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.

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.

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

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.

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 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’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'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

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

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 🫶🏻

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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 ❤

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 🤙

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 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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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! 🤙

Thank you for this! I appreciate your honesty 😊

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

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

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

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 🙏🏽

This was so helpful! Thank you!

This is pure gold. Thanks for this, brother.

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

Thanks for the inspiration! I really appreciate it.

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

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

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!!

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

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.

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!

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! ❤️🤟

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

Thank you for this video great pep talk

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.

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.

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 🤘

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 this video!

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~

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

Thank you James!

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

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

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 😊

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

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

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

already watched twice , really make sense buddy, thank you

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

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

Thanks for the insight bro.

Your videos are really informative. Dope!! 💯

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

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!! 😊

Thanks a lot for the video!

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

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

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.

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 😀

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

Thanks for the great videos

You just made this career sound even better

I’m glad you made this video.

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.

Very insightful thank you.

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

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

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!!

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.

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

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 is great info for real

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

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!

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.

Love it cause I've been tattooing as an hobby tattoo artist for 14 years and love to tattoo ,draw pencil sketches and paint. But I also run my handyman buisness for my main income and tattoo stuff just cause I love art. I'm going to be 40 soon and I started pencil sketches in first grade then paintings in 4th grade. Never thought I would tattoo tell I had to pass time in prison! Great videos brother and love your art

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.

Well said sir

Thank you so much bro

came here after doing a few handpoked tats on myself with amazon bought supplies and loving it to see if i could make it in this and i checked every box for if it was right for me... time to get drawing. im usually very illustrative but my skillset is pretty narrow.