I’ve considered this career path for years now, I’m 25 and still directionless in life, but my creative drive and need to be creative in my work is a driving force for me and all your points I really agree with. I’m definitely going to work on pursuing this. Fuck it.

@chillendw

Жыл бұрын

Good luck. Honestly, not sarcastically.

@hayleydove4043

Жыл бұрын

I'm the same dude, 26 and been thinking about this career since I was in school. My love for the art and my love for drawing just makes me want to get my teeth into the job and to learn and grow

@maenad1231

Жыл бұрын

Wishing you all the luck in the world on your new path!

@alexrangel4882

Жыл бұрын

yo I relate to your comment a lot despite me being only 17 I feel a lot of pressure to figure out what I want to do or who I have to be and that I have to be under some authority or control to have a "real" or "successful" job but I want to do whatever the fuck I want and have my art to show for it and leave my mark that way so I'm gonna do it and you should too!!!!

@eeee5705

Жыл бұрын

I'm in the same boat, i never thought of pursueing tattooing, until i got my first tattoo, which was a super huge tebori back tattoo. (not recommended as a first tattoo) i always drew, and being a tattoo artist definitely came to mind at times, before. but it never became something i really wanted to do. Oddly enough, getting my first tattoo really opened my eyes into the culture, and after a while of looking up infos and the history of tattooing, i am now hooked. it's never too late to learn!

Being a tattoo artist means you put your stamp on any project you work on, which is amazing because people will remember you thanks to what you've done on them

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO IVE WATCHED ON THIS TOPIC. you answered basically every concern that I had and even raised some points that I hadn't even considered. thank you bro, I needed this.

Two years into my tattoo journey. I've just done my first tattoo on a buddy after several stabs at fake skin. This video has given me exactly what I needed to hear not to give up and to double down on finding a mentorship. And practicing better self discipline! I'm grateful for your words of wisdom.

@makayla6068

5 ай бұрын

i've been tattooing a few months now and i've tatted more people than fake skins 😭😭 i have a friend who lets me just practice on her since she gave herself a bunch of stick and pokes.. and i've given a few to my cousin.. i used fake skins to start experiment w shading but my first tattoo w shading was on real skin 🙃 i feel fake skins are more difficult

Just turned 18 and getting my first tattoo, I've had an insane passion for art my whole life. The thought that the only way I could make a living as an artist was by working a corporate job was soul crushing. Then I was told I should become a tattoo artist and now I'm so excited about this career. Thank you for this video, everything about tattooing sounds like the best path for me. So excited to get into it!

I’m 16 and I’ve wanted to be an animator since I was like 5, but seeing how the animation industry (aka. Cartoon Network) has been going lately, I’ve been trying to think of other things I can do as my career and this really helped out a lot

I can confirm the first point you made. I am currently working as a freelance artist for animations studios, the main one being Aardman (the studio behind "Wallace and Gromit"), and I have pretty much decided to switch over to tattooing, for the exact reasons you mentioned.

I needed to see this video. It gave me so much clarity. I’ve been a creative since birth. Drawing, painting, photography, pottery, jewelry making, glasswork, etc - I’ve dabbled in a lot. Went to an art college. Got my degree in Interior Architecture bc I wanted to do something art related that guaranteed a paycheck. By the end of college I was feeling a heavy lack of motivation for the field. Got a job relating to it anyway, and convinced myself I was doing the right thing. I left after a year bc I wasn’t happy and wanted more freedom. I’ve always flirted with the idea of being a tattoo artist, but would never really dive into the idea. Now I am & this video helped me realize it’s what I need to be doing bc everything that was mentioned resonated with me completely so thank you 🫶🏻

@JamesWithee

10 ай бұрын

You’re welcome. One of my best friends did the same and was involved with architectural drafting and design before getting into tattooing. It wasn’t satisfying for him either. So he ditched it and became a tattooed. 12 years later now and he’s one of the best artists in my city. You can do it. Good luck!

@AriShroom

3 ай бұрын

I feel very similar to you! I reach out to every type of medium of art. Being a tattoo artist is something that runs in my head for awhile and I get mentions from my friends to go for it.

I'm a soon-to-be college dropout to pursue tattooing. It was my dream before college and it's my dream now. I did three semesters here as an art ed major and holy fuck I don't want to teach. I just want to create, and this career lets me do that and make consistent money after getting the clientele 1 month update: I dropped out officially, got a bunch of money out of nowhere. I'm working on my portfolio now and have three weeks before I start up a part-time job. In the meantime, I'm preparing for a trip to New Zealand for this March! A family friend offered me some work before I head back to work to make some extra money so I'll have an occupation outside just working on the portfolio and finding a place to apprentice

@catsandcats1092

Жыл бұрын

hey hows it going for you now?

