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Yeh that would be great for the industry. Pretty much everyone that thinks he can draw will become a tattooist, and since there will be like 400 shops in every town u can start to make ur tattoos for like 10$. You are right. that would really be a huuuuuuge step forward. and u know why tattoo artists hate scratchers? they made a huge sacrifice to learn this art, we learned in shops for 2-5 years without getting any money, we had to be in the shop for 8 hours and then go ahead and do another job so we can make our living. and now there are people like you, you bought a kit from ebay, i guess it was like 50$. you try to make 2 straight lines on pig skin and then go ahead and tell all your friends that you're now able to make them a kick-ass tattoo for only half the price. i hope you get my drift why we hate scratchers!

A lot of us started in their kitchen or anything but sooner or later we all went trough the shop life. If you are really good you dont need anyone to teach you. You can always teach yourself. But only if ou have the guts to make it far enough. once a scratcher always a scratcher



Sry for my awful english

^^^im confused...you're saying that anyone who learned on there own and then went to a shop will all ways be a scratcher? that shit doesn't make sence...im pretty sure i remember reading mike d underwent an apprenticeship then build a studio behind his pad and tatted there for 4 years...he too is self taught...so are you saying mike d is a scratcher? please clarify because I'm not really understanding what you're trying to say.....

Anyways in reply to the original post, no not everyone who can draw or think they can draw should tattoo, and buying crappy supplies from ebay is a terrible idea, shit will break down on you then you're f***ed. You should go hang around your local shop get to know people get more tats and ask questions, "build a relationship" then ask about how you can go about getting an apprenticeship, showcase your art in a portfolio and if you are good enough someone will take you under there wing...but remember there are a lot of people who i guess would rather you be unsafe then answer your question on how to be sanitary...but i would recommend you try the above mentioned method it worked for me it can work for you if you really want it bad enough and are willing to dedicate your life to it not just an hour a day or a couple times a week...
good luck friend
Dave

Patrick
I think that most artists established for 10 years or more resent the fact you can now just go and buy a kit and get a start without any outside help as they all did it a harder way. Also if you are in a trade that takes years of learning just to get it half right, that thinking that you can get into the industry with a how to video and a $100.00 chinese kit to many established artists is very disrespectful to the profession.
We all started somehow and I personally don't care, cheap kits serve the function of sorting out those that are serious and those that are "scratchers" the down side is the thousands of crap tattoos out there made by kit cowboys before they figure out they can't do it, starting with a mentor generally eliminates that problem.

i think the artists who learnt the "hard" way are only resentful because "scratchers" did it the easy way, now if the easy way works and you get all the right knowledge, why the hell not? now in my opinion my first statement only applies to some of the artists out there so its not a blanket statement. this happens in every industry some one always comes round and offers the job cheaper, this si really the be all and end all of it, now you the "artist" have to fight back with the quality of your work. Right, so im going to just say it how i see it now, you have the artists who learnt the "hard" way who's work just cant compare to the "scratcher", now this i can imagine, would probably seriously vex the particular artist in question, especially if they have been doing it for 10/20 years and then again you have the "scratcher" whos work is vulgar and just shouldn't be on skin... but having said all this, it then makes me think, that because the so called "flood gates" have now been open, its leaving established "artists" out side of their comfort zone because they now need to step up their game as there are now "artsits/scratchers" out there pushing the boundaries and producing work superior to their own, this is where i think the hatred mainly lays and like every argument there is a counter argument and there are artists who welcome the challenge and in turn embrace it. Having said that, i think the term scratcher is slung around too losely. when i was apprenticing i had another job and with that money i bought a lot of tattoo equipment, i mean everything from machines to autoclave, i made my room a mock studio, what i learnt in the shop i practised at home and continued to do so, did doing that make me a scratcher??? dont know and i dont really care as although not up to par with some artists who i look up too my work is better then some long in the tooth artists in my area but regardless, i focus on me, just me and couldn't give a rats @rse what joe down the street is doing unless i can constructively learn from them. the way i see it, some one who has no back ground knowledge in tattooing and puts ink to skin in an unhygienic manor and produces atrocious work will soon fizzle out, people arent stupid and those that are and continue to return to that particular person, well more the fool them. guys you need to chill out on scratcher this, scratcher that, seriously??? and for the guys buying cheap equipment because they are cheap or if thats all they can afford, well let them learn the hard way

the same as life is, its all a learning curve and you just got to deal the cards you get dealt, stop worry what other people have and just enjoy what your doing, it all comes out in the end

