Ethics Question

I was wondering if anyone could give some advice. I am currently apprenticing under a mentor who doesn't care about tattooing people's boyfriend/girlfriends names but I don't feel comfortable doing so. A lot of people come here to get a name done on their neck where it's very visible and almost impossible to cover up after they break up. I've expressed my feelings to my mentor but all he cares about is the money.

One of my co-workers once said: "I came into this industry with a lot more artisic integrity than I have now". You have apparently talked to your mentor about this and they've given their point of view. Instead of going on with the tired old statements: "it's not your body", "you can't take morals to the bank" or "fuck 'em"- I guess the real question you should ask is if you would be able to find another apprenticeship And one where you won't be forced to do these things at that. Not to say these apprenticeships are few and far between but... Other things you can do: Work on your 'salesmen skills'- try and talk the customers into other tattoos- hell even the kanji for 'love' would be better than the significant other's name. Try drawing the name up with your non-dominant hand and then draw a suh-weet heart or rose. Get the person who you would be tattooing on away from the other person and ask them if there are other things they want to do. Once you talk to people seperately, often times their minds change, that person isn't as gun-ho and are willing to talk about other ideas. Also make a joke about it- like, "So you'll come back to me for the cover up right?". Try not to come off as 'all high and mighty' or that their ideas are 'bad'- that may make them feel cornered and more likely to get the name or just leave. When all is said and done if they still go for the name at least you gave them options. People often forget that being a sound businessman and salesman are key components to being a successful tattoo artist.