Im a new artist

Well i am a new tattoo artist and i have been drawing since i was 11 years old. I am 26 now and i just started tattooing about 6 months ago, well since i work full time and go to school full time i havent been able to land an apprenticeship. plus where i live everybody wants like 2000 and up, but im planning on doing it the end of this year, well long story short i just started tattooing and im pretty good, i think if you do some research first, on the proper sterile procedures and you are an incredible artist to begin with you can be a good tattoo artist even though it is tottally diff than drawing, but it comes in handy. but i still am working on shading perfect and getting faster i just dont want to mess anyone up, but havent yet no scarring 1/8 inch deep layed under skin,45 degree angle but still a little slow so whats the best way to up my shading skills? Just keep practicing? well guys hope i didnt waste your time and hope to learn more from this forum,

Ok- first off don't call yourself a tattoo artist- the proper term you are looking for is "scratcher" and before you get offended at the term, understand that are tattoo artists who where once scratchers like yourself. There is no reason a scratcher cannot become an artist-but to call yourself one right off the bat is slightly offensive to those who tattoo as professionals. With that out of the way...lets move on. Seeking an apprenticeship is the BEST way to learn proper shading methods, as you can learn techniques such as whip shading, which shading needles do what etc. I know you stated that you saught out apprenticeships already and have been confronted with 2000. fees but you will find someone who will be willing to take you in and show you the ropes-it takes time to find them but they are out there and a good one will look at your art first and decide whether or not you are going to be a good investment on their part. Seriously keep looking for one---and in the meantime if you are hell bent on learning this trade on your own and on your own terms that is fine too, and just keep practicing while you wait for your tattoo mentor to come along. You will make mistakes, you will not know they are mistakes, and when you work at the first shop who takes you on you will be confronted with seasoned pros who will look at your methods and hopefully give you advice on how to fix all those bad habits you have picked up. Also I cannot stress the importance of proper sanitation which is more important than learning the shading skills...Really focus on that---and tattoo with safety always #1 on your mind.