Walker Tattoo Machine

Cheap hand made custom tattoo machines UNDER $200 -
One of a kind - each built o your specs.
SOFIA & Co. Tiny Tattoo Contraptions...
check em out online
http://tattoo-apprentice.com

New machines

should have some nice photos of custom tattoo machines up tomorrow
http://tattoo-apprentice.com/learn-how-to-tattoo-for-free/tag/sofia-tattoo-company/

SOFIA TATTOO MACHINES

SOFIA and Co Tiny Tattoo Contraptions

21
AUG

SOFIA Hand Made Tattoo Machines
Custom Tattoo Machines, with mass produced prices! These machines have: one of a kind unique finishes, custom coils, custom a-bars, hand tuned springs, beautiful hardware, and flawless tuning. Check them out Here.

If you have a tattoo machine that you want customized, frame modification, new finishing chemical paint applied, or just want it to look cool – send it in to SOFIA & Co. for a refurbished “new-old-look” today!

Each tattoo machine is a one of a kind, so if it is for sale on the website then it is still available – you can check out the past machines and sold machines as well on the website. Want something off the wall, and totally custom? Do you tattoo a certain way and want a detailed description of how your machine was setup? SOFIA & Co. will send you photos of each step in the process so you can see your tattoo machine being built – each tattoo machine comes with a DVD video that shows you how THAT SPECIFIC MACHINE is tuned, and why. You can NOT find that from any other builder out there for these prices. Hurry, these machines are not staying in stock long!

How do I become a tattoo apprentice?

How do the Tattoo Books Online websites like TeachMeToTattoo.com and Tattoo-Apprentice.com help a new tattoo artist like me out? Shouldn’t I get everything I need from the individual who is mentoring me? Why should I even look at the forums and the books?

Answer:

You might be perfectly fine learning from one individual, you might learn a whole lot more from that individual than you would from any of the books or websites that we have created. This is true. There is a small portion of individuals who will apprentice and leave their apprenticeship really satisfied. In a perfect world you would learn everything during your apprenticeship…

We don’t live in a perfect world, and we don’t pretend to act like people who are buying are books are always an apprentice in a real studio either. We are not going to say “we only sell to professionals” because this would create a “catch 22” and be impossible. How do you become a professional unless you apprentice, how do you apprentice if you can’t find a studio to take you? We do believe in the tattoo apprentice program - and we encourage and emphasize it.

There is a lot of information that we put out, some of it is original – other parts have been around for a long time. The difference between the books and websites we put out and the competition or other choices you have is this: Relevance, Organization, Easy to Follow, Current, Interactive, and Real.

We are relevant to your trade and your industry. We try to ensure that you become relevant as well through information sharing.

We keep our materials organized and easy to follow. These are textbooks, but they don’t read like a physics manual.

We keep our texts and websites current. We try to scour the internet for the most recent news and information so that we can get it out to you. We stay abreast of modern techniques and tools that are impacting you and your profession on a daily basis.

The materials on our websites are always interactive. We have forums and message boards, email support, video tutorials, self paced tattoo lesson plans, road maps to chart your progress, and more. The key to the concept is that there is a workflow that is tailored to the tattoo apprentice and was designed by professional educators working side by side with tattoo artists.

The data we provide is REAL! We will not tell you that we can make an amazing tattoo artist out of you in a matter of days. We will not try to pretend to know all the secrets to the tattoo industry. We will give you the real facts and some of them will surprise the heck out of you; while others will make you say: “That was it?”

Check out more details about the books and free websites.

What does it take to become a tattoo artist?

What does it take to become a tattoo artist? Do I have what it takes?
The best advice I can give to an artist trying to get into tattooing… be patient. It will not happen overnight. You will not learn how to tattoo over night; you will not work in a shop over night, you won’t even learn how to use your tattoo machines overnight.
There are a lot of things in the world that take time and dedication and practice, tattoo is no exception.

Here are a few indicators of what you might need (personality wise to succeed in the tattoo industry).

