Artistry vs. Technical Skill vs. Work Ethic

Alright.... so I think I have a FANTASTIC work ethic and interet in tattooing, but I'm not so sure about my artistry -- Do you think that coupled with practice and time will improve enough? I'm considering taking an apprenticeship beginning in the next 8-12 months. I'd be committed for the long haul. * Situation * --- Toronto. 2 million people. Lots of shops, lots of competition for the good ones. I'm female, 21, and would begin the apprenticeship after finishing a bachelors degree this spring in a completely unrelated field. I'd want to work 25 hours a week so I could still earn enough to get by at something else, which could be a problem. I have one tattoo on my hand and three large ones on my back with the top quarter of sleeves coming when I can affod them. * Work ethic? I will work my ass off doing the most menial jobs, and earn my spot. I'll log more overtime than anyone else and put up with any crap if it helps me learn. I take a long term interest in things. * Interest? I definitely have the interest - not only in art, but also in body modification in general -- I would even be interested in learning scarification at some point. I also studied kinesiology, nutrition, etc. The human body is fascinating. * Technical proficiency? I know I'm good working with my hands and have no qualms about learning to use the machine and sterilization stuff, etc. -- I'm interested in medical procedure, physical education, etc. and it would tie in. HOWEVER....... I would consider myself a 7 out of 10 on artistry. I'm sketching every day, and I know I'm quite good in some styles (I've designed each of my 4 tattoos) -- but I know that the portfolio I bring in from the next 8-12 months would be "slightly above average" at best, and certainly not "this person does such great artwork I have to have them." Whaddaya think? Anyone with experience?

I'm coming from an art-in-general perspective rather than a stricltly tattooing one (not a visual artist - especially not a tattooist). From the sound of things, you have the passion and, if your work ethic is what you say it is, i am certain you will get better as you practise... that's true of any art, but the assumption is that you bring SOME talent to the table. When you say "you don't have the artistry" do you mean you don't like your work? or, do you mean you know it could be better? Or, is it that you don't consider yourself "talented" in the artistic sense? If you don't like your work, well... what do other people think? If you aren't satisfied with your results, i'd say that many of the best artists i know (literary, visual, dancers, singers, etc etc) remain their own worst critics. I think it's what keeps them fresh. I imagine that you MUST have some talent, if a reputable shop is willing to apprentice you. Maybe you're being a little hard on yourself. Practise makes a talent acorn into a talent forest. It's up to you who does the practising. Best of luck in pursuit of your dream!

sounds as if your on the right track, keep working with your art....refine it to the best of your ability....and dont loose faith in your abilities. good luck to you. Mortis

Before spekalating too much, lets see your art!

Perhaps I am my own worst critic.... thanks for those who SERIOUSLY responded to me. I'm not concerned about "getting" a spot per se... I guess with practice I won't have much to worry about.

oh.. and I guess I have the talent..... but it usually takes me an INORDINATE amount of time to get anything done "just" the way I want to.... so I wonder with practice how much better I'll get.

once you do get that apprenticeship its like you have to learn to draw or whatever all over again. say you have this crazy sick style that no one does but you. who cares, youre an apprentice. we want hearts we want tribal i want my ex girlfriends name covered up with my new girlfriends name. my point is. youre ability now is in the art field.. not the tattooing field all that shit you know is like %50 of tattoo. when you get your apprenticeship you will be drawing names and hearts and pretty much lettering lettering lettering. Alot of tattooing is yes insane artwork and amazing color theories and blends and highlighting effects and placement to the anatomical contour. BUT you arent there yet. so even if you walk in there with a 10 out of 10 art ability. They will start you at 0. so yeah dont worry about it. youll grow in time. your goin to have to relearn everything. you have a great attitude. and those who think they know everything never grow.

thanks for the reply -- I think I'm going to do it. I'll be putting together a portfolio and checking out more GTA shops in the next several months, and then make my final decision about going for it. The other question is if we'll stay in the city. I went to one shop in the city last Friday and took a look at one artist's portfolio .... and I noticed a tattoo done by my former artist (who no longer works there) in the other guy's portfolio. And I know the other guy did everything on that tattoo... just a littttlee sketchy. but my husband and I both are finishing degrees in fields that we can go ANYWHERE with... so I could theoretically apprentice anywhere in North America. It's nice to have that freedom.. watch out, I guess! :)

Emge...We STILL need to see some samples of your work please....Best of luck!!...TAz

I know, I know! But right now most of my older (larger) work is in storage. I'll post a selection of newer work in a week or two. Promise.

I only hope you don't have the same problems starting that my wife did... Good Luck... from what I've seen in life "talent" will get you there quicker, but it's your perserverance and work ethic that will make sure you do get "there". If tattooing is what you really want.... go for it and don't let anyone stop you. If your first apprenticeship isn't to your likely.... keep looking for another. Learning from more people can only make better in the long run... Again I wish you the best of luck.

Thanks for the encouragement.... I have no doubt it will be hard if I decide to.. but once I commit to something, I'm not easily swayed. :)