and no where does it say a professional has a degree, and i think the million or so professional truck drivers would agree or the other workers who are all professionals at thier jobs would also agree.

true definition of the word professional

pro·fes·sion·al/prəˈfeSHənl

a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession

b : engaged in one of the learned professions

c (1) : characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession
(2) : exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace

2a : participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs
b : having a particular profession as a permanent career
c : engaged in by persons receiving financial return

3: following a line of conduct as though it were a profession
— pro·fes·sion·al·ly adverb

Not defending scratchers just dislike false information on top of which I have never heard of a tattooing diploma or degree i must get myself one printed off to hang above the shop counter.

We are a back woods country i will give you that you can actually get your A license here by borrowing your buddies pickup truck with a 5th wheel and do the road test, and the Z is as simple as answering 40 questions, no training needed now you are certified by the canadian government to drive truck for a living. Do i agree with this no but that is neither here nor there hehe.

As for my apprentiship I got no papers and I will bitch the boss out soon as he wakes up, ofcourse i only got the job because i was blowing him (inside joke since he is my husband).

But honestly around these parts a professional is everything from a hooker (i hope there is no schooling for that it is my back up plan if i get fired) to a doctor or lawyer lol.

Ps: I do tend to come off a bit bitchy before my morning coffee excuse me if it sounded bitchy
Megan