I've heard a number of 'experts' on tattoo forums recently telling amateur tattoo artists that they should not even contemplate picking up a tattoo machine unless they have an apprenticeship with an established artist. They say that you cannot yourself to tattoo, you have to be taught by a master.
I agree that the industry has more than enough poor tattooists, or scratchers, as they are often known. I also agree that tattooing comes with great responsibility, and should not be entered into lightly. However, some of the best tattoo artists of our time have been self taught, pushing their own personal limits to create works of art, which, in turn, raises the bar for other artists.
The tattoo above was done freehand by a young man who taught himself to tattoo whilst incarcerated in the Polish prison system, using home made machines and pen ink. Years of practice and sheer dedication to the art paid off; upon his release he opened his own studio and quickly became the most saught after tattoo artist in his area.
Next time you hear of an amateur tattoo artist who is new to the game, please think: Yes, he could be just another back-street scratcher, but he could just as easily become the next Louis Andrew or Mr Cartoon!
Think on.....
