hi from CA

always known for my artistic abilities, somebody dropped a tattoo gun/kit on me this x-mas and i’m at a loss for where to start. I shotgun’d a portfolio together and realized i haven’t done art in a couple years now. To add to matters, I live in a smaller community and i don’t think anyone will let me apprentice. I’ve called a couple places to save myself the trouble of getting shot down in person, but there are a few i saved for last. I’m worried i’m not going to make a good impression and will have to resign myself to starting on my own.
any thoughts would be helpful.