How to Become a Piercer Part 2: Research - Body Piercing Basics EP 21

[@becca6492]

i’m almost 19 and am really interested in piercing, i have been for a very long time and this is helping me a lot with how to prepare mentally and physically. if anyone could give me any extra info i’d love it! thank you so much!

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

Glad you found the videos helpful. The best thing is to take those steps to prepare yourself for apprenticeship and show your commitment.

[@ashtonbogan3111]

I'm in the same boat!! Any extra info you've learned over the months would be amazing

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

The piercing Bible is a must read. I would suggest the ebook version because I believe it has been updated. Check with your red cross about courses on first aid, blood borne pathogens and cross contamination prevention. I would also suggest Modern Primitives to give you a background on the history of body art. Additionally research anything you can find on Metallurgy, anatomy, decontamination and sterilization.

[@E-MountainBikerBae]

Also During This Present Times Of Covid 19 What Are The Changes & Precautions That Are Needed & Required To Be Taken In Before & After All Piercing Procedures ??? ??? ???

[@lillygivens7886]

I just wanted to say I really appreciate your channel and that you take time out of your day to help other people. Piercing has been in the back of my mind since 2019 and as of recently I've decided I want to pursue it. What draws me to it is I love to see how people represent themselves by what they choose to do with their body, It's such a beautiful aspect of people's lives. I am also a people pleaser I love to go out of my way to make someone smile it gives me such a satisfying feeling and accomplishment that I made someone happy. I remember getting my first piercing in a studio and I was just over run with a sense of comfort, almost gave me a home like feeling. If I can do that for someone else and help them brighten their day I would be living my own dream. Thank you again for helping other people interested in stuff like this.

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

You are welcome and thank you for sharing your experience. There really is nothing greater that you can do then bring joy to others. Thank you for watching.

[@trippingsnake]

Hello. I appreciate your videos a lot as I am about to start my piercing journey soon and I also started my journey in tattooing 2 months ago. Your videos will be something that I will be learning a lot from now one. I am happy I found you. Keep up the great work and take care!

[@douglasgriffiths3534]

I have both the Piercing Bible and Modern Primitives. I bought both years ago, and still enjoy reading them today. I never wanted to become a piercer, but do enjoy reading about the history of today's piercings and techniques of how they are done. Great video once again. (Jan Griffiths).

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

Love both those books. Modern Primitives was a huge influence on me. I think I've owned 5 copies over the years. I would love to see a modern version of it. The great thing about that book was how different all the people interviewed were and are.

[@andrewc8432]

Just watched a interview of Fakir.. and I really appreciate you talking about the tradition that is being bestowed upon a person becoming a piercer. Love the information.

[@Cherrinico]

I've been learning so much from your videos, thank you for these!

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

You're welcome, our main goal is be informative and I'm glad to hear that you learned something from our videos. Thank you for watching.

[@snopeasnopea]

this series has been super informative! i’ve always had an interest in piercing but have only recently started considering it as a career. i just applied for a counter position at a piercing studio, wish me luck!

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

Glad that you are finding the videos informative and good luck with the new gig. It should give you a clear understanding of whether piercing is really for you or not.

[@ollyjustin4810]

Hey, did you get the position?

[@Aaron-kk7lf]

How’s it going

[@jasonleegrantz8017]

I am going to be piercing in a shop soon and your videos have been a fantastic resource. I live in Knoxville (about 40 some miles south of you) and I'm thinking I need to stop in and say hi sometime!

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

I'm glad to hear that you found the video helpful. Currently we require an appointment and you can set one up by going to Axiompiercing.com/booking

[@kittykatsenpai4725]

I'm a 22 year old cosmetologist and I just renewed my license I've taken a long break due to having a child but I will return after a head to San Antonio, the only reason I bring this up is because cross contamination is extremely important in that industry too, along with customer service and marketing. With that being said...I've been wanting to become a piercer for over 9 years now and I'm finally being able to have the time to do so. I'm very excited to begin this journey although I've heard a couple of things that may or may not be true. Things such as "nobody will want you to pierce them if you don't have the miltiple piercings yourself" or "you must get pierced by the shops youd consider to be apprenticing for." I'd just like some insight on this. I'm very very very interested and would LOVE to become a PROFESSIONAL piercer. I love you're informative videos btw!💗💗

