I Want To Be... A Tattoo Artist!
[ 18 August 2008 ]
I recently received an email from a girl called Stina, saying that she would love to read more job guides on iCiNG! I’ve written about how to be a writer, how to be a blogger & how to get a job at Lush, but really, that’s about as much personal experience as I have. As Stina explained her idea, though, I realised that I know heaps of people with awesome jobs — people who love what they do, have talent & passion to burn, & are trail-blazing in their industry. So I started asking them for interviews. Here’s the first one, & it’s an interview with a friend of mine who has one of the coolest jobs I know of — Tim Kern, tattoo artist!
Let me know what you think of the series concept & if you have any requests (or if you have a fabulous career & want to volunteer yourself!), I’d love to hear from you!
Tim Kern is a tattoo artist working out of Tribulation Tattoo in New York City. He’s been tattooing for 13 years, & is an avid world traveller — his work regularly takes him from the East Coast to Japan & Europe. Along the way he’s picked up a bunch of awards, as well as working as a tattoo designer on a Charlie Kaufman movie & CSI: NY. He also happens to be completely awesome!
If you have any questions for Tim, leave them here & I’ll see what I can do about getting him to answer them!
Tell us about what you do.
I do tattoos mostly… I try to find time to paint and do other artwork, but it’s hard. Tattooing takes up a lot of my time and thought processes.
How long ago did you start on this path?
Which path? The left hand one? ;) I started tattooing when you were 12 years old… haha. Strange to think, but it’s true. (That’s 1995, by the way.)
How long were you doing it before you made it into your career or primary form of income?
I was apprenticing for about a year before I was allowed to tattoo anyone for money, so I kept my other job for a while. I was running a day center for homeless people, and doing graphic design occasionally. Once I was able to make money, it became my only job. I never looked back.
Did anything significant happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?
I think that you are constantly learning in life, so everything is a series of small steps. Occasionally broken up by great leaps of inspiration. I was tattooing for about 4 years before I stopped getting nervous at the beginning of every tattoo. At the beginning, you are just trying to do everything right. After a while, you can really start to express yourself with tattooing, but you have to be comfortable with the tools and techniques first.
Do you think official qualifications are important for someone entering your industry?
I think that an apprenticeship from a qualified tattoo artist is the best way to learn. I don’t still do everything the same way I was taught, but I think the experience was invaluable. There’s an awful lot of people who just buy a kit and start fucking people up, with no concept of cleanliness or preventing cross-contamination — that’s why health department regulation is important. Some cities/states go a bit overboard, but it’s definitely better to have regulations, than not. Keeps the scratchers at bay, to a degree at least.
What do you think is the best thing about working for yourself?
I love the fact that I don’t really have to answer to someone else. I know that seems obvious, but it really is a relief to not have to do something you think is stupid, just because the boss wants you to do it. I also can travel as much as I like, which is amazing. I love being able to see other countries. It really lets you know how diverse and amazing this world really is.
What’s the worst thing?
Probably the worst thing is that I have a hard time saying “no” to people. I need someone to tell people when I don’t have time for them. As a result, I end up working too much, and barely ever take days off. I need to be better about that.
Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100 (100 being the best, 0 being devastatingly awful) on an average day.
I give myself an 86. I’m not always completely happy with what I do, but I’m doing my best to make it better all the time. I try to make what I’m doing the best tattoo I’ve done. If we don’t keep trying to improve ourselves and our work, what’s the point of doing it?
Would you call yourself a workaholic, & if so, are you alright with that? Do you think that’s normal for your industry?
I would probably describe myself as a workaholic. I think if you want to be good at anything, you run the risk of it being your whole life. Tattooing is definitely that way. I love tattooing, and most of my life revolves around it in some way. When I’m not actively tattooing, I’m often drawing for tattoos, or answering questions about tattoos. It’s an all-consuming thing…
What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?
I would say to make sure you are doing it for the right reasons… not because you saw it on TV and thought it was cool, or because you think you can make tons of cash. Do it because you love tattoos, and you think you can actually contribute something. There are enough hack tattooers out there, fucking people up.
...How about number two?