Didn't ment to confuse you dave. As I said, my english is horrible, it doesn't read like it sounds in my head if you know what I mean xD

I'm trying to say that you have to make the step and learn in a shop, doesn't matter if you tattooed in your kitchen for 5 years, you still gota go ahead and take an apprenticeship. Even if its only for a short time to learn how to talk to the customers, hygenic part etc.
And hell no, im not calling mike a scratcher!
People like mike are rare, tattooing in his garage gave him the experience he needs. He just kept his head in the game and is now one of the best. Why should he be a scratcher?

In my opinion people that buy a cheap ebay kit and just go ahead to destroy peoples skin are scratchers. They will never make it out of their kitchen/basement because they will never make the necessary step and learn about hygenic and all the other stuff....




And reading this again it is even confusing myself... I should've spent more time on my english homework back in my school days ;)

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Hey guys,

Here was something I posted a while back on this topic of scratchers vs apprenticeships. perhaps, my opinion can add a different view on the topic.

"""first thing I would like to do is try and put to rest the controversy covering apprenticeship and learning on your own.

there are 3 types of tattoo artist:

1. SCRATCHER---

this is someone who watches a tv show and says to themselves, "yup I can do that", they go to ebay and buy a tattoo kit and immediately begin tattooing their family and friends without any disregard for the health and safety of these individuals, they have no interest in learning and only do it cause they think its cool. they are "self taught" by using the "OOPS, I BETTER NOT DO IT THAT WAY AGAIN", method of learning.....

2. professionally trained tattoo artist who have completed an apprenticeship---

this is someone that knew right from the beginning what it takes to be a professional artist, so they work their ass off to get their art skills to a level that they feel would give them a better chance at being accepted as an apprentice.and are willing to endure whatever hazing, or hoops they feel they need to jump through in order to "earn the respect" of their mentor in order to maintain and keep a hold of a tradition that has been going on n this industry for many many years...

3. self taught professional tattoo artist---

these are people who have tried and failed to get an apprenticeship, and thus sought out all the information they needed to become a professional and safe artist who takes a little longer to earn the respect of those artist that have done a proper apprenticeship. this includes going to seminars, purchasing all the information/books/dvd they can, and taking the time to get tattooed by real professionals. these people are "self educated", in that they spend an inordinate amount of time and money to seek out information from other well respected professionals in order to get to the level of being a talented and "respected" artist...

hope my view on the topic can separate the difference between a scratcher and a "self educated" artist..

take care...

Stephen Stacey

Superman is 100% right with that post. It's not the artist that learns on their own and respects the art that are the real scratchers; it's the ones who have no respect and no real desire to learn the right way; and don't care about being clean and safe.( like taking a course in bloodborne pathogens or even buying some books or videos on the subject)

Patrick,

I guess the problem lie in that many people who teach themselves disregard even some basic sanitary practices. Check out http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/publichealth/envhealth/inspection_orders/salons_spas_tattooing.htm#top and look at the "Health Inspection Orders" for closures of people tattooing out of their homes in many cases. Each notice details what the issues were, things such as (taken from a range of the documents):

"No biological monitoring performed on sterilizer"

"The tattoo service is being done on the kitchen table in the kitchen of the home and is therefore not adequately separated from other activities in the home."

"The tattoo service area is carpeted."

"The bleach water solution used as a disinfectant measured at 0 parts per million (ppm)."

The list goes on and on. While you hope that, "scratchers are tattooing responsibility & safely," I would say that the vast majority are not.

Now with that being said, how hard are you trying to get an apprenticeship? I know a couple people right now that are looking for the right person to apprentice in the area which you live right now. Honestly if you have the talent, and haven't knocked on the door of every studio you might not be trying hard enough.