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

First off, I wanted to wish you well on your journey to becoming a piercer and I'm glad you are finding the videos informative. I've been piercings for over 25 years and I've never had a client mention or state that they didn't want to get a piercing from me because I didn't have a ton of visible piercings. In fact when I started I had none. However, I feel it is important that you do have piercings in each area of the body. So that you understand what the client's experience is like. When I have considered apprentices in the past it had more to do with their passion, knowledge and willingness to learn than how many piercings I have done for them. In fact, that has never been a consideration. Putting in the work, researching and taking the steps to prepare for an apprenticeship has always been more important. Meaning if you talk to me about an apprenticeship and they suggest researching this or that or taken a course and you come back a month two later and have completed it, they are going to take you more seriously. Now finding a piercer to take you on is like any relationship it takes an introduction and repeatly spending time with a person. This often involves getting pierced and going with friends when they get pierced. Now also understand it dies always involving getting a piercing or going with someone getting one, sometimes it is simply visiting the studio, hanging out and bugging them enough to the point they put you to work. Understand most if us have had at least one bad experience with an apprenticeship. They either flaked out, ended up not being as trustworthy as we thought they were or flat out became our competition. So, in most cases we are considering just how committed, trustworthy and honest the person is. Also whether they represent how we want our business to be represented. Taken on an apprentice is not just about teaching a skill, it's about passing on our art and trusting someone with our reputation.

[@kittykatsenpai4725]

Thank you so much for responding and so quickly. I was just about done watching the healing video you made. Even in that video I learned so so much! Thank you so much and for all the knowledge! I just subscribed along with liking your videos!!! I'll definitely be watching as time passes!! If I have any questions I hope you'll be around to answer!!

[@natalydurazo6111]

i’ve been learning so much from your videos thank you. i recently got offered an apprenticeship !!! i’m so exited any advice/tips ?

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

I'm glad you are enjoying them and finding them helpful. The best advice is read and research everything you can. Having that drive and passion is the difference between piercing for a few years and making a career out if it. The key is learning to look at both sides of an argument and learning to figure out which is credible.

[@rubywolf7324]

For a while I’ve been thinking about getting into the piercing industry. After I graduate highschool I plan on getting my esthetician’s license and I think all the things I learn from that will greatly help me in my piercing apprenticeship

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

I'm not familiar with what all the training would involve. So, it's hard to say one way or the other.

[@sylviekates3627]

Hi! I actually am an esthetician who got a legit piercing apprenticeship. Having experience as an esthetician and makeup artist greatly helped me understand how to be great at customer service, comfortable touching clients, and is a great career to keep me afloat financially. Even though they share a lot of similar qualities, having an esthetician license alone is not going to help you get an apprenticeship.

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I wonder as the industry seems to be shifting to this whole Boutique trend with the focus being more on fashion if piercing will move further away from the tattoo industry and towards cosmetology.

[@karleechristofferson8386]

I'm at this spot right here in my journey, I've skipped a few steps as far as I found my future master after I decided this was definitely the career I want to pursue, I was a CNA for 6 years and have gotten very familiar with proper sanitary practices and the blood borne pathogens part of this field, I love how close it is to the medical field, and I hope it's a benefit in my favor... I'm at the part of practicing piercings with the piercer on myself, we're both learning new things about modern techniques and the trendy piercings 😂 but she's only been a piercer for 8 months so her portfolio is not quite to par with what I think it could be. She's got good technique, a very steady hand, and I have several piercings from the man that trained her and I'm more than confident with his teaching. But in your opinion is she too new to try to pursue as a master and is there a point in time where I can start haggling her about taking me on as an apprentice

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

Yeah, 8 months in is still too early in the process to be teaching someone else. Your medical experience is a huge asset though. Have you tried speaking to the person they are apprenticing with?

[@karleechristofferson8386]

The person actually retired and my other piercing guy moved to a different location, at this point in time im helping her build her portfolio with more piercings and trying to establish a good relationship in hopes of getting an apprenticeship in the future, I'm just not sure how far into the future would be appropriate to bring it up

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

@@karleechristofferson8386 at least a few years in 8 months is a rather short apprenticeship. I would talk it over with them and try to come up with a plan.

[@sienahill14]

I'm considering starting a piercing apprenticeship and taking classes for an EMT certification at the same time. I'll also be working an additional job. I've been watching loads of your videos to try to prepare and research as much as I can before I jump into the apprenticeship. Do you think that community college EMT classes would help as far as background medical knowledge, or just add to the stress of having a busy schedule? I've already gotten my EMR certificate (Emergency Medical Responder), and I have basic knowledge of first aid and CPR and other various medical things, and I don't know if it will be worth it to continue the track while I take on piercing. I'd appreciate any opinions or advice.