@marchofthedragons4325

Жыл бұрын

@@catsandcats1092 Still looking for a place to apprentice, got caught up in my part time at a greenhouse. The trip to New Zealand is in a week now, I've got a tattoo appointment set up in Aukland soon where I'll ask for any advice. But I'm drawing almost everyday, and if I'm not drawing then I'm painting or working. Idk, life's good

@Goodsleepforever

Жыл бұрын

Teach yourself, I'm doing the same lol it is so hard trying to find an apprenticeship (T^T)

@marchofthedragons4325

Жыл бұрын

@@Goodsleepforever yeah I've been getting a lot of "great start, we don't have space" so I might just when I get back from vacation

I’m 15 actually, and thought I wanted to work with animals, which I do! But I’d prefer to volunteer. I’ve been designing my “future tattoos” since I was little, but didn’t really consider it a job option until we had to start talking about career paths in school and my sibling in law called my art “tattoo worthy” I’m also autistic and have a lot of issues with having to put on a mask and listen to authoritative figures, I also would prefer a flexible schedule that I can design myself! I’ve been obsessed with having tattoos for quite a while now, super excited to be 18 (going to think about my first tattoo a lot still )

I don't usually comment on videos but I had to say thank you. I've been considering this career path for awhile now but I feel like this video has pushed me to really sit and think "I can do this. This is within reach for me and I just need to get out of my head and do it". I'm passionate about art and especially tattooing and this video has been the biggest ah-ha moment yet. Thank you so much again and keep inspiring people

thank you for this!! i really liked what you said about the "laid back" part. i guess i never considered it "laid back" but i dont mind doing hard work. to me i guess i thought of it as "laid back" because i get to be who i want, be creative, and not be micromanaged. still a lot to consider but your video has helped a lot more than some others i've seen where they make it out to be impossible to get into. you realistically laid out the pros and cons!

The “be unapologetically yourself” is a reason I loved getting tattoos. You can be who you are! It’s what drew me to the industry because I fucking HATE going to work and having to put a face on like you said! It drains me so bad.

I just quit my corporate job to go all in on tattooing. Thanks for the info & inspiration 🙏

This really solidified it for me, thank you for making this video for all of us!

Extremely helpful video, thank you man. Giving the pros and cons from an inside perspective really helps. Your point about the schedule and being an independent/entrepreneur type really helped in considering if this is for me. I really appreciate the time and thought out into this video.

This 1000% was the best video I’ve watch on tattooing. I have a job I hate and it’s always been my dream to share my art with the world but also make people happy. This made me feel better about starting and learning and making this a career choice

This is so helpful. I’m currently adding to my portfolio for a possible tattoo apprenticeship and these are all great points, some I never even thought about. Thank you!! Excited to go and watch more of these videos ❤

Man, that point about loving to learn the new things at a job, then coming up with ways to become really good and efficient at it, then it just feeling boring and monotinous sure hit home. I used to LOVE drawing growing up too. Even got pretty good at it for my age at the time. Im in awe of all the art i see people put out now! I should really get some supplies and/or an art tablet and start up again. At least with art ill never get bored of learning!

Damn all the points you made on why this might be a good career choice sounds just like me. I love creating visual art. I get bored very quickly at jobs cuz I'll have it figured out in a month or so and be done with it. Like everything you said just completely agrees with me. Plus people have told me since was 12 I should tattoo. I've been drawing my whole life and I can't really see myself doing anything else. Omg...

THANK YOU!!! This definitely gives me an extra boost of confidence to keep going! I truly appreciate it! Much love 🙏🏻 ❤️

On point! You're like the inner monologue of my mind, that managed to break through with a clear, concise and in depth explanation of how I feel and who I am as a person. I only wish I had pursued this path earlier in my life, but it's never to late to live how you need to. Seriously, life changing video. Thank you, James! 🤙

The best video I ever seen.. I’ve always had a passion for art, but never knew what to do with my art . Didn’t want to be bored! But I’ve always wanted to do tattoos and now I’m 30 and I fill like what you gave me as a motivational uses, definitely I can a applied now to my life!! Thank you 🙏🏽

I'm really wanting to get into the carrier of tattooing because I genuinely don't think I'll find myself bringing happy doing anything else tbh. The only part that scares me is the points you brought up in the structure part of the video. I know I'm a pretty weak person when it comes to making my own decisions. Probably because my whole life up until now I've rarely had the chance to, and I just grew accustomed to it. But I think that's something I'm gonna learn to grow out of, cuz not only am I gonna be an adult soon, my parents are finally putting the pressure on me to start making decisions too. But I genuinely think it'll be worth it once I start getting into the carrier, especially since I have my parents full support for it.

