Secret society

I realize tattooing has been around for centuries, and it is truly an ancient art form, that is becoming quite readily acceptable. I also know there are a lot of folks that want to "jump in" and start tattooing, and that's NOT the way you do it. But my question is this, if you are a rookie to tattooing and you have questions, WHERE do you go to ask them? You can't always call up your artist to ask the proper angle to hold the machine, or how far the gap should be between the deck and the armature bar for a better liner/shader. Myself, yes, I bought a machine to teach myself the parts, terminolgy and how to even set it up, so I don't look like a fool asking about the "gun". No, I have NO INTENTION to actually use it on a real person, but I feel it important to have at least a clue as to what you're holding. And I purchased from Infinite Irons, not some Chinese piece of crap. My point is, we all have to start somewhere, and while tattooing may be some secret society among pro artists, remember you were all rookies at one point, so have SOME kind of compassion, some of us seriously want to learn.

I don't think it is a "secret society" although I can see how you would come to view it as such. This has been talked about on these boards over and over again...apprentices vs. self taughts, pro vs. scratchers and just as there is so many views there are also many different answers. There is a lot of information out there from people who feel strongly about sharing tips etc when it comes to tattooing-information on building machines, proper depth, bbps, everything you can imagine...but remember they are just tips-suggestions really that may or may not help you. I have found that what works for one person doesn't neccessarily work for me, and there is nothing wrong with that-but to be fair if you know someone who can give you personal tips and spend time with you as well it does help as well. Finding someone who is like that can be challenging to say the least-but not impossible. I think what the pros (or professional shops/studios) want to discourage is the person who maybe has two or three brain cells left in their head and figures out "hey-my buddy can hold a gun maybe I could do it too and make some drug/beer money" I have seen this tragedy more often as tattoos become popular, and terrible work is the normal result-not to mention the fact that they can seriously hurt or even kill someone with an infection or disease. I mean imagine your working in a shop and some young person comes in all bright eyed (usually from being high) asking you to teach them to tattoo because HEY they have talent! They actually may be artistically talented-but who in their right mind would take them on? I can't blame them for saying no...I would and have-to my own son-because it is a liability to take on someone who is not responsible even for themselves-let alone others. So- it isnt a secret society-it is more a society of people who are trying to protect others (meaning clients) from bad and dangerous work....not to say ALL of them are like that- some are just truly big donkey asses who are hung up on themesleves-but overall I have to say I have met some of the nicest people and who are willing to share as long as you show them one thing.... RESPECT.