socal beginner

Hey everyone, i am relatively new to tattooing. Live in socal and was turned on to the art by my tattoo artist. Have been doing a part time apprentice thing with him when he has time on the weekends. Mostly just practicing on practice skins and getting the stencil making down. I bought a starter kit a couple of months ago(i know its dumb but needed to start somewhere) but have been upgrading items one at a time. Just picked up a nedz rotary machine and am waiting for my critical power supply to show up. I feel it is important to know the roots of tatting so i use the traditional coils, but i am always looking to put my own spin and technique into whatever i do. My mentor has just given me an Ed Hardy style pirate skull to practice with and has informed me that once i practice this a bit it will be making it my first tattoo on him. Not really nervous, more so excited to get started. I hope to learn a lot from everyone and good luck to all.