Hey, raise your hand if you know about my goals to be a full-time cartoonist. OK, great. Now raise your hand if you know how hard it is to become syndicated. Ah, not as many this time. This time, raise it up if you know about my goals to become a tattoo artist. The ones that already knew this can put their hands down. That's just not fair to the others.

It's true. This is something I've wanted to do for awhile, but the resources to practices are limited (it's called cash and willing teachers). Getting the tools — ink, machine, needles, etc ... — isn't difficult, that part just takes time. What's difficult is teaching oneself when there aren't other artists available to say, "this is how it's done. Now you try."

I'm no stranger when it comes to being self-taught, however having someone impart their years of experience does make it a bit easier. But I will not be deterred. I will learn. I will ink. I will freak a little the first time I draw blood.