And my blood pressure is still simmering. BEYOND unethical, unsafe and wrong.
I really hoped this show would never see the light of day after the massive boycott of artists and collectors speaking out. I couldn't help but be curious. Now that I've seen it, I wish I could scrub my eyes and brain with steel wool and lysol to make the disturbing images go away. Someone, please, make it stop.
Day-dreamy kids, and all others out there with a burning desire to do tattoos, don't fall for what you see and hear about being able to become a skilled professional tattooer in the span of 2 weeks -- or even a month. Don't look at having a side job of scratching out of your basement or garage as being a proud, healthy, acceptable option -- for your customer as well as yourself. Becoming an apprentice is the first crucial step towards the journey of being a responsible, rock-solid, professional tattoo artist. And being RESPONSIBLE is always the major part of the equation. YOU are responsible for the quality of art being etched into the person who just paid you for your abilities. YOU are responsible for knowing needle depths and how not to work someone's skin into hamburger (especially if they are anxious or a first-timer or happen to have darker skintones). YOU are responsible for being able to assess what images, colors, shading, etc. will work on the skin of your customer and having the ethics and honesty to work with your customer to create a piece that they'll be really satisfied with. I'm still in shock over what I just saw in the first episode of that show. Still wish a had that steel wool and some lysol. I swear, I keep thinking that what I saw was like looking down at a toddler, as you stand watching a busy street of traffic, and you let go of their hand, ordering them to walk across the busy street on their own....with the absurd expectation that they'll, of course, be able to access some common sense and intuition as they face the gauntlet of cars. And of course this toddler's pudgy little legs have only JUST gotten used to the terrain of their house and have never crossed ANY street in their young life. Oh, yeah...Jiffy-Pop "Tattoo Schools" make so much sense. I still think some of the folks helming these things have stock in tattoo removal tech or maybe even have a removal office tucked away somewhere on the side.
ARRRRGh!! Okay...here's a bit of right-on levity poking fun at this insanity. I love the guy doing the camera. The moment with the potato chip and the phone are especially funny.
Curiously, how do you become a tattoo artist? There does not seem to be many schools around, if any. It's been a passion of mine and I want somewhere local I can learn the trade.
ReplyDeleteHi -- thanks for dropping by my blog. Like I mentioned in the post, one of the first crucial steps is to find an apprenticeship with a serious, PROFESSIONAL tattoo artist and begin to explore the craft the right way. Tattoo schools are to tattooing like a fast food hamburger is to a healthy, sustaining meal. I'm not sure where you're located, but if you're truly interested in becoming a professional tattooer, start approaching shops in your area. And don't just settle on any shop -- check the shop out, look around to see if it's a clean space with no dirty stations or total disorganization. Don't be afraid to check out the bathroom -- this is a great sign of the cleanliness of any shop. The health and safety of yourself and your clients will always be paramount. Talk to artists about your interest and ask them how they got started. Don't be discouraged if you hear no's or get the message that it may cost money to start an apprenticeship. There are ways to navigate that. Bear in mind that apprenticeships aren't just for a couple weeks or a month. It's a learning process that can take years before you actually start tattooing real human skin.
ReplyDeleteStart drawing and accumulating your OWN sketchbooks. Draw things and people around you, even from comics or art and design books. Use your imagination and think of your own designs and "flash". Having sketchbooks is a solid way to show the work you're capable of and the evolution of your gift as you keep learning and become more skilled at drawing. Start getting in the practice of drawing something everyday, it really helps keep your creativity and ideas flowing. Work on having a steady hand and strong, solid lines in your drawings. Learn about shading, textures and color theory. Learn about the diverse styles of tattooing. Buy tattoo art books or keep yourself connected to online art sites and tattoo shop websites to see the quality of work being done around the world. Try different styles of painting -- especially water colors and oils. See what you think of the difference in mediums and the way your art/designs translate. Have you ever had art classes beyond high school level studies?? It's worth checking out possible free classes in your area, but even if you have to pay a little it's worth it. This can be a great way to keep yourself involved and working on your abilities when you're waiting to find an apprenticeship. It's a discipline and there may be days when you feel like total shit and doubt yourself, but don't give up. Start checking into those shops in your area and ask around about apprenticeships. And remember that if you find one, typically all apprentices start from the bottom, UP. You learn about the cleanliness and health of a good shop by cleaning and sanitizing areas, setting-up/breaking-down stations for the artists, watching them work on clients, the types of needles and techniques they use and so much more. Patience and a passionate belief in your drive to become a skilled, professional tattooer in a well-run shop (and NOT scratching in your garage or basement) will get you there. It's a journey...it should never be about who can sprint and get there the fastest. Hang-in-there and don't give up.