I would say to work on your artwork. If you are serious about getting into the tattoo industry, you need to show a potential teacher that you are worth his time and trouble. He or she is much more likely to take you on as an apprentice, if you will be an asset to the community.
What do you wish you had known when you first started out?
I think it’s a constant learning process, so there’s a lot I still want to know. I would like to learn more about building and tuning machines. Technical stuff. I know a little now, but you can always know more… I am never satisfied…
Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?
I think there are lots of misconceptions, mostly due to the popularity of tattoo “reality” shows. You wouldn’t believe how many people think you can get an entire sleeve done in one day, because of how those shows are edited… I don’t really have anything against the shows, per se, since I have friends on one, but it does give people a rather unrealistic view of what can be accomplished in a sitting.
What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing?
Pure stupidity, probably. Hahaha I don’t know… I love tattoos. I love having them, and I feel honored that people want to have my artwork on their body permanently. It’s kinda a scary idea, if I think about it too much… I am altering people for the rest of their lives. It’s quite a lot of responsibility. I’ve also made a lot of really great friends through tattooing, and I wouldn’t trade them for the highest paying job in the world.
Who do you look up to within your industry & why?
I admire a lot of the people who first influenced me when I was learning… and the ones that opened my eyes to new things since I started. Guy Aitchison, Marcus Pacheco, Paul Booth, Robert Hernandez... they first showed me that you can do something new and different with tattoos. That they could be art… I also really admire the work of Filip Leu, Shige, Xed LeHed, Nikko, Boris, Victor Portugal... just to name a few. There are so many astounding artists, it seems unfair that I have to leave anyone out… I’m sure there’s tons of amazing artists I haven’t even seen yet. I can’t wait till I do…
Super-love & cupcakes,
Gala
Tags: advice,
how to,
inspiration,
i want to be,
life Share this! + Email This + Del.icio.us
+ Facebook
+ Stumbleupon
+ Technorati
Comment
Read more tagged advice...
Oh My God, I Think I'm Ready To Date Again... How To Be More Assertive How To Give The Best Compliment Ever Loving A New City: Alone How To Wear Pink Cowboy Boots How To Have The Best Holiday Ever My Mother Might Have Cancer... Things My Parents Taught Me
Read more tagged how to...
First Date Etiquette Oh My God, I Think I'm Ready To Date Again... 10 Ways To Snap Yourself Out Of A Slump How To Ace A Job Interview How To Have A Summer Romance (With Yourself) Gala's Guide To NYC Version 1.0 How To Be More Assertive How To Be A Leader
Read more tagged inspiration...
10 Ways To Snap Yourself Out Of A Slump Andy Warhol's Beauty Tips Style Tips -- 30th July 2008 How To Have A Summer Romance (With Yourself) Gala's Guide To NYC Version 1.0 Style Tips -- 21st July 2008 Style Tips -- 16th July 2008 50 Things To Do Before Winter Ends
Read more tagged life...
First Date Etiquette Oh My God, I Think I'm Ready To Date Again... 10 Ways To Snap Yourself Out Of A Slump Style Tips -- 30th July 2008 How To Ace A Job Interview How To Have A Summer Romance (With Yourself) Gala's Guide To NYC Version 1.0 Style Tips -- 21st July 2008
I would love to see an interview with someone like Violet Blue about writing for the sex industry. :)
Ooh, Gala, how excellent! Whenever I discover somebody who has what I’d consider a dream job, I always check up for interviews or articles with him or her…but then the media, for less orthodox jobs like this, is less saturated. I personally don’t want to become a tattoo artist, more like a Special Ed. teacher probably, but seriously, great idea!
p.s. Love how he responded to the “rate how happy you are” question. Without the “divine discontent,” we have nothing to push us forward, and might as well be dead.
This is a great idea, I too would love an interview with someone like Miss V. Blue.
Wonderful series of posts. I personally would be interested in one about becoming a musician (namely front woman of a band but hey ho :P), but in a way just by reading the others it kinda helps because it explains about dedication and so on, you can just translate it into your dreams.
i think this concept is amazing !
i would love to read about a hairdresser, a make-up artist, a freelance photographer…
and the tattoo artist would have been one i would ask you, so i’m already happy :)
I think this series are a great idea Gala. I’m sure that many of us would like an insight on the industries that we are interested on.