James, I don't have any tats and no plans to get any but you are a great speaker, organized, confident, informative and entertaining. Bravo! I do what I do for the same reasons you lay out that tattoo artists have the passion to do their craft. I can relate to this entirely. It's great to be your own boss and own all of it, the responsibility, the struggle, making it work when you do have a zero day, doing your utmost for the client and reaping the rewards of getting that repeat biz, the word-of-mouth, etc. I'm an editor and working for myself finally after working for others my whole life (64 now). For all you creatives who can be grownups and work your butts off and be client-focused and humble, go for it!

Thanks James. That video was really helpful. I appreciate all the time you took to put it together for us who are thinking of this path.

James, even though you feel this was a long video, I feel it really helped me w/ my researching on this topic. I’ve been drawing all my life & for the past 2 years I’ve been really thinking about tattooing. My passion for drawing & attention to detail is far beyond. Just want to say thank you for making a video you didn’t have to make.

Thanks for the video man, you're always very well spoken and informative. I'm still on my artistic journey and you're a big help

I love this video❤ honestly I haven’t heard someone speak these hard truths the way you did and although some might feel discouraged by the second part (cons) that’s actually the part that inspired me the most! Honestly this helped me wanting to pursue this career even more. Thank you!!

You have explained me exactly thank you for what you do for the community sir. Stay awesomeness!!!!

This was a lot of good information and perspectives on what it’s like in the process of being and becoming a tattoo artist. I really appreciate you putting out this information.

I've been wanting to be a tattoo artist for a while because I thought it would be a career path that suited me and this was really validating, thank you!

You just made this career sound even better

Dope video. Interesting to hear the side of the tattooer and the thoughts behind the craft. Thanks for putting the work into the videos James 🤙

This made me feel so validated and affirmed in considering tattooing!!!

Your videos are wholesome. Your voice helps me relax a lot. Great video

Original and informative video from an insider’s perspective. Thank you!

This vid really motivated me to continue my path to become a tattooist. All of the points resonated with me and I’m passionate about this. Thank you :3

I am currently a cook, but I want to explore more art focused career options. Tattooing has always called my name, since I was a preteen i have been counting down the days till I could get a tattoo. I truly love art, and I find tattoos to be one of the most poetic forms. Through pain and time, you will have a unique art piece on your body for the rest of your life and even beyond. The struggle I have with some past jobs is that even if I was often put in positions where I had to be in charge of myself, anytime a manager was around I was expected to just shut up and listen, even if I am often trusted to manage myself, I was still treated like an idiot some days. I feel that tattooing could work well for me. I am a very determined worker and will bust my ass to get the job done, but I work most efficiently when either I am managing myself or helping manage others instead of someone else telling me what to do constantly. I respect my tutors and teachers, but I struggle to honor managers that don't care about their jobs and frequently make obvious mistakes. I want to be my own boss and also create for the rest of my life.

Really appreciate you making this man. Been pretty nervous about starting to search for an apprenticeship lately, but this has given me a hell of a lot more confidence. Didn't even realize there were walk-in-shops vs appointment-onlys (I'm looking to eventually be appointment only and do more stylized stuff, not so interested in doing standard flash work). Sorry for the fucking paragraph, but thanks again for the insanely helpful info~

@longjonhothan6963

2 жыл бұрын

How's the journey going?

This is a was a sign for me to keep going and never stop believing 🙏Thank you

This man said "even if you get locked up there is still a demand" rofl. For real thoe I like how you end on a high note. With the "no one going to hold your hand". Your good shit man 👊 keep it up 😀

Thank you for sharing this.. I'm an aspiring Tattoo Artist, and I've got 8/20 pages of my portfolio complete. Any advice is so appreciated at this point, and I really enjoyed your point of view. I think the biggest hurdle for me is sharing my art with others and getting past the "imposter syndrome" feeling.. Your video has motivated me to keep pushing forward 🎉❤✨️ Thank you 😊

INCREDIBLE VIDEO MAN, thanks for the inspiration for real! I just subscribed and can’t wait for you to keep making these videos and spread positivity and motivating. Thanks again man! Very humble thoughts 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Thank you for your video and especially for the crucial/critical part where you talk about "for who this isn't" .

