keepin’ it real
I appreciate all the asks I’ve been getting! However, I won’t be giving any advice about tattooing. That information should only be gained through a proper apprenticeship. I’m not trying to sound like an elitist douche, I’d just like to protect people from getting or doing bad tattoo work!
I’m more than happy to answer questions from the client perspective :)
Love and Peace
Anonymous asked: Hi, your artwork is awesome btw. I was just wondering what type of tattoo gun/brand and ink brand you recommend for a beginner tattooist. My girlfriend just started her apprenticeship, and her birthday is in like 6 weeks, I want to get her something she can feel inspired by since I hear the beginning of apprenticeships usually suck ass.
Hi there! Thanks so much :)
For a beginner, I wouldn’t get anything too fancy and expensive. I recommend talking to her boss and getting his/her advice. I’m sure they would appreciate that. They might even have some machines that they would sell you.
The beginning of an apprenticeship, especially a traditional one, is pretty brutal lol but it’ll make her tough!
Also, never ever call it a gun! It’s a tattoo machine :)
lisaillustration asked: Hey love, I was the last anon you answered :) I didn't realize I clicked the anon button but anyways. I actually have been selling my flash art to local tattoo shops for the past 3 years and custom tattoo sketches for 4 years. I definitely won't be a scratcher, but is there anyway to gain experience other than apprenticing? Perhaps pig skin, or fruit? or is that just as bad as a name for tattooing as a scratcher? I honestly just want to gain experience as much as possible, the right way.:)thanks
O hey! That’s awesome about your flash. You can totally tattoo oranges, pumpkins, pigs ears, and even fake human skin. However, I wouldn’t recommend even owning a machine unless you are going to have proper instruction. It might be too tempting…
I do have another suggestion, and that is to immerse yourself in the culture. Get some large pieces by reputable artists. You will learn a lot just by watching them work. I have clients that could probably pick up a machine and know what to do because they’ve been around it so much. I know that option is a pricy one, but lots of artists would be willing to make badass deals if you are getting extensive work, especially of their original art.
Peace and Love!
Anonymous asked: I can never stay in any city/state for more than a few months (military spouse) so I don't think there is any way for me to take on a tattoo apprenticeship. I don't want to become a scratcher either, but tattooing is something I have every intention in pursuing. Not because I love tattoo's but because I love art. I do every field of art and I plan on pursuing that with the next level of body art. What advice do you have for me? :) by the way I absolutely love your art.
Oh man, that’s tough! I’m happy to hear that you aren’t willing to become a scratcher, tho.
My advice would be to hone your art skills. Start drawing flash (designs meant for tattooing) as if it were for a client. There are some great communities online where you can get advice and inspiration. Deviantart.com is one of my favs. There is also a group on Facebook called Tattoo Fight Club. You’ll definitely get some cool ideas from that one.
Hope that helps! Love and peace :)
Anonymous asked: Hello. i just found your tumblr and fell inlove with your art work, im a girl myself and i have always wanted to be a tattoo artist, and i was wondering how did you learn to tattoo? :)
Hi! Thanks so much :3 I learned through an apprenticeship. I brought my art portfolio into Empire Ink (where I still work) and applied. In exchange for cleaning duties, customer service, etc., the artists here taught me how to tattoo. Most places charge quite a bit of money, so I was very lucky to get in at Empire. It was a lot of hard work but totally and completely worth it. If you’re interested in doing it, research shops in your area, find a really good one, go in with some of your art and talk to them about it.
Love and peace!
Between the Buried and Me “Astral Body” (OFFICIAL VIDEO) (by MetalBladeRecords)
