I've said it before and I will keep saying it. There is nothing special about having the ability to create. It's something we can all learn (practice!).

More importantly is that we understand that we all started out inexperienced. Some of us found our direction early, while others are still taking their time in figuring out what is that they want to do. Some of us learn from each other, others teach themselves. What matters most is that we support one another at whatever stage we are in, artist or not. One of the most important roles of the artist is that of being a friend.

It's been said that if you don't have faith in people, then what on Earth do you have faith in? Fact is, you are surrounded by a community of others, whether you choose to believe so or not. It doesn't matter if you're isolated in a small town with few options and very little experience, or if you're in the center of a big city working hard at your craft. You must acknowledge that you are part of a creative community.

And as part of a creative community, you cannot afford to not be a team player. You cannot afford to be a lone wolf, thinking you're somehow an alpha male (or female), superior to everyone and unwilling to help those who need it. There are habits that we build up over a lifetime of struggles that do not help us in our search for creative happiness and success. Our negative beliefs and ways of living can confine us and isolate us, and for some of us it is a choice we are actively making. And all you have to do to end it is open up.

We have the power, as artists, and especially tattoo artists, to support and empower each other to no end. We see other and can relate to each others' problems first hand. We know what it feels like to not feel good enough when there are other, more talented artists around. It feels terrible, and it feels even worse when those artists have terrible attitudes toward you.

It seems quite a few of us, especially older generations, have lost touch with why we do art in the first place. The only logical reason for art is to bring people together. We do art to express ourselves to others. We do tattoos to enhance a person's perception of themselves. We fight the corruption and powers-that-be because we want a better tomorrow, where our kids can grow up with no fear of being beaten or murdered in the streets.

You, and I, and everyone else have the power to befriend every other person we come across, and it is the basis for real business, real success, and real love in an otherwise very mean-spirited world. We are not the products of the media like they want us to be. We are the artistic revolution, and that means treating each other with respect.

We learn better when we are respected, we create better, we sleep better, we treat our families better, and we play better. Same goes with being respectful.

A global family of artists is the future, and extending friendship to those around you is the first step.