a NEW apprentice question...

General tattoo discussion

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lotuselysse
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Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 5:15 pm

Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:41 pm

Alright, so my portfolio is almost done, I am enrolled in drawing one and fundamentals of design college courses, and I'm getting ready to take my blood born pathogens class. I am also getting ready to get my next tattoo (by the guy I REALLY want to get my apprenticeship from). So my question is; do you think it’s a good or a REALLY BAD idea to ask him about an apprenticeship while I'm getting my tattoo. (Or is it even one of those things that he might tattoo asshole on me for...)
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EvilJay
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Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:47 pm

How much work do you have? How well do you know this artist? How much work do you have from this artist? Do you plan to get any more work from this artist in the near future?
lotuselysse
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Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:51 pm

All I have right now is one small piece on my lower back. It was done by another guy at the same shop. I have gone in and talked to him a few times about art and random stuff. He also tattooed my husband and I talked to him some during that. And yes, I plan to get work from him in the future even after this next piece (which will probably be at least 2 sittings)
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EvilJay
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Fri May 01, 2009 8:32 am

I'm not an artist, but I assume since tattoos and tattooing is very trendy right now that EVERYONE wants to be a tattoo artist. I personally would try to develop somekind of relationship with the artist before you throw it out there. Learn a bit about tattoo culture. You'll have two sittings for this one. Maybe on the second session or whatever or line up another peice. Everyones different adn it depends how you can sell it, but I'm guessing alot of people thwo it out there right away and turn the artist off. could be wrong.
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Freddie
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Fri May 01, 2009 10:41 am

Jay's right. I'd say "try to build up a connection" first, then try to make your move a bit down the road.
lotuselysse
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 5:15 pm

Fri May 01, 2009 12:19 pm

Alright thanks for your input guys, it really helps. I have been doing a lot of research on tattoo culture also, do you think it helps to know alot about the tattoo process ( I mean like all the tiny details and such)?
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Freddie
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Fri May 01, 2009 1:00 pm

No, because, inevitably, even if you don't mean to, you're going to come off as a "know-it-all". If you start trying to throw around insider terms or try to make it sound like you know all sorts of details about the process (when, invariably, as a non-artist you DON'T know infinitely more), it sounds roughly as bad to most artists as the use of words like "tat", "tatted", "gun", etc etc etc.

Just play it cool and try to talk to the artist ona more personal level, as opposed to on a professional one.
lotuselysse
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Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 5:15 pm

Fri May 01, 2009 7:01 pm

Alright! Thank you guys, you've been a BIG help!
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reefdiver
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Fri May 01, 2009 9:48 pm

post up some of your artwork........
lotuselysse
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Sat May 02, 2009 9:53 am

will do later today....just got to get some pictures
lotuselysse
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Sun May 03, 2009 5:06 pm

Image

Image
lotuselysse
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Sun May 03, 2009 5:09 pm

Image

Image

Ok, the one with the poppies is a design for myself. I know the writing came out a little uneven. The dragon is just a piece of art, not a tattoo design, and I am working on stuff other than flowers I just don't have anything else ready to scan in yet.
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Live4him
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Sun May 03, 2009 7:53 pm

I have a few suggestions for you..

in the roses one, add a lot more contrast in the colors. Roses aren't just one solid red. Add highlights, shadows and everything. Along with the leaves, it gives it depth and makes it pop that much more.

I'd say the same for the poppies, add some darker reds in there and such.

Otherwise, as far as I can see, it's looking really awesome :) would love to see more when you get it ready though.
lotuselysse
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Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 5:15 pm

Sun May 03, 2009 9:07 pm

Thank you for the tips and complements...the flowers do have a lot more contrast, but they really lost it when I scanned them into the computer. I will put some more up here soon...right now I am working on a sugar skull...definatly something different that I have'nt done before!
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threesixafix
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Sun May 03, 2009 9:19 pm

Some pretty nice artwork. What medium do you use? It looks like marker? Very vibrant colors! I just draw...
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