That scratched baby tattoo 😩🤣🤣🤣

Love this dude...he sounds like a professor then starts cussing like a sailor out of nowhere...love it! Don’t change bro✊🏽

You literally sound like you have a PhD in Tattooing. Super sharp insights and really comprehensive information. I don't even have tattoos, but your channel is too interesting not to watch!

Love how grounded and genuine you keep your advice - Speaks volumes about the amazing quality of your character as an individual. Meanwhile, your incredible work speaks for itself! Keep it up!!

Kitchen Wizard. That's a new one for me. 😂

I had a military buddy do a military piece on me. He had been doing ink since he was a teen, so over 20 yrs. The reason he did them in his home is because of his PTSD. He had a chair, all the equipment and even an autoclave to sterilize his shit. It's one of my favorite pieces, he did a better job than one of the shops I went to to get a piece done. I have seen some terrible scratcher tattoos though for real

Traditional media definitely helps (learning to draw what you see, and learning basic color theory, composition, etc...). Doesn't matter if you have the latest Wacom tablet, or the finest brushes, or the finest tattoo machine money can buy. If you don't have the fundamentals, the tools are useless.

I wanna show my appreciation for this video. I am a aspiring tattoo artist. I hate the term scratcher bc of the sterotypes involved. I cannot afford an apprenticeship right now. I am a mom of four kids but have been drawing for years and am currently learning how tattoo at home with friends who are professionals teaching me what they know. I don't do drugs and keep everything as sterile as possible. Even set up a room in my house specifically for tattoos only. Unfortunately because of my anxiety issues I don't see myself in a shop anytime soon but it really warms the soul seeing professionals who started off like me. Thanks for the encouragement.

Not all scratchers are unprofessional. My cousin has an amazing sleeve that was done by a scratcher.

I am so impressed with your videos. I stumbled upon them by accident. Have no idea how. My 14yo son has Type 1 Diabetes and I ageed at 16 he could get a tattoo medical alert/ piece of art that honors that part of his life. I too will be getting my first tattoo that day in honor of all the crap my kid goes through. I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you so much for sharing.

I love the fact that you admit your mistakes but like you say you knew what you wanted to become a professional and did what you needed to. I don’t think I have ever thought of going to scratchers. My first tattoo was very important to me so I went a well known shop and all my tattoos have been done by the same guy.

You raised a good point in the video that not enough people talk about. There is a growing trend of people that just want coverage. Like you said, they will go to scratchers because they there is no way they could get the huge amount of work done in the short time frame they desire by a reputable artist (both b/c of the time involved and the money). These people just want coverage. Not only do they not care about the artist's skills, but in a lot of cases, they don't even care what the tattoos are. 'Give me something evil or mean looking'. These people/this trend drives me absolutely crazy. ...it is almost like since tattoos aren't as shocking as they once were, these people think that they need a body suit to get the same 'shock value' that ppl used to get from a normal piece. I think that this theory also explains the face tattoo trend in a lot of cases as well. SOO many things disgust me about tattooing these days. But it is more so the people that the actual art. I really wish that things would go back to how they were..like pre 2000's. But that will never happen. hehe

"Kitchen wizards" for some reason this one made me crack up and I love it

Aw c'mon, who doesn't love a good basement banger 😂 On the real though, I'm married to an award winning tattoo artist, and I wish to GOD there were these kinds of videos around when I was a wee teenager (it's been a minute, no KZfaq back then). I have a delightful tramp stamp from when I was about sixteen that I wish I could shave off. The scarring, the absolute THICCness of the line work... It's a prime example of kitchen wizardry. I don't even want to cover it though. I use it to show my nieces and nephews that THIS is what you get when you let some dork in a dirty apartment tattoo your shit.

Don't understand why you don't have more subs, this is like the only place I've ever found such honest advice/opinions on tattoos

Could you do a video on body changes affecting tattoos, like gaining muscle mass or losing Weight? Or one on general tattoo placement? Great videos man! Hope to schedule a session with you before you get too famous lol.

Thank you James! You really got me thinking. I started an apprenticeship a few years ago and about 1 year in the shop it was at closed. Since then I refused to work on anyone else and just finished what I started on my thigh. I'm glad I know proper setup and tear down, but have been pissed I never made it passed line work and color packing. Lol, I was in denial about being a scratcher. I'm going to take your advice.

