Experience I've been tattooing professionally for 10 years in shops in the US and England. I now own Dragonfly Ink in San Francisco, CA
Organizations Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals
Education/Credentials Apprenticed at Black and Blue Tattoo
Specialized training and certifications:
Cross-contamination Prevention
SofTaps Micropigmentation
Areola Repigmentation
Skin Needling
University Art Courses
Question I just got a starter kit to begin learning. I plan on practicing on pig skin etc. before getting down to real people but, a practice skin can't say "owe, that hurts." or whatever. My question is: when giving a tattoo, how hard should you push with the gun? do you just let it rest on the skin or dig it in there?
Answer Carolyn-
I'm glad you wrote to get assistance, unfortunately, I'm not able to help with actual problem solving of tattoo technique in this format.
What you need is an apprenticeship with an artist in your area. Working with a reputable, talented artist is invaluable for so many reasons that go beyond the basic info and education s/he can offer. Learning tricks to placement and execution, judging needle depth and angle, design skills, cross-contamination prevention and safe practices, shop operation, client relations, problem solving in all areas of tattooing, just to name a few things learned in a good apprenticeship. I apprenticed for almost a year and a half and then worked under other skilled and talented artists to continue my education. I continue to learn from every artist I work with.
I know it is a pain to get an apprenticeship, and it is lots of grunt work and little glamour, but I'd so recommend one for so many reasons. You can learn stuff on your own, and taking initiative is good. Still, there really is a limit to what you can learn without getting education from someone with experience and skill. The artist you are working with will be able to help you figure out why the ink isn't staying in.
Besides a lot of good experience with an apprenticeship, a bonus is that when people get tattooed by an apprentice, they will have more patience and understanding and appropriate expectations.
I'd recommend visiting different shops and talk to different artists. Talk to the tattoo artist who does your tattoos about how to get an apprenticeship. If you haven't already, start a sketch book with drawings and sketches and practice drawing as much as you can.
Your question shows you are committed to doing as good work as possible, getting an apprenticeship is the best way to put you on the path to become the best artist you can.
