*****SCRATCHERS****

Is there such a thing as a good or ok scratcher. mabey someone whis is wanting an apprentaceship but hasnt got one yet,and practices on there self and there self only . are all scratchers so bad mabey if everyone would help give them more info instead of some of the people i have seen not everyone mind you but some people who wont answer a simple question mabey because it might sound stupid to them ,but if someone really wants to tattoo and cant find the info ....well there just gonna go with trial and error. there is alot of great advise on this site but as soon as a "dumb" or easy question comes up some people get mad ....but hasnt everyone in the tattoo comunnity been a scratcher once.?

1/10 scratchers are barely tolerable. 1/100 are good.

Shit, one in a hundred real tattoo artists are good... No, scratching is bad, pretty much every scratcher has shitty art, thats why they cant get an apprenticeship.

That's bullshit. Most people can't get an apprenticeship because most tattooists are closed minded tards. This secrecy within the tattoo industry is such shite. Roll on the day it is open just like every other occupation on the planet.

Not bullshit at all. There are plenty of apprenticeships out there if you have a bad ass portfolio and the other qualities it takes. Fuck, its insanely hard finding an artist who will actually do what it takes to become a tattooer. We've had three apprentices so far and we are the easiest studio in the world to apprentice at and still none have made it. I know other tattooers and studios that apprentice people, the opportunities are there, but generally scratchers art sucks so no one would want to teach them... Then they whine about lack of opportunities to justify their own irresponsibility...

I have just started tattooing, having been a professional portrait artist for 20 years. I am really disgusted with the ATTITUDES of some of the so called great tattoo artists on here. If you're such a great artist and you have your name, wouldn't it be nicer to share your knowledge with the newbies instead of being known as an arrogant asshole??? I can't afford an apprenticeship as I have to earn a wage but I am lucky enough to have a friend who's a tattoist who coaches me and trains me every other night. He has no attitude towards training me as he has no fear of competition as every artist is different and if they're that good, they shouldn't be afraid of any competition as they are supposidly better than all the others. I have spent nearly $8000 since December, getting all the best equipment that I can possibly afford including an Ultrasonic cleaner and an Autoclave that cost the earth but I do agree that if you are doing it from home or even out the back of a truck, hiegene and cleanliness to the most clinical sterility possible is PARAMOUNT!!! So not all us so called Scratchers are bad. We all have to learn somehow. Who would want to be taught by an arrogant asshole who thinks they're above everyone else. Instead of taking an apprentices money and treating them like shit, yes, take the money but treat the apprentice with kindness. After all, the majority are young kids, looking up to you like some A-lister and keen to learn. Praise when earned and maybe small insentives would work better. Please get off our cases and help us learn, then we wouldn't get this bad reputation that supposidly affects the proffesional tattooist too. Rubbish, it's all about ego!!! OK, ramblings over, if you're just learning, learn well and don't try to be too adventurous too quick. Keep it simple and build on your knowledge over time. Good luck all

Most apprentice we had at the shops I worked, have failed as well. Some of them think that by simply hanging out at the shop they'll be tattooing next week.

Dukeyboy that's exactly the point - tattooists don't get that they put learners in the very position of *usually* having to teach themselves - then moan about the very situation that they have created... Just goes to show the average intelligence level throughout the tattoo,ist community. Exception - Gabe - who truly should own a tattoo shop seeing that he can't tattoo, can't draw and has no artistic skills whatsoever...

I may not draw but I know enough to know that nearly everyone bitching about not being able to get an apprenticeship sucks at art. There are a few good folks, of course, but if they wanted an apprenticeship they would sleeve up and take the advice of the bad asses doing the tattoos. its really not that hard, people, quit your bitching and asking for advice on a public anonymous forums and get back to work! Also, ive said it before, if anyone thinks I shouldnt own a studio, then you should be able to do better tattoos than the ones that come out of mine. have at it. open up down the street and put me out of business. So, lets see links to your art people...

You're assuming I want an apprenticeship, I don't. I'm happy in the line of work I do which isn't tattooing - and I don't ever plan, or want, it to be. I can however, still have an opinion, about the people you like to call scratchers. Just that terminology says a lot about your opinion on new people trying to learn, it is a sweeping generalization, one that in my opinion, seems unfair. Scratchers appear to be put in the position of scratching by the very system that says their actions are so wrong, why don't they get this?? Yes I can see what you mean about getting an apprenticeship, but in all fairness, they're few and far between, that's a fact. There's very good artists that would like to tattoo but can't - yes, just as there are bad one too. Just to add, there's a damn awful lot of tattooists in business who can't draw if their life depended on it. And as to your - why don't I open a shop down the road from you etc etc, Gabe, that's kind of a childish way to make an argument, like I say, I don't want a shop or to tattoo, but I can, do and I am entitled to an opinion. Oh, and that work your shop puts out - that's not you doing it so don't come across holier than thou.

