Tattoo artist versus just plain tattooist

What have been the experiences here with what I would consider a tattoo artist, one that can draw as well as conceptualize ideas and translate them to ink, versus a tattooist that basically translates a pre-drawn stencil? I have encountered both types. I know that of course the "artist" will be much more respected but I have seen (and have) some pretty nice work from the plain old "tattooist" who can't think outside the box or draw very creative designs but can follow a stencil and is quite adept at shading ect.. Just curious..to me the "artists", those with actual art experience before they began tattooing, are few and far between

Well, a tattoo artist will no doubt give you a fantastic piece of art that you can be proud of, where as a tattoo machine operator will only be able to reproduce art that isn't their own, and that can leave you with a great looking tattoo that alot of other people have, thus eliminating the reflection of who you are and emitting the appearance of who you want to be like. Tattoo machine operators are not necessarily bad people if they can admit who they are, but most of them call themselves artists when in fact, they are not, they also say they do custom work when in their eyes they can take 3 or 4 pieces of flash and trace the line sheets, blend them together into 1 piece and call it custom, another no-no. It may be another customized flash combination but not custom art. But as mentioned, they have their place in this field. Sometimes, people don't mind having the same tattoo that everyone else has, and example is the famous "Official Tattoo Brand" page# 199C, the little rose that I'm sure every artist and operator has had requested at least once. One woman told me that it was the rose she had always dreamed of having on her ankle, and no other rose would do it, that was the one. Sometimes people get an idea and stick with it with no room for creativity, and if thats what they want, then thats what they want. Some people simply do not want elaborate pieces of art on their bodies, nor do they want to invest that much skin, but more or less want simple designs that they can have and own. That's where the tattoo machine operator comes in.

I agree will that my friend.Being an artist is somethhing you are born with any one can learn how to copy.An artist can create.

The horrible fact is everyone really is born with the ability to draw and create, but through in-action most people "lose it". My wife teaches infants(gets em 3-6 months) and basically they dont know that they cant draw, and through the environments my wife (and the other teachers at her school) create and the was they introduce drawing/painting allow all the kids to learn how to create. It makes sense, really, the human being at birth really is capable of anything, learning all the languages (spoken as well as the arts languages (music, visual, etc). The other thing I found interesting to note (from myself) is that while my early attempts at drawing/playing music were train wrecks, the longer I hang out with visual artists and musicians the more I can see in my head and hear in my brain. So while I am primarily a computer programmer kinda guy, over the years I have learned quite a bit about art (by looking at it all day and night) and am pretty confident that when I have the time to invest in drawing I might not be half bad (at least the visions in my head are pretty neat). Dont worry, I wont be tattooing ever, but Ill fiddle on paper someday. So, basically, just because someone isnt an "artist" from birth doesnt necessarily mean they cant be. Like any language, its much easier to pick up in yer early years, and if its the thing that trumps all others and you put in your learning time when your young then your obviously way ahead of the game, but I dont believe that people are incapable of becoming artists if they have the desire (and capacity) to learn. In other words, I hear from artists all the time that you "got it" or you "dont". I would argue that your either 'learned it" or "didnt" though obviously some people have a much "richer" "broader" vision than others... As for the tattoo machine operator, I guess ideally they get weeded out and the "artist" who is learning the skills of application can practice on people who want the simple designs. Theres nothing wrong with people getting simple flash designs, ideally those designs are tattooed by an artist who needs to practice their application skills before moving on to larger custom work...

Tattooing is a trade, an art form, and a skill, that can be taught, and learned by most anyone with the want and ability to learn. What will set tattooists apart is there skills as an artist. The more talented, versatile, knowledgeable an artists the better you could be as a tattooist. It takes an open mind, and a willingness to learn. Lets not forget a knowledgeable teacher. The better the teacher the easier it is to learn. So where you do not need to be a great artist to be a good tattooist. The better the artist the more your liable to stand out amongst your peers, and perhaps have a longer, more successful career. JOE

well being someone who is just at the start of his learning i think looking at the work the real artists do in the studio and the ones who can do a very good tattoo i would think the artists would have it hands down i have saw a lot of the main guys work and also been allowed to watch him come up with designs and draw portraits seen him tattooing portraits. it just amazes me i can only hope to get to most of you guys standard some day i guess not drawing as much as i should have will leave me with a lot of years to get there if i ever do. ps one of the best i saw him do was the last supper hes also won a few awards over here so i guess i am lucky to have a good teacher