Being new to the forum, I thought that I would put my perspective in, take it or leave it(it’s what forums are for). CheshireGrin I would agree becoming an apprentice would be a better course to take in becoming a full on professional tattoo artist…’BUT’ keep in mind that no matter where you go, or what you do…there will always be negativity thrown at you…which in the tattoo world, hipsters and trolls do in fact tend to gravitate, which means that’s what there will be, lots and LOTS of snark and negative nonsense.
Being a fly on the wall on multiple occasions while getting ink done has made it undeniable. If you have talent and drive, you need to find the right person to teach you the trade, yes.
On the other end of that thought, I know of ‘professional’ tattoo artists who I wouldn’t trust with a potato gun, let alone a tattoo gun and my skin. Since one member touched on the subject of other industries. For an example, I once worked in an auto shop where I got to know a 5’0″ tall Vietnamese man whom barely spoke English, no formal education, out work and out perform the most highly educated and certified ‘mechanics’ the shop foreman could find, every single day…not to say that an education is a bad thing, but it isn’t necessarily always exactly what people are sold it to be.
My point being, no matter what you do, learn to do it right. If you are great at something, you’ll notice the negative people are as utterly insignificant then as they are right this moment. You have to start somewhere. I’m not condoning scratching, but honestly how many high profile artists started the same way? (I really don’t know actually, genuine question).
If this is what you want to do on an acknowledged professional level, get licensed in whatever way is required (i have no idea what that would even be and I’m not asking here) Which regardless, professional or no, there will always be people speaking negatively…not because everyone is against you, but everyone is out for themselves. Not being a professional in tattooing myself(clearly stated, since apparently some get really, really pissy on this subject) these are just my thoughts from past experiences in life. I see a lot of miscommunication going on, but then again, that’s how it is in the real world.
So I for one, am saying welcome to the forum. I, in my opinion, would recommend researching an apprenticeship with a worthwhile shop in your area to learn the trade, AND to get engrained in the local tattooing community. Good luck in your endeavors CheshireGrin.