Want More Info About the Book? Click here
1.) Professional attitude (contrary to the stigma, the best tattoo artists in the world are the most professional and positive ones).
2.) You are an artist already (don’t jump into this thinking that it is just tracing paper and coloring book flash pieces)

3.) You have tattoos on your body already (don’t walk into a tattoo studio and try to become a tattoo apprentice or artist without a single tattoo)

4.) You truly love your art (some tattoo artists paint, some draw, some sculpt – you HAVE to love art or else this job will kill you)

5.) You are ready to bust your ass and network every day (tattoo studios don’t stay super busy with walk-in clients, you have to know how to hustle to get them in the seat)

6.) You get along good with other people (you have to talk to clients, you have to be friendly..not a rock star big shot)

If you want to make it as a tattoo artist, you have to be a good tattoo artist (obviously) but you also have to have certain characteristics that make you a good salesman and artist. You need to focus your energy on developing your personal artistic skill and bringing your art up to the next level.

You should never try to be the best tattoo artist working in a tattoo studio – you should always try to be the worst! (That didn’t sound right did it?) This means you have a lot to learn from the other artists. If time comes and you become the best artist in a tattoo studio, it is my opinion that it is time for you to move on and find a new studio where you are not the best. This is how you continue to advance your skills and your art.
You don’t want to get stuck before you even start. Work on your portfolio, and be prepared for rejection. Stick with it – and you will find some artist or studio out there in your area willing to take a chance on you. Learn what you can – and grow, but then move on… so you can keep growing.
Do you have what it takes?
Check out Basic Fundamentals Book for more details and an apprentice roadmap.

Tattoo Blog has moved!

http://tattoo-apprentice.com/learn-how-to-tattoo-for-free/2010/07/become-a-tattoo-artist-without-paying-for-an-apprenticeship/

Check out the new Blog there..

I am also working on www.Tattoo-Apprentice.com as you are reading this!

...

How do I become a tattoo artist? Tattoo schools, paid apprenticeships, books, dvds…where do you begin? So you have decided that you are in love with the art of tattoo and you have some type of artistic ability. How do you take that first step into becoming a tattoo artist? What is the first step? Who do you go to with these questions?

Learn How To Tattoo

If you have visited your local tattoo studio, chances are that you were ignored or even laughed at by the professional tattoo artists working there. Don’t take this too seriously; you have to remember that these “professional artists” get a ton of young artists trying to hit them up for information about tattoo techniques and apprenticeships all the time. You have to keep trying.

I have to stress that it is my opinion that you shouldn’t ever pay for a tattoo apprenticeship, especially tens of thousands of dollars. I am also against most tattoo schools that claim to have you tattooing professionally in a matter of weeks. You really must do an apprenticeship for 12-24 months. Sometimes this is difficult to do for the simple fact that you don’t make much money (if any) during an apprenticeship.

Okay, so I have to get an apprenticeship. What do I do in the mean time until I get a slot in a real tattoo studio? Because you can buy tattoo “guns” and “ink” online at so many discount / wholesale stores these days, and you can get tattoo DVDs and Books without working in a tattoo studio – We are not naïve to think you are not going to tattoo your friends and at home.

Before you can tattoo a human you have to know a few basic sterilization and sanitation things. Some tattoo suppliers will sell you tattoo “kits” with metal tubes and tips. You can NOT use these if you are tattooing without an autoclave. You MUST use disposable tubes, tips, grips, and needles.

A lot of people who want to learn how to tattoo don’t realize it, but you can actually buy practice skin from tattoo supply companies. This is a good place to start as well. You can also go to local butcher and get a pig skin or grapefruit and bananas are also popular (starting points).

So, how do I become a tattoo artist for free? You just have to build your graphic portfolio, paint draw, color pencil, charcoal, or whatever medium you work in best. You have to check out the popular artists and see what is actually considered a good tattoo. Head over to a tattoo convention (they are dime a dozen these days). Most importantly, the way you become a tattoo artist… GET TATTOOED! Get as many tattoos as possible! Talk to the tattoo artists, don’t just go to one tattoo artist either; each artist has something unique to offer so get some variation in there. Lastly, keep trying to get an apprenticeship…Best of Luck!

Check out “Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo” it’s a book I wrote, not to get rich off of selling books, but to get some helpful information out about the tattoo community to the newer artists (ie apprentices). I started TeachMeToTattoo.com a few years ago, just as a free hobby forum. I was trying to help people with basic tattoo questions. The forum grew to over 1000 members in 2 months (without advertising it online). So I started to collect all the forum posts and the answers to all the questions people had, and I consolidated them into a book. “Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo: Tattoo Apprentice Basics” is the result of that consolidation.

