Apprenticeship inspiration for those looking?

So, for as long as I can remember, I've wanted to do a couple of things in life. Draw, write, make video games, play music... Anything where I get to express myself creatively. This includes, of course... tattooing. I've wanted to be a tattoo artist for quite awhile, but only recently have I actually gone around asking about it, talking to friends, family, about the career. I've been set up with an apprenticeship possibility at a local shop for $2k. I've heard a lot of bad things about the shop/owner, and as far as I've been told I'd only be put on his lisence/allowed to work under him. Can anyone tell me if this is a good deal, or...? I'd much rather be able to work under anyone, or myself, eventually, with maybe a binding contract stating I will work under only him for the next two years, etc. *Shrugs* In any event, as skeptical as I am about the setup, another friend is going to go into negotiations for me about an apprenticeship in a couple local shops. He's good friends with two tattooists in the area (one who owns a shop and co-owns another, and then the owner of a third shop), and might be able to find me an apprenticeship in the fine arts of tattooing/piercing. Basically, as pointless as this seems to be at the moment, I'm posting it as, a) an update/introduction, ie... I'm hoping to enter into apprenticeship soon, and "Hello TattooNOW, I'm new here :)" b) inspiration for anyone looking for an apprenticeship... Talk about your goals and amibitions, let people know you're wanting to be a tattoo artist, show your work to everyone, carry around a sketchbook/portfolio wherever you go. You never know where you might find people with connections. Go into shops randomly, talk to the artists, show them your stuff. You never know... The two friends who were helping set me up were coworkers at my current job (Weld shop)-- Good luck and have fun. If I managed to find someone willing to help me... Anyone can

Sounds as if you've already answered your question about the artist you have heard "bad things" about...If you have any doubt whatsoever SIGN NOTHING!!!!! Find a mentor that you are comfortable with. Now I realise that you cannot listen to every rumor you have heard about someone...my god the off the wall made up crap I have heard about me amd my shops would fill a book!!...And none of it even approaches reality....Rumors abound usually manufactured by someone who harbors a grudge or more often is jealous...nevertheless be careful, keep your eyes open and do your homework about the mentor...it could pay off...TAz

So, another friend of mine (an ex teacher, and current co-conspirator behind a website/webzine with me) has been friends with one of the two (the one who owns two shops) who my coworker is talking to... And, well, he knows the other guy, but... let's just say, they're not on the best of terms. I'm hoping all my connections help me get into there... And then it's up to me, my artwork, and ambition, to sell myself.

Hey there :) You are a few steps beyond where I'm at :) Let us know how it works out! -Saiyge