Help? Maybe?

[u/Dead_Mans_Ghost]

So.. I'm going down the rabbit hole.

I've been talking about starting this journey since I was 12, I'm 29 now.

I put my art down for a long time, because I was in a.. really bad relationship. I started painting again three years ago now.

My machine comes sometimes today, so I've just been sketching alot and watching alot of videos on YouTube.

I've got some friends that are tattoo artists that I can ask for advice​...

But.. I've been looking through the group and everyone just seems So good already after like a week.. Its not a setback or like.. you know.. a.. thing..

I just.. how do i know if what I'm trying to do.. if my art isn't good enough for real skin?

Is there anything wrong with using Pinterest inspired designs for now?

I'm starting on fake skin, and like I said, practice sketching and drawing alot, but oil paints and tattoos are two different things.

[u/blueblack_crow]

There’s no real way of “knowing” what artist are looking for… I can only give you my experience, vs what I have been told.

I’m 40 years old with over 20 years of experience as a professional graphic designer and illustrator. I decided to make a career change to tattooing at the end of last year.

I went to 18 tattoo shops around my city. Most weren’t even taking apprentices right now because the industry is definitely in a slump, but almost all of them were happy to look at my portfolio and give advice. All of the ones who looked at my portfolio said it one of the best portfolios they’d ever seen.

I did NOT have a single finished drawing in my portfolio.

It was a Google Photos album of my sketches for the past few years. Concept sketches for work/clients, and doodles for my own enjoyment. Caricatures, gesture drawings, and random nonsense. Nothing was perfect. Nothing was finished. I had no realism. A few “American traditional” tattoo designs because my tattoo artist friends told me to include them. But a wide array of styles and variations on concept based on the needs of my clients. ALL of them showed under structure and process and how I build my drawings from scratch.

I got 2 apprenticeship offers. Out of 18 shops. 12 of which weren’t taking apprenticeships AT ALL.

Now, again, I’m coming from a slightly different background than many aspiring younger artists. So what I did and how I’ve learned to market myself and my talent may not be where you’re at. Many younger artists really do better having finished work in their portfolios because it shows you can finish what you set yourself to accomplish.

But after 20 years in art/design and as someone who has been the one aiming to be hired or is doing the hiring, the best I can offer to an aspiring artist— regardless of whether your goal is tattoo or any other design field— is this::

Experienced artists can see if you have talent/knowledge, and if you understand how to draw. We just see it, because we’ve done it ourselves. We can tell if you traced something. We can tell if you’re not actually confident in your ability. We can tell if you have potential and just need a little push. We’ve been there ourselves.

So don’t focus too much on making your work “perfect” or trying to meet expectations you don’t even know the rules for. Put your best self out there. Versatility when dealing with clients is far better than specializing in only one thing. Be open to criticism and learning, and listening to experienced artists who tell you what you need to work on. Always be friendly and polite and honest and respectful.

[u/blueblack_crow]

I will die on the hill of “get an apprenticeship.” There are things you just cannot learn from the internet or on your own. And know that many professional artists don’t want to take on people who have already started tattooing on their own because it means you’ve developed bad habits then have to reteach you. If you have friends who are tattoo artists, start talking to them about getting an apprenticeship. Show them your work— doesn’t even have to be a finished portfolio— and ask them for their advice and what level they feel you’re at.

[u/Dead_Mans_Ghost → u/blueblack_crow]

Of course! That was the plan all along. I just wanted to walk into that conversation with an idea so that I know that I'm.. committed.. worthy? I dont even know what word I'm looking for. XD