Starter Set Up Qs (with a healthy dose of common sense)

I know there are a ton of noobs posting questions about pros/cons of cheap starter kits that quickly get flamed for their lack of direction, but haven't seen quite the answers I've been looking for, so I thought I'd risk my own first noob post. First of all, I'd like to state that in no way do I think it possible to get a great handle on the this profession without an apprenticeship. However, I'd mostly like to learn the basics on my own for myself- as something I've always wanted to try but never followed through on. I have no intention of running out and trying to tattoo friends or make a profit. I'd like to practice on a ton of fake skins, maybe eventually touch up a tattoo of my own, and if it's something I end up wildly passionate about, pursue it then. (In the meantime, as a makeup artist, I'm pretty good with sticking to body painting and airbrushing, lol) However, if I'm going to try my hand at it, I don't want a cheap shyte starter set (as appealing as it may be- hey, fake skin doesn't scar! lol) but it would be a) embarrassed to even admit to owning, and b) a waste as I may need to replace it all eventually anyway, not to mention repairs on cheap manufacturing along the way. So the question- are there any higher end brands that sell anything like a starter kit? (Though I'm guessing few, if any, if my own googling skills are anything to go by) I'd like to get a set up with a couple of decent tattoo machines, power supply, foot switch, needles, etc. I'll buy separately if I have to if it means avoiding the crap $150 starter kits, but thought I'd put forth this question to those in the know. Thanks!!

I suggest that instead of going out and buying a higher end "tattoo kit" get together with a tattoo artist first and see if you want to even do this. Why spend all the money on fake skin, inks, machines, etc if you aren't even sure you WANT to do this??? In all honesty this is not a "hobby" where you go out and buy some stuff, practice and then try to see if it is for you...it either is or it isnt. I am not going to preach to you- I am sure you get where I am going with it...but I WILL answer your initial question---> what kind of kit. To learn how to tattoo you will spend thousands...on product, and this is not adding fat to that comment. Oh and get ready to buy MORE stuff after you buy your first things---because when you don't know anything or how to use anything you will end up buying the wrong stuff anyways and have to go out and buy MORE stuff. There is NO KIT in the world or by ANYONE that have EVERYTHING you need to make a go of it---and the pro sellers such as Tommy's ( LOVE YOU GUYS) have a kit there that is in the 8-900.00 range and even THAT kit is at its most modestly outfitted with what you will need. Seriously...get an apprenticeship. You will learn SO much...and save money in the long run.

lol trust me, I'd love to get an apprenticeship. But considering I'm a single mom and work a 9 - 5 office job, it's just not a possibility. The only time I have to work on this is like after 8pm when the little one is in bed. However, that said, it doesn't mean I would like to learn the basics any less.

I completely understand...my kids are older but I remember dealing with little ones, it definately isn't easy! I have a suggestion though that could help you out some-when it comes to getting an apprenticeship. If you can find someone who tattoos in a shop and is willing to teach you on a more casual way-say maybe just on the weekends or when you have a some time it is a great way to learn. I currently have someone learning this way and right now they are in the "homework" stage of drawing their ass off and showing me their progress, I meet with them on the weekends sometimes in between clients and spend some time with them helping them draw, study color and shades etc. It is a longer apprenticeship to be sure, but so far it has worked well for me. It is just a suggestion, but one worth trying. Whether or not they will ask you to pay them I do not know-I personally never charged for this. I may be the exception I don't know-but I find doing it this way works best for me because it allows my apprentices the time they need to be with their families and careers, and also if they are not interested or find it isn't "their thing" it takes maybe about 1 month or over for them to get the "tattoo glitter" out of their eyes and see what it really is to tattoo. Hope this helps---