
how'd you get em to hear you out?
I cold approached and one place the receptionist just ignored me the whole time, one place just recommended art school without looking at my work and the other place wouldn't look at my stuff either
I had just come from one studio and showed off my work. And earlier had emailed a bunch of studios.
I walked into one with a nonchalant yet valuable presence. The shop I had just visited was recently opened by a dude my age who had gone through an apprenticeship. At first I felt some type of way like "what was I doing during that time?"
But walking into that studio I knew that I wasn't walking in to get an apprenticeship. I walked in to ask HOW to get an apprenticeship.
You could even hear the change in tone when the manager was about to tell me they were offering any apprenticeship positions, but I stopped her and said I want info on how to get an apprenticeship.
Then she sat me down and talked to me. I just listened.
Then I showed her my drawings. She looked at them, her apprentice came over. They told me I had good lines, artistic talent etc. And that I had a future if I kept drawing.
Then I told her I already had tattooing experience. To which she was disappointed to here. Your put on the bottom, lowest of the low level when you tattoo self taught.
Luckily I am fukking good. But after 6 years I realized there is a different level, a door that you pass thru when you get an apprenticeship.
I went in there with the attitude of "I'm not here for an apprenticeship, I want to do the work to get me one."
Then they told me about respect. And I felt the tribal community vibe kick in. And then I understood the circle I was trying to get into. I knew, vowed I wouldn't be denied entry.
Lo and behold the owner of the shop I walked into is running the tattoo convention in Toronto this year and I had already been told by another artist in Brampton to message the guy. Stroke of luck I walked into the right shop.
So by now the manager sees my passion, dedication, commitment and skill. She likes me so she gives me a bunch of posters to put up around the block and offers to pay me.
The boss comes over and tell her not get pay me, lest she gets fukked over. She says he's not that type of guy and puts in a good word for me. She comes back over to me and tells me she can't pay me, I said that's fine and that I'm
volunteering. (Go the extra mile.)
She tells me that the boss even likes me. Which kind of blows my mind. (Later on he adds me on Facebook, (keeping an eye on me?))
So I left with a plan, get a warehouse job and grind for 2 years and work on my portfolio. Do it PROPER.
I was previously in a shop in my city and comparing there to Toronto opened my eyes. If you watch One Piece its East Blue vs the Grand Line.
Tattooing is a big industry. Its ancient and world wide. Its not so much a business as a tribal and community tradition with a deep spiritual aspect if you're incline to go that route. Respect it and treat it as such and it will reward you.
And take your time!! Do it the right way, Once and for all. This is a lifelong journey and commitment, you have the time. Young brehs always try to rush to the finish line. That's wrong. Life, tattooing and anything worthwhile is a longterm investment. Its a marathon, not a race. And the beauty of it is, its about YOU and what YOU bring to the table, to the community, to the circle around the fire.
Its a world wide business breh. Idk where you are at in your journey but my advice is. Get your normal life together so you can Draw Everyday. Even if its small. Just get into the groove.
Drop your IG and we'll stay on the ball. @c.novillo