Hi all. I started tattooing, like a lot of people, at home on friends when I was in my early teens. I was always artistically inclined and could/can draw and paint whatever I saw or thought. I got really into tattooing during high school and went on to an art college. My natural rebellion made me drop out and pursue tattooing more.

I went to a local, well known shop for tattoos a few times and after a number of casual conversations it was brought up that I was an artist and did some tats in the past. I brought in a portfolio of my art and was immediately given an apprenticeship. This shop was/is extremely well known and the oldest in that state.

Well, after a year of nothing but money spent things started going down hill, I think because I wasnt white or a racist, and after another few months, I and the shop owner decided we should part ways because it wasnt working out. I was more of a gopher there than anything and only did a handful of tattoos on friends as practice. They had pushed me to tattoo right off the bat thinking that was good for me, but I really wanted to learn.

I know everyone thinks this, but I have some ability that just needs some help. Problem is, I did this apprentice 10 years ago and since then Ive only done a handful of tattoos because it was such a bad experience. I lost my interest for a long time but I yearn to tattoo. There are no shops within an hour of my current location and due to my bad experience with the other shop, Im hesitant to look for another apprenticeship. I have high end machines, power supply and a wayne dry heat sterilizer for supplies but I really need some help.

My question is, does ANYONE have any kind of helpful advice? What should I do? I love tattoos and tattooing and believe its my calling as I think about it all the time. What is my best option at this point? Thanks for listening and I appreciate any advice.