Learn how to tattoo - from new site

I am working this week on consolidating a lot of projects.

TeachMeToTattoo.com which is the portal for Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo will slowly get phased out and the users will move over to www.Tattoo-Apprentice.com

This new site will have a better portal, more videos, more podcasts, more gear reviews - ect.

Check out the promo video on You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr71B-M6C20

I am still working on The Advanced Tattoo Apprentice book as well...

Stay Posted.

Move to the new blog!

The internet is the tattoo artist’s friend – PART II

08MAY

“Customers who get tattooed can see their own tattoo online, moments after the ink was put in their skin (all their friends saw their tweets)– and seconds later their friends are commenting on the work (possibly even making an appointment to visit the artist).”

http://tattoo-apprentice.com/learn-how-to-tattoo-for-free/

New Tattoo Blog Posts

Incase you havent realized - I am posting on http://www.Tattoo-Apprentice.com/

"

The internet is the tattoo artist’s friend – PART I

04

MAY

The good ole’ days of tattoo when the artist whipped out a ball point pen and sketched a design on your bicep then began the tattoo process have not completely left us…yet.

Anyone Can Use The Internet These Days

There is a new generation of tattoo artists out there who are digital age techies. They use their iPhone and Google Image to search for designs for clients. They will post their tattoos online on Flikr or FaceBook instead of taking their photos to the developer to make a hard copy. The studio might display the tattoos in a digital picture frame on the studio’s counter, or possibly there might be an interactive portfolio or kiosk in the studio for the potential clients. Customers who get tattooed can see their own tattoo online, moments after the ink was put in their skin (all their friends saw their tweets)– and seconds later their friends are commenting on the work (possibly even making an appointment to visit the artist)."

"

READ MORE ON TATTOO-APPRENTICE.com

Squidoo Tattoo - I am involved now

Not sure how it happened, but I am involved in Squidoo -
Yolanda made me do it -
Either way: check out the links

Squidoo Tattoo Page

Squidoo Quiz For Tattoo Apprentices

Moving the Tattoo Blog

For most recent Blog check out the new website.
http://www.Tattoo-Apprentice.com/
I will see if it works out that I will post the blog on both sites,
but I am still new to this whole "blog" thing - and I will do my best.
I know for sure you can get the most recent stuff on the Tattoo Apprentice website.

Tattoo Portfolio Tips

Portfolios are the tangible version of you. As a new tattoo artist / apprentice you should focus a lot of time and effort in the way you present yourself artistically. It is always hard to get a solid portfolio going if you are new to the tattoo industry because you don’t have a lot of higher end pieces in skin to show off. This is why as a new tattoo artist or apprentice you should have solid graphic design pieces that show your artistic ability. I have said it before, but I will say it again: Almost anyone can trace stencils and fill gradients or solid color, but not everyone can create very attractive unique and original works of art. If you don’t have a lot of tattoo pieces in your portfolio – you should try to get as many pieces of custom artwork as you can in there. This will show the tattoo studio that you are auditioning for, that you have the ability to excel in the field. Tattoo techniques come with time, but you should already have a solid artistic background before attempting the medium of tattoo. If you don’t already have a solid portfolio of custom paintings and drawing, then you should focus more on that – than trying to create a tattoo that looks like it was on the cover of a tattoo magazine (which more than likely you don’t possesses the skills to achieve the quality of the tattoo you want yet). Keep with the artistic background and you will get there. Just stay focused and try to draw and paint every day, a pastime that most of the seasoned tattoo artists seem to forget these days.

Don't let the tattoo client bite off more than he/she can chew

An important thing to remember as a young apprentice in the tattoo industry is customer's intentions change as the progression occurs. This means that when a new client comes in they are optimistic on their design concept and the size / complexity of that design. They have quality as a priority initially, but as the pain sets in so does the reality of the tattoo. Soon the optimism turns to a re-prioritization where the time you (the artist) are taking can almost seem to anger the clients.
This is very common and it is your job to do a few things:

1.) Don't oversell the tattoo. If you know it will take 6 hours, then tell them it will take 6 hours.
2.) Learn your clients. If your client is new (even worse is first timer or virgin) then you have to bring them back down to earth usually.
3.) Educate them, but don't belittle them.
4.) If the tattoo turns to resentment during the process, stay calm and work out a compromise - even if it means setting up a second follow up appointment.

