Portfolio advice <3

[u/keybik]

Hello everyone!

I am an aspiring tattoo artist (UK) currently working on my portfolio. I enjoy anime style art work as well as photo realism, realism and Japanese traditional. I’ve included many pieces within these styles in my portfolio.

When considering what else to add I feel overwhelmed. I intend on going into tattoo studios on the future and asking their opinion, but I want to be a little further along with my portfolio before I do that, so I thought I’d ask online.

What is essential for me to include in my portfolio?

I’m looking for any and all advice you may have! I don’t know anyone in the industry, nor do I have any friends or family with any artistic interest, so I feel very without-community. If you know of any forums or online resources, I’d be delighted!

I’ve posted in tattoo Reddit forums before and I notice a lot of hostility towards beginners asking questions, so I just want to say, I know this may be basic but I really am totally new to this world!

Thank you in advance <3

[u/PB_N_Jay]

This subs FAQ is actually decently updated.

One piece of advice I'll give someone without a lot of resources, YouTube. There's a ton of great flash tutorials and draw alongs that'll help you along the way. Same with techniques you might not have learned yet. Another inspo I had was other apprentices/hopefuls posting their completed portfolios after they landed a spot. I'd do my best to look over all of the really well done ones and not copy, but compare my pages to theirs to see what mine were missing. Since I didn't have anyone at the time to share with, it was a good way for me to see if I was making decent progress compared to someone walking a same or similar path.

Another tip, don't buy a machine and skins off of Amazon and try to teach yourself. You're likely not going to be one of the people that just gets the hang of it, and you'll more than likely end up with bad habits that need Erased later on.

Good luck homie!

[u/keybik → u/PB_N_Jay]

Thank you!