How do you become a tattoo artist, without being completely poor in the process?

SaFire Noon: How do you become a tattoo artist, without being completely poor in the process?
I know how you have to go about becoming a tattoo artist, but my problem is that I have to be able to survive on my own in the process. I really, really want to become a tattoo artist and I think that I have the talent to do it! I love everything about the industry, I have tattoos and piercings, I have get along well with people already in the industry… Mainly, I am afraid that if I become an apprentice, I will have to leave my full time job, with great benefits, and get a really, really bad paying part time job and not be able to pay my bills. Does anyone have some answers or words of advice that would help me in my quest?

Answers and Views:

Answer by NoLifeSigns
I have never met a rich tattoo artist. What do you think?

Answer by orange_crush_05
well the best thing to do is become an apprentice to a tattoo artist….because he or she well teach ur the ways to becoming a great tattoo artist. ….i want to be a tattoo artist as well and i had a chance to become an apprentice because he liked my work

Answer by tatt_bratt
You will have to figure out what works best for you and your mentor. My apprentice switched up her hours so she could spend Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at the studio. Steve’s apprentice starts at 5 pm every day and all day Saturday. I think most reputable studios understand that people need to live, for goodness sakes.

And yes, a good tattoo artist can make a very good living. It is all about building a client base. Good artists make good money, mediocre artists make mediocre money….