Expert: The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician - 12/7/2005

Question
I was told specifically by my former artist to practice on myself, so this isn't just me scratching on myself. I just moved two weeks ago so I haven't found a new artist to apprentice to yet, but thanks for your completely generic response to my question. I already read that paragraph, word for word, on your website. The ink I got is Millenium Colorworks Black Onyx tattoo ink, same as my artist used, so I don't think that just 'poor quality ink' is the case. He never had a problem with it, and I haven't up 'til now.
If I sound pissed off it's because every time I try to validly learn something from a licensed professional I'm told not to waste my time, that 'tattooing isn't to fuck around with'. Well, the reason I'm trying to learn as much as I can from people who know what they're doing is so I'm not just a scratcher fucking up other's skin. It's not 'homemade' tattooing, it's practice, and every artist I've talked with recommends doing it on yourself before you do it to someone else. Try and name an apprentice who hasn't practiced on themselves. Every single apprentice I knew from either the shop I worked in or shops I've gotten tattoos from had their whole thighs covered with 'homemade' work. It's what you do. I worked for a year under two different artists doing grunt work before I ever picked up a machine, and I feel a little pissed that I got the brush off just because I want to know as much as I can about an art form I highly respect.
Breaking into tattooing is hard as hell, I know that. I can't just fall into an apprenticeship, especially when you just move in and you don't know the area and don't want to fall into a shitty shop because you're desperate to 'do it right'. The reason I asked you was because I HAVEN'T found a shop yet, and I didn't think it was important enough to phone up Dale and ask him.
That's all right, I wasn't really expecting anything much over the internet anyway. Thanks for nothing
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I'm learning to tattoo right now, and as such I've been practicing on myself a lot. I'm right handed so I do my left arm a bunch. I did a sort of traditional rose/dice sort of design with the traditional mini spots and stars surrounding it. The ink I used on the lines and everywhere else is fine, except one of the dots, just a pinpoint little spot, right on the back of my wrist keeps blistering and breaking open. Like a little tiny zit, only there's skin oil and ink inside. The tattoos about 6 months old, and none of the other spots are having problems. I didn't do anything different this time around, used completely sterile needles, tubes, washed it right, did everything I normally do. Why would this one tiny little dot be different? I recently moved out of state so I left my professional artist behind, and need to find another one here, so I don't have anyone I can ask in person, since I know from personal experience most tattoo artists get a bug up their ass when they find out you did them yourself.
Answer -
Heather,

You are using a poor grade of pigments and your body isrejecting it. Tattooing is not a "Learn on Your Own" profession. If you are serious about tattooing what you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist in a licensed studio, this is extremely important. It is not as simple as buying a starter kit, picking up a machine and starting to tattoo. There is a lot to know from sterilization to placement, needle depths, anatomy, client handling, business practices, needle making,and more. Not to mention the legal aspects of licenseing, insurance, etc. Working with skin is a whole lot different than drawing on paper or whatever you can imagine. I have seen a lot of people who can draw or poke holes in their body, but tattoo and pierce very poorly. Four extra words of advice here;

First, you can not learn how to tattoo from a book. Secondly, you can not learn how to tattoo by watching someone else. Thirdly, tattooing is not a get rich quick profession, it takes years to get established and see the rewards of your work. And last but certainly not least, You can not practice on your friends or children or yourself to learn.... Soon you will have no friends.

We have developed some courses that can help you tremendously towards distingusing yourself in a "SEA OF APPRENTICESHIP SEEKERS" by putting into your hand knowledge, transcripts and certificates of acheivement. These show how serious you are and that you are willing to work for your goals. It also tells the professional artist that you have made an effort to do things the proper way. It should open many doors for you that others find slammed in their faces. You can check it out by going to URL http://www.sekpress.net

Remember however, there is no substitute for a formal apprenticeship. So please (as I've already advised) if you are serious about learning, get an apprenticeship. You will be glad you did. One last thing, if during or after your apprenticeship you find that you do not have a knack for tattooing (tattooing takes a certain touch, some can do it, some not. Not everyone has that touch no matter how much training they've had), then you should give it up and not scar people for life.

If you would like an idea on what is involved with tattooing and piercing or have problems finding an apprenticeship please visit our web site
http://www.sekpress.net

Hope I've been some help to you. If I can be of further assistance please let me know.

-The GYPSY-
http://www.ablazable.com

Answer
Heather,

Here's the bottom line.... I originally answered your question with the "I DON'T DO HOMEWORK QUESTIONS" option I have the right to use. However after sending it I had a change of heart and decided to give you something you could use. I get hundreds of questions just like yours so YES, I did use a cut and paste to try and give you some advise. I don't have the time to sit and type out the same answer time after time.

I still stand by what I told you.... You are using a poor grade of pigment! It does not mean that Millinium is a bad pigment it means that you got a bad batch. There is some type of impurity in your batch that caused the reaction. Throw out that batch and replace it with a fresh bottle.... THAT SIMPLE! Don't read something into the answer that wasn't there to begin with.

As for practising on yourself.... I always tell my apprentice's that you cannot tattoo on someone else unless you can tattoo on yourself. You should not however tattoo on yourself outside of the studio and without the direct supervision of the experienced artist. That is not learning, that is doodleing on yourself. When you do it outside of a controlled enviroment without guidance you cannot advance in the art. As I stated: Tattooing is not a "Learn on Your Own" profession. If you want it bad enough you WILL find an apprenticeship without the excuses as to WHY you can't!

One last piece of advise for you here..... If you expect to get ahead in this profession it would behove you to learn not to attack people that DO try to give you some help. No matter how little help you may feel you get it is still an effort to help you which you should appreciate no matter from what source it comes.

I wish you nothing but the best in all your future endevours.

-The GYPSY-
http://www.ubtat2d.com