Hi from KY!

Hi friends, my name is Emily. I recently picked up a machine and a bunch of supplies to set out to learn how to tattoo. As much as I would prefer to go through an apprenticeship, it’s just not possible right now. I would love to hear everyone’s top advice for someone learning on their own. I know lots of people will say that their advice is not to forego an apprenticeship, I hear you and respect your opinion but would like to keep the thread constructive for my current situation. Thank you!
As a side note, I had my first “hey, I wouldn’t mind having that on my body” moment today when practicing and it was the neatest ever

I just asked ChatGPT do give me a list of 20 well-known and self-taught tattoo artists:

1. Dr. Woo
2. Ryan Ashley Malarkey
3. Nikko Hurtado
4. Luka Lajoie
5. David Vega
6. Shane O'Neill
7. Paul Booth
8. Kat Von D
9. Anrijs Straume
10. Jess Yen (HoriYen)
11. Tati Compton
12. Amanda Wachob
13. Tim Hendricks
14. Freddy Negrete
15. Valentina Ryabova
16. Ben Volt
17. Tommy Helm
18. Dan Smith
19. Rich Pineda
20. Yomico Moreno

I haven’t tried to verify this list, rather I was just trying to make the point that a tattoo apprenticeship, especially when it’s unattainable for some people, is not a necessity. Tattoo apprenticeships are unregulated and non-standardised, so while some people do amazing life-altering apprenticeships with knowledgable and conscientious mentors…getting one is no guarantee.

The apprenticeship model is a product of a closed-shop and mysterious age of tattooing, when there were no instructional books and no access to any real knowledge on the subject (for most people)….and definitely not thousands of video tutorials and multiple structured training courses in easy reach. All the information you need is out there if you are diligent and methodical about the process.

If you can get a reputable and rewarding apprenticeship, that would be choice one, if not, don’t see it as the end of the journey….desire is a potent force.

That's not why this forum was once created

I know 2 other big hotshot tattoo artists who started out on their own (verified, it's from their own mouth) :



So welcome to the forum, Emily!

Welcome Emily, I've never had an apprenticeship either, so don't worry, like whippet said, it's no guarantee.
Doing several on-line courses will get you going, but what I would advise most of all is doing hygiene courses before starting to tattoo on anyone. Don't ever stick a needle into someone's skin unless you have a solid ground knowledge and are confident your cleaning and pre and post tattoo procedures are correct.

Thank you everyone for the encouraging words! I plan to do my bloodborne pathogens training this week. I have lots of real estate on my legs for practice and don't plan to tattoo others for a very long time. I appreciate all of the support