#piercing apprenticeship

[xbl00dturns2dustx]

I hope there’s an actual career for me in the future, I wanna get an apprenticeship for piercings n stuff there’s a few things I gotta do before that but it’s a possibility I could make a career out of it

Also doing tats in the long while future maybe

[prettyinpiercings]

Piercing Apprenticeship.

This is the end of the beginning. 

I’ve long sought after an in to the field of body modification, and since my art skills are less than reputable it was safe to say I wasn’t going to become a tattoo artist. To be completely honest, piercings have always appealed to me more anyway but my love of body modification as a whole started with my grandmothers in Africa and their distinctive and ceremonious scarification. When I was around 15 in England, listening to Refused and Cancer Bats, I was introduced to a community that did so much more than simple ear piercings or small tattoos. I would line up at concerts where people were covered head to toe with beautiful intricate tattoos. Where girls my age had more metal in their face then there was metal in bank vault door. 

Although from the outside I may look like a plain girl, I have a deep rooted love for all things Body Mod, from as shy as an ear piercing to as garish and dangerous as suspension. 

Keep your eyes peeled for my Part 1. How, when, and where I got my piercing apprenticeship. 

[prettyinpiercings]

My piercing apprenticeship, pt 1.

The story begins with me, not the brightest student, struggling through A levels after just barely surviving GCSE’s. It was the time when everyone was either partying hard or studying to get into university and I was doing neither. I felt as though I was at a stand still... till my lovely dearest friend just told me to go for everything and anything and see where life would carry me. So I did exactly that, all the things that I was passionate about I threw myself into, I started writing more and posted my work online, I applied for tv and radio internships and I also applied for piercing apprenticeships to every studio within a 10 mile radius of my town. 

And I got turned down for every single one of them.

Fast forward about 2 years, I was still as unaccomplished and in a job I hated but more secure in myself I guess. Then came the one uneventful day, I got an email, from probably the most notable piercing shop in my town, saying they’d been going through their emails and my cover letter and CV impressed them. 

I was a little gobsmacked to be honest, like I said this was probably the most popular piercing shop in my town and I know for a fact they must have had thousands of people asking for apprenticeships. But never the less, I responded immediately (after calling my friend to squeal down the phone),and from then the correspondence led to an interview. When this interview came around I had come to learn that the business was being taken over by new owners who were expanding the business. That’s fine, the shop was reputable and really loved in the community but there were some faults, the wait time, only being able to pay in cash, the opening hours etc. So this new management is exciting me to be honest. 

So for my interview, I’d prepared myself to the fullest, printed off a copy of my CV AND emailed one, printed my passport, bank details and printed my study materials for blood born pathogens and first aid and COSHH safety standards and I just about robbed my current job of printer paper and ink doing so!

I was prepared but I also like to mentally prepare myself for failure (because let’s face it even in this niche market, job prospects for my generation aren't the best) but it turned out be the best interview I’ve ever had. (BTW; if anyone wants a post on what the interview and questions were like, let me know and I’ll make a separate post, because I’m someone who likes to prepare thoroughly and I know I couldn't find much when searching for what kind of questions they’d ask me.)

And VOILA, a few days later, I get a cal saying I GOT THE JOB. I start 2nd of November 2017.       

[rxtbxnes]

pray for me yall im trying so hard

[peacockstattoo]

The Process of Getting a Tattoo: From Concept to Aftercare

Introduction

Deciding to get a tattoo is an exhilarating moment in anyone's life, whether it's your first piece or you're adding to your collection. It's a form of self-expression that stays with you, so understanding the journey from the initial idea to the aftercare of your tattoo is crucial for a satisfying experience.

Step 1: Conceptualizing Your Tattoo

The first step in your tattoo journey is choosing a design that resonates with you. Peacock tattoos, for instance, are rich in symbolism and beauty, making them a popular choice for those seeking meaningful ink. Consider what aspects of the peacock or its feathers you're drawn to and what they represent to you. Research and inspiration can come from books, art, or even a consultation with a tattoo artist.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Tattoo Artist

Finding an artist whose style aligns with your vision is paramount. Look through portfolios, paying attention to how they handle color, line work, and shading. Once you've found an artist you connect with, communicate your ideas clearly but also be open to their professional input to refine your concept into a tattoo-ready design.

Step 3: Preparing for Your Tattoo Session

Preparation is key to a smooth tattoo session. Ensure you're well-rested, hydrated, and have eaten beforehand. Avoid alcohol and aspirin to reduce bleeding. Bring your ID, payment, and anything you might need for comfort, such as headphones or a book, especially for longer sessions.

Step 4: The Tattooing Process

Tattooing involves needles piercing your skin to deposit ink, which can range from a mild annoyance to significant discomfort depending on the location and your pain tolerance. Sessions can last from a few minutes to several hours. Stay as still as possible and trust your artist to guide you through the process.

Step 5: Aftercare: Ensuring a Vibrant Tattoo

Proper aftercare is crucial for the healing and longevity of your tattoo. Follow your artist's instructions, which will likely include keeping the tattoo clean, applying a specific moisturizer, and avoiding sun exposure. Healing typically takes 2-4 weeks, during which you should avoid swimming and tight clothing over the tattoo area.

Conclusion

Getting a tattoo is a journey that culminates in a piece of art that expresses your unique story or values. By taking the time to thoughtfully plan your design, select the right artist, and care for your tattoo, you ensure a result that you'll be proud to wear for the rest of your life.

[ilikechocolatemilkh]

Oh look... another conversation about how my mom thinks I’m throwing my life away and worried about where SHE messed up. Just gonna go cry while getting groceries now. Kthxbye 😒

[ilikechocolatemilkh]

Aww 😞 I don’t get to (ethically) stab people today...

[cantseethroughthefog]

So, I did something kinda exciting today

Not only did I book an appointment for my next tattoo, but I also was talking to the head piercer at the shop about a piercing apprenticeship. We talked for about an hour and he ended up removing my dermal for me right there on the spot, which was awesome. He seems really interested in taking me on as an apprentice. He said he was going to talk to his boss and the other artists at the shop and he's going to get back to me. He said I definitely came at the right time because he had already been thinking about taking on an apprentice and his boss had been talking to him about maybe taking somebody on. He seems right on and we got along great. I'm really excited about this because body modification has been something I've been interested in for a long ass time (since I was aout 12 - I'm 24 now, so like, half my life). You gotta start somewhere, right? He said, obviously, I'll be doing some "bitch work" like cleaning and running for coffee and such, but I am SO okay with that. Just to have the opportunity to get my foot in the door and LEARN. And it was so great for my mental health to finally do this. I've been in such a rut lately with not knowing what direction my life is going and just not knowing what I'm doing with my life in general. This is a good step.