Can you ask your friend Anna to tell us more about being a Fashion Designer? Please?
Tim is really cool n_n.
Hi Gala,
A couple of years ago I told my Dad I wanted to be a tattoo artist, and he just laughed at me.
‘Get real Lucy,’ he said, ‘wake up. Stop daydreaming.’
So I did Gala – I stopped ‘daydreaming.’
I looked around for apprenticeships, but found none. Then I decided my style was too weak for tattooing.
My dad has a tattoo himself actually; of a sparrow on his arm, circa ’78.
Take care Gala and thanks for posting about this,
x Lucy
Fantastic concept.
Go Gala.
Weekly, sil vous plait!
x
Oh! Oh! Oh! Can you please write an article on ‘how to be a burlesque dancer’...? It’s one of my dreams :P
And yes! Keep rolling with the job guides ;D
What a great idea! I, too would love to hear about people who love their jobs! Hairdresser, photographer, fashion designer, musician . .
Would it be feasible to put out a group article? Say, an interview done by all the make-up artists you could find? It would be really interesting to get different perspectives, and hear from people from different countries.
PS – I totally love my job as a ballet teacher (which I’ve only been doing since March). Just sayin’ ;)
This idea for a category of posts is excellent! I love hearing about how different types of people have pinpointed their passions and executed their dreams…
I think I would like to hear about the jobs of professional photographers (ever since you linked to thevagabondset.com i have been intrigued), circus performers (i’m trying to run away with the circus with my hula hoop & camera & get out of dancing at nightclubs), anything having to do with creative work really, like styling, costume design, set design…it seems like a lot of confidence, luck, & connections. I like the idea that you don’t have to have a fancy degree to follow your passion, just hard work, believing in yourself, & a whole lotta energy.
I know you already wrote about how to start a blog, but maybe you could get the ladies from Coilhouse to elaborate on their process of making a print magazine? I read their original post on this subject, but maybe they could go into more detail & explain how they formed the group of contributors & really turned the idea into a reality.
Sorry this was an essay, I’m just really excited about future posts like this. :)
^^^I agree w/ Nadine. Maybe more perspectives on the same category (if they are available)?
Ooooh what a great article! I definitely like the idea of a cool jobs feature—you ask good questions and you know cool people—you should get Nubby to do a “cool job” feature on here! She seems to have it made with hers :)
I’ve always wondered about tattoo artists. I only have one tiny one, I’m from a very conservative family and I’m not wanting to make everybody mad while they’re still helping me pay for college, haha! :) I think though, if I were artistically inclined, that would be the career I’d be drawn to! It’s so fascinating, altering someone’s body for life! eek. amazing.
anyway I’ll stop rambling, good going on this one, Gala!
i love this idea, i agree with jami i would love to read about violet blues experiences writing for the sex industry. also id be interested in someone who runs their own vintage clothing business to find out how they find the best quality vintage clothing, what they value as a good vintage find….i think i remember you may have already done something like this or maybe it was a link in a carousel or something of the sort.
id be interested in learning a bit about how burlesque dancers did in fact become burlesque dancers too, if they require any formal training etc.
i think this is great, as you can tell im a bit too keen.
i do have a question for tim though:
Do you think it is better to have training or talent with drawing or painting to be a tattoo artist? its probably i giant misconception seen on reality ink shows for me that many artists tend to trace or use other images as a template for their works is this really what happens?
Im interesting in tattooing and id love to be able to get a tattoo apprenticeship but i can’t draw without tracing although i am an amazing painter and shader, if i draw i have to lightly trace an outline of something then i can shade my heart away and i do a really good job too.
What an amazing man! Some of the things he said are perfect quotes and sound bites to remember and live by. What a creative, inspired, motivated man, very inspirational.
I have no desire to work in the sex education and erotica industry, but I’d love to hear what Violet Blue has to say about how she got to where she was – she’s fascinating and fearless!
I believe you are aquainted with make-up artists from when you did your course? You never posted the tips and tricks you’d learned! An interview with your make up artist friends would be wonderful, I’ve always wondered how people can make something so fun and hobby-like into a money making career!
