TATTOOS: Should you let an apprentice ink you?

So we know the reasons not to visit a scratcher, but you don't have to find a tattooist with 10 years experience to get an amazing tattoo.

All tattooists have to start somewhere. Yes many in the industry probably did start in their kitchens,  because if they are old school enough, it was the only way in. 

However these days, the best way in is through an apprenticeship.

Thankfully with the help of Instagram, these lesser known individuals are to grow their own customer base and fans. And their talent is really something to watch out for.

Some of my favourite tattoos have been done by apprentices, or artists who have just finished apprenticeships. Saranna was an apprentice when I met her and she did this butterfly on me. And I was so happy with her work, she is currently working on my left lower arm sleeve.

Apprentices tend to charge slightly lower rates,  and will spend more time with you whilst they refine their technique, learn new skills and increase their speed and confidence.  None of this takes away from their natural talent. It can take several sessions to complete your tattoo, where normally it wouldn't/ For instance, my butterfly took two sessions totally around 3.5 hours, but Saranna was very new to tattooing - and I'm still over the moon with how bright and beautiful it still looks. 

Many apprentices start out by selling prints to get their name and art out there. Followed by flash sheets and some willing volunteers. If you're happy to sit a little longer, to get a real bargain, it can be a fabulous way to add to your tattoo collection from a budding tattooist. It can take over a year to complete an apprenticeship as a tattooist, so there's a lot of development (some would argue that you never stop learning or developing, but that's a philosophical discussion for another time).

My advice: keep an eye out for new talent,  based in a studio, with other talent. Any apprentice will be being mentored by someone,  so a good teacher will create a good student. 

Remember,  everyone has to start at the bottom.

Have you or would you get inked by an apprentice? 

Who are your current favourite apprentices?

TATTOOS: Why you should never visit a scratcher?

It's a subject that causes huge debate within the tattoo industry and makes the news on a near monthly basis. The debate of the scratcher.

A scratcher according to Urban Dictionary is:

"An untalented tattoo artist. A tattoo artist who scratches up your skin rather than applying a clean smooth looking tattoo."

TATTOOS: Reasons not to have a tattoo

This might seem like an unusual topic for this blog, but it's actually really relevant.
Yes, I have many tattoos, and I will get more. 

The are so many reasons to get a tattoo; in memory of someone, some time,  some place; because it represents you, your loved ones, your life; or because you love the design, theme, ethos. 

And I probably have a tattoo for each one of those reasons.

But there are also so many reasons not to go ahead with a tattoo.

First there is the technical and logistical aspects. Is the studio safe, healthy and hygienic.  If you have any doubts to any of those, DO NOT HAVE YOUR TATTOO.  At least not in that studio.  Walk away. Nothing is more important in tattooing than your health and safety.

Then there is the tattooist themselves.  Do you trust them? At the end of the day, your tattoo is coming from their hands. Will they give you the design you want? If you're not 100% happy with your tattooist, then you need to find someone who you are happy with. Tattoos are a true test of trust. They're work is going to be displayed on your body for the rest of your life.

TATTOOS: First Tattoo: Tips on breaking your tattoo cherry.

So as you may have seen I've been on a tattoo collecting mission over the past few days so I thought I'd share my tips and advice on getting that first tattoo.

Since the age of 18 I have had my fair share of tattoo studio encounters, and although the rules will vary from studio to studio, and you should always discuss any concerns with them specifically,  this guide should see you through your first tattoo, and ease a little of the nervousness, keeping you prepared and happy.

My first tattoo was on my 18th birthday at a local studio, Woody's Tattoo Studio in High Wycombe, Bucks. I had a swirly black 'R' on my ankle that I designed myself. I literally walked in, booked an appointment for later that day, and had it done. The studio sang Happy Birthday to me as well. To be honest, it was a fabulous start to my tattoo journey. 

TATTOOS: Does your tattoo have to have meaning?

Instagram has brought me a new topic to discuss.
This time it was this graphic. It resonates with me a lot. 

I have some tattoos that mean a lot to me. 

The rose on my foot means the world to me. I had it done in memory of my grandad, on the 10 year anniversary of his death. My mum places three white roses and one red rose where his ashes are scattered.  The three to represent myself and my two sisters  and the red for her, his daughter. So my rose on my foot reminds me of him everyday, and to live life to the fullest as he was taken from us too soon.