Always make sure you get the deposit before they leave for the follow up or you might not see that client for a very long time. This is not so much as a business practice in getting the customer's money, as it is for the "you don't want someone walking around with bad art on their body that you did" sort of reason.

Keep in mind that these things happen, and it is your job to prevent them before they happen. Educate your new customers, they will thank you for it later!

Tattoo Encyclopedia

I want to remind everyone that there is a tattoo wiki in the works - and it is ONLINE now and it is free - even if you didn't buy the book Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo.

http://www.teachmetotattoo.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

What is this Project All About?

Welcome to Teach Me To Tattoo – Online Wiki, a dynamic and ever changing lexicon of tattoo terminology. User created and user modified. The tattoo industry is rapidly evolving, and the terminology utilized in the industry is a vast “word-of-mouth” jumble of phrases. Some of these words and phrases are pretty basic and have minimal variations; however some words and phrases have multiple meanings. What one artist calls a “front-spring” another might call a “timing-spring”. It is because each of us was trained or “apprenticed” by a different person, and because of the lacking in formal tattoo training that we have decided to build this wiki.

Anyone can edit the pages, and we hope that professional artists will join in across the world, and help normalize or standardize the vocabulary of the tattoo trade.

What can you expect to get out of this site?

This site is not meant as a guide, and it will not teach you to tattoo at all. Even our main site’s name “Teach Me To Tattoo” is actually misleading. That is because you cannot be taught to tattoo simply by reading a few websites, or books. You can’t even learn to properly tattoo from a DVD or VHS tape. You must do an apprenticeship to learn the proper way to tattoo. The purpose of Teach Me To Tattoo is to get the knowledge that should be common place for every tattoo artist in the open, and perhaps excel the quality of the tattoo trade as a whole. There are so many artists who tattoo (some even own shops or studios) that cannot even tune a tattoo machine or make tattoo needles. If there was some sort of consolidated database where every artist could share his experiences and information, then perhaps the learning curve would change and ultimately the quality of tattoo across the world would increase.

Can I ask a Question on the Wiki?

No! You can search for topics, and contribute to pages on the Wiki. If you want to ask a question then check out the forum. You can find the forum at: TMTT Open Forum

Question from the Forum

Ran across this question from a guy named Tony who bought the book Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo recently.

He was wondering about getting pro gear, but not working in a tattoo studio...

Re: Greetings from Rancho Mirage

S1513F8O5956 wrote:

are there companies that will allow me to purchase equipment so I can experiment? (I'm intrigued by Pulse equipment.) Any advice anyone can give will be appreciated...thanks! Tony

I would say check out the book - there are a ton of listings of distributors that sell gear.

Most the good stuff requires you to work in a studio.

Unimax and Technical may not - check with them.

You need a good power supply.

Try eBay or Craigslist to buy from a pro who is selling - you might pay more, but it is worth it to have good gear.

Best of Luck

http://www.teachmetotattoo.com/forum/greetings-from-rancho-mirage-177.html#p631

Whats up?

So what will be in the new book, and why is it taking so long?

The new tattoo book (the follow on to Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo) will cover a lot of stuff. Part of why it is behind schedule is because I am really trying to make sure you get your money worth on this one. This book will not replace Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo, but it will be the next book in the series. Basic Fundamentals was designed to work with the tattoo apprentice who is in a studio studying under a professional. It has a lot of information, but you need to have those hands on experiences. I am realistic though and I know a lot of people who purchased the book are not tattoo apprentices in the formal respect. That is okay, I am not one of those people who will condemn a new artist in the industry because he/she did not start off their career as a formal apprentice. I know this is a feat in itself to obtain.

The goal is to get the information out there, and make sure it is the best quality information that is easy to understand. Tattoo is a profession where you have to really study under another artist who you respect and who’s style you want to emulate or pull from (to an extent). It is difficult to get an apprenticeship in the tattoo industry though, and you (the apprentice) might be forced to take what you can get (know that this is a bad thing and it goes both ways, sometimes artists take on apprentices that they wish they could do better as well). You really just have to make sure you learn what you can from whoever will teach you. Even an artist, who does not have the best “artistic” skill, might be very technical – or have his own set of tips and tricks that you can eventually apply. As a new tattoo artist / apprentice you should always be humble and take everything you can like a sponge – just keep your mouth shut and smile and nod.

