Like many thingsin life, learning how to be a good boss and teacher, has been anevolution.  This has been a challenge that proves to be a job in itselfat times. In my years, I’ve seen a lot of changes.  Seen people comeand go, some good, but most extremely BAD! And as time goes on, ayounger generation proves to be more challenging. It’s a generationthat is commonly known as the “entitlement generation”.  And by“entitlement” I mean they expect to do a lesser job with highersalaries, more time off, and shorter work hours. Now, I don’t have timeto get into an in depth explanation as to why I find this unfavorablein this two page article, but I’m sure the majority of the peopletaking the time to read this, can either relate, or know someone thatfits the bill.

 

 

So this leads me to the topic of this month’s Fink’s Forum.Apprenticeships! Obviously tattooing is way more popular than it was 20years ago. And with popularity, you have interest. And with interest,you have acceptance. And with acceptance you have more moms calling theshop to see how little Johnny can become a tattoo artist.  As if itwould be an easy out for their displaced kid. Well, I should tell youthat if little Johnny would like to be a big, bad tattoo artist, thenmaybe little Johnny should pick up

About a year ago, I took on my first apprentice.  Why did it take somany years to do this? Well, after this long in the business, I felt Ihad finally acquired enough information to be able to affectively startpassing it on. Then you might ask, “Did he ask you to apprentice him?”NO. I asked him. Why? Because he never asked me to apprentice him! Hedid it the right way… he started hanging out at the shop, gettingtattooed, helping out and eventually started working as a front person.All the while, he would be drawing, painting and showing initiative anychance he would get. Never blatantly expecting anything from hislabors. This is what impressed me about Andy.

After initially asking Andy if he was interested, I told him thatthis was going to be a long and difficult process that would consist ofmore than just the mechanics of tattooing. I told him that there wouldbe “life lessons”. Lessons that one could only gain threw experience.You know, things like how to hang crown molding, and the art ofapplying shellac.  Some lessons being harder to stomach, like eating afish eyeball in Singapore! How many apprentices of any sort have theopportunity to go to Singapore? Not many!

Singaporian Fish Eyeball

My Apprentice

Down the hatch

Told ya tattin' wasn't going to be easy!

But seriously, after the hazing is done, a tattoo artist needsto be adaptable to the melting pot of personalities that get tattooed.He needs to be diverse in his knowledge of art, in addition to havingan artistic sensibility.  And let’s not forget that the tattooistapplies an indelible mark that will permanently change a person’s life.So a nurturing bedside manner is always a plus. Which means leavingtheir  “shit doesn’t stink” attitude at home!!!

If things stay on track, Andy will be ready to start practicing on willing subjects by this winter. Check the
Iron Age website regularly for updates.