Tattoo Artist

Tattoo Artist

Tatted Mom

Tucson, AZ

Female, 32

I'm a tattoo artist who underwent a standard apprenticeship under a certified tattoo artist. I am an artist first, tattooer second, which means I put creativity and art into my tattoos, not just the 'you pick it, we stick it' type of tattooer. Apprenticeships for tattooing vary by state, according to the laws. I'm also a trained body piercer, as well. Any questions about the job or apprenticing, I'd be happy to help!

PLEASE NOTE: I will NOT price tattoos. Seek a shop for that.

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Last Answer on May 23, 2014

Best Rated

I just got a tattoo on Friday.
I put the A+D ointment on it every 2-3 hours, but I've noticed that every time I put the creme on, the scabs just come off. Is this normal? The ink also rolls into balls and falls off. It's sort of scaring me

Asked by xRainbowMuffinzx about 11 years ago

A+D ointment should only be used for the first 2-3 days after the tattoo. After that, white unscented lotion is best.

As long as you aren't pulling on the scabs or skin itself, it's fine- the inked skin will exfoliate off, and yes, when it first happens, you do freak out, lol.

I'm designing a tattoo for a friend. Do I need to just draw it and leave it unshaded or can I shade it?

Asked by Lacey about 11 years ago

Either will work. If I were you, I'd give a completed drawing to your friend, shading and all, so they have the full reference to take to a tattoo artist. Just keep in mind, though, that the artist will more than likely change some things, to make it more tattooable or to add their own flair to it.

Ive been seeking an apprenticeship for about a year and a half. Its extremely hard to find. I read into a 3 month tattoo 'school'. I am asking if it would rewin my chances of getting hired, or getting an apprenticeship. What do you think?

Asked by ryan about 11 years ago

Tattoo "schools" are a joke, in my opinion. They may help you learn the fundamentals, which may make it easier to get an apprenticeship, but I wouldn't count on it. Then, you could have wasted all that money on the school for no reason.

What are your thoughts on getting a tattoo at a tatt convention? (With an international with a good on line portfolio but I cant check any reviews) looking at a sleeve.

Asked by AJ about 11 years ago

Tattoo conventions are a great place to get a tattoo from international artists. I definitely recommend it. Just keep in mind that their wait list can be extraordinary for tattoo conventions. I've seen international artists book up a year in advance. So, figure out which convention, and contact them immediately.

I am having five words tattooed along my forearm. fineline, very simple font, like handwriting. I have been booked in for two hours for this. In what world does it take two hours to tattoo five very simple words? Thanks.

Asked by becky69 about 11 years ago

That's from start to finish, including stenciling, actual tattooing time and clean up. Sounds like your tattoo artist just wants to make sure they don't have to rush before their next appointment.

Hi, I recently went into a tattoo shop for an interview for an apprenticeship. My question is if I do not have any tattoos on my person would that affect them choosing me? I know how to paint/draw really well is that enough or do I need to be inked?

Asked by inquiring artist about 11 years ago

That would completely depend on the artist or shop where you want to apprentice. Some artists feel that you shouldn't be a tattoo artist if you have never even gotten a tattoo; it shows slight disrespect for the art form that you'll do it, but won't have it done to you. Some shops or artists won't care. Many tattoo artists get started in tattooing because of their love of body art; if you have none, you need to ask yourself why you want to be a tattoo artist.

I'm going to get a half sleeve done of a scroll with a map of the world on the scroll.I am going to mark everywhere I've been in the world and continue adding as I travel.I want the continents a solid color, but will that cause trouble for the marks?

Asked by James over 11 years ago

If the continents are a light color and the marks are dark, then you should be fine. In fact, I'd probably do the marks in black just in case. Keep in mind, though, that you don't want to fit too much detail into a small space, because over time the ink will expand under the skin. While your idea sounds awesome, I would worry a little about fitting all of that into a half sleeve. Maybe consider making it a back piece? If you are determined to make it a half sleeve, just keep it simple so it holds its purpose over the years.