"Scratchers"

Corey_Starling · #1 05-01-2010, 09:21 AM

Let me start by saying that I realize that "scratchers" are the scourge of the tattoo world.

Here is where my conflict lies -

I have gone to about 12 shops looking for someone that would let me be an apprentice. I have emailed Dave Tedder at least 15 times. I have searched for anyone willing to teach me for over a month now and guess what, nobody wants to.

All I hear is "There are to many tattoo artist in Atlanta", "This is a flooded market", "blah blah blah".

So let me see if I have this straight, tattoo artist do not want anymore competition so they are unwilling to teach anyone but when people break down and try to learn on there own through trial and error they are labeled "scratchers" and looked upon as outcasts?

HOW THE f@#k ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO LEARN ????????????????

I have two machines, a box full of needles and tubes, power supply, and ink. I am just supposed to sell it?? Maybe save it for my grand kids?

If I can't find someone to show me how to use it then I will figure it out on my own and a "scratcher" is born.

conorblue · #2 05-01-2010, 10:08 AM

truthfully, most of the excuses tattooers have given you ACTUALLY mean you havent impressed them. artwork, personality, or a little of both. step it up and get back out there the right way. i got tattooed by and hounded the same guy for YEARS before i got a shot to mop the floors! i never dreamt of buying equipment without my foot in the door.

good luck!!! cheers

Beamish417 · #3 05-01-2010, 10:29 AM

Too many people watch reality shows about tattooing and think "Oh I want to be a rock star but I can't sing so I'll just go become a tattoo artist". Sadly scratchers are no longer limited to basements and can be found working in/owning a tattoo shop.

Good Example:
http://www.twinmotorcycle.com/

Click "Tattoos" on the left, then again a second time, then click any of the "online portfolio" links.

There are 30+ shops here in Springfield, Mo which is only big enough to support 6 or 7 tops. It's the same in just about every town. Unless you REALLY stand out getting your foot in the door is going to be near impossible. But I guess you could always open up your own shop like everyone else.

Corey_Starling · #4 05-01-2010, 11:47 AM

My problem is I am not covered in tattoos ( I have 3) nor do I know any tattoo artist. I was an art major in college and made a living as an airbrush artist for a couple years so my artwork doesn't suck (it could be better though). I also have never seen a t.v. show about tattooing. Someone in my position has a snowballs chance in hell of getting anyone to show him anything.

If the "pros" out there do not want to see "scratchers" than teach someone. If you have never taught anyone the "right way" then I don't think you should be allowed to b1tc4 about people learning in there basements.

It is like b1tc4ing about politics and not voting.

I haven't yet gone the "scratcher" route but I see no alternative.

conorblue · #5 05-01-2010, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewok_poacher

If the "pros" out there do not want to see "scratchers" than teach someone. If you have never taught anyone the "right way" then I don't think you should be allowed to b1tc4 about people learning in there basements.

do you know how many people i would have apprenticed if everyone had that sort of logic? thats ridiculous. there are ten people a week at minimum that either walk in, email or call with this same question. you are not unique to the tattoo world unless you really shine...

you are reading, but you arent listening. I can guarantee you just dont have enough to offer at this time for a tattoo shop to take you seriously. In tattooing, unfortunately for you, its more than just art. There are a lot of things that should be taken into consideration, and for someone to take you into consideration you wouldnt have to ask what they are...you would already have them and be them. wanting to be a tattoo artist doesnt mean you will be one, that isnt enough, and scratching form home and trying to learn on your own will most certainly destroy your chances of ever actually becoming one. its more than that. wanting isnt enough. having "good art" isnt enough. i want to be an astronaut, but it aint happening.

good luck! not trying to be a d**k here...

and here is your bone: http://allornothingtattoo.com/forums...ead.php?t=5352

Jonahs · #6 05-01-2010, 07:52 PM

It took me over 7 years to get a position as a apprentice, I started out in wisconsin, the guy I was learning from got fired and I moved on, I came to salt lake city about 6 years ago and spent most my time in and out of shops, I found out this was no easy road.
My point is that you can just give up and start doing it your self, but with out a firm foundation your not going to progress, and you are just going to throw out s&!t, or you can keep trying find someone that will take you under there wing and give you what you need. Who do you want to be they guy that people come to get work done, or the guy that every apprentice that got there nuts kicked in is fixing your work.

Frostbitetattoo · #7 05-01-2010, 08:39 PM

Well said Connor,

I have had a heap of people ask me for apprenticeships, and only one of those i saw actually had potential. She had no expierience tattooing, but her art portfolio and good natured attitude is what got her an apprenticeship with me.

If your constantly getting turned down, ask them what it is that you could improve on and take it into consideration.

Bufferkiller · #8 05-02-2010, 02:20 AM

You need to stop being an impatient b1tc4, and keep hounding artists for an apprenticeship. Keep showing them what you can do, keep getting tattooed by them, and keep asking for an apprenticeship. Read Conor's thread. It doesn't happen overnight, or even in a week or a month.

If you don't want it bad enough to wait it out and do it right, then you don't really f@#king want it.

Get the f@#k over yourself and find something else to do.

Corey_Starling · #9 05-02-2010, 04:18 PM

I dont think you should apprentice everyone that asks by any means. I stopped by a few shops who do not take on any apprentices period. If you currently have an apprentice then by all means b1tc4 away but if your not , I believe ,that makes you part of the problem.

I found someone who worked as a tattoo artist for 8 years but quit a couple years ago to write for a car magazine who will teach me. It isn't as good as apprenticing at a working shop but it's a lot better than going it alone.

Frek · #10 05-02-2010, 04:51 PM

Dude this is your journey to tattooing, if you want it bad enough you'll find a spot. I've airbrushed also for 10 years, and thats the problem with that medium any and everybody can waltz in and start airbrushing> Im surprised you have equipment sounds like you were going to scratch anyway> Keep your head up you'll find a spot.......I did.