Industry Jobs

Hello All, I am currently looking to make a career change and would love to do something within the tattoo industry, but I am not sure what opportunities are out there. I am not a gifted artist, so tattooing is out, which really sucks! I've got a few different degrees and can do and have done many things. Any thoughts of places to look?? Thanks!

What do you like to do, and how would it help tattoo artists?

I am willing to do just about anything at this point. I'm not necessarily looking to do something that relates directly with the artists or shops, just looking to see what opportunities may be out there that are somewhat related to the industry. I haven't had any more interaction with the industry then what you can find in a shop...magazines, flash, artists, etc. Not sure what else is out there and how to go about finding something...

i'm in the same boat. i'd like to start making ink OR selling pigments but not sure what the market is for that sort of stuff or even where to start. i'm already a chemist and i work for the governments largest weapons manufacturer so i know what i'm doing when mixing chemicals (i know there is only propylene glycol and glycerine in the mix, or so i've heard, and either of them aren't that bad). i know this is sort of vague but can anyone help me out a little or point me in the right direction here? any positive and honest feedback would be much appreciated. thanks

You know, at this point you have a lot of networking and advice getting and direction finding to do. I would suggest saving your pennies and being patient and getting tattooed by the bestest nicest smartest tattoo artists you can. Tell them what you do and see if they have any ideas about how you could help. Go to some conventions and talk about what you do to folks and see if theres a fit. It might take years and sleeve and backpieces before the right spark and combo of events works, and it might never, but getting tattooed and networking with the best artists you can is a matter of having the patience and the good ideas to get good tattoos.

thanks gabe. i appreciate your honest advice. also sounds reasonable as i do not expect success to happen over night.

No worries, who are you getting tattooed by? where abouts do you live/

i really dont go to one person just because i like being tattooed by different artists with different styles but so far i've been tattooed by don "mother fuckin" juan from philadelphia eddies (but that was when he was working out of olde city tattoos in philly), anthony riccardo when he was tattooing out of his shop in beach haven, nj, and steve tibari also tattooing out of olde city. for my next few pieces tho i want to go to either dan dimattia or thomas hooper for a black work sleeve and i'm def going to be stopping in to see chris o'donnell or kaz for a japanese sleeve. i live in the south jersey area. i do plan one day to get up to your shop as well. not trying to kiss your ass or anything but your shop is obviously worth the trip with the talent that you have moving through there constantly.