Best video I’ve seen on this topic. Thank you!

Thanks man...!!! Every word you say it s important!

This was the most helpful video I’ve seen so far on tattooing

Thanks for an honest discussion of pros and cons how you see it. Very helpful

Everything in this video applies to me. It’s like I was born for this. I have also loved art and everyone I know, knows that I am the art guy. I am very passionate about this. Thanks for the video bro

Hey James this video was great, real and informative. I’ve been searching for an outlet Art career and this is definitely for me. This is day 1 of becoming a Professional Tattoo Artist Career. Thank you

Dude thank you for making this video. I am at a major fork in the road in my life and this helped me alot.

Thank you so much for making this video! This is what I need.

I've always liked tattoos, and the inner workings of what's happening during a tattoo. I've always liked the art, and I'm an artist myself, but I never thought my art "fit" the tattoo styles I see. It's such a different ballgame to make a composition for a body part rather than a canvas. I watch lots of Ink Master lately, and it's kind of showed me the possibility of getting into this as a career, because I saw someone draw the way I do, and follow the composition rules in a way I would. I've been having so much trouble finding a regular job, I just got my Associates of Science in 3D Animation so that I can make video games, but I'm having trouble finding a coder. I'm so unmotivated that I started looking into maybe not making video games, at least for a while, at least until I get myself in a stable place with income. I just don't know whether or not I should really dive in yet. In the meantime I'm going to be working on my portfolio, but that's all I got.

This is pure gold. Thanks for this, brother.

That was great man! Thanks for all the info, very insightful! I can’t wait to get started on this new journey. ✌🏼

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It will be put to good use for a lot of US that aspire to become a good tattoo artist. GRATITUDE!! STAY LIFTED 🤘

I fkn love it! You kept it real and I appreciate you being genuine! Let’s go!

This is exactly the job for me. Thank you so much. I wish there was a way to keep up with you and show my progress. From this day forth 06/04/2024 I will be a tattoo artist and I will work on it every day.

Man! Thanks so much for saying exactly what I needed to hear!

This actually made me want to become one even more, everything you just said lined up w me. Thanks for the vid!

This video is gold. I look forward to other vids you create within this “series”.

After receiving my first few tats and knowing that I not only have the talent and drive, I'm going into tattooing. It's such a time honored tradition (both artistically and culturally). I've been in the corporate field ever since I graduated from college but my true love is in art and I loved doing it growing up. Luckily I live in Portland and there are TONS of great studios with amazing talent.

Thank you so much for the video!! I finally pulled the trigger on tattooing and I absolutely love it so far!! Only been at it a month, but I am all in! ❤️🤟

I’ve not long started my apprenticeship :) been doing it for just over a month so far!

@merandacosgrove1824

2 жыл бұрын

congrats on landing an apprenticeship and good luck! :)

@marshalkagami

2 жыл бұрын

Don’t die lol

@briannaisidora9907

Жыл бұрын

11 months later how you doing!!

I definitely wish I watched this before I started tattooing. Everything you've said is 100% facts

I think my daughter would be incredibly successful as a tattoo artist. She has always drawn beautiful images and has a great personable demeanor. Just wish she'd have more faith in herself and her ability.

Cool video, man. You just say the right things everytime, very inspiring.

I’ve been tattooing for 17 years. You’re video helped me knock the jade off. Thank you.

Thank you! This really motivated me to keep working on my apprentice portfolio

Hey James, great video. I look forward to see where you take this new series as I am looking into becoming a tattoo artist.

Thanks a lot for this video! a lot of these stuff didn't crossed my mind.

Thank you for clearly being honest about tattoos on dark skin. I am a coffee color African American. A Magnolia tattoo will be my preference as it is my first to cover a small 10 year old scar. Scar about 5 inches & I am preparing my upper left back for this tattoo. Any advice you can give will greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I'm a senior in high school, and I keep asking myself if this is the career for me. And like every thing about it is really speaking to me. You've really put it it to prospective that this Is the carrier that fits me, thank you sm man.