Your videos have helped give me the confidence to set up a tattoo appointment and helped show me what to look out for in terms of trying to find a tattoo artist. I feel like I've managed to find a really good artist and I'm really excited for my appointment. Thank you so much for your videos, they are very informative!

Hi James! Can you possibly make a video in the future about tattoos and people who work out a lot? I'm mainly concerned about potential distortion and warping.

I really appreciate the way you structure your videos by outlining what you’re going to be talking about at the beginning and recapping at the end. It’s a great way to present info and I’m learning a lot.

I know this video is old as hell but I just wanna say I've been binging your videos and you're awesome! You don't hesitate to say the facts while still being kind about it. I'm a scratcher that's just been practicing on myself and fruit (after taking the BBP courses, learning as much as I can about proper equipment, sterilization, etc). I've always done fine art but was scared of getting an apprenticeship, your vids have really helped me gain that confidence to go out there and try it. I appreciate that youtubers try to teach tattooing techniques but they all say something different and like you said, it really doesn't replace teaching in person. Thanks for all ur info and the time you put into videos!

Always great topics in raw and real view from you. I love your channel.

The 6 dislikes are either people who got work done by a scratcher or scratcher themselves

That baby tattoo!!! I almost hollered. Damn, that shit is tragic!

This is a great video, James! I’m not sure why I got your video in my recommended section (ok maybe it’s cos I subscribe to Ink-It the semi permanent tattoo company) yesterday, but I watched your video on tattooing on black skin and was blown away. . . I immediately subscribed 😊. I’ve been thinking of getting a tattoo for awhile now but was scared since I’m either an 8 or 9 on your color scale (like Lupita’s complexion) and had been told that I can’t get a tattoo because of this. Thanks for such an informative video! Also this one was also on point (and hilarious 😆). Going to watch all your videos now 😊. P. S. In the future could you do a video on whether it’s a good idea to get semi-permanent tattoos (lasting 3-5yrs then fades)? Merci!

I come from a family of tattooed people and I’m young so I only have 2 myself but I’ve really appreciated all of the information in your videos I’ve seen so far and I’m confident that this new knowledge with help me make educated choices about what I put on my body. Thank you and great job!

I love this channel, it really shows how people can turn their lives around! Well done to you. I know I don’t know you, but you help restore my faith in humanity and however bad things look, hard work, determination and a great personality will get you a long way! X x x

I’ve seen a bunch of your videos and I have to say, you have an incredibly mature and fair point of view on most things. I can tell that you give your opinion like its law because your opinions come from experience and reason. I love your videos.

Another great vid James! Looking forward to your talk on getting an apprenticeship, would be cool if you could also cover what's involved once you land one. Cheers.

Prison... Gotta go back through your videos.

I've definitely toyed with the idea of being a tattoo artist, because I like art and I do art for a living. I'd be interested in seeing a video on how to start an apprenticeship, because I'd like to be part time in a shop!

LOVE the recent frequent uploads!

Another great video! I love how you didn't just dismiss the scratchers all together, since some of them might honestly be trying to get better, they just don't know how. Oddly, it seems to me that some of these people just legit don't have an art background and don't realize what they're doing is just...not good. I would love to see a video, even just a mini one, on tattoos in other languages (i.e. not-roman letters). Recently a friend of mine got song lyrics in hangul, but when she showed me, I noticed there was absolutely no spacing between the words, which I know can change the meaning of some of the sentences. :/ I'm curious to learn how tattoo artists approach tattooing in a language they don't even know. It seems to me like just a bad idea, but what does one do if they don't have an artist around them that actually knows that language? Do artists ever do their own research to make sure it comes out perfect?

Man I fucking love your videos as a 2 year tattoo artist I have learned alot from you and I am talking about morals and responsibility about being a tattooer, thank you man.

Awesome video man and I can definitely relate. I actually started at home but ended up getting an apprenticeship. The shop I work at, we do a lot of cover ups lol bc of a high number of people getting shitty tattoos. But I definitely empathize with some "scratchers" bc like you said, there's definitely different types and levels to "scratchers"

Thank you for all your information on receiving certification for blood born pathogens, this is something I have been having issues attaining due to the lack of institutions providing such certification in my country.

