For as long as I can remember, tattoos have held a captivating allure. Growing up, the intricate designs I saw on family members sparked a fascination within me, igniting a lifelong pursuit of what I came to see as modern shamanism – the art of tattooing. This path, though at times uncertain, led me to seek out not just any studio, but the right Tattoo Places Atlanta had to offer, and ultimately, a true mentor to guide me in this age-old craft.
My early obsession with tattooing was all-consuming. I immersed myself in anything and everything related to the art form. Like many aspiring artists, I began by experimenting, crudely carving images into my own skin. This evolved into practicing rudimentary tattoos on willing school friends. However, it wasn’t until my late teens and early twenties that I actively began the search for a legitimate mentor, someone who could teach me the proper techniques and artistry of tattooing within a professional studio setting in Atlanta. Having always been creatively inclined, I focused on honing my artistic skills, building a portfolio to demonstrate my potential to anyone who might offer guidance within the Atlanta tattoo community.
The quest for an apprenticeship proved to be unlike any job hunt I had ever imagined. I quickly learned that tattooing isn’t just a job; it’s a vocation, a lifestyle. Finding a mentor in the Atlanta tattoo scene was not easy. I was determined to find someone with extensive experience, but equally important, someone with a strong moral compass, a strict code of ethics, and a dedication to teaching that matched my own eagerness to learn. After years of visiting countless tattoo shops across Atlanta, inquiring and showcasing my artwork, I finally met James Cooper at the Atlanta Tattoo Convention. After months of persistent follow-up, he hesitantly agreed to take me on as his apprentice. James made it clear that the tattoo life wasn’t for everyone, cautioning me that “not everyone was cut out to be a tattooer.” Despite the warning, my resolve remained unshaken.
At the time I began my apprenticeship, I was working a stable job as a factory manager, earning a decent wage with regular hours. However, this stability soon began to clash with the demanding schedule of a tattoo apprenticeship. Reality television often glamorizes tattooing, failing to depict the immense dedication and sacrifice required to become a proficient tattoo artist. I dedicated every spare moment to the tattoo shop, seeing it as a sacred space. My days began at 11 am, scrubbing floors, setting up stations, and often continued until 3 am, breaking down and cleaning. Despite the long hours, both physically and mentally exhausting, I was back at it again each morning. I absorbed myself in the craft, approaching my apprenticeship with the humility of a dedicated student. Months were spent mastering the mechanics of the tools, learning to make needles, and even building machines from scratch. Meticulous attention to detail was paramount in everything I did, from cleaning and sterilizing equipment to interacting with clients, selling tattoos and artwork. During this period, financial compensation was minimal, or often non-existent. There were times I was desperately short on money, having to choose between gas to get to the studio, my sanctuary of learning, or food for the day. Yet, tattooing was my sole focus, and simply being present in the studio, learning and progressing, was all that truly mattered.