yep agree with Superman,usually do cause he makes sense.Everyone starts somewhere.Apprenticeships are hard to find but worth it for the knowledge and respect alone.Personally have no problem with helping some people into the industry,have done many times before,some worked out,some not,some shit on us,some not,but their always gotta be the right person to start with.They gotta have a good work history, with references,work ethic,soberish lifestyle,proper porfolio,good tool skills,hygiene skills,personal hygiene skills and a source of income to purchase good Tradesmen tools,start with good gear first,Ebay or Trade Me here are just money makers for unscrupulous traders but sort the men from the boys.Gotta have respect for the industry and the history makers in it.If your prepared to invest your probably in it for the right reasons.This job feeds us,pays our mortgage,lets me travel to exotic places and meet some characters,all fun but takes time and long hours to get there.All my apprentices are of mature age and lifestyle,usually settled down with a family and with some financial backing or working partner,makes it less stressfull not to be the breadwinner to start with.Self taught myself,I know how long it takes without the right tutition,have been lucky to meet the right people along the way,we never had C.D's or books,just long hours drawing,copying,tattooing pigskin and the good friends and family who had trust.For the right person with the right skills,you will get there,takes time,thats all.No reality shows back then,just reality,work to pay the bills and along the way you meet amazing people from all walks of life and cultures,if your not serious,dont bother,cheers Dave.

hey there! i completely understand but im one of thosse who bought their first kit on ebay and i dont thinkim a scratcher, im a self taught but i really think that it depends
on what it takes to you to be a good artist..

I have two $30 bucks machines and like 35 colors half intenze and half eternal and i now people who has complete
color sets, $700 buck machnes but they print their works from internet as it was a good thing, but i draw every work
i spend hours and hours watching Mike D´s dvds and reading art books i have 3 years of aprendiceship and it has being dificult for me..i hould love to have tattoo machines like u guys but i charge $4,000 (local money) for a portrait thats like $120 bucks then someone tell me how tel f&/% i wont buy on ebay!

Save your money and buy it later. I had to lend the machines of my master because i had to save all my money. and after a year I was able to afford a good machine for around 500$ and I still use it. Its always worth the money

Keep in mind that tattoo products can be bought from just about any supply company because they never check the information that is submitted with the application. So this idea of people mainly buying machines and products off Ebay is fasle.
In the end, what ever is gonna get an indvidual to the next level of their goal is the proper step to take

well, i come from the ranks of scratchers and i thought i was being sanitary. as soon as i took a couple bbp courses i realized what an inconsiderate fuck i was by doing this from home (and immediately stopped). now i do consider the health implications paramount in this discussion, but there is so much i have had to or will have to learn the hard way..an apprenticeship, to a talented artist/teacher, is worth its weight in gold, in my opinion. the main thing to remember here is that if you say you want to be a tattoo artist.. then take the bbp courses first. they should help you understand that you cannot do this from your house in a sanitary fashion.. detached garage with hot water and facilities?.. maybe, but not on 500 bucks and e-bay.
either way you can expect to make a substantial investment.

apparently most of you don't know what the f*** the definition of a scratcher its all I'm going to say is look it up and most of you probably have not done a tattoo in your life

Like everything else int the would its all about money ! No matter what you're told it all comes down to money .

Quick hit on suppliers not checking on who they sell to,I won't mention his name but a uber famous artist who works from home hint hint sells books an DVDs I tried to order from him twice an got refused because I get my supplies sent to my house instead of the shop or my private studio it's a pain but I can deal with it.

Here's my two cents. I consider tattooing a legitimate profession, and its a profession where you have the opportunity to really fuck up someones skin and overall health if you don't know what you're doing. Superman is completely right in defining that there are "scratchers" and self taught artists. Scratchers will think "I can draw ok" and think its cool to tattoo all their friends and get a kit and start doing it with no training. Its not just disrespectful to the clients who are wanting quality artwork and getting shit, but its dangerous as well. Would you go to your buddys basement for a surgery because he got some tools and watched some youtube videos? Anyone whos been tattooing professionally will tell you that its a huge investment in your time and life, and if you're not prepared to make that kind of investment then this isn't something to be done half-assed as a hobby because its permanent.

Y'all keep blabbering on about how scratchers (without defining the difference between them and self-taught artists) have taken the easy path. Are you retarded? What the fuck is easy about teaching yourself? NOTHING. That's what. It requires waaaayyyy more time and energy than being taught by someone. The easiest path is having someone to confer their knowledge to you - which is called an apprenticeship. Stop talking shit.

I have seen alot of self taught tattoo artists who are good they probly didnt start out that way but thats life. i no because im one of them and my goal is to get really good to the point where no one would give a shit if i was anyway because once your good your good. nobody cares as long as they get a good tattoo. and just because you tattoo from home doesn't mean you cant have hygiene standards but some will always fuck it for everyone else