New and young guy here

[phickey]

Thought I'd introduce myself, I've been a long time lurker and decided to join to get advice and be able to talk with all the cool people here. I'm 21 and in Phoenix, az. I'm extremely in to tattooing and Cant get enough of it. Ill attach a couple of my most recent.

Mostly why I wanted to join here is I want to know what I need to find an apprenticeship? How do I go about getting into doing tattoos and art, I'm currently a auto tech student so I do have something to fall back on, I just feel like this is a passion of mine, considering I'm always looking at artists on the internet and watching interviews and reading. Where do I start?

[CultExciter]

8th bullet point down. But good luck with everything.

Tattoo Newbie Guidelines

[phickey]

Okay ignore that sorry. I meant more along the lines of if I want to start collecting and just general info on if I wanted to start painting or things like that not necessarly looking for how to find a apprenticeship. My bad.

[Tight-Lines]

I was hoping for a sexy Craigs list ad when I clicked on this. Ground control to major bummer.

[phickey]

Shit, thought I was on Craigslist when I posted this, sorry guys, ignore.

[phickey]

Anyone have any recommendations on books I should buy and stuff I should read and gain knowledge from?

[Lochlan]

welcome, have you used the search feature on the site for various topics that fascinate you? you should get some of the book stuff answered and if you want to see peoples opinions on here around apprenticeships/etc search as well

[phickey]

Looks like I found some pretty good book reccomendations like the Smith street one. Anyone in Phoenix that can make me familiar with the scene out here?

[hogg]

1) Go to Immaculate Tattoo in Mesa.

2) Get tattooed by everyone there, starting with Richard Stell (who's there for a few more days) and then by Aaron Coleman, Jay Cavna and Mando Rascon.

3) Soak up every moment of your experiences there.

4) Post pics here.

[phickey]

Is it pricey there? Do you know how long Richard Stell is there to?

I've got an appointment with Kevin Leary this Wednesday since he's moving to Chicago at the end of the month.

[Tight-Lines]

A good tattoo is worth the price. If Hogg is recommending it I suggest you check the shop out.

[phickey]

I know that, of course. I'm just trying to figure out how much to bring.

[CultExciter]

If you have the time, stop into the shop and chat about it. It'll make you more comfortable. But, if I had to postulate, bring three or four bills depending on the size. I'm assuming this is just a smaller one-point thing. That way you can overshoot, and have enough to tip like a champ.

[phickey]

Alright, cool. Mesa is kind of far, so I'd either have to call or test my luck to see if I could get a walk in. I did email richard, so hopefully he responds.

[CultExciter]

Yeah man, definitely get an appointment I'm planning a trip to fly out there myself. People travel far to get tattooed by those fellas.

[Joe Shit]

I was in Phoenix a few years ago,and there's plenty of good shops around.If your into traditional work then immaculate is one of the best.I also liked these tattooers.

Mikey@ Home

Meg@ Love and Hate - Tattoos and Body Piercing

Arizona Tattoo Artists, Traditional Tattoo Artists, Tribal Tattoo Artists

- Electric Haven Tattoo & Barber

Living Ghost Tattoo

5th Estate Tattoo : Gilbert Arizona

[phickey]

So guess who has an appointment with Richard Stell on Thursday:D

[phickey]

Later today ill have a full bodied tiger on my forearm thanks to Stell

[Hands On]

sweet! you DO know we're all expecting pics.

[hogg]

Later today ill have a full bodied tiger on my forearm thanks to Stell

That man does some of the best tigers in the biz. He's also full of great stories. Enjoy the ride, and yes, post pics!

[phickey]

Can't wait! Thank you Hogg for the reccomendation.

[phickey]

Here you guys go!

[kylegrey]

Tough Sson .

[phickey]

Since I don't want to make a new thread I thought id ask this here, I'm healing a couple tattoos right now and was wondering whats the best method of keeping healthy such as vitamins or anything else.

[Duffa]

@phickey - oh yeah, that's the stuff ;)