noz, of course you can have an opinion, and of course your work product (no matter what it is) will lend or take away credibility from your opinion. No one forces a person to learn to tattoo on their own, their own impatience and irresponsibility is. Apprenticeships are just not that hard to find if you have all the right things to be a tattooer. We have had three so far, and I know plenty of studios where apprentices get picked up all the time. Im hosting a convention that is all about learning responsibly, but the fact is if a tattooer teaches omeone to tattoo, they do have a responsibility to insure that the tattooer they are teaching has sick art, is ethical, has a good work ethic, etc, etc. An apprentice does reflect the teacher, so of course people should be very picky about who they teach. there are a lot of tattooers that cant draw, which is why we should only apprentice people who have sick art. there are enough bad artists tattooing already. The work that my shop puts out is a direct result of the work I do. Same with the convention. If I was a jerk who didnt know about art or tattooing and was lazy and dishonest without vision or talent then the tattoos that came out of off the map would be crappy instead of stellar. I dont want to come across as holier than though, which is why I offer the invitation for someone to prove I shouldnt own a studio... on the other hand someone telling me I shouldnt own a studio and should tell us who to teach is kinda the definition of holier than thou.... If you have that opinion, fine, stop bitching and do something about it, or not, I dont care, Im gonna keep working either way...

I know a guy who got an apprenticeship,and he wasn't even an artist.The owner said he hired him because he needs someone to open up everyday,and do the small tattoos,and flash off the wall..And he said the guy was getting tattooed at the shop already,and they knew he was good people,and that he would be good with customer's.I've been to alot of shop's over the years,and it seems like some of the people getting apprenticed know the owner,and have gotten tattooed at the shop before. It does seem like their not looking for the best artists,but someone who's personality fit's in with the shop,and who has a level head.Sometimes the people who are great artists,don't have the best people skills to work well in a shop.

Joe, I agree, there is a lot more to finding a good apprentice than just their art. You can be the greatest artist in the world, but if you dont want to get tattooed or be part of the culture, then ultimately you wont deal with all the BS... An your right, there is a lot of personal networking involved, but thats easy, get tattooed at the studio you want to apprentice at. Its not rocket science, its amazing how so many people dont want to blame themselves, but I guess we have raised a culture of people who cant take responsibility for their actions...

I'm just really sick and tired of these half ass tattoo artist talking so much shit and belittling people who have the desire to learn tattooing or scratchers. What is it with the tattoo industry any ways, that you feel that you have to be so secretive about this little bit of info that makes up tattooing. We all know that theres not much to it, it's like anything elese if you want to be good at it it simple takes time and practice. But These damn shop owners won't even give out any helpful tips to egar willing to learn students of tattooing. I swear this industry is llike a damn cult or something. I have met very few tattooist willing to help others in need that have a great desire to learn. I think that most tattoo artist are intemidated about new artist hell they may be better than you are. But If I was a shop owner and I produced a great student I would be proud to say I taught him not be intemidated by his ability. Because the core of this attitude with tattooist is the insecurity in their oun ability because when you look at work of these assholes putting everybody elese down and calling people scratchers you work fucking sucks and I don't care how many years you've been tattooing.

at first you just cant expect to walk into a shop and have them say surrrrrrre well apprentice you for free buddy come right on in. I mean what are you bringing to the table i didnt pay cash for my apprentice but i use to draw my ass off on my lunch breaks,on the bus, at the dinner table practice, practice,practice then my artwork got me into a few shops i drew flash scrubed tubes set up break, down machines played bouncer, also designated driver, janitor. for future advice dont expect to get into the tattoo game and make easy money you still have to work your ass off.

OK SELF TAUGHT HERE NOT GOING TO GLOUGHT, STOP HATEING SOME OF US GAINED MORE RESPECT FOR THIS ART PROVING YOU ROCKSTAR WANNA BE's WRONG So thats why i don't even care to do an Apprenticship, or care to do it for money, yup i don't overcharge, I DO IT FOR THE LOVE OF TATTOOING, YOU GUYS SHOULD TEACH THESE KIDS FOR THE LOVE OF IT YOU SHOULD DO IT FOR THE LOVE OF IT, AND GUESS WHAT THE FATHER OF COLOR PIGMENTS, and Single use Needles, and most steril Practices that are still used today and oh How most tattooists try to live up to be "NORMAN SAILOR JERRY COLLINS" WAS SELF TAUGHT SO CALL HIM A SCRATCHER, and I WILL TATTOO IT ON MY FOREARM AND WEAR IT PROUDLY WITH THE REST OF MY TATTOO'S, NOT INK INK COMES FROM A PEN, Pigment is in your SKIN and It's Called a TATTOO not a TAT not TATZ GET EDUCATED ROCKSTARS AND TEACH YOURSELF THE HISTORY AND RESPECT THE ART I LEARNED THAT FROM A ITZUMAN IN JAPAN 8 YEARS AGO WHEN I STARTED TATTOOING IN THE NAVY SO YEAH I STARTED LEARNING SOME WERE BUT I LEARNED ON MY OWN MORE, THEN FROM YOU WANNA BE HACKS OUT THERE SO STOP HATEING, THERE'S TO MUCH POTENTIAL OUT THERE FOR SOME OF YOU TO STILL BE IN BUISNESS

glought? what a fucking idiot.

