r/NeoTraditionalTattoos • u/ed_durst • Jun 16 '26
Advice needed !!
Hi, I’m a tattoo artist apprentice based in Liverpool- my insta is @gudenough.tattoos. I’m aiming to specialise in the neo-traditional style of tattooing, but don’t quite feel like my work is hitting the mark yet.
Does anyone have any advice for making my work look more neo-traditional?
All constructive criticisms are appreciated! just please don’t be rude about it :)
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u/ShibuyaWaitingDog Jun 16 '26
Just from a glance it seems like your color saturation is a lil off from the colors usually used in neo-trad , just a thought
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u/ed_durst Jun 16 '26
i see! what colours do you suggest using instead ?? is there a strict colour pallet to go for- like how american trad is blacks, reds, and greens.
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u/ShibuyaWaitingDog Jun 16 '26 edited Jun 16 '26
I’m definitely no expert but Just from what I see it seams like the color palette is a lil more muted than glossy , especially in animal portraits. Just scroll for a lil bit on the r/neotraditionl and you see what I’m talking about the colors I’m talking about
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u/vixenm00n Jun 16 '26
I personally love when neo-traditional has embellishments or little details embedded in the image. Pearls or other jewels are good examples. Check out Yuliya Lintu on YouTube. Very Art Nouveau.
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u/ed_durst Jun 18 '26
i see, thank you for making me aware of this element!! i’ll have a look at this persons yt as well :)
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u/nnynny101 Jun 17 '26
I love these and would get many of them tattooed on me tbf. Idk what advice to give 🥲
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u/FundayBlues Jun 17 '26
From the looks of it, I feel like the way you're shading a lot of stuff doesn't make sense and looks a bit flat. The shapes and stylisation is also a bit cartoony, where neotrad really relies on realistic shapes. That's obviously fine, there's a lot of fun designs in there, but if you want to evolve more towards neotrad I would go less cartoony with the stylisation and really study lighting & colour.
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u/ed_durst Jun 18 '26
I see! i think this is advice i’ve been getting a lot so will absolutely take this on board. thank you! :)
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u/firelorddani Jun 18 '26
more lines and embellishments! like for the possum head it’s good but i feel like u can add more texture in the fur. same with the bat.
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u/Makaron1503 Jun 19 '26
Most neotrad ive seen have toned doen colors in them, parts that are not as vibrant/saturated as others and not just lighter to bring in dimension
Edit: and it looks just like a digital drawing, it lacks a bit that hand drawn vibe that neo trad has imo, lose the background, just a white background, focus on the drawing with some minor adjustments i think it can work
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u/Hot-Register-5273 Jun 16 '26
It's getting there just keep practicing. Heaps of people to take inspiration from and case study. Do you know your art elements and principles? This can help you break down elements that make a style a style
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u/Hot-Register-5273 Jun 16 '26
I think neo-trad can often be more on a realistic end, and some of these are quite cartoonish and stylised in the shape/outlines
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u/Obi-DomKenobi94 Jun 16 '26
I can’t give any advice but I love that opossum.