Fasionably late with some questions

First I would like to say that Im not a new artist. I have been drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. I have competed in many competitions in the advertising art and design field for many years. so before you all start bashing me for having some simple questions; please be considerate that people besides yourself may actually have feelings. And "yes" I do realize that the art of tattooing is very different from drawing a picture on a piece of paper.... That being said I would also like to point out that I did have an apprentistship with our local tattoo guy for nearly a year; before the unfourtunate closing of his shop this past summer. I was left with some unanswered questions. He always helped me set my gun up when he had me practice..on fruit..practice skin..etc. I awalys watched cafefully, so I was able to get set up and, get my gun together and actually use it on myself... but to me, from personal expirience of getting about 22hours worth of tattooing done on my back alone :) lol .... when I strated tattooing myself (for fear of not wanting to wreck someone else for life) I felt as if the needle wasnt penatarting the skin deep enough. Im thinking that its probably just me not applying enough pressure... but I'm not sure. being that Im tattoing myself, Im thinking I'm probably not being as heavy handed as I should,(like a natural raction maybe) any advice for tattooing yourself???????

Unfortunately, if after a year "apprenticeship" you never learned that you're using a tattoo machine, not a "gun" I can only imagine the other horrible habits you were taught. Not being mean, just honest. There's no advice you can get over a forum that will help you figure out proper depth of tattooing. I would try and find a reputable shop in your area, and try to start over with a better mentor.