I would say put the degree first. I learned the hard way that a person is much less likely to have the options they need to explore their options and pursue their future dreams, if they don't have a degree. Get a 4 year degree behind you and you will begin to see options open up that you did not know existed. I did not get a degree and I have been unable to really pursue the things I love and the things I'm best at (you don't even know yet ALL the things you will become interested in and will be great at, trust me). Looking back I realize that a lot of the roadblocks to both happiness in my career, as well as to financial independence and reasonable comfort, can be directly traced back to my not getting the backing of some kind of degree. This is something that can follow you for decades and create a lot of frustration. In contrast, at my job, I see people with degrees who were able to get their toe in a door because of the degree, and then once they were in their options opened up into other positions that they really wanted and which they are so happy working in. Right now you want to be the rebel, so be the rebel, but not at the cost of your future ability to be financially independent instead of struggling all the time, and not at the cost of the options that will open up for you once you clear that hurdle of getting a degree.

I guess I'm saying, in short, that focusing on being a tattoo artist is short-sighted. It can limit you, while the degree will open up your world and let you choose then going into tattoo artistry, or moving down new paths that also look exciting, maybe even more so. Don't limit your options by skipping the degree!

Go talk to your mum about this. :) Just by herself. Tell her your fears.

You would make more money as a teacher than as a tatoo artist. About $50,000 compared to $30,000. Just something to consider. And I would have to agree that getting the degree will lead you to more options.

that's awesome that you're discovering what would you like to do! being a tattoo artist seems sooooo cool! I love drawing :) anyway, I hope you can do whatever makes you happy but I understand it's hard to not be accepted in our choices by family... good luck!

The best advise I could give would be to follow your heart and not to worry about what others think of you. If you don't, then you will be filled with regrets when you get older imho. In the end it's your life and you have every right in the world to live it any way you please!

In case you have trouble finding a job as a tattoo artist, it's always nice having a teaching degree to fall back on. That way, you would never go hungry.

God Bless

I know many are factoring money into this matter, and that is good. However, money will never buy you the happiness of doing what you love most. I'm 20 and stress out all the time about careers. You can't do that, though. Live while you're young. If you don't like it or change your mind there's no damage done. You know in your heart what you want, and family should always accept a child's happiness over their bank account. And if you're really practicing and building this portfolio that shows how much you want it and how much it means to you. Go for what you will put your heart and soul into. If you have extra time pick up something similar to what your lesser goals are and try to get the best of every opportunity. You may not have to choose one thing over the other. You may just have to adjust one career to something in similarity instead. Either way, go for what you want and don't factor too much of others' opinions into your final decision of happiness. :) best of luck to you Artist!

Do what you want, honey. At the end of the day it's you who has to live your life not them.