The new book will really go more into a case study and style theory, where I will take you through a bunch of tattoos (mostly grey wash, grey and white, and simple color) from start to finish. Breaking down everything that occurs each step of the way and how each machine is setup. Each tattoo will also have a medium resolution video on the web site to go along with the book with detailed audio commentary. I will also go over tattoo machine building and setup in extensive detail. I will show you a very simple way to break down every aspect of your tattoo machine and ensure that you can remain consistent. I will give you a breakdown of parts to buy – and the vendors. In Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo I give a list of each quality vendor, but I really try to avoid recommending specifics (other than what I use). In the new book, I will not only use a single frame (that costs under $80.00) to build 4 different tattoo machines, but I will show you how to mix and match machine parts to get the exact desired results. I also will go over specifics about important aspects of setting up the machine (not just the tuning aspect) but the way I ride my springs and how I set the needles up in the machines, as well as what are the best disposables to use for each job.

My goal for tattoo books is that we are beyond an age where you can just have a book. You need to have a rich media experience, and that means you should get reading materials as well as audio materials and videos.

I know I am the type of person who hates to pay $100.00 for a eBook or PDF – If I am paying more than $50.00 for a book, I want to have a tangible copy of that book that I can highlight and read while I am laying in bed (yes I know I can use my laptop in bed) but there is just something about a paper book that cannot be matched. I also know that books can not show you everything that a video or audio clip can. But you have to remember that a video or audio clip or even a really good forum can’t give you that feedback that you will get from a real human mentor in a tattoo studio.

Why is it taking so long to get these titles out / update the portal?
I am still in Afghanistan – so I have limited time to work on these projects. Please stick with me though, I am serious about this industry and I am serious about trying to provide the best gear and texts that I can. Remember, if you have purchased one of my texts – you can email me directly and I will respond!

Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo updates

So the first run of Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo has gone pretty well. We have made a lot of contacts in the industry and received a lot of positive feedback. I have taken everything that you have told me into consideration, I have also begun to work on a list of “corrections” and “additions” for the next printing of the same book. (Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo 2nd Edition) This book is not to be confused with the follow up book, Modern Tattooist: Advanced Apprenticeship Techniques (working title).

Those of you who have purchased Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo 1st Edition, will receive a link to all the revisions and new images that will be printed in the 2nd edition of the same title book. This is because I don’t think you should have to purchase a new copy of every textbook when modifications or additions are made. This is why it is important you log into the Teach Me To Tattoo Portal and modify / update your email address. I am expecting to have all of these updates published online in 2 - 4 months. Everyone who is registered on the PORTAL will receieve a download link.

Unique Tattoo Machines

Stuck in the airport during my 12 hour layover – I decided to check out pulse tattoo blog. http://pulsetattooblog.blogspot.com/ I try to check them out every few months – or whenever I am in the mood to see what new stuff is out there. Today I noticed this article or blog about Larry Ross. Which led me to this page: http://www.bodyblendstudio.com/ - all I can say is, “really wild”. It is hard to see from the images which are kinda’ sepia or old school-ish – but I can just imagine the complexity of these custom machines. I can’t wait to grab one or two from Larry. I am going to give him a call next week to see what he has in his supply. Not for use in actual tattooing – but I would love to have one of these machines put in an acrylic case on the wall in my home office.

It is one of those things, tattoo has evolved so much – but the actual gear has not been changed as much as you would think. I mean, for 2010 we should be tattooing with mind controlled lasers or something… you would think. I love my coil machines, and I definitely think my rotary machines have their place. I have never used a pneumatic machine, but I have heard good and bad about them. Other than the whole 1.5 coil setups and plastics; tattoo machines have really remained unchanged in general concept (obviously I am not considering the whole pneuma thing – don’t get me wrong that is a giant revolution.. I just don’t have firsthand experience).
Either way, be sure to check out Larry Ross, and if you know of a really unique machine builder – let me know so I can check em out, or give them some free publicity on here.
A good note for those of you who are tattoo apprentice level: The quality of your machine will NOT determine the quality of your tattoo (write that down, and stop trying to buy a $600 machine thinking you will be the next Niko – practice – practice – practice – watch your mentor – and then practice some more).

Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo Review

Been busy this week - but I do have some blogs to post on here, just not possible form my current location (an internet cafe in Afghanistan)

But I did receive this email yesterday..thought I would share it.

