RogerRockit

[RogerRockit]

I bought the Grinder kit myself. Decent enough for the money to get you started practicing, and gives you a starting point on what you’ll eventually need. I had read the book already (Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo) but still wasn’t sure where to start, so I bought the kit, learned the machines, and have been practicing on fruits and practice skins. From this experience, I now know most of what I want to upgrade to. I see kits as a stepping stone, kind of a necessary evil if you want to learn tattoo but don’t necessarily have an apprenticeship (yet). Just don’t expect to actually be able to start giving tattoos on people from this kit, the inks are crap, and you will most likely want better machines once you put ink to skin.

[RogerRockit]

I know this is an old topic, but since it’s been brought back up (and it’s new to me), here’s my .02 cents.

This site, to my knowledge, is a companion to the book, “Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo.” That is where to start, read the book. In it, you will find the author (I suspect the admin who posted earlier) admits that many tattoo artists do not start out with apprenticeships, including himself, and that was a driving force for him to write the book. There are always going to be people who start tattooing without proper training. The book gives those people, as well as those seeking honest apprenticeships, a jump start in the right direction to an educated tattooing experience. Probably 90% of the book is divided up evenly between learning the machine, and proper health & safety techniques. These are things new artists need to know before ever powering up a machine. The author did ultimately get a proper apprenticeship, and advocates that is the BEST way to go, while acknowledging there will always be those who don’t.

I think kits serve a purpose. Mostly, to learn what you will really need, so you know what to upgrade to! I was lost when looking at all the possible tattoo equipment, and nobody gives the same answer twice on what’s best. So I finally ordered what appeared to be a good starter kit off of Amazon. Once I had it and started practicing with it (on frutis and practice skins), I quickly learned everything I was going to need. Now I am slowly upgrading the major things, from coils to machines and power supplies. So yes, I believe kits have a place for beginner tattoo artists. My advice is if you must order one, buy one that’s not overly expensive (I stayed just under $100), that comes with both coil and rotary machines, plenty of ink caps & needles, obviously a power supply with all the cables/foot pedal, practice skins (order extra). DON’T expect a kit to be everything you need, it’s just a starting point. FYI, some kits even come with the book I mentioned above.

I see the book, and the kits, as a practice tool leading up to an apprenticeship. I wouldn’t want to go into an apprenticeship without a working knowledge about tattooing. And if you live somewhere that an apprenticeship just isn’t possible, practice practice practice and don’t go around carving people up with bad tattoos. Best of luck!

[RogerRockit]

@LunaInk wrote:

Before I do go and spend a lot I want a unbiased opinion on whether or not I should continue tattooing.

Yes! First of all, you have the bug already, you’re not going to stop at this point. Second, I see a lot of great work in that gallery! If you’re getting those results with cheaper equipment, you’ve got what it takes to continue.

[RogerRockit]

@sirscratchalot wrote:

now converted to rottary swash drive whip, lighter, minimal vibration and no problem!

Nice. I’ve switched to rotary myself, currently learning on a pretty cheap version (similar to the Stealth), but my next machine purchase will be a Swashdrive Whip.

[RogerRockit]

I like the realistic heart and tattered ribbon. Nice design.

[RogerRockit]

I like new school. I’m not real good at shading yet, you however did quite well with this. Nice job.

[RogerRockit]

Welcome, Cath. You come from a part of the world that I highly respect and would love to visit someday. I am in the same boat as you, I work 50+ hours/week and have a son with special needs, doing a full-time apprenticeship is probably something I will never be able to do. So, like you, I am doing as much home research and practice as I safely can. I believe there are artists out there who might understand our circumstances and be willing to do a more part-time apprenticeship. Keep looking, that eye picture shows some amazing artistic talent.

[RogerRockit]

Yeah, I’m not a fan of the practice skins so far. I’m using them only for line work practice. Also been practicing on honeydew melons.

[RogerRockit]

I’ve noticed the same thing. In my case, I work by day in a factory, using large pneumatic guns, working overhead. So I probably do have a touch of carpal tunnel, but not severe enough for surgery. Stretch often, use a larger grip, and in my case, I’m giving rotaries a try to reduce weight and vibration.

[RogerRockit]

@robroy289 wrote:

Thanks everybody!!!! Like the feedback!!

Heh. I’m far from an expert, but I like what I’m seeing here. Gives me something to aspire to as a beginner.

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