I'm a trad artist, bought a tattoo machine and did some black and grey realism on my leg. Using the machine wasnt an issua at all, what I struggled with was being able to get the tone of the ink right. Went a little too dark with the shadows and the bounce lighting looks like a highlight. Going to keep at it, definitely feel like learning the ink is the key. I need to get to where I know exactly what tone I have on my needles
One of the best videos on tattooing I’ve seen as a beginner tattoo artist, it feels great to hear you address every little speed bump I’ve felt and still feel. Thank you!!!
just came across this video while looking out for advice for beginners and this was everything I needeed atm! I love listening to music or podcasts while drawing and I'm definitely gonna start this adventure of listening to all the podcasts in this channel lol wish me luck. thank you so much for the information, it's very helpful!!
thanks for this, I'm at the very beginning of an apprenticeship. twelve years as a professional artist led to complete burnout and wanting to learn something new, three years of trying to find an apprenticeship finally led to one (!!!) and I moved to an entirely new town to pursue tattooing. your conversation was particularly relevant to me at this very moment, it's not coming super easy, hard not to get discouraged because artistically, i'm used to things coming easy. your words are uplifting, I will keep watching your videos!!
I'm also a new apprentice, but a long-time artist. This is the biggest learning curve I've come across. I'd love to hear how you've progressed since leaving this comment!
You guys are really a breath of fresh air - I had a horrible apprenticeship experience shortly out of high school. Eventually, I got the boot right before the guy (turns out he was an addict) closed up shop. I really took a hard look at what I should look for in a mentor after that, and just recently a really positive opportunity arose for me. I really appreciate your language and ideas on this art and industry - 19 year old me is feeling very comforted! Really great of you two to take the time to do this.
Incredibly helpful guys, thank you so much for the encouraging words and helpful tips. I'm a year in working in a shop, and the ups and downs have been crazy. I can see myself progressing but realize that the Mastery of tattooing is a life long endeavor, I am committed, but often get down on myself for not being where I feel I should be. I know potential is there and will continue to climb the ladder, but it's good to check in with experienced artists in the trade and slow myself down a little bit, and take things at pace that is reasonable for me as a young tattooer. Thank you for being open and generous with the knowledge that you have acquired in your careers. Cheers!
nah you guys drink good beer and have great convo and make it interesting alot of people dont discuss most of the stuff yall do on your podcast everybody just wants to learn how to tune a liner and make money theres alot more to it than that, and yall explain that. oh and thumbs up to david for rockin the shit out that neurosis shirt.
For a few years now I've been really interested in getting into tattooing. I started with a (R)arm sleeve by a very talented artist out of Wyoming. We got along so well that he talked to me about apprenticeship. I hung out with him for a few weeks every day as he worked on my arm and he showed me the ropes starting with cleanliness and setups. Unfortunately, I had to move back to my home state. Time passed and we stayed as friends. Recently, my teenage son decided to buy me a tattoo kit so that it would motivate me to actually start and stop talking about it. Lol. Now, before I pick anything up I wanted to educate myself and I found you guys. Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do. This was a good start. Thank you guys!
this is gold guys really like your down to earth humble explainations. i'm 6 month into my apprenticeship (former construction worker), i'm in a great studio but there's bit of language barrier coz i'm in a foreign country so really appreciate hearing how you guys explain some of the fundamentals. thanks again.
been subscribed to you guys for a while and i finally watched an episode and started with this video which i'm assuming is the very first video...I have to say i am glad i did and now plan to binge watch all the shows lol keep it coming! we need more stuff like this in the tattoo industry. thank you for this
Thanks a lot! We appreciate you sitting through the first episode (which was pretty rough). We had our problems with audio and video in the early days. We are finally getting it together a little
Thank you, as someone interested in tattoo art, this is gold! I wish you could go a bit into the process of tattoo design, how is a composition made? First sketches? Drafting materials? Do tattooists work alot from symbolism in the motifs? Using reference images or all freehand? I find it most fascinating how different motifs are combined into a cohesive whole.
what do you think of cheap tattoo kits? (obviously I'd never use one on a real human, but just listen first) how similar are the cheap kits compared to the pro stuff? does it work the same and feel the same in your hand? Do you think a person could practice on fruit with a cheap kit and then move up to a real kit? would that be a good way to learn or would it be too different?
What about those who.are self taught and dont have aprenticeships or a team to llok foward to in order to grow a little bit more... can u have a topic on that... id really like to hear you guys opinion on that....
I think it is important to have a solid understanding of the principles that make up good drawing. Even if you are tattooing other peoples designs. Not all flash is good flash and it's important to be able to make corrections to bad flash. Thanks for the question
I learned in prison and I am Damm good I would not ever going to a shop or be an apprentice not me I want me to do it on my own I have a private studio and my clients are super happy with my work a matter of fact I fix tattoos that have been done in shops just saying so if you want to be the best you got to want to be the best and want to push your self to the next level just saying working in a shop being someone's bitch to learn how to tattoo not for me and prison are is super popular in the community in LA all over man black and grey started in prison prison art is 🔥 that's how I feel god bless thanks for the video tho I do watch a lot of videos and that helps as well but thank you.
I tattooed my husband and he has had an allergic reaction to it! It's his first tattoo...I am trained, registered, insured etc but this has really freaked me out! I am wondering if you guys have any experience with this and any advice so I can get my head straight and not hang up my machine forever...Thanks in advance
Generally the reaction will be to a specific color of ink. If that's the case, I would just try to avoid using that manufacturers color on him in the future. If the entire tattoo is having trouble, it might have more to do with the aftercare products he is using. It's hard to say because there can be so many variables. Good luck
Thanks so much :) have you ever been put off tattooing? I wonder if Im too 'sensitive' which is a shame coz thats why people like coming to me... *sighs*
I've never tattoo'd before but I plan on learning (that's why I'm at the video), but hey from an artist to another, take what you have and run with it unless it's causing any harm :D
+Yonge St. Xiv I sent him to the hospital today and they have confirmed it is an allergic response to the ink, he is having antihistamines, steroid cream and the nurse said the tattoo is great apart from the reaction! She has no concerns about my professionalism which is reassuring! lol good luck to you also, I really have enjoyed the whole process from listening to what the client wants through to designing their tattoo and finally applying it! It's just a shame this experience with my husband has frightened the daylight out of me and put me off!