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Kashmir
Joined: 13 Mar 2005
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 Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 8:21 am Post subject: Need advice from professional. |
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First I would like to say i am 19 (will be 20 in may) and im currently looking for an apprenticeship. However, im not sure what day i should go in that would better my chances. I know artist are usually busy on weekend's so im guessing that may not be a good time for them? Is there anyday that may be good to go in, say on a Tuesday when it's slow?
Second, I have had many strangers come up to me thinking im already an artist. I believe it's the sleeve's and strectched earlobes lol. When I tell them I am not, they tell me I should go to "that" place to get a job there. They even give me their business cards. I've been wanting an apprenticeship for a good time now, and I have a love for the art. I just moved and haven't been to any shops here yet.
If anyone can help me out here it would be appereciated.
One last question.
What do you (the professional) look for when choosing someone to apprentice?
Thank's for your time. |
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BadWolf
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| Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 10:59 am Post subject: |
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First off, an apprenticeship from someone who is a complete idiot, certainly won't benifit you in the least, so it would be best to start doing some homework. Go look around the studios and see if you WANT to be associated with any. This idiot thinks settling for any convict that will tell her what she wants to hear (I'm sure he has his reasons *wink*) is the way to go...and it isnt. You will want someone who knows as much as possible....from proper modern aseptic procedure to mixing pigments to building machines, to doing technically accurate tattooing. Someone who knows Jack Shit, and is qualified to teach someone else, and not someone who needs an apprenticeship, themselves. Not just "someone handy" because you have some lame assed excuse for not going somewhere you can actually learn and excell beyond being yet another of the billion mediocre hacks out there giving the industry a bad name in order to capitalize on an artform they have no understanding of. I'll bet most "tattooist wannabes" you talk to can't even tell you the name of the gentleman who invented the electric tattoo machine, yet all claim to have this undying passion for tattooing. What has your love of the artform led you to discover so far? And don't go to www.google.com and look for the answers...if you weren't motivated to do so until now, what do you base this "love" upon? I know guys who LIKE baseball...they don't LOVE it...they LIKE it... and can rattle off the stats for nearly every player in the game. Ask yourself...do you love the artform, unconditionally because of your extensive knowledge of the rich history and the possibilities that lie ahead, or are you lookin' to get invited to all the really cool parties, and make lotsa money looking at titties? How many old guys who have been in the business for over 25 years have you sat down and chatted with about this "passion" of yours? Are you willing to eat ramen noodles and sleep on a couch in some unknown city to get a decent ink recipe, or spend your life savings to pick the brain of a guy who builds professional machines from scratch? Does your love extend beyond the "rock star" flash in the pan bullshit every kid THINKS is part of the business, but you'll be too busy worrying about other things to ever get to do?
Secondly, you should have an extensive art portfolio. You'd be amazed at how many people tell me thay are artists...yet don't have a single design to show me.
"Well, Iz a perty guuud drawler, so my friends sed I shud git me one of them there tat guns and open a shop."
If you find a place you like, ask to see the owner, and ask for an appointment to show off your portfolio.
What would I look for? Someone who is willing to do whatever it takes. Someone who has no fucking excuses as to why they can't make changes in their life to learn properly. Someone who can get to step 3 without forgetting step 1 and step 2. A talented artist, with the ability to work artistically in several mediums. Someone who is willing to pay their dues without whining and copping a primadonna attitude. |
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Kashmir
Joined: 13 Mar 2005
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| Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 6:57 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | What has your love of the artform led you to discover so far? |
I've seen some up's and down's of tattooing. Im aware that artist CAN make good money, and that they go through ruff periods (like the winter blues) and have to eat ramond noodle's. To be completely honest, I've asked myself "what job would I do for free". The answer? Working in a tattoo studio. I love it, always have. I even have respect for the whole artform itself, that im willing and wanting to learn the only way, the right way.
I could buy a cheap set up and scar people up. However, I have respect. Plus, that would be a really stupid business move. Don't you think?
| Quote: | | How many old guys who have been in the business for over 25 years have you sat down and chatted with about this "passion" of yours? |
As of lately? None. I have in the past. I talked to one artist whom i've known for 13 year's. Another artist who's been in the business for 10+ years. They've both told me how tough it can be. Working 12+ hours some nights then staying only to make needles and clean up.
I would even go to one studio before I moved to watch an artist work. He also let me watch the front and help custormers; I would show them certain flash and give them my idea's etc..He would step in and let me know if I did/said something wrong.. I was even there from 12pm to 3am one night helping and watching him work. He would ask me "aren't you bored", I would tell him "nah, I enjoy it".
| Quote: | | Does your love extend beyond the "rock star" flash in the pan bullshit every kid THINKS is part of the business. |
The whole "popular rock star" thing isn't me. That's one downside I see, everyone knowing who I am. Honestly, I've seen artist who have big ego's and it really doesn't appeal to me.
| Quote: | | If you find a place you like, ask to see the owner, and ask for an appointment to show off your portfolio. |
I went to one place here. meh, it was OK. None of the artist were that nice, and none of their art work amazed me, nor did i feel comfortable. So I won't be going back there.
Thank's for your time and advice, Badwolf. Honestly I hope I find a hardass like yourself to work for. 
Someone real who take's their job serious. |
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BadWolf
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| Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:53 am Post subject: |
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Well, you sound like one of the few people who may go on to become more than average, if you never compromise your principals.
Where are you living now? |
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Kashmir
Joined: 13 Mar 2005
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| Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 10:40 am Post subject: |
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| I currently live on the MS Gulf Coast, near the Biloxi area. |
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BadWolf
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| Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 11:18 am Post subject: |
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| Any interest in moving North? |
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Kashmir
Joined: 13 Mar 2005
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| Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 6:39 am Post subject: |
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Sure, If I had an apprenticeship. Of course I'd have to find another job to go along with that too.  |
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Tattude
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| Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 9:38 pm Post subject: |
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| Like he said...build up you're portfolio and give it to an aritist YOU respect and can point you in the right direction. |
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kuleighpaulsmith
Joined: 17 Aug 2005
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| Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 12:25 pm Post subject: |
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It also doesn't hurt to find an artist who's work and shop you admire. Get work from them, get to know your artist. Work on your drawing skill, and build up the best atrwork portfolio that you can.Then when you reveal your desire to learn, your artist will probably be much more open to listening to what you have to say...unlike the 10 or 15 people a day that wander in looking to be given a chance for no reason.
Good Luck.  |
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