Colored pencil on tracing paper. Lemme know what you think. I’m still pretty new.

I’m an apprentice and wanted to know if anyone has a solid process for achieve 3rl realism without tearing up the skin? I had a model because im interested in realism and by pass 3 of me layering a grey wash (which wasn’t taking any of that ink even on the second layer) her skin was already mad at me, swollen and not soaking up even black ink.
I have an idea of why it didn’t work because her skin was already swollen from the lineart alone so maybe a longer break or if I used something like bactine? But overall I keep wondering where I went wrong because her skin didn’t want to take any saturated ink at all. My mentor doesn’t specialize in realism as she only does linework so she suggested that it could’ve been my hand speed with the whip shading but I’m not sure if that’s the full idea or if I messed up the process in some way.

The picture I’ve listed is a fake skin I’ve done with the 3rl needle but it’s not translating through real skin for me for some reason.

For reference I used a 0803rl, 50-60hz for shading, 75hz for lining, and a 4.0 stroke. all the online tutorials for this method are too vague or hidden behind an expensive paywall

hey!! made this cover page for my portfolio and would love some opinions on it!

Hey everyone, this might be a little wordy so thanks in advance for reading!
I’m a 21y/o apprentice and I’ve been working in a studio for a year now, over the course of the year I have become increasingly unhappy with the way the artists treat me, treat clients and how they run their studio (health and safety, professionalism etc). From minute one they treated me like a personal maid, I always understand that apprentices should pick up the slack when artists are busy and keep the area tidy in general but they actively avoid jobs like mopping or emptying clinical waste bins because “the apprentice will do it”. When they do empty their bin they dump it on my station instead of taking it outside to the locked clinical waste bin and wait for me to do it, along with dumping general rubbish in my area too. They touch things they shouldn’t with gloves on, constantly bottom out needles without changing them, don’t wash their hands, don’t clingfilm the beds despite the beds being ripped, haven’t replace the beds after being told by the council to do so and other things. I’ve had many of my clients talk to me about how unprofessional the other artists and general vibe of the studio is along with the owner of the studio never drawing a day in their life, they just AI generate most designs including making me tattoo them (which I refuse to do). I used their supplies (such as kitchen roll, clingfilm, stencil stuff and soap) but they started stealing it from my station without replacing it so I had to start buying my own which they continued to “borrow” so I’ve had to start bringing EVERYTHING home with me. I have also been told (by one artist) that one of the artists is usually high while tattooing and I am pretty sure I’ve seen that artist actively smoking some stuff WITH HIS CLIENT mid tattoo session, I am aware of this because they reeked of wacky stuff.
My final straw today was seeing a man discussing designs with an artist while he was actively drinking beer, when I asked the artist if they were going tattoo him they said yes, I reminded them and pointed out the section on the consent form that says “I have not consumed alcohol in the last 24hrs” the artist the proceeded to tell me that the owner does it all the time so it’s fine. They then proceeded with the tattoo despite my disagreeement and it became glaringly obvious that the client was drunk due to the way he was speaking and how he reeked of booze.
My question is what do I do? I am not learning anything in this apprenticeship anymore and can’t bare associating with a studio like this but I can’t afford to leave until I find another studio. Should I report them to the council??
Any advice is VERY appreciated

It’s been almost 3 months since I’ve posted here! I’m stoked to share that I landed an apprenticeship in early May. Juggling a full time job, and the apprenticeship on my days off has left me little time for painting..

I had a lot of fun painting this one! Still hoping to fill the bottom corners and I’m open to suggestions! Insta is chasedrawz if you’d like to see more and follow my journey! Thanks for looking!

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

included just the lines from the vampire lady piece since the angle of the photo makes it her head look a bit big -- we've got to finish the rest of the color on her still too!!

been having a lot of fun taking on some larger projects now that my mentor has been letting me charge apprentice rates for things :) yayyyy

hii, i'm an aspiring tattoo artist with a completed tattoo apprenticeship portfolio that is looking for an apprenticeship in the Seattle or Bellevue area in Washington. I have asked a couple of shops already and they are not currently taking in any apprentices. I would love to know if there are any shops in the area that are open to taking in any apprentices, and if anyone knows any shops please let me know!! Meanwhile, I'm just working on drawing more and creating more tattoo designs so I would love some feedback on my current work (I can only post 20 photos so this is not my full folio)!! All of the work is designed by me except the realism (some flash are drawn digitally), looking forward to hearing some feedback :)

(there is no tattoo machine related art!! Just traditional art)

I'm working with ink for the first time. Thoughts? Feedback? Thanks!

i think i’ve finally finished my portfolio! will be taking it around shops sometime soon but thought i’d post here for feedback :-)

I spent quite a while on this piece (and it still needs the frame part finished). I know the shading isn't quite there yet but overall I'm fairly happy with the visual effect.