I work at a tattoo parlor, and we get SO. MANY. PEOPLE. asking about how to become a piercer or a tattoo artist. Here are a few more things I think are worth noting about breaking into the industry:
(1) Probably ninety-nine times out of a hundred, a tattoo artist or piercer is not going to apprentice someone right off the street no matter how fabulous their art portfolio is. Develop a rapport at a shop or with an artist/piercer who you really respect. Don’t suck up or nag. It’s a really competitive field, and tons of people are looking to apprentice. Why should an artist or piercer go out of their way for you? Especially when everyone and their cousin has already asked?
(2) Make sure you’re apprenticing under someone you really respect. You’re going to learn their bad habits as well as their good ones. If you want to be good at what you do, learn from someone who is good at what they do – not just someone who happens to do it.
(3) Be prepared to WORK! A proper piercing apprenticeship takes roughly a year, and good tattoo apprenticeships can take anywhere from one to five years. It’s also really common to spend a year or so working in a shop doing grunt work – stuff like answering the phone, cleaning the shop, scrubbing tubes, dealing with crazy customers, etc. For many shops, this is a way to introduce you to the industry but also for them to see your work ethic and dedication. And once you’re an apprentice, you do some serious bitch work. For tattooing in particular, a lot of it is just watching an artist tattoo, setting up and breaking down their station between tattoos, making the stencils, etc. And you have to draw CONSTANTLY CONSTANTLY CONSTANTLY. It really is hard work, and once you’re tattooing, people aren’t even going to think twice about everything you’ve done to get there.
(4) Be realistic about your career expectations. Unless you work at a really high-end and established tattoo parlor, you’re not going to be making serious cash – and with body modification transitioning into the mainstream, even some of the best shops have seen significant pay cuts because it is becoming SUCH a competitive industry. It’s also a job that follows you home. Instead of spending time with your family, you’ll be drawing sleeves. Instead of having a night out with your friends, strangers will want to talk shop. And being an independent contractor, you constantly have to be promoting yourself. It’s an incredibly service-oriented field – especially with its burgeoning popularity – so if you’re not a people-person, you want a job you can just clock out of, or you can’t stand the thought of constantly being “on”, THIS JOB IS NOT FOR YOU.
(5) Tattoo artists and piercers are not impressed when you “work from home” shall we say. Historically, many tattoo artists and piercers got started by just doing what they do. The industry has changed, though, and even those folks will look down their nose at those just diving right in. What it comes down to is, you have no training, and you likely don’t have access to an autoclave or have ever been through a blood-born pathogens course. So basically, you’re either going to really mar someone’s body, or you’re going to give them a disease – all because you don’t know any better. An artist/piercer is more impressed by someone with the humility to admit ignorance and the enthusiasm to learn rather than someone who is just fucking people up because this is their career destiny.
What it comes down to is, if you’re serious about breaking into body modification, be patient, and put in the work. It is an incredibly thankless occupation that requires a lot of hard work with very little pay off. That said, for those really serious about it, it can be a really amazing and joyous career.
Katrina: not everyone who tattoos can draw, but a GOOD tattoo artist is exactly that – an artist. It’s completely true that many artists trace or use templates. Part of this is that people want very specific things, and it’s a waste of time to do anything but trace when the image is already out there. Another part of it is that it’s a really time-consuming occupation in and of itself, so tracing and relying on stock imagery is a SERIOUS time saver. Still, people who want custom pieces or need images altered will get nothing out of someone without vision, creativity, or talent, so like I said, while being able to draw and paint and all that is not a NECESSARY component, it’s a pretty valuable one.
I love Tim Kern’s work!!!!!
This was a good read, great idea Gala! I 2nd/3rd/4th other peoples suggestions for an interview with Violet Blue.
And you’ve worked as a freelance journalist at times and if you know any other successful freelance journalists it would be beyond wonderful to see a “How To…” article come from that.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Okay, I know this is off-topic but the other day, you linked Oh No They Didn’t (the article about Tim Burton & Alice in Wonderland) & I just about died when I clicked it & it was ONTD!
