Posted by
Superman on
01.26.15Canada
.
Hey man,
The tattoo industry has evolved and changed so much throughout the last 20 years, and it seems to double in transparency every year. It's not so much that these new artist are changing into bad people, but the reality is that once they get involved in it, Their expectations of what they think its suppose to be like, is not the reality of what they see on tv, or what they hear from other local artist that exaggerate how "awesome it is" because they don't want to admit their struggles and show weakness for their level of success in the craft. media and tv has had a profound effect on the up and coming artist these days and they fall into the fantasy idea of what it takes to make it in this business. the one factor that most artist over look is that what else is there to know if I am a great artist? In the beginning, they are so stoked to see their dreams come to a reality that they are filled with ambition, and ready to take on the world. it's the same as we see on the tv show, "american idol". every person that makes it through to hollywood on the first audition truly believes that they are going to win the whole show, by hollywood week, 1/2 are sent home,and they are completely devastated. it's not so much that they don't have talent, it's just that hollywood is a far as their talent will take them.
So for the tattoo industry. artist start out of the gate strong, but slowly they begin to get hit with the "normal" obstacles that they face when they begin their journey. you will get all kinds of different people out their that have a different view on what they "need to do", some will lose it when someone of a lesser talent, or a "non artist" criticizes their work. or they get a customer that request a tattoo out of their ability, and get upset that the customers won't settle for their suggestion. some can't take criticism from more talented artist. some fall into the shop bashing just to try and prove their worth. some don't see the real work it was going to take when they redesign the same tattoo 3 or 4 times before the customer is happy with it, and will get offended because they did not like their first one. so the reality is nothing is like what they've seen or heard from tv or other artist. the truth of the matter is, you can be an excellent artist, painter,sketch artist, etc, and completely suck at tattooing because you brain simply can get a grasp of the medium of skin as a canvas.
So with all that, let me help ease your "concerns". The truth is that you need to be concerned only for yourself. What other people think of you or anyone else is non of your business. ( sounds kinda rude to say ), but it's really true. if someone tell someone else that they don't like my tattoos, it's none of my business. if someone want to trash talk to others about me, that too is not my business or am I concerned about it. The real secret homie. Is that you need to treat others in such a way, that if someone spoke badly of you, no one would believe them. Everything you do in life, you have to expect the unexpected, that way if it happens, you will not be too disappointed, rather, you will be prepared for it. Expect the fact that people will want to take advantage of other. some may do it because they are just not a nice person and enjoy the damage it causes, some may do it because they don't want to show the shame of not being able to do it right, some have a need that they can't afford, other have enjoy the idea of getting away with things.some do it because they are insecure about themselves and this is how they deal with it.. it's just a mountain of personalities that should not affect how you as a person should treat this industry, and how you feel about how others in how they should treat the industry, is just your opinion and beliefs, pushing that onto others is not your job, instead you need to reenforce your values for yourself, and that will make you happy. being mad at how others treat the industry, and being angry at people taking advantage of others is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. make sense? It's not your job to save people, instead, try to be a positive influence to others. let your values be infectious to others. The joy that it will bring you will outweigh the concern you have for others.
Remember, everything you do for others will not always bring things back to you 100%. so if you want to help someone and expect something back, you are helping them for the wrong reason. If you truly want to feel the real joy of helping. Then try to help those that can't give you anything in return, this way you know what you are about to do, and those that can't give you anything in return will appreciate it more than those who may benefit enough to "pay you back" or "share where they got their help from". If you expect nothing in return, your intent is true and sincere. Just the simple act of kindness is enough to fill that void. Just a few day ago, I payed for a customers bill behind me while i was going through a coffee drive through. their bill was $42.00 and not the usual $2.00 but rather than change my mind, I decided that wondering what the look would be on that persons face was totally worth the "over budget" I expected to pay. and I had a smile on my face for about 2 days afterwards. I had to chill on doing that for a little while to make up for this thing I like to do from time to time. But for me, I decide how much joy I want in my life, and I never worry about what others can do for me, or why others don't share the same "values" that I do.
Just be yourself man. Don't sweat the small stuff. stay humble. love what you do. and those that matter will always be in your circle.
Take care,
Stephen Stacey
.png)
.png)