11 Jul 2010

Here's my exchange with a young man who plans to seek an apprenticeship for body piercing:

Can you tell me if there is anyone in the Kansas City Missouri area who might be taking on an apprentice?  Also, I am 25 years old.  Is it too late for me to start learning?  I am committed to taking the CPR, blood pathogen classes, and I am going to buy your book as soon as I hear back from you.  Thanks in advance for your time!

Hi there,
Thanks for your interest. I'm sorry--I don't even live in the United States any longer (I live in the Yucatan of Mexico). So I'm not the best person to ask about specific locations there....

Though I can say with certainty that if you're interested in a career in professional piercing that you will find my book invaluable. No, I don't think your age is at all too late to be learning. I think the task is better suited to someone who is more mature with more life experience.

Orders for The Piercing Bible are being filled by the Association of Professional Piercers: http://www.safepiercing.org/publications/the-piercing-bible/

Call toll free: 888 888-1APP or email: [email protected]. I'm the Medical Liaison for the organization. The APP is a non-profit organization dedicated to disseminating vital health and safety information about piercing to piercers, piercees, medical professionals, legislators, and the general public. A portion of the proceeds from the book goes to the organization, and you will received a signed copy of my book. You may also want to get a copy of the APP's Procedure Manual, and read some of the back issues that are available for free download on the site.

Alternatively, you can get my book from major booksellers, or buy it from Amazon.com:

Also, if you'd like to see me performing piercings, and demonstrating exactly where they should be placed and how quickly and easily an expert can perform them, I've got videos available here (adults only!).

Let me know if you have other questions.

Sincerely,
Elayne

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to write me back.  I really appreciate it.  I have heard nothing but good things about your book, so I will definitely be placing an order soon.  I suppose I will just take the necessary classes and try to get an apprenticeship somewhere local.  Again, thank you so much and I appreciate how much your website has already taught me!

I'm glad to hear that my website has been helpful and I wish you the best on your journey!

Oh, I also have a monthly Q & A column ("Ask Angel") in Pain Magazine. Their website here. My article usually appears on page 16.

Sincerely,
Elayne

Thank you so much!  The archive you sent is amazing.  I have read a few of the articles and don't plan on stopping any time soon.  I have been getting in touch with apprentices and piercers to get an idea of what it takes to earn an apprenticeship since I have yet to pierce anything yet (nor do I want to without proper training).  Hopefully once I have taken the classes I need, I will be able to get my foot in the door.

You have been a beacon of knowledge.  I really appreciate your time.  I know you are a busy woman!

Oh great! I'm glad you're finding the Pain Mag archives useful, too. So good to hear that you don't plan to pierce without training!

Also, there's the archive of articles of all sorts from The Point, the quarterly journal of the APP here. They are available for free download, too. Some of the earlier ones are more for historical reference than for current piercing tips, but they might prove interesting anyway.

Wishing you well.

Elayne

Elayne, you are honestly the most helpful and informative person I have talked to about this.  I got a hold of a couple of piercers, and while they gave me tips on how to get an apprenticeship, they weren't very helpful in terms of what would allow me to stand out in a sea of applicants.  Both just went into their favorite shop and got an apprenticeship no questions asked.  I can't enroll in my bloodborne pathogens and CPR/First Aid courses for another week so I am reading like crazy in the mean time.  I am so grateful for you lending me a hand.  I am a freak about safety, so the prep and healing articles I have read have been great.  Once again, thank you so much.  You are the best!

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