I was just wondering… are you a fellow ONTD-er? I am such a nerd because Oh No They Didn’t is practically my life & I visit it every day!! (:
& this article was great! While I don’t want to be a tattoo artist (I would just be so scared of doing something wrong), it was super interesting & Tim seems really cool!
Gala, this is a great post!
although i’m not interested in becoming a tattoo artist (too squeamish), i really enjoyed reading this post. it was interesting and quite off beat, but also well researched.
Keep up the good work
my boyfriend Blake is an amazing artist, he designed his sister’s ankle tatt that won an award for best Female tattoo at a convention (though he didn’t tattoo her!) & has designed tatts for loads of our friends
he is helping me design my next one, and his art is just amazing.
He tattoo’d his own finger & designed all his own tattoo’s, people are always asking where he got them designed.
He has taken his work into tattooist’s around Melbourne & in his hometown before, and they say he’s good but they can’t/already have an apprentice.
He’s now studying to become a carpenter, but tattoos are his first love & he wants to buy his own gun & start doing pig skins for practice in the future.
If not to get a job in it, just for the love of it.
Tim, Do you think this is a good way to start, or are apprenticeships (so few & far between in this part of the world) a better way to go?
Any extra tips???!!!!
xx thanks! Tasj
great idea and loved the interview!
Awesome interview!
I would love to hear from a fashion designer, fashion magazine editor, and maybe a professional photographer…
Great article as always, Gala! I’ve got a friend who’s always wanted to take a tattoo apprenticeship & I’m thinking it would be perfect to show her this article.
I would love to read an interview with a journalist or a writer at some sort of fashion magazine (Or even hear about your experiences writing for Cosmo!) but even more, I’d love to read an interview with a professional photographer in the fashion industry.
Also, kudos to the questions you asked Tim as the interviewer! They really covered all the corners, I think!
i have two questions:
people say that what sits tim apart from other artists is his use of white ink where most artists would use skin..
i would be interested to know if he agrees with that comment
also is it difficult to be professional about peoples personal choice pertaining to the tattoos they want?
i have friends who have said no to really dumb tattoos.
does he often turn people away?
example: someone wanted a mc donalds m with a kiwi inside it. artist said no.
another example: a guy wanted a tattoo that said let me taste your sweetness or ill take it from you. female tattoo artists says no.
what’s the dumbest tattoo he has ever said no to?
please also tell him that the tattoo he did of that famous paiting with the dead lamb and it’s mother is better than the original and i would give limbs to have him do my chest so come to new zealand
xxx
Jami, Amber, Katrina, iris =) & Valentina — I’ll see what I can do! She’s a busy woman, but fingers crossed, hmm?!
jenna — I read ONTD approximately once every 6 months… celebrity gossip isn’t really my bag anymore, but I used to read it all the time!
Thanks for all your questions & suggestions, as well as your enthusiasm for the new feature! I’m glad you like it, I always find it really inspiring to read the perspectives of people who dig what they do!
Haha I’m actually a tattoo apprentice myself. My father has been tattooing for over 25 years and now its a family business. It is defiantly a time consuming job.
I 3rd or 4th fashion designer. Or textile designer, accessories, etc. I love reading about anyone who truly loves their job though, because that’s what I’m trying to achieve and I think a lot of the advice for one career works for many.
Wow wow wow.
I’ve been searching like mad for an apprenticeship in a tattoo parlor for once I graduate high school in February, but resources & tips are kind of scarce. Overall I think that this particular flavour of iCiNG will be a huuuuge success. Thank you sooo much. :3
I would love to see this become a regular feature. I would love to see one on someone who works in a museum. But no matter what, I like hearing people’s perspectives and paths. Great idea!
Wow Gala what a cool idea :) hopefully we see more stuff like this on icing. if you ever want to do one on being and earlychildhood teacher i would be keen. its always interesting to get a window into someone elses life
xx
Natasja: I definitely agree with a lot of what Mikolina said about getting into the business. A tattoo apprenticeship is not only the best way to learn, but it is a massive amount of hard work. It should be. It not only weeds out people who aren’t serious, but it prepares you for the amount of work ahead. Getting a tattoo machine and practicing at home with no supervision isn’t going to teach you anything, except how to do things wrong, and in an unsanitary manner. If he’s serious about it enough, your boyfriend should approach it the right way, and continue pursuing an apprenticship.
