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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

422 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on May 23, 2014

Best Rated

Hi, I live in CA and my mom, older sister and I all want to get matching tattoos. I'm 15 and my sister is 17, do you know of any places in Arizona that will do us even though we are underage

Asked by ekpaine about 12 years ago

The laws in Arizona state that a tattoo artist can tattoo a person as young as 14 with parental consent. Without parental consent, it's 18. Now, tattooing minors is completely up to the tattoo artist and/or shop, so even though the law states as young as 14 with parental consent, the shop and/or artist can rightfully refuse to tattoo a minor, even with parental consent. I'd just call around and ask shops what their policies are (after checking portfolios, of course, and finding one that you like based on portfolios and cleanliness of shop).

Is it common for artists to tattoo the artwork of another artist? For instance, if there was an artist overseas who's work I admire, could I have a local artist tattoo it on me? Or is that tacky/disrespectful?

Asked by --- about 12 years ago

Honestly, I have no idea. If it's the work of an artist- like painter, sculptor, etc, then I don't think a tattoo artist would have a problem with it. But, if it's the work of another tattoo artist, then yes, that's tacky/disrespectful. Every tattoo artist has their own style, and they are making (or have made) a name for themselves based on that style. Having another person copy that style is disrespectful. If you admire the original tattoo artist's work that much, why would you want someone to do a reproduction on you? Wouldn't you want an original? There are always tattoo conventions in the US that overseas artists come to. That's an easy way to get tattooed by someone whose work you admire.

Is it tacky to get quotes tattooed all over your body?

Asked by ILoveInk93 almost 12 years ago

I have seen it done before. On some people, it works. My opinion, though, is that tattoos are for artwork, and words aren't really artwork. Instead of gettting words tattooed everywhere, why not have the quote turned into a piece of art that reminds you of it, instead of covering your body in words? I can almost guarantee you'll regret having your body covered in words down the road.

Can I send you pictures of what I want my tattoo to be and you draw it up for me and send it back?

Asked by Samantha almost 12 years ago

It's best for the person who will be doing your tattoo to be the one to draw it up. 

Im 17 years old an I want to be a tattoo artist an i'm from Dayton Ohio, I wanted to know were do I start?like how do I even get into an apprenticeship

Asked by savon almost 12 years ago

You'd have to talk to tattoo shops in your area. You may have a problem finding an apprenticeship until you are 18, though, so I'd start drawing and build up an art portfolio until you turn 18.

I got a black light tattoo 1 and a half ago but the ink doesn't show up any more (as if I never got to thing). What happened? It cost me 200 bucks should ask for a small refund???

Asked by Mike over 11 years ago

UV ink doesn't stick around at all, but costs an arm and a leg. It's a way for tattoo artists to make a quick buck, and then continue to make a quick buck because it fades so quickly. I doubt you'll get a refund, and my advice is to forget about UV ink.

I wanted to extend my tattoo, but 2 tattoo artists so far have already refused to "work on other's work". Is that an ethical code or something? Does this mean I must always go back to the same artist even if I don't like his style or attitude?

Asked by Christine over 11 years ago

It depends on the tattoo artist. Maybe explain to them why you don't want to return to the other person. That would probably help more.