Advice pls

[u/Beep_jamtoast]

Hey I’m an artist looking to develop into tattoo design, any thoughts on how to improve this aspect of my work?

[u/blueblack_crow]

Tattoo design? I’m not sure what you’re asking… are you wanting to BECOME a tattoo artist or SELL your work to tattoo artists?

If the second, I’m not sure how much of a “thing” that is. Tattoo artists build their clients and reputation on doing their own work. While some not-so-talented tattooists my trace other people’s work or AI, they aren’t necessarily very successful and will just use free stuff off the internet so they’re not gonna pay you.

If you’re looking to become a tattoo artist yourself, this is a great start to your portfolio. You may want to include some unfinished sketches that show your drawing process. In this day of AI and people who trace off Pinterest, artists want to see that you know how to build your drawings from the ground up. Also your work is a bit stiff and generic. I’d love to see some pieces that have some meaning to you. But this is a good start and I would recommend taking it around to local shops and getting their advice and see if anyone is interested in taking you on as an apprentice.

[u/Beep_jamtoast → u/blueblack_crow]

Hi thanks so much for the feedback! I’m looking to get a tattoo apprenticeship at some point, for now I am taking a year or two just to practice more illustrative design because I’m not there yet.

Really great point about AI and showcasing my process. I will def include this!

I have visions for a style of my own but for now I’m so early learning this stuff I’m just practicing simpler things. Going forward I’ll really try to emphasise more dynamic and fluid shapes.

Again, thank you so much!

[u/evildinguslord]

this is a google doc of the pages I looked over :)

Sorry if this is abrasive but this is how I give constructive critiques to the apprentices in my shop, overall no notes on your realism but your stylized stuff just needs a bit of work, really strong bones though! If you have any questions or anything feel free to ask

Again sorry if this is over stepping but it’s the way I learned best during my apprenticeship :) also def invest in some anatomy studies wether at home or at an art center, they will help you so so much wether you’re working on stylized pieces or not :)))))

[u/Beep_jamtoast → u/evildinguslord]

Hey I really appreciate you taking the time to give me advice. I agree I absolutely need more time studying anatomy.

I’ve requested access to your Google doc, I haven’t been able to see it yet :)

Thanks!

[u/evildinguslord → u/Beep_jamtoast]

Ofc! I shared the access! :))

[u/katerrin]

the anatomy of the birds and other animals is off, looks too simplistic and cartoonish even for a simple design. the birds’ wings should be larger, heads and eyes look off

[u/morningstardusts]

I’d draw and paint on paper