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If you want a cheap "human like" canvas for practicing, if you go to your local butcher, see if they will sell you some pigskin. That's what a few of our tattoo artists started out practicing on.
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That would be an amazing experience!

Sound's like you're in for some fun! I second the 5/8-6/8 recommendation. More towards the 6/8 side of things anyway. Welcome to the forums! It's good to have another Midwesterner in these parts...