REVIEW:


apprentice tattoo basics :basic fundamentals of modern tattoo

too the point no code words no noses in the air just the facts.
every thing from dealers and artist preferred products to milestones every artist should expect to come to in his or her career.
from proper bandaging techniques too stencil application.
the machine, skin, safety, mind set, tips and tricks and goals are covered.
the online access to his forums and videos is just the icing to the cake its direct access to the author and other like minds so even if your question is not covered you can feel free to ask it ,remember there's no stupid questions.

reading this book has been one of my milestones

Tattoo Rob von Deezal

Lightest Tattoo Machine EVER!

I saw an article on the internet the other day that talked about a new tattoo machine on the market, that was supposed to be the lightest coil tattoo machine ever made.

I have to say that I am not sure this is true because this specific tattoo machine (not going to drop dimes here) has the bulk of its parts made of Aluminum. Aluminum is a very light metal, and is a very nice concept for tattoo frame design for those who use disposable tubes and hate having a massive iron throwing off balance...but I have seen a plastic tattoo machine as well. This plastic frame is pretty light...and I think that it is probably the lightest frame ever made.

Either way, once you add in the coils and A-Bar - you get a medium weight machine anyway. We are only talking about a few grams difference.

If you have used this so-called (lightest machine ever) or this (plastic-framed) style machines please leave a comment on this blog. I would love to hear feedback.

I plan to start a "consumer reports" style flavor to the blog, where once a month or so I will showcase something new. It might be new on the market, or just new to me. I will test it out for a bit and give you all the good the bad and the ugly.

This means I get new stuff, and you get all the details and honest opinions about the gear(you hear that tattoo suppliers this means send me free stuff!).

I have tried out a bunch of new things from Eikon last year (maybe not new on the market, but definitely new for me) and I am anxious to write my reviews. I have a compare contrast between the Eikon and the Pulse power supplies already written and ready to go. Just want to contact the manufacturers with the review and let them know I am going to publish it, allow them time to offer some sort of rebuttal or explanation. Possible they will say "Charles, you don’t even know how to use a power supply properly!" so if that is the case then I will have to just be humble. I do know that I have done a lot of business with Eikon and Pulse and I love them both very much.

Oh yeah, I've also got a couple of those new fangled Tat-Soul chairs last year, so look for those review as well. Some other reviews I am going to have to write: Kingpin disposable tubes, Spearman Needles, Eternal Pigments, Silverback Pigement, Intenz Zuperblack...

I could go on and on. So why am I teasing you about these things if I haven't written the reviews yet? I am actually just brain storming...I am not shure what the protocol for a Blog is actualy. I intend to keep mine pretty relaxed though. That is really my philosophy for tattoo as well. I try to keep the work environment in the studio relaxed and chill - but professional and educated. There is a very complex balance and if you are fortunate to learn it from the individual you are apprenticing under then you will master one of the easiest ways to increase foot traffic to your studio. You just have to remember that it is possible to have fun and still be professional. If you are an expert in yoru field (no matter what the field) then you still have to have some type of professionalism.

You might be saying, "thats not why I became a tattoo artist, I am more of the I dont give a @!$% kinda' personality"

Well, that is fine for a certain level of tattoo - and it also changes with age and industry maturity, and it is not always the case for every tattoo artist. You will find that there are some tattoo artists who are happy working in a rundown "ghetto" tattoo studio, with lower paying clientele. This is fine too. If you are happy then I am happy.

Just be very observant as a tattoo apprentice and make notes of things that work and don’t work. I don't think I have ever met a tattoo artist who has said, "I never want to own my own studio."
It is my opinion that you should treat every studio that you work in like you own it. Try to improve it, and try to make every client know that you are proud to be a part of the industry and proud to be part of the "tattoo family" you work with.

So, after going off on multiple tangents - I think that will wrap up this entry of the blog...good night internets.

Tattoo Salon

Mainstream tattoo trends, or just short lived fads?
Seems like every time I look online I see another hair salon that is trying to get a tattoo artist to have a "booth". This is kinda' scary because you might have some scratcher off the street representing himself as a professional established artist. All the Salon owner is seeing is the potential for dollar signs.

