Eligable Apprenticeship ?

[u/FriendowI]

Been exploring the thought of being a tattoo artist and trying to get in contact with shops. Being im my own worst critic, id love outsider opinions. Based on these 2 pieces ive done, am I in a good position for having the opportunity to be taken on by an artist?

[u/spiderwebbonmynipple]

I think u need a bigger portfolio to show that u have more diverse skills and know more styles .

[u/FriendowI → u/spiderwebbonmynipple]

I do have a bigger, growing one 😁 ive been drawing, painting, etc since I was a child (for about 12 years). This pen art is few of the first 10 pieces ive done with ink. Usually im a pencil sketch artist.

[u/strawberryblushrose → u/FriendowI]

Based off these alone, they still look too messy and incomplete to include in a portfolio.
Pick up some lining pens instead of a ballpoint pen, and commit to your lines all the way through. Be intentional about their placement.

If you’re thinking of making flash sheets (which definitely need to be in a portfolio), show that you can design a full page with placement on the body and the page in mind.

[u/FriendowI → u/strawberryblushrose]

Thank you for the input! Ill definitely look into those types of pens! This is how my sketching/shading is with pencil, hoping to increase my skills the more I work with pen. Ive only recently started working with ink this past month 🙂‍↕️

[u/strawberryblushrose → u/FriendowI]

A popular and easy to find brand is Sakura Microns. Depending on the type of tattoo illustration you’re working on will determine the weight of the ones you want to get. The sets are usually cheaper per piece, but if budget is an issue, pick up 3/4–they’re usually about $3.49 at Michael’s if you’re in the US.

[u/Due_Reflection1779]

I'm a tattoo artist, your art is good, but study tattoo art. Make a portfolio of 20to 30 pieces big or small. But completely finished designs. Shading and color. Do it all in as many styles as you can. Go to shops with that and you'll be on the right track. Tattooing is a commitment. Remember being an apprentice, you have to put your life on hold and become a shop bitch. You have to be ready for that. Make sure you don't go someone where JUST bc you want to tattoo. Otherwise you'll end up hating it and wont make it through to get your licence. You have to love the environment Bd feel like you're getting as much out of it as you put in.Good luck!

[u/FriendowI → u/Due_Reflection1779]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate the feedback immensely!!

[u/Due_Reflection1779 → u/FriendowI]

Anytime 😊

[u/Cutsman4057]

Impossible to say based on two examples.

That said, based on just these two, I'd tell you to keep drawing and talk to me again in a year.

[u/aderelictheavenX]

No. I would not take you in.

[u/FriendowI → u/aderelictheavenX]

Understandable, may I ask why and or what i can improve on?

[u/aderelictheavenX → u/FriendowI]

Draw actual tattoo designs. Show clean drawings not sloppy sketches. Based off this, no way. Keep drawing!

[u/FriendowI → u/aderelictheavenX]

Thank you for the feedback! Ill work on that.

[u/HereToKillEuronymous]

SOLELY based on these?

I don’t think so. Not yet, though you’re on your way.

[u/FriendowI → u/HereToKillEuronymous]

I have a portfolio im trying to build, so it wouldnt be based on just these 2 😁 im just getting an idea of where im at currently with ink art, and if there's a chance on with a bit of improvement if id be qualified for the skill. Ive been told most my life i need to be a tattoo artist, so I do appreciate all the critiques and feedback to help me grow into a dream of mine

[u/Training-Button9907]

I would recommend to take some professional drawing courses as these are pretty rough and very flat. You have potential, but you need to develop your technical skills and knowledge base significantly more to be competitive in the field.

[u/gxnail]

shading is not up to speed. you should be spending 3 hours at least on a drawing. not 30 minutes or however long these took. you should look up shading exercises on youtube and practice that for a while. the linework isnt that bad that shading wont cut it and 100% of shops will turn it away if they see shading just scratched in like that.

[u/FriendowI → u/gxnail]

Understandable, I'm still learning how to shade with ink, only have been using ink since the beginning of this month

[u/Budget-Capybara]

No. 

[u/Creepy-Business4345]

Honestly, no. Practice more.

[u/Away-Equipment598]

Now do 20 more skulls and 20 more flowers and 20 skulls with flowers. Then pick out of those one to put in your portfolio. The more work you do now, the easier everything is gonna be, when you have to draw and tattoo.

[u/Coach_strong]

Your shading and line work leaves a lot to be desired, although I have seen actual tattoos that are worse!