Thank you for that video. I didn't learn tattoo with an apprenticeship, but I gave myself the possibility to improve by talking with tattoo artist and even learn for one month with a Chinese incredible tattoo artist in Beijing. I'm still not a professional, my work isn't perfect, but I'm doing my best to give the best tattoos I can. I'm drawing everyday for 1 year now and I see my improvement everyday as well. I buy art books, I visit conventions, I draw and I'm taking inspiration by talking with and visiting other tattoo artists. Maybe that I'd still be considered as a scratcher, but I hope that I'll be able to accomplish my goal by living from my passion, and this kind of video just gives me even more motivation. So one more time, thank you for this video !

You got an up vote as soon as you had the honesty to differentiate between skill and setting. The notion because you have a shop to tattoo from somehow makes you a better tattoo artist is a fantasy the gatekeepers sell but few people with eyes can see is a laugh.

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS BRO!! YOUR BLUNT HONESTY CRACKS ME TFU 😂😂😂

i never really understood why would get a permanent change to your body that wasn't as good as it could be.

I have never gotten a scratcher tattoo but I know plenty of people who have and I sometimes wonder why people do that so thank you for explaining it 😊

Bro you are awesome. I love watching your videos. The thing I like about your videos is the way you talk and explain everything. Keep doing what your doing. I truly believe you deserve more subscribers.

Thanks man for taking the time

I had no idea there was a name for this.....I am not opposed to getting someone who works out of their house if the person is professional. Many artists are between shops or looking for an opportunity. Awesome video.

Hello James. Your videos are very informative. Could you do one on mapping out your body? For instance a Japanese bodysuit vs a combination of different styles by different artists. How do you make sure your body looks balanced and does it even matter that much to begin with? Would love to hear your opinion on this. Thanks!

I needed this video. Thank you!✊🏿🙏🏿

Dude please do the apprentice tips video. Every video ive seen on the subject is saying different things and i feel like you're the best at explaining everything tattoo related

I appreciate you and I follow and learn from you. I am always improving and no one going tell me that I can't be great and I'm good indeed. I do want to thank you for the advice though but I will do absolutely professionesl no less I want be great so thank you man.

I'm glad that I saw this video cause I am starting out on tattooing and I want to be professional instead of being what he described so thanks the information was useful

Damn time to find local fine art classes. Thanks.

Thank you for the advise and tips thank god i always go to a clean and tidy tattoo store , wow you made it so fucking far keep up the great job .

Even if the topic doesn’t apply to me, I like watching your videos. Always good to learn more about the industry. Keep up the good work James 👍🏻

Please make a video about how to take care of tattoos, mostly for the back since those are harder to reach :(

Again thank you James for all the information, just passed my BBP training through Pro trainings and received my certificate. Hopefully this helps me get into a reputable shop like yours soon.

Fucking golden content. Professional and straight to the point. Keep up the great content my man. 💯

Awesome! Another video!

Great content !

I got my first tattoo done by a scratcher, it actually wasn’t terrible but I recently got it covered by a awesome professional and my new artist. Much respect bro, true words, you speak.

hey James can you make a video on your experiences as an apprentice and why do you guys have to do chore work around the shop before diving into the actual learning of tattooing.

I luv this video. Very informative. All my tattoos are done by pro tattoo artists. Nice to know about scratchers.

Ty for the video Sir.

Good job big guy!

If you're inrerested, could you please do a video talking about tattoos and skin, meaning what healthy skin for a tattoo is, how acne interferes with a tattoo, psoriasis, scarring, etc? There is very little information on the subject available and even very little of that is from people who know about tattoos. Thank you for such a unique and well-structured channel.

I think you should do a video about different styles and mixing

i'm ;looking foward for that next video !!! thanks james you're a cutie

Still looking forward to that tattoo apprenticeship video bro. 💯 I draw like crazy and want to get a portfolio together , i do tattoo but only on fake skin for bout 2 months now really got the feel for the guns now. I don’t think i should tell the person i want to ask for an apprenticeship this though.