The overall concept of Studio/Salon integration is not all evil though, in my opinion. It is just difficult for a Salon owner (who probably has a cosmetology license) to understand that people are not just getting a temporary or henna tattoo...these ones are forever. If a tattoo artist messed up a client in your hair salon then you are then known as the horrible tattoo salon in town. Likewise if you have a tattoo artist who has never worked in a professional tattoo studio, then decides to migrate his kitchen tattoo outfit into your upscale hair salon - you might get a bad reputation as well.

There are a lot of similarities between tattoo and hair, as far as the business model goes. From a business aspect of diversification it makes sense. There have been a few who have been able to pull it off. Local laws might actually prohibit such a merger or hair salon and tattoo studio, same goes for the State Board of Cosmetology. There are certain chemicals that can't be around open skin - and that might have to be looked into as well from the tattoo artist aspect. Before you (the salon owner/manager) jump into the concept of full on Tattoo Salon, make sure you do your research, and make sure you know the artist is a professional with at least some years under his belt.

Don't be afraid to ask how long he has been tattooing and who he apprenticed under. Ask to see some of the work he has done, and not just photos - you want to see HEALED tattoos in person.

From the other end of the spectrum, as the tattoo artist looking to join a budding or established hair salon. Do you really want to be known as that tattooer who works at a hair salon? Or are we far enough evolved as tattoo community that it really makes no difference, and is a logical business move?

Check out the salon, and the rep. See if you are the first tattoo artist they are trying out - or if there has been high turnover (find out why). Talk to the stylists about the atmosphere (when the owner/manager is not around) - get the skinny on the whole situation before you quit your station at your current tattoo studio.

If you are an apprentice, and you think this is simple - I should just go open my own studio...but you don’t have the capital to start it up..so renting a booth seems like logical move. Beware: if you end your apprenticeship early you will really hinder your skill set and you ability to grow. You might even burn bridges (not a good thing if you plan to work in the same city or town).

I really don't have an opinion on the whole Tattoo + Salon = Love scenario...just thought I would share a few points of view and thoughts. If you work in a tattoo studio and are thinking of working in a Salon, or if you are a tattoo artist already in a salon, or you work in a salon and want to add tattoo to your line of services offered, or you just like tattoos and salons in general: Please drop a comment on this blog, I would love to hear everyone’s opinions or screaming hatred on this topic!

Tattoo Machines Cost Big Bucks - Or do They?

Is a tattoo machine that costs $49.00 in a catalog just as good as a $500.00 one that you can only purchase if you work in a real studio?

The short answer: Yes and No.
The long answer... where do I start?

Tattoo machines, or tattoo guns (depending on who you apprenticed under) are the devices that put the ink in the skin. A needle hooks up to them in some fashion and they are usually run by coils, magnets, and magic. The device is actually really simple and does not take a PHD in Electro-Magnetic Physics or Engineering to grasp the concept.

So how can a cheap machine be like an expensive machine?
It is all about how you tune the machine.
A machine that is made of higher grade materials (especially the coils and the springs) will make it easier to tune. If you paint then you understand the difference between cheap and higher grade oils. If you drive a car then you know the difference between a Honda Civic and a Jaguar XK. Both of those cars will get from point A to point B, by the way. It is the same concept with tattoo machines. My first tattoo machines were cheap ones from Superior, and I didn't know about upper class machines like Pulse or Eikon or Hand mades (custom irons). Once I got decent

with my Superior machines, I graduated to a set of Micky Sharpz and Dany Fowler Time Machines. I really can not say a bad thing about any of the machines I have used.

Now that I am comfortable with my gear I rely on my Superior machines more than any other machines. I have replaced the coils and the springs, but the frame is still superior. I love the weight and the vise grip is tried and true old school style. When you apprentice under an artist in a tattoo studio, check out all the different machines used by all the different artists in the studio. You will notice that there is a big difference not only in quality, but the weight and balance as well. You will also see that the power supply makes a world of difference.
What power supply is the best? There is no "Best" power supply or Machine. You have to use what YOU like and what YOU can get the job done with. Check out the Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo - there is a whole chapter in there where I go over all my gear and why I use the stuff I use.

You will always shave new machines coming out, and you can see on the top artist's forums or the big conventions like Hell City. This is a professional trade it requires that you stay on top of the new technology (yes I said technology) that is constantly being introduced into the market.

