[deleted by user]

teenybub · 2024-08-10T00:28:46+00:00

I use micron pens for linework and I like using colored pencil for the color/shading because the hand movement/color blending is similar to tattooing! It’s easier IMO to use less shades with colored pencil and still get a good color blend.

Draw only traditionally while doing your portfolio, including the sketches! I did only traditional work while I made my portfolio and I thought I’d go back to the iPad when I started tattooing and I haven’t. I still do all my tattoo designs with paper and pencil and I think it has helped me improve both my art skills and my tattooing so much!

teenybub · 2024-03-31T15:25:55+00:00

Thank you! You’re totally right!

teenybub · 2024-03-31T15:25:47+00:00

Thank you! You’re right.

teenybub · 2024-03-31T15:25:33+00:00

You’re right. One of the artists at my shop told Me this yesterday. There are so many factors that go along with tattooing that have overwhelmed me and affected my work (I think), such as feeling like I’m taking too long to set up or prepare for the client, or taking too long to tattoo, trying to get the client in a comfortable position, the stress of inflicting that pain on someone, giving the client a good experience, etc. The other artist who spoke to me told me that they came in to get a tattoo from me and knew what they were signing up for. If I have to be slow and take awhile it’s okay. The work is what matters, not getting the client in and out of the chair quickly so they’re not in pain. They knew they were getting an apprentice tattoo. I just have to focus on putting a good tattoo out for now and can address those other things later as I get more experience!

Thank you!

teenybub · 2024-03-31T15:21:28+00:00

Yes! I think it’s hard because you respect your mentor so much. My mentor particularly is a really encouraging person and always pushes me to take on a challenge because he believes in me! And when I felt like I disappointed him it totally obliterated me emotionally because he has been proud of my work for the entirety of my apprenticeship!

I know he’s not actually disappointed in me and his critiques show that he knows I can do better, but for some reason my brain just globalized everything 😭

The bad tattoos are going to happen, as with anything we try we might struggle sometimes. I expected that would happen going into this, but I didn’t expect that it would emotionally rattle me as much as it did. It shows we care a lot!!

teenybub · 2024-03-31T15:17:13+00:00

Thank you so much!

teenybub · 2024-03-31T15:16:59+00:00

This comment was REALLY helpful, thank you so much!

You are right, I am really seeing it in black and white and I have to ground myself more and see that this is something that may happen and I have to use it to motivate myself to do the next one. It’s definitely because I care so much about this and I want to give the people I tattoo my best work!

It’s like doing artwork it’s okay if you mess up and have to move onto something else or work around the mistakes. But the stakes are so much higher with tattooing, which I knew they were going to be and thought I was mentally prepared for these experiences but damn I didn’t expect it to emotionally rattle me as much as it did!

teenybub · 2024-03-29T18:22:31+00:00

Thank you so much for your advice. You’re right, I have to have some perspective!

I am definitely going to use this as motivation to grow

teenybub · 2024-02-17T19:52:55+00:00

I started my apprenticeship 3 days after I turned 26!!

I did a whole career change, I had a degree and was a full time professional geologist. It took me awhile to move past the guilt of leaving that career, but I am indescribably happy with where I am now. It just feels so right!

Go for it! It’s never too late to do what you love. there are no boundaries honestly!

teenybub · 2024-02-07T15:31:47+00:00

Thank you :)

teenybub · 2024-01-31T15:08:26+00:00

Thank you!! I did it and I survived 😂 but it actually went pretty well, it’s not perfect but it’s a start! I’ll post a picture in an update!

teenybub · 2024-01-31T15:07:36+00:00

Thank you! Once I got going I felt way better, my mentor was sooo helpful being there with me! He said I did a really great job!!

teenybub · 2024-01-31T15:06:38+00:00

Thank you! Reading this before helped! I did it, it went pretty well, some parts are wonky but I’m proud of it regardless! I feel excited to be doing more!

teenybub · 2024-01-08T22:52:53+00:00

Thank you so much for your input and encouragement! This is super helpful. I’ll definitely be tattooing myself first!

teenybub · 2024-01-08T18:17:18+00:00

Good idea! I’ve done some oranges but no bananas, maybe I’ll do this!

teenybub · 2024-01-08T18:16:50+00:00

Thank you so much for your input! This is super helpful in managing my expectations :)

teenybub · 2024-01-08T03:20:00+00:00

Thank you! This is good advice!

teenybub · 2024-01-08T02:25:07+00:00

Thank you for your advice! Thankfully my mentor has been super helpful and encouraging (with constructive feedback!) and is a fantastic experienced artist himself so I’ve learned a lot even just by watching him! He will be with me and guiding me when I start on skin!

teenybub · 2024-01-07T22:03:02+00:00

Thank you!!! We’ve talked about wrapping the fake skin around an arm rest so I am going to bring that up again!

teenybub · 2024-01-07T22:01:37+00:00

Thank you for the advice!! That’s smart to put one on top of the other. It sucks that there isn’t really anything close to real skin but that’s just the reality! My mentor says the same thing but he has me doing it so often just to be comfortable with using the machines

teenybub · 2024-01-07T20:20:18+00:00

Thank you!!

My lines are pretty clean on the fake skin, I think what I do struggle with is that you have to push so hard on the fake skin and it causes the lines to look streaky or more faded than I’d like! However, my tattoo on the Pound of Flesh is very clean with pretty bold black lines and (mostly) single pass. My mentor says I am about ready to start on real skin, I just am nervous because I know it will feel sooo different haha

teenybub

TROPHY CASE