Ok. Im looking to get a tattoo apprenticeship but i need to have an art portfolio. Any advice on how i should do it? Im not much of a painter,but I LOVE oil pastels and coal. Any help would be great! That'sfor reading guys!
I'm very glad to see you're making the right steps to becoming a tattoo artist - trust me, it's very hard to get noticed and get started, but once you've made it and worked hard for it, it's so worth it!!
Ok, in terms of portfolios, you can arrange it anyway you want, but it needs to be clear and visible.
I have 4 different portfolios (When I went for my apprenticeship, I brought two with me).
You WILL need to practice your painting and sketching. You may not like it or be too good at it, but it will need to be seen by any professional tattoo artist who is considering you for an apprenticeship. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different materials. No one gets it 100% right the first time. I specialise in Concept Art, which is all about mind expansion and I have my "Artist Block," days just like anyone else, but you just keep trying and trying and you'll turn it round to your direction eventually.
Why not take an art class in order to learn a little more about techniques. There is ALWAYS something to learn when it comes to art. I am a fully trained and licensed tattoo artist and have been an overall artist for the majority of my life and I'm still learning and taking advice and tips from other artists who're willing to share their knowledge and experience.
I always arrange my portfolios into sections of my different styles...
For example:
Portfolio number one, contains all of my sketched and acrylic pieces. It is a large A3 sized portfolio and even contains a few canvas pieces. They're arranged by the materials I've used and each has a very brief description about what I used, how long it took, and why I did it.
Portfolio number two is split into even further sections:
1) Sketches of all my bio mechanic and bio organic works including rough drafts (I specialise in this style of tattooing as well as drawing / painter etc).
2) Graffiti work and large mural imagery done with Felts, Graff Pens, Spray cans and Airbrush equipment.
4) Dark imagery, done with Acrylics, Pastels, Charcoal, Felts, Oils and Solid Liners.
Portfolio number 3 is my client progress portfolio, which contains all of my client's works in progress. So, It will have a before image, the rough and final drawings of what they will have and then the work itself (Photos) and depending on how many sittings it takes, there will be more than one picture for each stage.
Portfolio 4 is past client's completed work - Everything I've ever done, including my very old tattoos when I first started to show the progress I've made and how I started to where I am now.
The last two portfolios I've mentioned are not really relevant because you're not even apprenticing yet, but it was to give you a rough idea of how much work has gone into gaining my apprenticeship and my career on a daily basis (I add to my portfolios at least twice a day now). I was just as dedicated when I tried out for apprenticeships as well. My drive has not lessened at all and the job has become harder and more challenging, but I love it!!
If you really feel that you have the skill, talent and drive that it takes to pursue this career, go for it and I hope the above advice about portfolios has helped you.
Remember to fully research each studio you try out for to ensure that they're 100% looking for an apprentice and not just another receptionist and don't be afraid to ask them questions. You want them to train you, which means they need to know what they're talking about!!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI'm very glad to see you're making the right steps to becoming a tattoo artist - trust me, it's very hard to get noticed and get started, but once you've made it and worked hard for it, it's so worth it!!
Ok, in terms of portfolios, you can arrange it anyway you want, but it needs to be clear and visible.
I have 4 different portfolios (When I went for my apprenticeship, I brought two with me).
You WILL need to practice your painting and sketching. You may not like it or be too good at it, but it will need to be seen by any professional tattoo artist who is considering you for an apprenticeship. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different materials. No one gets it 100% right the first time. I specialise in Concept Art, which is all about mind expansion and I have my "Artist Block," days just like anyone else, but you just keep trying and trying and you'll turn it round to your direction eventually.
Why not take an art class in order to learn a little more about techniques. There is ALWAYS something to learn when it comes to art. I am a fully trained and licensed tattoo artist and have been an overall artist for the majority of my life and I'm still learning and taking advice and tips from other artists who're willing to share their knowledge and experience.
I always arrange my portfolios into sections of my different styles...
For example:
Portfolio number one, contains all of my sketched and acrylic pieces. It is a large A3 sized portfolio and even contains a few canvas pieces. They're arranged by the materials I've used and each has a very brief description about what I used, how long it took, and why I did it.
Portfolio number two is split into even further sections:
1) Sketches of all my bio mechanic and bio organic works including rough drafts (I specialise in this style of tattooing as well as drawing / painter etc).
2) Graffiti work and large mural imagery done with Felts, Graff Pens, Spray cans and Airbrush equipment.
4) Dark imagery, done with Acrylics, Pastels, Charcoal, Felts, Oils and Solid Liners.
Portfolio number 3 is my client progress portfolio, which contains all of my client's works in progress. So, It will have a before image, the rough and final drawings of what they will have and then the work itself (Photos) and depending on how many sittings it takes, there will be more than one picture for each stage.
Portfolio 4 is past client's completed work - Everything I've ever done, including my very old tattoos when I first started to show the progress I've made and how I started to where I am now.
The last two portfolios I've mentioned are not really relevant because you're not even apprenticing yet, but it was to give you a rough idea of how much work has gone into gaining my apprenticeship and my career on a daily basis (I add to my portfolios at least twice a day now). I was just as dedicated when I tried out for apprenticeships as well. My drive has not lessened at all and the job has become harder and more challenging, but I love it!!
If you really feel that you have the skill, talent and drive that it takes to pursue this career, go for it and I hope the above advice about portfolios has helped you.
Remember to fully research each studio you try out for to ensure that they're 100% looking for an apprentice and not just another receptionist and don't be afraid to ask them questions. You want them to train you, which means they need to know what they're talking about!!
Best of luck.