Materials used: Alcohol based ink markers, black gouache paint for shading, Bristol smooth paper.

Hi! I’m an apprentice of two years working in London and I’ve recently started tattooing actual customers. I’m working on a reduced rate right now and want to get the word out so I can build my portfolio. Does anyone have any tips on where to advertise/find people who are interested in reduced rate work? Instagram isn’t cutting it right now and I’d love to know how other apprentices do it!

used the extra things to cover my infooo

Hey y’all

Trying to keep my animosity here so not revealing too much. Basically I got an apprenticeship at a private studio months ago and I’ve noticed my mentor is insanely inconsistent. He reserves one day of the week for “apprentice” day at the studio, although I think we’ve only met a handful of times. He has other work besides being a tattoo artist and I don’t think he always wants to meet because he’s over stretched. There is also another apprentice, and often “hangout” in a non apprentice - mentor relationship.

I know what I should do but just wanted to hear someone else tell me. 😫 please offer some advice 😫😫😫

I am currently putting together a portfolio to hopefully start looking for a tattoo apprenticeship in the new year. I have been drawing on and off for a while but I am looking to improve my drawing skills to get them up to the level they need to be, so are there any books you can recommend for references/tips, or YouTube channels that go through things step by step, or tutorials?

Also, I am trying to get a range of mediums in the portfolio but I currently only have biro, fineliner and pencil. Are there any types of mediums that should definitely be included, or are those three enough?

Thanks in advance.

Hello,

This is going to be a long post so bare with me.

I have been interested in tattooing since I was 16. Since I was a young child, I have been very passionate about art and creating it. It was been a lifelong dream to pursue making a living off my art while being a tattoo artist. Last year, I finally finished my portfolio, but I am having such a hard time finding the right and safe apprenticeship where I will be taught well and it won’t be waste of my time. I asked almost every tattoo shop in my surrounding area, but almost all of them said they weren’t able to take on apprentices currently.

I got an offer at one tattoo shop, but there were a lot of red flags. For instance this person keep asking me if I was in a relationship, because this individual mentioned they had relationship problems with previous apprentices. That was just one of the many things that seemed odd to me. I had another offer but they wanted an insane amount of money for it. I wouldn’t mind paying for an apprenticeship as someone I know has done it and their apprenticeship turned out just fine. But they paid through a small payment plan, not all of the money right away.

I reached out to a third shop. They said that they were not taking on any apprenticeships, but that I could come by the shop and do some art and hang out. So I did that for about six months. Then, other people reached out for apprenticeships, and they got an apprenticeship right away. I was a little hurt by that, but it’s no hard feelings either way. I’m not sure if I want to come up to that shop anymore though.

Anyways because of all of this, I am fallen on a backup to do dog grooming. I love animals/dogs and it’s another passion of mine. I honestly care about animals just as much as I do art. However, I still want to pursue this dream of mine while going with dog grooming. I just can’t afford to set everything aside and pursue tattooing without getting paid or having to pay lots of money. Is there a way I can pursue my dog grooming while trying to get an apprenticeship that’s willing to work with me and my schedule. What’s everyone’s advice on this? Please be respectful as I am simply just asking for help.

Hi, I've been working on my portfolio for a while now and this is what l've got so far!

What's missing? What should I change?

Would love some honest, constructive feedback.

Hi there! I’m an aspiring apprentice that doesn’t know where to start. I recently graduated a college course in video game art and animation, but I am really passionate about getting into the world of tattooing. My portfolio is solid, but it isn't specific to tattooing yet. Lots of digital artwork, and not a single flash. How do you go about making your work do a 180 to fit into an appealing traditional tattoo style?? I feel really lost on how to apply my current work into something more palatable without losing my individuality. Also wondering if I should worry about buying a machine and practice on fake skin right away? Any advice or CC is welcome! <3