apprenticeship-philly/nj/surrounding areas

I took some drawing classes in college and am into painting murals. I have a decent job but have always admired tattoo artists. Are there any shops near Philly willing to try out an apprentice? I have a portfolio and sketch books that I can show upon request. I am willing to travel to learn. I could buy a machine and start out of my house but I want to learn the right way from a professional. I have no problem doing grunt work as long as I'm being taught properly. If you can give me a shot or know someone who can, let me know. I really appreciate it. Thanks, Gina

I would go to alot of shops in NJ,and PA,and ask if their taking on any apprentices..You may have a better shot getting work from an owner who has a few shop's..And alot of it is how well you click with the owner..i know of someone who got an apprenticeship not because he was a good artist,but because the owner liked him as a person,and the guy doesn't mind doing the small flash pieces off the wall..The owner told me he turned down some people who were better artists then this guy,because they wanted to do only custom work...You have to earn your way into doing the bigger custom work...I see alot of tattooers who can draw,and paint real well,but their tattooing is mediocre,because they never get the technical side of tattooing down..Some shops to check out.. marcstattooing.com immortalink.com wizardsworldoftattoos.com integrity-tattoo.com myspace.com/asburytattoos and their sister shop;; neptunetattoo.com Kadillac Tattoo@ 6722 Rising Sun Ave.215.342-4062 Is a street shop,that has real nice flash,and they also do custom work too.. scottbakosstattoos.com works at the shop..