mad_andy

*Yawn* Mornin' all.

I did my first ink in the studio yesterday and lo, it did not suck!

I did quite a complex piece on Lee and yes, two lines were a tad wonky... but even I was surprised at how well it went. A bit of a trembly hand, but that passed. I used one of Lee's machines, and lo - they didn't have disposable grips for the size needle I wanted to use. That meant I had to use his stainless steel ones, which I haven't used since I worked at Atomic and it went like a dream! No wonder I've been having so much trouble with my machines, they weigh absolutely nothing compared to what I used yesterday - so you're spending as much energy just stopping them twitching all over the place as you are actually inking!

Today I'm going to shade Lee's thigh, possibly add some freehand wings in there, and I get to do walk ins. I do have one booked, which is a lettering piece on a guy's neck at 5pm.

And next tuesday I have a freehand tribal piece to do. o.O See, yesterday Lee was doing a big bit of freehand tribal over a chap's shoulder and asked me to come have a look, as he wasn't happy with a bit of the line where it curved from arm to shoulder. I went and we had a conflab, then he passed me a skin pen and I sketched my idea out on the guy.

Lee was happy, inked it in, and the client was happy.

Hee!

Jesus I'm having such a lot of fun.

How lucky am I to have two jobs I absolutely adore?

Two bosses who are supportive and positive and energetic?

And we're seeing Zico in Southend on Thursday night. I love my life right now!

OH and a big huge thank you to everyone who's left comments to the last two posts - I am a totally lazy old bag when it comes to replying, but every comment made me grin. I luffs you guys!

Just a quickie, because I'm utterly shattered, but...

I HAVE AN APPRENTICESHIP!!!!

New studio in Abingdon, owner has been in the shop a couple of times, friendly outgoing sort called Sam, daft keen on having a Burm. So yesterday when she put down a deposit on viv and snake I asked her if any of her artists could do with a gofer, and explained the whole sorry story of woe regarding my last apprenticeship.

She asked if I had any artwork handy and lo, I did cos I keep a few old sketchbooks at work to show people. She acted impressed, asked to borrow one and said she would get back to me in a week when she came in to drop off the next payment.

TODAY she came in - her backer/partner (an accountant and a very charming chap) and she were so excited by my work that they wanted to offer me an apprenticeship.

On the spot.

Unconditional.

I repeated (rather cautiously) that there was no way I was going to leave Chris, so that meant I would only guarantee Tuesday and every other monday - and she flapped her hand and said yep, fine, no issues with that. And she's so keen on my artwork that she's determined to get it out in a form to sell to other studios - she said she 'wasn't going to LET me waste my talent'.

Hoshit, you guys!

I'm in again!

And thinking about it, that's two studio owners that have effectively taken one look at my stuff and offered me a gig - so perhaps I really don't suck, hey?

Scusie, I'm off to bounce around the house and squee some more!