Wow, is it really November already? It's hard to believe this year has gone by so quickly. How many of you got new ink or piercings this year? If you got more than one, what's your favorite? Send me your pics and stories of your favorite mod of 2009. If I like them, they'll be published in my special end-of-the-year roundup.

"I have been doing some research on tattooing, because i really would like to pursue it. Your writing really helped me understand what i needed to do. i just wanted to thank you, and ask for any other advice you might give me to achieve my dream." - Andrew

I'm guessing you've already read all of the following articles about becoming a tattoo artist:

• What Makes a Good Tattoo Artist?
• 10 Steps to Becoming a Successful Tattoo Artist
• Creating an Impressive Portfolio
• Finding an Apprenticeship

Other than the information provided in those articles, the only other advice I would give is not to give up. It can be a slow and frustrating process, and it's very tempting to cut corners or cheat to get to the end faster. But if you remain patient and you stay on the path, no matter how long, it will pay off in the end. If this is something you really want to do, then it's worth putting forth the effort to do it right.

As the winter season comes ever closer here in North America, the amount of tattoo conventions decreases in lieu of warmer months that are more favorable to showing skin. But that doesn't mean there isn't anything going on, and so far the weather has been pretty mild in most parts so hopefully that trend will continue. But if you're looking for a great excuse to get away completely, this is the time to attend an International tattoo convention. Just this month there's expos going on in Italy, Tahiti, and Lithuania. More exotic locations will be hosting events in the coming months, so make sure you have your passport and have fun!

Here's November's Event List:

November 13-15: Art & Ink Festival - Costa Mesa, CA

November 13-15: 5th Annual Old School Tattoo Expo - St. Louis, MO

November 14-15: Ink for a Cause - Santa Barbara, CA

November 14: Tattoo Convention - Vilnius, Lithuania

November 20-22: Bolivia Tattoo Convention - La Paz

November 27-29: Trieste Tattoo Expo - Trieste, Italy

November 27-29: 5th Tattoonesia - Tahiti, French Polynesia

Swen Raulfs, owner of Living Canvass Tattoos and Body Piercing in Crescent City, California, had just opened his shop for business on Tuesday, November 3, when his shop was slammed by a car that was being chased by police. The impact did enough damage to destroy almost a whole outside wall, including the cement steps leading to the shop door. As if that wasn't bad enough, Raulfs looked outside and discovered his Harley had also been hit. (Oh no, he didn't!) At that point, a very peeved Raulfs went after the perp who was trying to flee the scene, but the police told him to stop pursuit. Darn cops, take all the fun away.

More News This Week:
Banned Ink: Some UK club-goers have got their knickers in a bunch over being tossed from the bar because of their tattoos.

Show Me Your Cans: Get a tattoo and help the hungry at the same time. A PA tattoo shop offers ink in exchange for canned goods.

I Vant Your Blood: New York blood center drops the one year waiting period for tattooed and pierced donors as long as they can prove they got it done at a licensed shop.