Katrina: I don’t think it’s necessary to be good at all types of art to be a good tattoo artist. I think it helps to be as versatile as possible, but there are many artists who do amazing portrait work, but don’t really draw very well on their own. Many people specialize for that reason…
xhellsbellsx: I have turned down tattoos for people, occasionally because the idea they had was dumb, but for many other reasons as well.
I won’t tattoo someone,
1. if they are drunk, or seem otherwise chemically altered,
2. If they want something rascist or otherwise offensive to myself,
3. if it seems like someone else wants them to get tattooed more than they do,
4. If they want to get something they aren’t really prepared for (ex. someone wanting their hands or throat tattooed, when they don’t have any other visible tattoos),
I don’t really have anything against stupid tattoos. A lot of the tattoos I’ve been recently getting have been dumb little collector tattoos. From friends. Among these are a ghost with a boner and a vagina sushi. Both of them mean a lot to me, but they are really quite dumb. haha
Probably the dumbest tattoo I’ve ever said no to would be anytime someone wants their boyfriend/girlfriend’s name tattooed on them. It’s just a bad idea in general, because the tattoo always will last longer than the relationship. Guaranteed.
TSK
Wow… Incredibly fascinating, and what an amazing guy – to have that much passion for what you do, and to want to keep learning and improving at it! That’s so cool to me.
I love this concept you’ve come up with, interviewing people with super cool occupations. I’m 21 years old, and I still have no idea what I want to do with my life, so for someone like me, its really cool to read about what other people have done with theirs. When I was younger, I really wanted to be a tattooist, or a piercer, then I realised I have no artistic talent, nor do I have a very steady hand, so… One day, I’ll find something perfect for me that I can be just as passionate about.
I like this idea its interesting…
If anyone is a Language Interpreter or knows of someone who is… would you get them to do an interview please?
I find that job fasinating and am considering it for myself when I leave school, so I would love to know more about it.
xxxx
Oh, Gala, how I j’adore you!
Would you please be so inclined as to interview a hairdresser, makeup artist or personal trainer?
You’re fabulous!
xo
Sigh, if I could be tattooed by only one person, ever, it would be Ymonster!
ooh, i’m happy to see so many excited about my idea! it totally made my day!
my dream is to become better at knit/crochet design. i envy and respect people like ysolda (http://ysolda.com/wordpress/) who are able to make a living from selling knitting patterns. but every story from someone who’s really excited about their job is so inspirering, and i hope this will become a successful series of articles.
Gala, this is BRILLIANT idea. I have absolutely no clue what I want to do job-wise so I’m reeeeeeeeally excited to see what you’ll come up with :)
:D I can’t wait for more of these! Good idea. Thumbs up
This is really interesting!
I’m definitely interested in reading more career profiles :)The quirkier the better!
Excellent Gala….really interesting to read,it’s such an interesting industry to know more about too!
Look forward to more in this series…..
...an interesting one would be cupcake baker or someone that has made a living out of baking and selling in their own shop.
I’ll offer myself up too…i am a graphic designer working in the fashion industry in London…i work freelance.
If you need soem more people to interview then feel free to ask me…..bet you have a whole bunch of people offering themselves now though!
XOXO
Definitely a brilliant idea; the ‘tattoo artist’ in particular for me because I’m working on a design for my third. Anyone know a spectacular artist in London?
xxx
DJ (preferably a female DJ, but hey, can’t be picky!)
Hi Gala,
Long-time reader, first time commenter. What a great article! And a series is definitely a spectacular idea. :) I, for one, would love to read about acting… one of many amazing facets of art.
Love the site, and can’t wait to read more! :)
awesome article!! i have always admired tattoo art and i love to draw tattoo-inspired works on paper in my spare time. i’d love to see an article with a musician/singer, preferably female – anything about how to street perform would be really cool. i’ve got a license to street perform, but i’m not sure how to do it (e.g. if you’re alone, how do you prevent others from stealing money?) it’s an interesting and difficult industry to break into, and i’d love to see how it’s done from the perpective of one who has done that. carpe diem!
