Tryin to get started

Hey im a aspiring artist trying to learn the ropes of tattooing.I love and respect the art and those who perform it. I draw dark fantasy kinda like paul booth but i got my own style. I have tried tattoo shops in my area that i can get to easily for apprenticeships but no luck plus i can't swing the work 8 hours for no pay thing i got bills that need to be paid. So im just gonna buy a iron and practice on fake skin/pig ears.Just wondering if any one knows a good iron to startout with and any tips or resources that could help me. And no scratcher speeches please i have no intention of putting any work on anyone until i know it will be no less than fantastic.

This is the problem with tattooists - they give those who want to learn no chance of doing so and as such force them into a position where they have no other option other than to take things into their own hands and become self taught. Then they moan about "scratchers". But it's tattoo industries own fault that this happens due to a lack of instruction for beginners - the whole situation goes around and around and will never end until there's a more government control over tattooists. Believe me the day will come when they need to pass a formal apprenticeship - sooner or later that is inevitable. And, to be honest, makes sense. And please nobody even dare try to moan about scratchers - some of the world's best are self taught so that argument therefore clearly doesn't apply to everyone. Also you will find that some tattoo shop owners moan like crazy about the self taught tattooist, sorry "scratcher", but will still go on to advertise tattoo supplies on their website, which seems kind of hypocritical doesn't it? And yes, some suppliers do, and will, sell to non registered tattooists.