Apprenticeship portfolio feedback

lydtattoo · 7 Nov 2020

G’day!

I’d appreciate if you lovely people would take a look at my art portfolio and tell me what you think it needs more/less of?
To my knowledge it’s best to pick 20 of your best works...
Ive been told to draw everyday in every style and I’ve been giving myself some personal assessments and goals to achieve. Went to the library and got out some art history books, one on Hokusai, some illustrative floral and manga; which covers all of my artistic interests.
Ive also been told to look at my favourite tattoo artists and really dissect their work to figure out what it is I like about it. I’ve been finding all this fun all while taking the time to teach myself Japanese so I may one day go there to learn under a Hori if I’d ever be allowed to ??

However right now with what my portfolio is currently I’d love to know if it’s too artsy to be a tattoo apprenticeship folio and if I should really declutter it but what would I take out and what would I keep!?
Linked below!
Thanks in advance for looking ??‍

?

Portfolio

TexasPT · 7 Nov 2020

beautiful work. It's important to say that everyone is different so my opinion on what I'm looking for may not be what someone in your area is looking for.

Your paintings would be what got you in the door with me. It shows artistic talent not only from recreating what you see but also creativity.

the digital stuff...bores the shit out of me. No offense but it's just using symmetry tools and applications to recreate unoriginal ideas. It does however show that you understand how to shade a traditional piece and while it does bore the shit out of me it's a pretty good addition. If I could see you recreate it on paper I'd be happier.

the dude...or girl...singing...nice work.

I think it's solid...but digital is too easy so don't' stray from putting things in that show you can control your brain a little without the help.

When you meet people, don't sell your short comings. I don't want to know that you've had bad relationships and your art is an outlet for your inner angst. I don't need to know about your anxiety...or that your prone to bouts of depression that cripple you. Let me find that out later after I've learned to like you. I want to know that you love tattooing and are drawn to it. And it fascinates you and you want to learn all you can about it. I want to know that you're a student. I want you to be able to have a confident conversation with me...make me believe that if I put you in front of my clients you'll be able to talk to them and take care of them. Sell yourself....that's what modern day tattooing is.

again, this is just me. I'd rather have a great personality with an average portfolio than a great portfolio with a horrible personality.

Chustik · 7 Nov 2020

Very nice work! The only thing I would replace are the landscapes at the top (or just move them to the bottom). I think you want to show of those black and gray flash first. Maybe some more physical stuff like the watercolor you did.

But don't wait until you have the perfect portfolio, you are never going to have it. Use what you have and keep adding/replacing stuff.

Good luck!

lydtattoo · 7 Nov 2020

TexasPT said:
beautiful work. It's important to say that everyone is different so my opinion on what I'm looking for may not be what someone in your area is looking for.

Your paintings would be what got you in the door with me. It shows artistic talent not only from recreating what you see but also creativity.

the digital stuff...bores the shit out of me. No offense but it's just using symmetry tools and applications to recreate unoriginal ideas. It does however show that you understand how to shade a traditional piece and while it does bore the shit out of me it's a pretty good addition. If I could see you recreate it on paper I'd be happier.

the dude...or girl...singing...nice work.

I think it's solid...but digital is too easy so don't' stray from putting things in that show you can control your brain a little without the help.

When you meet people, don't sell your short comings. I don't want to know that you've had bad relationships and your art is an outlet for your inner angst. I don't need to know about your anxiety...or that your prone to bouts of depression that cripple you. Let me find that out later after I've learned to like you. I want to know that you love tattooing and are drawn to it. And it fascinates you and you want to learn all you can about it. I want to know that you're a student. I want you to be able to have a confident conversation with me...make me believe that if I put you in front of my clients you'll be able to talk to them and take care of them. Sell yourself....that's what modern day tattooing is.

again, this is just me. I'd rather have a great personality with an average portfolio than a great portfolio with a horrible personality.

Perfect feedback! It’s exactly what I needed to hear.
I’m glad my core work was what got ya! I do need to go back to creating like that again.

the digital bores the shit out of me too, I’ve just purchased a printer so I can redraw my digital work on paper and paint it traditionally. Thanks for clarifying my own thoughts ?

my Jeff Buckley portrait is something I’m pretty proud of so I’ll probably do some more of those then!

hahaha I truly didn’t realise you could get a sense of sadness in my bio. You’ve got a point that I should portray my people skills more then an “artist statement” ?
I have probably messed up some interviews with my lack of confidence in my self or my speech so I’ll work on selling myself too!
Thank you, you’re totally right. I’d rather a good vibe to be around too which is why I need to attract the right crowd by being that person I want to be around ?

lydtattoo · 7 Nov 2020

Chustik said:
Very nice work! The only thing I would replace are the landscapes at the top (or just move them to the bottom). I think you want to show of those black and gray flash first. Maybe some more physical stuff like the watercolor you did.

But don't wait until you have the perfect portfolio, you are never going to have it. Use what you have and keep adding/replacing stuff.

Good luck!

Oh true! Thank you ?
I did wonder if that was the better place to have them.
Great idea to have traditional first too!
im definitely putting myself out there, just not much feedback thus why I thought I’d ask you guys.
truly appreciate your input! I’ll be working hard every day till I find my tat family

Beirdo · 8 Nov 2020

Great body of work and really shows diversity. I really dug your flash work. I agree it should go on paper. I also think you should redraw it without the use of the printer. You'll free yourself a bit doing that and while they seem boring they are the most over all cohesive of your pieces. They cover design, composition, color creativity, and (if you can match the line work) a lot of technical draftsmanahip. For now (until you translate them) download some paper textures to put as your background and change the blend on the art to take advantage of that - itll breath a lot of life into those.
Something that has been helping me choose what to include is asking myself how I would describe the piece - if I lead with a negative or if there are qualifiers then I take it out. Make sure your work does all the talking and don't give them an opinion on it, let them make their own.

TexasPT · 9 Nov 2020

omnilydia said:
hahaha I truly didn’t realise you could get a sense of sadness in my bio. You’ve got a point that I should portray my people skills more then an “artist statement” ?

I didn't...I like your bio. But the last 5 young ladies who came to the shop to discuss apprenticeships put all their dirty laundry out first...it's a huge turn off.

MalligaMallan · 9 Nov 2020

Totally agree with Mark that the arty stuff is what makes me happy to see ?????? Agree with everything else he says too.

jasonmnash043 · 20 Nov 2020

Ive nothing constructive beyond the great feedback above but just wanted to say good luck! Seems you’ve a great attitude so hope it works out for you.

Big Pete · 7 Sep 2021

Your portfolio looks very good as it is, although I would assume that most tattoo studios would be more interested in your tattoo flash type work.
Every countries tattoo industry is a little different, I notice that you are from Australia, my best advise to you is to find studios that are not affiliated with Motorcycle clubs if possible, and DO NOT include photo's of any tattoos that you have done unless they were done in a tattoo shop.
Also, do not give up on it, keep pestering the shop owner, go in there every week, let them know you are keen....sell yourself.
Good Luck.

KyleBl4ck · 12 Sep 2021

LYD OUT THERE KILLIN IT!

Apprenticeship portfolio feedback

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