Biggy J

Contestant:
Ink or paint flash, Build/ assemble machines, make needles, make pigment and then do a clean tattoo. In less than what ever ridiculous time constraint they give you. Then you are #1
INK MASTER !!! Until then it is just people doing there job on television. They really should have people do stuff pertinent to the trade; but not show it on television. I wonder if they made a reality show about grocery store baggers if people would watch it. Like who could bag the most items in a minute. Paper or plastic. Have not really watched the show though, I know
Shane O'neill won and that guys work is awesome. I don't think either way on this show, good, bad whatever. If any one has ever seen Louis C.K.'s stand up about "white people problems",
spending time hating what you decide to watch or not watch on T.V. could be one of them.

I took percocet before an appointment once. It just made everything worse. The ribs hurt...but its not the end of the world. I recommend a good nights sleep and eating well...you should be fine.

I have been working in a collective for 2 yrs now.I have found it to be way better than working for other people as I haven't worked for the most "awesome" people in my career. If they weren't tattooers they were opinionated ones.
There are 5 of us - it started with 3. All bullshit & ego's need to be put aside and addressed as soon as possible. It's all about communication. Open lines of communication and the feeling you can share whatever's on your mind - no matter what others might think. Being proactive with shop duties needs to be addressed by all parties - you organize cleaning - partner 1 does the phone bill and does the website upkeep, etc. We all pull together and different times and address any issues as soon as they arise. We have all been working in this industry for a minimum of 11yrs, so i think that is also key. Experienced artists have more to offer & less bullshit to deal with. We all have different strengths and weaknesses with our work and push each other with constructive criticism in a proactive manner.
There is a lot of variables you need to weigh before the simple yes or no. My experience has been great. I'm by no mean's "rich" in a monetary means but rich with experiences and life is too short not to live it to the fullest. Money shouldn't be the focus of going into a collective I think. If you want to make a "decent living" - does that mean making more $? You get what you put in - Hope this helps?!