Ouch, maybe i'm some sort of scratcher at this point. I do have artistic formation tho, i studied fine arts and i'm a painter, but i was only a couple months as a tattoo apprentice, since that shop was too slow and i didn't have much instances for learning really. Still, i have a real desire to learn and go pro, so i'll go looking for another apprenticeship, and this video is actually a deciding factor for that specifically.

It's really tough to start, though. I'm 28 years old, have a family to support. I can't afford a nonpaid apprenticeship... So I've learned the basics from a tattoo artist, and now I'm practicing at home. I'm not comfortable actually tattooing a person right now, but I do want to get to that point. I'm enrolled in a course about bloudborne pathogens and hygiene for tattoo artists and piercers, but an actual apprenticeship will probably not be an option for me.

what happens if you tattoo an acne prone area like a back? can you break out over an already tattooed area and can you tattoo over acne scars?

I Appreciate your video and point of view. I was blessed to have been taught in the 90s by a mutual friend of mine on the basic of sterility, machine tuning, needle jigs , needles , line work and shading. Back then I wasn't sure if i was going to tattoo full time it wasn't huge like now. I started a painting business instead. I still tattoo occasionally for family and friends. I think one topic overlooked by all is the lack of humility majority of really good artist have. Sure they can charge big bucks but why should we pay for their ego?. I will never fawn and bow down to any tattooist that can't solder a needle or tune a coil. Just cause the can trace doesn't make them a good artist. I blame a lot on media in general for the glitz and glamour of the tattooist. All People have amazing skill sets when there is passion and time spent mastering said skill. And even through all that our skin will never stay looking great. We age grow and wrinkle. Your tattoo will not look the way it does now in 30 to 50 yrs. So the collector is left with blotchy wrinkled ink and only memories.

If you have advice you should make a video about gaining and losing weight with tattoos. I'm sort of overweight right now and I keep putting off getting tattoos because I don't know if I'll ever lose the weight, or maybe I'll end up losing it but then I might just gain it all back.

Love your videos! Your voice is so soothing. How do you feel about tattooing over scars? I’ve read that it is likely to be more painful, but other than that is it something you would recommend?

I've been tattoing friends for like 3 months and i overwork the tattoo on one of my friend, I stop for like 2yrs in that 2yrs of not tattooing i study arts not all but some of them and i draw in a daily basis and one day a friend of mine offer his skin he ask me if i can tattoo him at first i said, no but when he show me some of his tattoo from a pro tattoo artist i said to my self i can do better.. now i been tattooing for 6 months i know if you grade me i'll drop to be a hahaha. I'm doing this full time and professionally tattooing at home and hotels. i'm happy with the outcome of my work and i'll improve my work in years to come, and hopefully I find a way to get in a respectable tattoo shops.now I'll grind like there is no tomorrow.. I watch all your video james and it really helps alot you're such a inspiration. There is a screeing here in my town it's like a tattoo group should i sign up or not, I'm hesitating coz i see some of there members works are not so good if i rate it 3/10 I'm not saying my works are 10. what do you think? bear my english. Greetings from Philippines.

