Tattoo artists in MA?

Why are tattoo artists so full of themselves? Is it really neccessary to be rude to beginners?

• I really don't understand why many tattoo artists feel the need to crap on anyone who wants to learn to tattoo. We all start somwhere, we all have dreams, and it would be a great change they could offer encouragement instead of negativity. One thing I hear often is "Just because you are an artist, doesn't make you a tattoo artist..." well, in response to that and several disappointing tattoos that I have had, "Just because you are a tattoo artist doesn't make you an artist." Here is a reality check. There are many trades out there that you have to learn to operate equipment, follow health and safety standards, learn techniques and such, but this is the only feild where people are rude, discouraging, and frankly lacking social skills and manners. I don't really care to hear any negative response, I have just been reading so many arrogant responses to tattoo questions, that I felt like expressing my frustration over the disregard for others feelings and aspirations. I almost gaurantee that those who feel the need to tear people down aren't professionals and if they were so good, they would need to bring others down to their level. On a closing note: If you want to learn to tattoo, don't let anyone tell you you can't. They told Einstien he was crazy, they told Thomis Edison he couldn't, they tore Amelia Earhart down when she wanted to fly, don't let anyone take away your dreams. Yes, it is always better to learn from some one more experienced, yes time and practice makes you better, yes there are horrible tattoo artists out there, but not everyone is the same. We all learn different ways, different paces, and there are many really amazing tattoo artists out there that taught themselves. You should never practice on anyone if you don't know how to operate a machine, or understand what certain needles are for and the many layers of skin. You should never tattoo anyone whithout using strict saftey standards and sanitizing everything. But, I truly feel, anyone who studies hard, pays attention and deosn't cut corners can learn HOW to tattoo. THAT SAID, let me truly stress, bad tattoo artists aren't self taught, they are those who refuse to follow standards, get to know the equipment and and don't educate themselves on the biology of it all. And most of all, no matter HOW you learn, you CAN NOT be a good tattoo artist if you aren't a true artist, one who understands depth, shading, perspective, design, color, etc. It doesn't matter if you learned from Kat Von D or the guy next door, that is what sets you apart from a scratcher and a true tattoo guru. you could spend all the years in the world apprenticing and still produce crap. So for those truly talented artists out there, go for it! You can do all things who christ who strengthens you,... You can do anything you put your mind to.... If there is a will there is a way... With effort and devotion, you too can make your dreams a reality! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

• Answer:

  That's quite a rant! I'd never knock anyone for wanting to be a tattoo artist but just thought I'd share that my very first tattoo was done by an apprentice and it came out H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E! The color faded within weeks, so I had to get it re-done shortly thereafter. I went to the same place because they touched it up for free. The shading was really bad though, and of course the color faded again. Well, the third time I decided to travel out of state to get it fixed by a true professional. I'd gone to this guy before for my other tattoos so I knew he was good. He freely admitted that my first one was so bad that there wasn't much he could do to fix it. He ended up adding stuff to it because it was too big to be covered up but now it's too big for my arm and wraps around when really it's not supposed to. So now I'm stuck with this gigantic tattoo on my arm for the rest of my life (I'm a girl, which makes it even worse) and I can honestly say I will never agree to get inked by an apprentice again. I encourage those who want to be tattoo artists to really practice practice practice before taking on customers.