WELL IF SOME OF YOU SO CALLED MASTERS STOP USING THESE PEOPLE THAT WANT TO PAY THEIR DUE'S AS A FUCKING CASH COW AND STILL GET FREE LABOR OUT OF THEM HUMM..... WHY ARE SOME STATES OUT THERE TALKING ABOUT BANNING THE FORMAL APPRENTICESHIP... AND MAKING YOU GO TO A TRADE SCHOOL FOR TATTOOING HONESTLY WE ARE AT A DAY AND AGE WERE THERE'S TOO MANY ROCKSTAR WANNA BE'S AND ALMOST NO MASTERS TEACHING PEOPLE, IM HOPEING SOON WE ASK A LITTLE MORE OUT OF TATTOOING IN GENRAL, YOU USED TO GET A JOB FIXING CARS BEFORE THERE WAS A SCHOOL FOR IT, IT'S ABOUT TIME OR SOME OF YOU CURRENT ROCKSTARS WILL KILL THIS INDUSTRY WHEN YOU RETIRE, im not the Idiot I just see the problem and the solution SCHOOLS WITH MASTERS WHO GIVE A SHIT ABOUT THIS ART FORM,

If you REALLY think tattooing is secretive... look into medical school. Do you think they just hand out qualifications to just anyone, or do students have to put in the time, effort, internship, money, IN THE RIGHT ATMOSPHERE to make it happen? No, tattooing isn't the same as being a doctor, but there are serious issues involved that should be taught in the right environment. I wish more people would "get" the passion and intent behind what Gabe writes here, because he is absolutely right. "A grape given plenty of water will yield a flat, boring wine. A grape grown in dry soil which has to struggle to survive will make a superb, exciting wine." (don't know if that's the exact quote, but its from the film Bottle Shock. Watch it.)

bollocks!!!!!!!.......... have any of you "pro' tattoo artists ever changed the oil in a car?,painted the ceilings?fixed a dripping tap?..either your own or a mates....thought so, you know that YOU have as much right to do those things (all of them are 'apprenticed' trades) as joe next door has the right to go around tattooing people. fuckin scary thought isnt it but then again you would be known as a 'cowboy' if you started charging people money for the service but im sure as hell you wouldnt do it for free. Just like us SCRATCHERS we all like to make some cash even if only to cover the cost of needles/ink/paper towels,bleach,disinfecant etc etc. We cannot do it for free. "Be nice to people on your way up the ladder cos its the same people you meet on your way back down"

Yes, in fact I have done those things, painted and built walls, changed my oil, etc. 1) I know that someone more qualified in construction that has earned their stripes... I WOULD HAVE TO PAY, THEY WOULD DO IT BETTER AND FASTER, and CLEANER, and know how to dispose of the waste (in the case of used oil). 2) None of those you mentioned involve the potential of giving a person a life threatening bloodborne disease, much less a piece of crap tattoo to wear forever. 3) "Nice" is a relative term. I would rather be "nice" to clients and not harm them and protect them from scratchers (who operate in shops OR kitchens).

"But the problem with y'all cats today, is that you got no skill. No sense of history. And then, with a straight face, got the nerve to want to be somebody. Want somebody to respect you. But it takes respect to get respect. Understand? See, I'm old. But, Lord willing, I'd be spared the sight of seeing everything that we worked for flushed down the drain by someone who don't know no better or care." -Cedric, in the movie "the Barbershop"

this is my story, i started apprenticing in michigan and i gottin threw it just fine... but got screwed out of the deal as my teacher at the time of my certificate bailed on me all i got out of the deal was some ink, tattoo machine, and some starter shit but no diploma and $ 1,200 down the drain. now i recently moved to tennessee to start over but artist here are fucking ass holes and un willing to help any body out. well since michigan iv done maybe 22 tattoos on friends and family they all say i have skill because iv been drawing my hole life and my tattoos look like my art ( if you want to see my work e-mail me at [email removed]. ) so now im stuck here trying to find some one willing to hook me up with some work or maybe another apprenticeship. if any body has any ideas hit me up . thank you for your time.... BIG-C.

Well, I have seen a few people ask to see work...so I have started a proboards forum, located at: http://skinink.proboards.com/index.cgi I have added to pics of the two tats I have done so far (on myself)...and a couple sketches that I did yesterday. Anyone can make posts there and add pics,etc. No membership is needed, although you can join if you'd like...although I do NOT confirm e-mail addresses, as I believe people should have some privacy if they want it. Let me know what you think of what I have done so far. Thanks - S.I.