I was a scratcher for a decade. Making lots of money on the side tattooing out of my house. Then I became a professional tattoo artist over night when I got a job at a tattoo shop n poof no more scratching. Then I quit the shop n back to sir scratch a lot I guess. The only difference was where I was tattooing. Not the quality of my tattoos because I wasn’t any better at the shop or worse back at home. I even got a girl a four page spread in tattoo magazine w my scratches reaching a goal I set when I got into tattooing by getting my tattoos into a magazine. I’d have taken any lame offshoot magazine but it was official tattoo magazine. I hadn’t tattooed in 2-3 years at that point but my decade of hard work paid off after the fact. Pretty cool moment. I don’t tattoo right now. But I can always go back to it. It’s a skill I have and if I need a job I can go to shops n try to work there or tattoo people at my house to feed my kids which I have had to do many times n saved my ass to help w rent or whatever. When the guy who offered me an apprenticeship moved outta town n the only other tattoo artist I knew at the shop he left told 19 yr old me 5k for an apprenticeship or I’m on my own, I didn’t have 5k. I got together what I could, bought equipment n started charging 100 bucks a session after my fifth tat and people loved it. Got hired as a full time artist at the next shop I went for an apprenticeship at because my portfolio was better than the 3 other artist dude had working at the shop currently and I was on my way, to working from home again because it was the old bait n switch and instead of tattooing the millions of clients the dude promised me I was tattooing my own clients charging three times as much to give him half n make the same amt about after taxes while having to clean his windows and watch him try to force himself on any chick that wandered thru the front doors. The tattoo industry is full of crooks. They will lie and try to mislead you or scare you out of doing what you think you would like to try. I’ve seen the best artist be horrible tattooers and artists that were just ok but could trace good be great tattoo artist. Don’t let anyone get in the way of your dream. Use common sense when it comes to the cross contamination stuff and don’t be a dumbass do some reading up on it and use disposable stuff to be safer. Which they didn’t have when I started n I’d pay a tattoo shop to let me use their autoclave n since dude was a pill head he let me cause he needed money. U don’t need that these days. U can buy stuff online like I couldn’t and you can look up stuff on utube and literally learn direct lessons from some of the best artists alive. I just could ask one dickhead who had one style nothing like mine art or tattoo application wise. Start on yourself and if you don’t completely suck tattoo friends of friends not family or your best friends. U don’t want to have to see your crappy first tats forever on people you love. Get tattooed and pay attention. Try to mimic what they do, ask questions but not too many. But the fact this guy said a great tattoo artist can work from home but a scratcher in a shop is a professional because of the setting or environment i don’t believe is correct. A scratcher is a scratcher even if they work at Miami ink. But what do I know, I’m just a self taught scratcher. This is a great channel though and this guy is super smart and knowledgeable. I’d listen to him before me but I’d also listen to your own heart because I’d have way less tats, money and ability to tattoo if I listened to every shop owner that shot me down. I get the whole hazing aspect but don’t let anyone treat u like shit or use you for an apprenticeship. They will try. And be extra cautious if You are a female. It’s a cold game @fastesteddieonearth on ig if u want to see a few tattoos I did and shoes I design for inspiration or so u can say I suck. Up to u.

love your videos! may I request a video about blackout tattoos/blackout tattoos for cover ups. ✌🏻

I'm ones of those people on the grind, I want this to be my career. I look at the flaws in my art and always look for room to improve

This video is everything 🖤

great fucking video, man! as always

Great video man! 💪💪💪

Not sure why I started getting recomended your videos but I do enjoy them. One of my reasons for never having a tattoo is; tattoo artists "practice" by making permanent marks on live people. Their sketchpad and learning phase is on someone forever. That's insane. How anyone settles for anything less than a world renown (or damn near) tattoo artist, is beyond me. Also, how anyone can sleep at night knowing they've destroyed someone's skin forever, is beyond me. My gut wrenches a little from looking at my earlier work on paper. I couldn't imagine how I would feel if that was someone's skin. I understand that you never stop learning and everyone has to start somewhere but I wouldn't want a rookie tattoo artist the same as I wouldn't want a rookie brain surgeon. The stakes are just too high, imo. I know a few people with bad tats done by "scratchers". One went back and got it covered up after 20 years (probably because of me clowning), another has line work that looks like the YOLO example you showed and the other is kinda smudged names and dates scribbled all over his arms, looking like some jail tat shit. Ya'all crazy.

Thanks James

I have only seen a few videos of yours but I am now subscribed and a fan! I love how honest you are and you’re mad talented! Next time you’re in NYC, I hope I have enough saved to get some work from you!

Goddamn James, you're such a boss. Just continue to be yourself man you will be famous one day I believe it

Thanks man

There you go again bein' freaking bad ass! My boy does vids!

I mean...I've seen basement tattoos literally fall off lol. But I love your informative videos! I'm getting my first tattoo soon and your videos are great, (especially the "tattoo pain explained" video) Keep doing good work!

I did apprenticeships with three different guys in the 1990"s, The first guy only cared about how much I read the Bible and if I was saved. He didn"t teach me much about tattooing. The second guy wanted a lot of money up front, I gave it to him and then he left town. The third guy treated the apprenticeship like the movie fight club, That you you had to beg him, pay him a lot of money and he was still going to treat you like absolute shit. The tattoo industry needs to grow up.