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

It really comes down to what you can handle. I know personally that if you were my apprentice and were expanding your knowledge, I would be a lot more lenient about you being at the studio. Especially if you were interning. Your increased knowledge is only going beneficial to you as a person and a piercer. Also having a side line and something to fall back on is a good idea. There will be a point where I think you are going to be torn between the security of being an EMT and being a piercer.

[@Ramonatts]

Thx!!

[@chae4276]

thank you for your wisdom! very insightful. 🙏

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

You are welcome!!! I'm glad you found the video helpful and if you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe.

[@chae4276]

Also getting into the piercing industry and taking fakir class in August so I'm very serious. Just curious to know if you made your own jewelry or if it's something you plan on doing sometime in your career. I have subscribed and watched many videos! Thank you!

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

No, I have never made my own jewelry. The thought has occurred in the past but to do it right would take a large capital investment and a level of jewelry expertise that I just don't have. I know there are a lot of studios that wrap the wire around a pencil, cut the ends off and polish them with a dermal tool, but that isn't at the level of quality that you are going to get from even the worse jewelry manufactures. Though I have been playing around with the idea of learning to anodizing titanium and niobium on site. Would give customers a lot more options without having to have a huge stock of different colors.

[@chae4276]

@@BodyPiercingTattooing great thank you! it does seem like of work. maybe one day you'll do a video on anodizing 😉. enjoy the rest of your day!

[@urfav.c0rpse]

When do you think it’s good to start an apprenticeship. I’m 15 and have been wanting to be a body piercer since I was little. I know I can’t do it this young. But is there a good time to start looking into mentors/masters.

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

It's different fir everyone. The main thing is to be in a financial situation where you can live without income or a lower income. That can either be savings or living cheaply.

[@kalidavis1922]

I'm 25 with shop experience, blood born pathogen training etc, I plan on trying to find a master to study under. But I've heard from other pros that it's good to be heavily pierced. I've had several in the past but currently I have 5 in my nose and stretched lobes. Is that enough? Also should I be studying the APP handbook?

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

Personally I don't think having a ton of visible piercings makes you a better piercer. I do think having piercings in all areas of the body increases your understanding of what the piercee is going through and improves your bed side manner through empathy. As far as APP's documentation and publications, any additional information that you can access the better.

[@bradenmiller4251]

Love this series! I just got discharged from the Army and had always been interested in piercing. How would someone get started as an 18 year old living in the Des Moines area? I’m extremely motivated

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

I have to say a lot easier than it was being a 23-year-old living in Des Moines in 1992. There is a lot of information on this in the videos and the blog I wrote which is linked in the description. I think the key thing is to visit a lot of studios and get to know the piercers there. Get pierced, go with friends when they get pierced, ask questions and get to know the piercers. Find someone that you respect and is open to sharing their knowledge. Also, do the leg work and research. The more knowledge you gather the more of an asset you are going to be to someone that is seeking an apprentice. Plus as I stated in the videos, you are going to need to have strong research skills if you are going to last in the piercing industry. Good luck and if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

[@kodis9842]

Hi! My name is kodi and I'm 23 years old. I am extremely determined to be a professional piercer! I have one shop I go to for EVERYTHING. My husband has gotten all his tattoos there (I'm usually with him when he's getting them done) and i get all my piercings done by them. I think I've made them remember my face, so I think i have a good chance. I went in the other day and asserted myself and told my piercer that if he ever needed an apprentice, i would like to put my name in the hat! He told me to go research(which is why I've been binging your vids lol) ive also looked more into Fakir and the history of piercings. I guess my question is, do you have any tips for me to make them like me and want me in their shop? Lol thank you!

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

Well the biggest thing is to show that you are committed. A good place to start would be getting certified and blood borne pathogen, taking a first aid course and any other certification you will need to pierce in your state. If you haven't read it already, I highly suggest reading the piercing Bible. Some of the information is dated but it's a great source of material for those new to piercing.

[@Christina_360]

I am a permanent cosmetics Artist and I have lots of piercings and tattoos so I know A VERY LITTLE about that. However, I’ve done tons of research and read books, have my bbp certs, first aid and cpr, and human anatomy cert… I am wanting to become a piercer. Would you consider doing some type of mentoring? Thanks 😊

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

I'm happy to help as much as I can but I only take on one apprentice at a time. Feel free to contact me at [e-mail]

[@anfinessen4261]

Dude I really appreciate this guide but I have question. It’s about the AAP I wanted to do the online course for my bloodborne pathogen class but certain states have there own requirements the problem is I live in DC so idk if should just do the general test or Virginia one.

