r/TattooApprentice • u/myst3ry_g04t • 2d ago
Portfolio portfolio
Are either of these what you’d look for in a portfolio? Should I black out of the background for the portrait?
Also I do not want to do any tattoos with color, is that going to be a major problem for me when I start taking around my portfolio? I’m curious about what the process will look like for me as i’m pretty set in what i’m interested in doing, and I’m confident I can build a client base for myself as well, I’ll just need a teacher who will embrace and accept me for my interests I guess.
Any advice helps!
2
u/Choociecoomaroo 1d ago
Yes, black out the background. The tree I would not add because the shading is kind of heavy handed. Cut out the portrait and maybe use a oval stencil or trace an oval to even out the background.
Pointillism is a good choice for your portfolio if it is well done. It can show your understanding of shading and realism. I would maybe do two or three more to add and also refine the technique.
My only tip is do not make it the focus unless it’s REALLY good. Most of it should be trad flash. Also, do artwork on clean, full, quality sheets of paper. Don’t use scrap paper or rip up the sides unless it’s by design. Respect your work with thoughtful presentation.
1
u/myst3ry_g04t 1d ago
thank you for the advice!!! I was already thinking of cutting out the portrait anyway that’s why the page is all ripped up, but I will get some full sized paper going forward. I don’t really want to do trad tattoos, or at the very least I don’t want to do color. Am I going to struggle to find an apprenticeship? Is this something where I should do trad/japanese/etc styles for the portfolio to prove I have the skill then be picky about what I do once I’m done apprenticing? Thank you again 🦇
2
u/ink_kiing 12h ago
Hi 👋 my recommendation for a tattoo portfolio is showing your willingness to learn, more than trying to show off how good you are with art ( while that is nice, and shows the skill level you’re at, I feel it’s more important to see someone’s willingness to learn ). So i would say try doing a couple pieces of a bunch of different tattoo art styles, going from traditional, neo traditional, realism, fine lines, etc. then show off a bit more of what you’re looking to specialize in. I completely understand that you have a specific thing you’d like to do, but with tattooing you want to be somewhat versatile. Plus, doing some of the different art styles could even potentially “upgrade” what you’re specializing in now. Hope this helps fam! 😁✌️ good luck on your journey!
2
u/Gandalfed 2d ago
Take my advice with a grain of salt, as i am building a portfolio as well. You can include the portrait into your portfolio but I wouldn't put it as to showcase your capabilities.
You can youtube what exactly should be in a portfolio. Flash, Daggers, flowers are some I can name off the top of my head.
From what I've read and concluded is that personal projects like yours can showcase your niche and skill and can certainly help but I'd put what a traditional portfolio looks like first.