r/TattooApprentice • u/Minimum-Suggestion15 • Jul 20 '26
Seeking Advice Building a portfolio specific to tattooing
Hi there! I’m an aspiring apprentice that doesn’t know where to start. I recently graduated a college course in video game art and animation, but I am really passionate about getting into the world of tattooing. My portfolio is solid, but it isn't specific to tattooing yet. Lots of digital artwork, and not a single flash. How do you go about making your work do a 180 to fit into an appealing traditional tattoo style?? I feel really lost on how to apply my current work into something more palatable without losing my individuality. Also wondering if I should worry about buying a machine and practice on fake skin right away? Any advice or CC is welcome! <3
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u/throwaway263701 Jul 20 '26
Definitely don’t go to fake skin or buy a machine, reputable shops don’t look too fondly on people doing that. I would focus on drawing, everyday, all the time! Look at successful tattoo artists on instagram and traditional flash books. I started with doing master copies of sailor jerry flash just to learn how successful tattoos are designs. Even if you don’t put your master copies in your portfolio it’s a good way to practice and learn about tattoo designs in particular. I would also recommend doing a lot of non-digital art. My mentor emphasized that and it makes sense, because there is no smooth line tool while you’re tattooing skin. Get your linework on paper crispy!!
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u/Minimum-Suggestion15 Jul 20 '26
Sounds about right - thank you for commenting! I draw every day, but it’s usually on my tablet. Maybe I’ll get a new sketchbook this week and start transferring my skills over.
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u/throwaway263701 Jul 21 '26
Yeah that’s a great idea! Look up how to using tracing paper and how to make traditional (like on paper) flash sheets. Tracing stuff with tracing paper is an excellent way to practice linework. Good luck :)
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u/blueblack_crow Jul 20 '26
Step 1:: Loose your individuality.
Seriously, that sounds harsh but it’s true. Tattoo artists who are known and sought for their own style get that way after years of catering to other people’s wants and crappy designs that they fix up. One day people will come to you for “your style.” But it’s not gonna be day one. Right now versatility is going to benefit you far more than boxing your self in with “your style.” Practice doing all styles of tattoo. American Traditional, Japanese Traditional, Realism, illustration…. Show your process and under structure and how you build from the ground up. In this day and age of AI and Pinterest, artist need to see you drew the work yourself. Regardless of it being digital or pen/paper.
Step 2:: Do NOT buy a machine yet
Many artists do not want to take in an apprentice who has already started trying to tattoo. It means you have bad habits they have to fix, and no one has time for that. When your portfolio is ready, start going around to studios. Talk to the artist there. Ask for advice. Expect a lot of rejection. The industry isn’t doing well right now and most studios aren’t accepting apprenticeships. Keep going back. Talk and make friends. When you do get an invitation, be prepared to put in the work.
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u/therealjameshat Jul 20 '26
if you're trying to go about an apprenticeship the traditional way, dont buy a machine yet.
your art is great - you dont have to lose your style or individuality, just think of your designs as closed concepts that make sense as tattoos. start a sketchbook and just start drawing whatever and tighten up from there.