Self taught tattooers..... HUMMM..... I can list a few people that I know, personally and professionally, that started on their own, in their houses.... and I know a few of those guys tattooed Richard out of their houses.... But they aren't typical examples of "self taught", they essentially hooked up with very well known and respected tattooers, who took them under their respective wing... and smoothed out their roughness and broke their bad habits...
Ehh, to each their own...
And this folks is why it's important to buy from supply houses that actually check credentials...
Trevino, Degan, Deutsch .... just a few.