What a thought provoking interview with an amazing artist. Thanks for doing this, Gala. I was especially interested to hear his views on tattooing reality television. I can imagine that being a real love-hate relationship: On the one hand, it must generate business, but on the other, it must generate unreasonable expectations in the client.
Thanks for the link, Gala! Tim is the best!
i would love to hear about a make-up artist for cirque du soleil! that may be a difficult interview to get though :( also, loveeeedd the article! i’ve bee thinking about getting “too weird to live, too rare to die-HST” tattoo’d on the inside of my feet, this just makes me want to do it even more!
Gala, I love the idea of this series of articles! Just last night as I was making a big batch of dog food, I wondered what the steps are to open your own business… do you know anyone who has a doggie deli? And perhaps a bakery for people?
Thanks for the great articles!
@ cc^: Such an interview already exists! Go to beautyeditor.com.au… Here’s the complete link:
www.beautyeditor.com.au/2008/0…
Gala, how about someone who works in a museum? Maybe in academia, like a history museum or something off-beat, like the Sex Museum in NY. Haha, I would love to hear about a hot, hip librarian – I secretly aspire to be one, though I probably won’t follow that path.
Or, similarly, someone who works in an art gallery?
Professional musician? Not so much rocker or singer, but how about classical? I’m thinking Keri Russell’s character in August Rush. If you are familiar with “therapysessions” on livejournal, maybe some of the people who are part of the Nouveau Classical Project?
Wow, I loved today post Gala. It was really entertaining to read even if you’re not interested in going into tattoos. I’m looking forward to see some more of these job guides! You should have your friend who owns Bowerbird Vintage do one…
Gala, I just wanted to say thanks so much for doing what you do! I just went back and read your post “so you want to be a blogger” and it was SO helpful and SO inspiring. Just what I needed right now. You rock girl. Here’s to many more years.
I would love to see an article interviewing a fashion designer, which is what I want to get into
This is such a great series of articles. I would love to see you interview someone who is a female movie director or female director of photography for movies. That seems like a very male dominated field, you see lots of female producers but very few directors, so it would be great to hear about women who work in it.
Wow! Thanks very much Gala. This article has really helped me out.
The tattooing industry has been something I’ve been interested in getting into for about 5 years now. Having someone’s veiw on it has put a lot of things into perspective!
Great article and idea for a series of articles!
I’d like to put in a request to hear from anyone in the costume design or fashion industry :)
Cheers!
I love the question about misconceptions – I am a producer in the fashion industry every one is always telling me how Glam my life must be …..5am starts and sitting in the rain yea super Glam me!
i don’t know if this is something your readers would find interesting or not, but i usually get a ton of questions after telling people i’m a bicycle planner.
Wicked. I add my enthusiasm for this series of articles! I want to know about people with unusual careers that have carved their way there, what it took for them to make it, and their personal philosophy/take on their paths and their passion.
Tim Kern sounds like an amazing and wise individual, I feel my inspiration is refreshed for my own line of work (molecular neuroscience – epilepsy research) just from reading about his deep and natural love of his.
Thanks Gala! keep it coming :)
Just the other day i was hoping you’d write some articles exactly in this theme, so thanks for the great interview! :)
i vote for an interview with an architect and an interior designer.
thanks for linking me the article [a}! :)
oooooooooh!!! i vote for a costume designer, burlesque dancer, cupcake baker or makeup artist!!
I was tattooed by his brother!! The equally talented James Kern in Portland Oregon.
Thanks for posting this Gala!
Now I want to know…how do you get a hold of Tim? I’ve been wanting to get on his waiting list for about six months now and every time I call Tribulation Tattoo I get their message machine. I know they’re a bunch of busy and talented folks over there, but there must be some way to get in touch. Any suggestions?
PS : I know you addressed this when you posted about your own work that he did earlier this Summer…and while I’m all for being persistent, I feel a little awkward leaving a message every single day. ;)
I’m still waiting for my tattoo from Tim. I got 2 from James his also awesome tattooist twin brother… so my question is… Tim when are you going to give your mom her tattoo???
Still waiting
mom Kern
i have some pics of my art work that i want to show so i can get some help on how to get my tattoo license. i love to draw.