You don't have to do a proper tattoo apprenticeship, but you will spend years researching and trying to figure out what makes a Cheap Priced tattoo Machine top notch.
A lot of these things come from experience, and I can honestly say that a majority of PROFESSIONAL tattoo artists do not know their machines they way they should.
You have a select class of tattoo artists who will consider themselves tattoo machine builders. The have the "Secrets" to the coil wraps and the harmonic balance of the metals and the geometry... but It is the author's opinion that every tattoo artist should be able to differentiate between a good tattoo machine and a poorly crafted one (as it applies to their specific style of tattoo).

So get out there and start researching and talking to your fellow apprentice's (is that the plural for apprentice? probably not..)

How do I become a tattoo artist?

Reality TV shows, Tattooed musicians, Tattoo Flash Design website, Online Tattoo Supply superstores… Tattoo has been everywhere for the past 5 years or so. Is the industry finally calming down from this cyclical bump? You get the groups of tattoo artists who will tell you, “I hope so – we have too many scratcher wanna’be tattoo artists already.”

You get the groups of tattoo artists (less often) who will tell you that the business is one of those types that will go up in a down economy. Its hard to talk about anything these days without hearing about the big “E” word. Yup, economy is embedded in our 2010 vocabulary now.

You see a ton of tattoo artists out there trying to get their books and DVDs out as well. I know that there are a lot of young people (young in tattoo years) who want to get involved in tattooing. What does it take to get into the tattoo scene? Is there really money in the tattoo industry? Do you really need artistic talent to be a tattoo artist? Do you really need to do a proper apprenticeship? Is a tattoo machine that costs $49.00 in a catalog just as good as a $500.00 one that you can only purchase if you work in a real studio? These are all good questions that the new tattoo artist really wants to know about, and if you are anything like I was 10 years ago then you are scouring for information about tattoo everywhere (and that includes the internet).

What does it take to get into the tattoo “scene”? – It takes a lot of patience and observation. You have to check out a lot of studios, perfect your drawing and painting skills, get a ton of tattoos on your own body, and talk to artists. You have to really be dedicated and also be smart. You can easily be taken advantage of as a young apprentice by someone who might not even intend to teach you anything about tattoo.

Is there money to be made as a tattoo artist? – Kinda sorta not really… Sure there are tattoo artists who charge a ton of money, but they are really saught after professionals who have made a name for themselves. What a lot of young artists don’t realize right off the jump is that you really make your money doing the small stuff. Small stuff being the tribals, scripts, hearts, flowers, flash, flash, flash, and until you are sick of it… flash. It sucks, but if you are all about the money aspect of tattoo then get used to doing what I call “yard work”. Those of us who love the craft and trade of tattoo will gladly do a sleeve for someone for next to nothing (so long as our own bills are already in the green). It depends on the piece though. Art is art, and if you are an artist then you will love the art you do. Beware getting into tattoo thinking you are going to do awesome tattoos that are multi session and cost big bucks right off the jump. (don’t forget you have to give the studio owner his cut of the $ as well).

What about talent? – Yes and No.. I know a lot of tattoo artists who are not very good artists, but they make a living. They don’t get to do the fun stuff, but I think those guys are the ones who don’t really care about the trade that much to begin with anyway. If you think you are good at one medium (ie painting or pencil) then you will really test yourself ot learn the tricks of tattooing. It take a lot of time and practice. It is not like paper where you can just rip it up and start over either. You need to have well planned pieces and execute them in a timely manner and keep it clean. The more artistic ability you have the better off you will be. Art is subjective though, so what one guy thinks is good – another might think is not.

I will hit on the machines, apprenticeship, and other stuff in a later blog. I do go into a lo tof this stuff in my book Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo, in a no B.S. way that will help you get the un-sugar coated truth about what it takes and how you should go about becoming a tattoo professional. (Not just another tattooer who traces flash all day)

C.R. Jordan's First Blog

So, Yolanda has pressured me into doing this... I am going to dedicate 10 minutes a day and jot down my thoughts related to tattoo. I am stuck in the middle east for the next 8 months or so, and I can't really tattoo. I am working on the new book tentatively titled "Advanced Tattoo Apprenticeship Techniques" the follow up to the Tattoo Beginner guide: "Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo: Apprentice Tattoo Basics" which seems to be picking up. We will see how long this blog will last, but I would like to share a lot of my plans for the Teach Me To Tattoo website and video tutorial database for its members. We have not forgotten about it - Just got side tracked with the economy the way it is and I had to go back to working my day job (which happens to be fighting crime in the Middle East). More to follow...