The best way to learn to tattoo is as an apprentice, but some things you should know going into the situation. Just because we stress an apprenticeship does not mean that this 240+ page manual is lacking by any means! Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo covers everything from how to build a tattoo machine to what types of needle configurations are best for each task. The best part of the book is that you get access to www.TeachMeToTattoo.com an interactive website designed specifically for the book. Where you can ask questions and get detailed information about each section of the book. As more information is added to the website the value increases.
The tattooing industry is starved for wholly informative books, and even more so because protocol and technique is constantly changing and every artist has their own methods. My own mentor has used this book with other artists and announced it to be only “about thirty percent bullshit” which I think is a pretty good ratio compared to some textbooks I’ve had to use over the years. My worst critique is that there are plenty of typos and miswordings, plus occasional spacing issues that make it clear the author is an artist, not a writer. But the information is pretty solid and has allowed my mentor and I chances to sit in the car before opening shop and go over the reading, for me to ask any questions I would not otherwise have thought of, and for him to write little notes in the margins. If we ever take on another student in the future, I imagine we’ll still be using this guide.
Very informative and approachable textbook, in terms of content, and well worth the read. The copy desperately needs an editor to prune the many major and minor technical errors (several on each page). Despite that, if you read carefully and forgivingly you can solve most of the confusion areas without too much trouble. I've got a super dog-eared copy now with notes everywhere; it's so helpful. The author really seems to have the reader in mind and takes the time to break things down alllll the way. Thank you