@M3L77

Жыл бұрын

Me too senior also working on this path, good luck to you!!! 😊

I'm 26 and spent years in school floating. Got a degree in photography and then learned that the fine arts aspect is almost impossible to make a steady career out of. And portraiture is so boring but the most stable and I just can't do another family photoshoot again nor go back to school. I love creating and doing art and so I've been debating whether or not tattooing would be a good choice. After this video I'm sold

sitting getting my tattoo done, seeing my artist have all the other artists walk around talking and enjoying eachothers work. talking 1 on 1 with my artist during the appointment. it's the kind of connectivity i crave. me being good at art is just a coincidence

I am so glad you did this video! I have considered tattooing for a while and have always done art throughout my life, i just never really knew a lot about the industry apart from people i know that work in it and what they have said. I think i will definitely push myself even further to go down this path. Everything you have mentioned some of it i knew and some of it i was like ok yea that makes sense. So Thankyou so much for helping!! 😊

@JamesWithee

Жыл бұрын

Good luck on your journey girl I’m glad I could help.. even if just a little bit with a dumb video

Thank you soooo much for this video... It is exactly what I needed to hear

Only watch your vids as a client, but I appreciate that you are producing this type of content for folks.

This was so helpful! Thank you!

Nothin but love for the ppl that paved the way, so a brutha like me can get it today 🙏🙏✍🙌

First video I see of your and you definitely won my follow and subscription🙌🏽

Thanks for the inspiration! I really appreciate it.

already watched twice , really make sense buddy, thank you

Thank you James!

There is a reason why things come to you when you are ready from them…I am finally ready for this one. Thank you for your information and it will help in my journey.

this really makes me want to be a tattoo artist even more !

hey James, have you ever considered doing some kind of tattoo tour video of your own ink, I think we would all like to see something like that, your tattoos look sick!

@JamesWithee

2 жыл бұрын

Ppl ask me a lot but I dunno. Feels like it’s going to attract creepers. I already get a lot of weird messages lol

Very good video, and gives me one challenge to face (emotional strength to tune out naysayers that are close to me). One thing that came to mind that wasn't mentioned was if someone has the ability to handle other people (customer service). That can be a tricky one for more introverted artists because I am sure a lot of clients enter the studio with certain expectations and anxiety.

Your videos are really informative. Dope!! 💯

Thank you for this video great pep talk

Thank you for making this video! I'm a young artist, still a student,but I'm already thinking about what I'll do for a living and I really like the idea of being a tattoo artist. Thanks to your video I have less concerns about wether or not this is an option for me and I think it is. I need to look at the techniques of tattooing more first though

I'm passing this video to my kid thanks for all the info bro she needs to hear this

Thank you for this video!

Thanks mate! This vid has strengthened my resolve to atleast learn the skills required to be able to Tattoo people. The thing about boredom in a well-paying ''regular' Job and passion for Art are literally the reasons i started to look into Tattoing. And really- Tattoos are an underappreciated Art Form - One of the very few forms of art where the visuals, meaning, process and artists' skill define the worth of an artwork - because unlike other art forms, the chance that some dimwitted rich people turn the work of a mediocre artist into overrated investment products are pretty low when it comes to tats. Also WTF - There are Artists out there tattooing while they're not sober? - Hell i don't even dare drinking while doing decorative Paint on someone's Furniture!

I’m glad you made this video.

I’m in love with traditional tattoo style and I’ve been drawing and painting it for more than 6 years. I’ve even been uploading to KZread tutorials on how to draw this style for more than year and half regularly and got less than 500 subs. The thing is, I live in Eastern Europe and nobody gives a shit to this tattoo style and it’s just frustrating. As a tattoo artist, I have to make realistic tattoos to make money (I don’t mind it but not passionate about). But I suffer from not making what I love. I do acrylic on canvas paintings, pencil/markers drawings, do commissions on fiverr (and western customers seem to like it) but my tattoo career is a failure. I know that tattooing is the right job for me but it’s just not working out. Sorry for bithching here, it’s just sad for me. I really enjoy your videos ❤️

@h-di4qd

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Elena, have you ever thought about making your videos in English? You might reach more people that way!

@olena_nightsky_art

2 жыл бұрын

@@h-di4qd i've been thinking about it but i also hoped to attract more customers that can reach me

Thanks for the insight bro.

This was an informative video. I have the passion for the arts. I'm just curious how I'll do under pressure. However, I'm so new and it's only the beginning. Thanks for sharing your video!!

thank you so much for making this video! i just turned 18 this year, and i have been wondering what to do with my life. it was recently that i got my first tattoo, and as someone who has been drawing/creating art for half my life, i found it as such an amazing way to "manifest" someone's creativity, for lack of a better term. being a tattoo artist sounds like a dream for me!