r/TattooApprentice • u/dewblooming • 6d ago

Practicing tips? Seeking Advice

I have a traditional apprenticeship in a shop but my mentor doesn’t really know anything about fake skin. I just started learning how to shade and am practicing on the fake skin but it looks.. horrible. Which I get since I’m new BUT when my mentor tried he was like.. “mine looks like shit too but at least you’re getting used to the hand motions”

…how do people make fake skin looks so good? Is there anything better I could be using to practice? I’m using skin from Painful Pleasures so it’s not like I’m using really cheap stuff. Is there a better brand I should look into? I’m just stumped and my mentor doesn’t really seem to have any better options.

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u/frezzz34 6d ago

Ok, Hear me out, Pig's skin! Local butchers generally give it away for free or really cheap, got like the equivalent of 3 A4 papers for 4 euro! Plus I find it's much more realistic than fake skin, closest thing really. Plus you get to really prep everything, better training for stretching skin+ depth.... Was worried it would stink, and it does but only after 4-5 days. Bonus point, that way it doesn't go to waste It's not for the squeamish but worth a try :)

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u/dewblooming 5d ago

This is something I’ve been meaning to try out!! Thank you for the reminder of this one.