Have you ever been relaxing on your couch flipping through the channels only to see the massive amounts of reality shows featuring dejected or dimwitted specimens of the American population? If so, you probably thought to yourself, "Hey, if that guy can get on TV, I can too!".

I am writing this article to offer tips to those that want to get on camera to tell their story to the world. Keep in mind that these are the steps I took, and my recipe will not work for everyone like it did for me. There are many ways to get on television. People do stupid things and commit crimes all of the time that get them on the evening news. If you have higher aspirations for your television debut, read on.

1. Have A Great Story To Tell And A Tattoo Idea To Go With It

If you have read my other hubs, you'll know that I have quite a story to tell about my personal near-death experience and how it lead me to my current profession. I understand that not everyone has such an amazing tale to tell, but you'll need to have a personal story to share that has all of the elements: problems and challenges, intense emotions, hard work to overcome those challenges, and anything else that portrays the human condition and tugs at the heart strings. Preferably, this story should be TRUE and it should be something that other people will be interested in hearing. Keep in mind that it doesn't always have to be about YOU. For instance, when you watch those makeover shows, the story can be about someone else and it will get you on television looking like a loving and caring relative or friend. If you have ever seen the Extreme Home Makeover show, you'll know what I'm talking about. That show can draw anyone in and make them cry. Whatever story you have to tell, be sure that you have a tattoo idea to go with it. Some of the people on the show really s-t-r-e-t-c-h to make their tattoo idea fit their story. It makes me feel as though they've just wanted that tattoo forever and had to come up with a story to get it on the show. For an excellent tattoo resource, Click Here!

2. Decide If You Really Want To Tell Your Story On Television

This is a difficult decision to make. Personally, my story was very personal and difficult to retell, but it all started when I was interviewed for my hometown newspaper. The details of the event got easier to divulge to the public and the story was received well by the community. That's when I decided that I would have the courage to take my story from the headlines to the television screen. Just know that you have to be ready for it. The producers ask very probing questions and the cameras don't stop rolling even if you lapse into fits of rage or sobbing. Be prepared to bear your soul to the nation.

3. Make Yourself TV Ready!

You are going to have to decide whether or not to change your image. As you know, most of the people on TV are attractive and appealing. This certainly helps viewers stay interested in the story. Watch the shows and get make-up and hair style tips (don't copy the TV news personalities, they're way too fake, big-haired, and covered in cosmetics). Decide what look will work best for the show. For instance, I had my long hair down for my audition video, but when it came time to film, I had to hide my hair so the artist could get his work done. Practice telling your story in the mirror. Make sure that your expressions convey the message of your tale. Be animated! If you're happy, look happy. If you're scared, look scared. If you're pissed, look really pissed. And so on...

4. Which Show Is Right For You?

This will depend on your story. If you don't have much of a tale to contribute, programs like game shows could work for you. Make sure that you really want to get a tattoo on TV. As you know, a tattoo is permanent and the whole world can watch you get it. Pick a show or two that is on the air (Miami Ink, LA Ink, London Ink) and go to their website and find out how to apply. These shows require top notch stories. Check into the shows you're interested in and make sure that you fit the criteria. for instance, I wanted a tattoo that symbolized my personal story and I wanted to tell that story to the world without having to travel all over. So I applied to Miami Ink and LA Ink.

5. Get The Info

Going to the show's actual website is the best way to check out the details. Oftentimes, there will be a link for people to apply or they will have a list of casting calls. Be careful when you are on the internet! Do not give out unnecessary personal information or credit card info. Also, be careful on forum sites. Take everything they say with a grain of salt when you read the forums. I went to a forum site where fans were asking one another how to get on Miami Ink and the advice seemed good at the time. But after I was actually on the show and went back to the site, I found out that everyone on that forum was full of crap and had no idea what they were talking about. When you find out how to apply, follow the steps. You'll probably have to craft a very well-written letter about your story and why you should be able to tell it on TV. That's usually the first step. Then you have to submit your tattoo idea and tell them why the tattoo symbolizes your story.

6. Apply To Be On The Show!

Follow the steps outlined in the show's application process. There will often be many levels or stages of the process. The first stage is usually writing a letter to tell your story. You really have to sell yourself here. Write well and write in a manner that draws the reader into the events and makes then feel as though they were there. Be careful, they sometimes put a word limit on these things and you have to keep it below 500 words for example. It was very hard for me to tell my story having a word limit. So, I just wrote my story like I normally would as though there wasn't a limit. Then I took out the not-so-important stuff and left the really juicy details. After all, when you do get on the show, you can talk as much as you want! You'll have to submit a sketch of your tattoo idea and explain how it tells your story. If they ask you to upload or mail a photo of yourself along with the application, make it a good one and send another one for good measure. Don't send any of those dumb "glamour shots" with the really big hair and soft lens distortion. They want to see the real you. Just make sure that the real you is TV ready! The other photo should be really different, should show a different aspect of you life, and should coincide with the story you are trying to sell. Since I was a fashion model in a former life, I sent in a photo from a fashion shoot that made me look hip and beautiful. The other photo I sent was from my reign as Rodeo Queen. It was still flattering and all, but it showed that my accident didn't change my life. Read my Why Do You Want To Be A Mortician? hub for more on that. Feel free to apply to more than one show. It just improves your chances, that's the way I see it. I applied to Miami Ink, and while I was at it, I applied to LA Ink too!

