im trying to tattoo

Hello, i'm a young gurl that wants to start tattooing but i have no idea how to start off. From my knowledge i need to get a apprenticeship and stuff but i dont know where to go or how to go about this. Can anybody help me????????

usually one gets into the industry by going and getting tattoos and forming bonds with artists. without getting tattooed or going into shops you wont really see how the business works and if its even something thats for you. im not saying you should rush out and get tattooed but research a lot of local shops learn what good tattoos look like and go from there. also you might want to try to hit some tattoo conventions. its not an easy road and it can be long and hard with a lot of dead ends but if you really want it it will happen. oh yeah and build a great portfolio of artwork to show you have some talent in an allready crowded field.

How old are you? Do you have a professional looking portfolio with your best art work in it?