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

I'm unsure if piercing is regulated in DC. I would suggest researching that and taking it from there. The department of health there may offer their own course.

[@wearedinosRAWR]

As watching these videos and searching for things I happened upon your blog.

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

Happy to hear that you found it and thank you for watching.

[@jazzb8422]

Where can I buy good sterile needles and professional boday piercing tools ? I've looked around but I'm afraid to get bad tools or needles .

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

No piercing should be fine by anyone other than a trained professional or an apprentice under the supervision of a professional piercer. Personally I don't sell nor condone the selling of piercing needles to the general public. Tools for inserting and changing jewelry should be and are widely available.

[@skylermorningstar900]

Awsome video. I was wondering is 23 to late to start to get into piercing?

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

Thank you. No, I started my apprenticeship when I was 24 and started piercing professional when I was 25. I don't think it is ever too late.

[@Laghagua]

@@BodyPiercingTattooing Thank you, for I am 34. Am goldsmith and worked in care (which also combines metal with medical stuff).

[@rudolfmichaeljensen2453]

how do you make and old incrown nibbel piercing again ... can you make the old good again or are it fuckede after grown toghether

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

I'm guessing that you are the victim of autocorrect and are asking about nipple piercing that has closed. It shouldn't be an issue to re-pierce if there is enough tissue there to support it.

[@rudolfmichaeljensen2453]

please if you can help chest piercing grown make old piercing go in as new

[@Grace1980.]

Hi I 38 and I know it’s pushing it but do ya think it’s to late for me

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

I personally don't think so. It really depends on the number of responsibilities and commits that you have. As we get older it is much harder to start a career that will more than likely produce little or no income for the first year. If you have the security to do it, I see no reason. I was lucky in I had a job where they feared losing me and allow me to work very flexible hours during my apprenticeship and keep my benefits.

[@Grace1980.]

Body Piercing & Tattooing thank you for your reply and I’ll keep in mind what you have said 👍🏻☺️

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

You are welcome. Like a lot of things in life it takes timing but sometimes you need to throw caution to the wind and just take a chance. This is especially true if you think it will greatly improve your life. I'm glad you find the videos helpful and if you haven't already, please subscribe.

[@Grace1980.]

Body Piercing & Tattooing I already have many thanks 🙏🏻

[@E-MountainBikerBae]

Heyyya “Anand Varkey” A.K.A “Mizz Monique, Here Mr. Davo/Sir… I Wanted To Ask About In The History Of Piercings Is How Did Ancient Civilisations & Cultures Take Care Of Their Piercings ??? ??? ??? Did They Use Any Kinds Of Natural After Care Remedies ??? ??? ???

[@StrugglingRat]

What is your opinion on practicing piercing before you apprentice? Let's say on yourself. I want to be a piercer I think what piercers do is fabulous and I enjoy adorning other people and making them happy. However I also feel that if I don't have the knowledge and experience piercing myself safely I shouldn't put others in a position like that? I feel that's a controversial opinion but I think you have the experience and also intelligence to steer me in the right direction. Live these videos they're super helpful and much more useful than anything I have ever read (and I've done a lot of that 😅) thank you for what you do.

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

I'm not a fan of self piercing. The biggest issue is being able to see what you are doing. As far as practicing on friends unless you have access to a sterilizer, sterile equipment and know the basics of cross contamination prevention, I wouldn't advise it. Understand that once you start your apprenticeship, those friends will come in handy. I usually ask apprentices to supply volunteers for the first 12 or so piercings. This is in part to help them get over they fear of piercing and get comfortable with piercing but also to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. If you pierce them all before starting, they may not be as willing to get pierced when need them. I would suggest focusing on learning the anatomy of commonly pierced areas and getting your blood borne pathogens certification.

[@StrugglingRat]

@@BodyPiercingTattooing Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to reply to me 😊 I will continue to persue my dream career safely.

[@BodyPiercingTattooing]

You're welcome and good luck.

[@Aaron-kk7lf]

Hey how’s it going

[@quentinpalmer8760]

Is it just me or you remind me of Seth Rogen.

[@E-MountainBikerBae]

Heyyya “Anand Varkey” A.K.A “Mizz Monique, Here Mr. Davo/Sir… I Wanted To Ask About In The History Of Piercings Is How Did Ancient Civilisations & Cultures Take Care Of Their Piercings ??? ??? ??? Did They Use Any Kinds Of Natural After Care Remedies ??? ??? ???