EstCoast

I just wanted to reply to this thread, as I haven't been on this site in quite a bit. I took people's advice to heart, branched out and networked, and am now tattooing in a military town in TN surrounded by fantastic artists. I've been able to improve my skills while building a client base, and feel like i'm finally starting to find my way in this industry. I've attached two pictures of recent tattoo's that i'm in the midst of and would like to hear any constructive criticisms. Thanks all again for the inspiration and kind words.

Conversations about the design went on through 4/29 when I said: "I'm ready when you are." Then I hear nothing more. No "Come in and schedule it". No "I'll look for an opening in my book." NOTHING

Friday 9 May I stop by and he does the trace saying: "Give me a couple of days and we'll schedule something. I AM PUMPED TO DO THIS." No request for a deposit, no mention of putting it on a calendar. I say nothing about how much time this is taking. I am being patient, so far. After all, he said to give him a couple more days. Then I hear nothing for yet another week. If I had contacted him how many of you would have been on the "quit bugging him" bandwagon, eh? Be honest. He seemed to need time and I gave it to him.

His FB comment on May 13 at Noon: "I have openings this week and weekend if anyone would like tattooed. Call or email..." Okay, this is my BIG CHANCE!!!

My comment on FB on May 13 at 12:30 PM, half an hour latter his post: "I'm ready when you are. Email incoming."

My Email on May 13 at 1PM: "I work Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Anytime Thursday or Friday morning, afternoon or evening or Saturday anytime after work is fine by me." No response for two more days.

My FB comment on May 15: "Josh, did you get my email. Check your Spam filter, I'm ready when you are."

His email on May 15: "Thanks for the heads-up on the Spam. How about Saturday May 17 at 6 PM?" Me: "Fine."

His email on Friday May 16: "Double booked... etc..."

Now wouldn't you be a bit frustrated at this point? And JimStanley, as to "holding a 20 year old to adult standards" what is the current cutoff for babying Millennials??? He is old enough to father a child, he damn well better be acting like an adult. And as far as your religion comments: KMA:cool:

Now that that is out of my system, he emailed me this morning: "Would you be free Wednesday at all? I'm off on Thursday but could come in for you if Wednesday doesn't work."

I thought long and hard about it and decided that maybe, just maybe, since it is Sunday and all, I can give him another shot at it.

My email back to him within an hour: "I am available Wednesday morning, afternoon, or evening. Let me know what time to be there. I'm stoked. Giddy Up!"

Aannd, I haven't heard a peep out of him all afternoon.

We'll see...

You keep citing the artist's age and bashing millennials, all while ignoring your behavior that you've so kindly spelled out for us. If you've been hanging out in tattoo shops for 20 years now, you should know that some days can be very hectic/non-stop/chaotic. You should also know that days like that can leave an artist with little to no opportunities to take a breather. I know that personally, the last thing I'm doing when I get a quick breather during a busy day is CHECKING MY EMAIL. If you are so hellbent on getting a tattoo, pick up a telephone or get into your car and go to the shop, make your intentions known, and get a tattoo. Face-to-face communication still reigns supreme in this industry. It lets artists know that you're not wasting their time.

I think you've gotten some pretty good advice and perspective from the other responses in this thread. If he's a good kid and does good work (which you've implied he does), go to the shop IN-PERSON, schedule a time to get the tattoo, and if you really feel the need, as him what the best way to schedule your next appointment with him will be, as you didn't feel you got a clear response from him the last time around. There's value in being diplomatic, and you might be able to teach the kid a lesson on professionalism without coming off like an asshole.

I really appreciate the kind words from everybody, and I'll definitely take the advice to heart. You're right, Kahlan. I've been feeling quite defeated the past two days and my shop owner doesn't seem to be concerned, making things a bit more frustrating. I'm not going to sit around feeling sorry for myself, and have already begun writing to artists that I admire. As a side-note, I have posted several tattoos in my album section and always welcome constructive criticism. Tear me down for all I care, I simply strive to improve every day. Thanks again for the words and encouragement.

I would but unfortunately most of my savings has gone towards rent/living expenses so i'm at the point now where I need to find something that will pay. Unfortunately tattooing isn't doing that. I don't know anyone other than the artist that I work for, so traveling isn't an option and I dont' have the portfolio for conventions yet.

Hi all. New to this site. I underwent a traditional apprenticeship and have been tattooing for roughly 2.5 years now. While I love tattooing/creating/art, it is looking like I am going to have to abandon my goal of tattooing for a career. Since transitioning to fulltime tattooing at a reputable shop, business has dropped, my savings is virtually gone, and im going broke, but at least I can say I gave it my all. Anyways, I enjoy reading the posts on this site so I figured I'd sign up. Cheers.