Do a video on how to maintain and take care of a tat after u get it

Respecto amigo, Nice vid bro

I would love to be a tattoo artist but I have a tough time drawing a stick man. I think there are several things that can't really be taught, just taught how to improve upon. Drawing/artistry is one of them. If you have 0 vision or how to put that vision thru your hand to paper, good luck. But having the talent or the basics naturally, it can definitely grow.

Damn as of lately i been feeling depressed after losing alot of friends and family through the years and almost losing my little brothers through gun violence. And i been telling myself to keep pushing forward and work work work to get that big house and secure future. But damn all that is taking its toll on me i dont even enjoy life i feel like a robot. So i bust out the tattoo machine i bought from amazon and tattoo my knee cap to feel some pain and express some art cause i use to be into drawing heavy in my younger years. And the last 5 months i just been researching on how to tattoo and whats the right way to go about it and come to find out im looked down upon already😂 im not even thinking about money i just really want to do something that i love and can sink hours of time into and seem just like minutes cause im invested in it. I did a couple tattoos on my legs and practiced good hygiene and aftercare from the knowledge i gathered online (now knowing i probably shouldnt believe none of it) but man ima have to start from the basics and pick up a sketch book and put in the hours into my drawings and work on that portfolio. I really want to be a professional tattoo artist not to sound corny but damn this shit really cured my depression and give me drive. I got alot to learn and a long ways to go but this the only thing i thought about where the money not even the motivating factor.

And focus on drawing? And learning?? Or can I do both at the same time

Hey. Can I ask you this ?! Ummm. So how do I close my gap ??? I’m tattooing non professionally Should I stop tattooing for now ?

I'm more than confident with the fine art side of things, and I'm looking to get into tattooing by the end of 2022, but the rub is that I can't do a full apprenticeship because I'm the family breadwinner. I have an idea that I could find one of the shops that just throws up flash and acts more like technicians and try to cut a modified apprenticeship from them, in an attempt to focus on the technical aspect of operating the machines, rather than the artistic. What do you think about that idea? Do you think it's wise, under the assumption that I'm already an established traditional artist?

Could you do a video on general tattoo prices, I get that they very quite a lot, but just for the more so simple tattoos like a small banger on your arm. Not asking you to state how much a full colour neotraditional sleeve is.

Great videos! Would definitely like to see some about tattoo removal and cover up. I got some stuff I'd like to get rid of, From when I was younger and dumber lol

OH HELL NAW!! THEY DID THAT BABY DIIIIIIRTY!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤦🏿‍♀️

James, I really appreciate your take on this. I want to find a network of artists that follow the strict shop standards at home for hobby only. In my mind, this falls outside of the 2 categories you mentioned. Basically, I'd like to develop semi-professional technique and process to eventually touch up my own existing work and possibly expand on it if I'm comfortable (I currently have 1 full sleeve). In time, I might do some work on my wife. That's it. I have the money and patience to do it right and I have no interest in working on others. It's just for the love of learning an art combined with my interest for DIY. Anyone have thoughts on this possible 3rd category or know of any networks of artists online that follow this path?

Can you do a video about tattooing on a person who takes blood thinners? I have tattoos already that I got before the blood thinners. I want more but am afraid a tattoo artist will turn me down. I would love to know advantages and disadvantages of getting more tattoos while on blood thinners.

I’m what you called “scratcher” but not by choice, sometimes you love tattooing so much that you start with what you have, I didn’t know anyone who knows how to tattoo, I want to tattoo in a Studio but is so hard to get an apprentice on my country, the only way to get it is paying part of the rent of the store and I can’t afford that because I don’t have so many clients yet! Is not that easy to get the exchange of knowledge for work in here, in every store they will ask you for money, they won’t let you clean the store in exchange for knowledge, so I’ve been tattooing from home for 1 year and a half now, I’m not a begginer, I know how to tattoo but I know I still have to learn a lot things because I can’t learn everything by myself. I don’t have enough clients to afford paying part of the rent on a tattoo shop, and I want to become a professional so bad but no one wants to give me the opportunity, what would you advice me?