7. Be Patient

This is difficult. You end up asking yourself all of these questions and manifesting self-doubt. Did they get my application? Did the pictures go through okay? Was it lost in the mail or in cyberspace? Why isn't anyone contacting me? Did I give them the right phone number? Blah, blah, blah... Just keep in mind that you did your part and the casting coordinators are busy people. They have thousands of applicants to filter through, and when they do find the right ones, they have to take them to the higher-up producers for approval. Just stay patient. Checking your email every 5 minutes won't help. If they are serious, they'll call you. So keep your phone handy or have a witty greeting on your voice mail.

8. The Moment Of Truth

Whether or not you make it past the first casting hurdle, remember that you did your best and offered what you had to give. Nobody can expect anything more of you. If you do get a "call back" (modeling lingo for "accepted"), the battle is no where near finished. I was so incredibly excited when I got the call from the casting coordinator for TLC's hit show Miami Ink. She was very friendly and outlined the rest of the audition process. Oh no, I'm not done? Not by a long shot. The next step was to make an audition video.

9. The Next Step: Making The Audition Video

So, the producers have read your story and seen your pictures. Now they want to actually see you on camera. There's a reason for this. Photos can be doctored, and even though you may write well, they want to see how you actually look and sound on television. The first step is to write out what you are going to say. Write it well and memorize it. They don't want to see you reading from cards or a script. The you have to pick an interesting location to make your video. That part was easy for me. I just filmed it at work! Since I work at a mortuary, filming my audition video in the casket selection room was both interesting and it went along with my story. Be sure that the location gives your tale a very personal feel. If your story is about loosing your dog in a snow storm, you probably don't want to film the audition video on a sunny beach. Catch my drift? Do your hair and make-up as though you were filming for the TV show. Take your appearance seriously. Wear camera-friendly clothes that flatter your body type. All black clothing or all white is generally bad (I wore all black for my video just because I'm a mortician and my clothes are all black or white.... I was NOT allowed to wear solid black or solid white to film the show). Avoid tight patterns in the fabric (checkers, plaid, etc.). They tend to blur or distract the viewer. Remember to be animated when you tell your story! I can't stress that enough. Make the story interesting and use the facial expressions you practiced in the mirror. Get feedback from the person helping you film the audition video and use as many "takes" as it takes. Helpful tip: borrow or rent a DVD recorder if you don't have one. DVDs are easier to mail than VHS tapes and they have better picture quality.

10. Repeat Step #7 and Follow Up With The Casting Coordinator

Relax and let everything take its course. After all, if they asked you for a video, they are seriously considering casting you for the show. Stay in contact with the casting coordinator you spoke with and make sure that they receive everything you send. Ask for any additional information via email so that you have instructions, rules, and regulations in writing.

11. Making It Through The Casting / Audition Phase

Assuming you've made it through the audition phase and have been selected to appear on the show, there are a few things to consider before jumping for joy. Read over the contracts and disclaimers that the producers and coordinators send you. Be sure that you agree with their terms. Then consider things like how you're going to get to the filming location. Do you have to pay for travel? Will you have to pay for anything else? Can you travel at a moment's notice if they want to film right away? Do you agree with everything they want you to say, do, and wear for the show? There are many questions to ask yourself. Make sure it's worth it before you sign anything.

12. The Day of Filming

Assuming that you've made it through auditions, read through all of the legal paperwork, have decided to actually be on the show, and have traveled to the filming location, the real rodeo starts on filming day. Be sure to take several changes of clothes. The producers and directors will tell you what to wear. The whole day will pretty much be hurry-up-and-wait. You'll probably report to the green room first thing in the morning. set orientation will make you familiar with the rooms where filming and interviews take place. Expect to see a mess in these areas with props everywhere and walls of different colors. Just remain calm throughout the day and be the person they saw on the audition video. Follow their directions, stand where they want, do what they want, ask questions when you're confused, and the filming process will go smoothly. It will probably take all day (mine did), but it'll be over before you know it. Be sure to act normal around the stars of the show. They are just people too. Do what you went there to do. Tell your story, be interesting, and don't gush over the celebrities. It will be an insane amount of fun, and it will be an experience to remember for the rest of your life!

13. The Filming Is Done, Now What?

Don't expect to be on TV right away. Unless you are on a news broadcast, you won't see yourself on television immediately. Most television episodes have to go to what's called post production. That's where the editors cut, paste, pick, and choose the best scenes and make the show perfect for broadcasting. This process can take several months. I know you're excited to see yourself on the show, but stay patient. Just use the extra time to tell everyone you know about the pending episode and tell them to stay tuned. I went to Miami to film for my episode in September and it is still in post production in New York City! It will air in 2008.

It was all very fast-paced and extremely fun. The guys on the show were great and the tattoo turned out fantastic! Be sure to tune in to the show to see it done! The episode will air on May 15th, 2008 at 10:00 (Eastern Time) on The Learning Channel.

Like I said before, these tips came from my personal quest to tell my story to the world through television. Even though I was successful, I do not guarantee that these steps will work for everyone. Good luck in your television endeavors!