my 5th tattoo using a swash

let me know what you all think of my work so far. I am getting my license soon and would like to know what the world is thinking. keep in mind im a newb so contructive always hits harder. THANX

Put the swash down and step away from any kind of tattoo machine please. Get an apprenticeship and learn how to draw

agreed.... sorry to say. Art classes art classes art classes....

I guess I can draw! what is up with people bashin? You don't need to lie to kick it.

you're better than erlich, but you still suck.

noz post some of your work. Gabe lets see some of your artwork too, seeing how you're so fast to shout out art classes, art classes, art classes... To the first poster - your tattoos are already now a lot better than some shops are churning out - looks like the foundation for a good career, stick with it, you'll do good.

I dont draw, but I can tell if someone else can or cant! To check out who I think is good check out the artists that come to OfftheMapTattoo.com/events.html and TattooGathering.com/artists.html

The machine doesn't make the artist. The artists makes the art.

Well if you can tell if people can draw or not you should clearly be able to tell that the original poster can actually draw. "The artist makes the art not the tattoo machine", or whatever it was - is there a point to what you said, and how does that translate to the original poster being a good artist?

the original poster is a shitty artist, you blind, retarded nimrod.

No, there's nothing wrong with his drawings. Completely tattoo like. Ah nozzy... I pity you, I really do ; )

Gaz, you have really low expectations. there may be some promise in the art shown, but is no where near the quality that one should expect from a tattooer thesedays. Can you really not tell the difference between whats posted here and say, whats posted in the art galleries? And original poster, is that sheet of flash the best you have/

Dimwit - did you read the part where I said it looks like a good foundation? You condemn newbies with your "show us your art" routine, then, when somebody actually does, you still condemn them. All this from you, who, by your own admission, can't draw??! Kind of rich coming from somebody who owns a tattoo shop - but, of course, you're the exception to the rule - nobody else can be, but you can. When it suits hey Gabe? And noz, you don't have the bollocks to put it up either, soft twat.

Gaz, I read when you said that, I also read when you said "Well if you can tell if people can draw or not you should clearly be able to tell that the original poster can actually draw." and I thought you meant you thought the original poster was a good enough artist to be tattooing that @#$% on people... "Show me your art" is not a condemnation at all, its asking for a point of reference. And I didnt ask for this guys art, I saw it in skin and its horrible!!! I know it bugs you I dont tattoo and can still tell the difference between good and bad art, but its true and I am not the only one. And there are a small few other respected non-tattooing studio owners that have enough knowledge about tattooing to pull it off. I dont slag other non-tattooers per sa, I slag stupid people who want to jump into something that is permanent without the proper amount of work and learning... Hey original poster, none of this is said to make you feel bad, but you should man up and recognize the amateurish nature of your art and tattoos before you fuck up too many other people...

Gaz what I meant with my statement was specifically related to the post: "Someone speaking about the tattoos done with the swash machine" When I read that title I thought I was going to be amazed. Instead all I saw was a couple of stars similar to the ones I did the first day of my apprenticeship back in 95. With that said what I wanted to say is that no machine will make someone better. The machine assists the artists to accomplish his art in a more comfortable and accurate manner. I didn't intend to bash or put down. But if someone has the balls to post their work, then they have to have the balls to take whatever the feedback may be. I myself have a lot to learn ahead as well that's what keeps my tattooing fun, knowing that I can improve a notch with every single piece. The day I stop learning is the day I die. The replies from the original poster has some attitude problems as well. "here are my drawings, I can draw. What are you people talking about" Like if he was hurt for not hearing the feedback he was expecting.

so above I have the outline of the flower in flesh and below it is the original drawing. I'm not lloking for fu fu comments and I am not looking for assholes opinions. thanks to the one poster who actually gave some good feedback. my feelings are not hurt. I asked. I just know more about you now and how opinionated you are by your lack of ability to give CONSTRUCTIVE critisim. These tattoos are my start. Ive only been practicing for a couple of months! These are literally my fist tattoos ever. I am learning on a swash and have completed 32 tattoos now. I have alot to learn and am not claiming to be great. I am just focused on where I need improvement and hopefull that I can inspire some sort of deeper conversation then what i have seen so far. I am a father of 3 at 27 and am pursuing this dream with my uttmost vigillance. I happen to be located in Oregon and am entangeled in the red tape of tattoo schools up here. I have never had a complaint about my work on any one so far and have only heard good things from others that are associated with my work or those close to them. so if you are willing to be honest I will listen. If not it will be apparent. I am not claiming to be a great artist. I am a beginner and am posting these to help other people see my progreess from my beginnings to my eventuality. I will post more recent pieces as I finish them and hope that you can appriciate someone like me stepping out on a limb to better my own understanding and help others who are in their beginnings. By the way, the new school flash i posted is just that. Flash. If you want to see some other finer art just ask. Dont be an ass. ThINK

so you are " caught up in the red tape of tattoo schools"? Im very curious as to what you could possibly mean by that. Im even more curious about "I am getting my license soon". Who decieded that, you? a word of advise, you very much seem like a kitchen magician from your posts. I can only assume from what you have said that you have had no, and are not currently apprenticing. My guess by your "red tape" tattoo school statement is that you are planning on getting into a tattoo school soon, and will shortly there after be getting your license. I will spare the rant on that, and move on. If this is not the case, you need to look at how your wording things, because your making yourself harder for industry involved people to take seriously. If what ive assumed about your situation is true, ...well its all been said before. think about it man. all im sayin. You want honest feedback? Your flash isnt "bad"(though it looks somewhat familiar?), and i think with time and effort you have the potential to maybe put out some nice sheets. I have seen the early sheets of some currently great artist...not everyones first set is amazing....doesnt mean it wont be someday. I know how far ive come when i look at sketchbooks of mine from years ago. Maybe you can work on that more while you find a mentor to turn you into legit tattooer if you really, really want it like you say. If you do it half assed(aside from it just being wrong and a bad idea), the rest of us will indirectly put you out of business sooner or later. The over saturated tattoo "scene" is at critical mass.

This message is to GAZ and completely off the subject. Gaz..... come on bro r u completely out of your fucking mind. You have just indirectly slammed One of the FEW people in this world that actually have a complete understanding and WORKING KNOWLEDGE of this industry. Gabe has the top tattoo artists in the nation ( whom he interacts with daily ), at his studio and employed at off the Map. If any " NON_TATTOOING SHOP OWNER" knows this business it's him . So take the chip off your shoulder and take a minute to think about the effort this man puts in to making sure this industry is treated and recognized as the BUSINESS that it is. And you know damn well what he said was correct, your just bitter about the NON Tattooing Shop owner, but , if you think about it some of the most successful tattoo studios are ran most effective when you have the balance of Business(non tattooing studio owner) , and Talent ( tattoo artist ). This combination works out very well when the "Talent" has his head so far into the art he or she does not want to think about the business end. It allows the artist to do his job uninterrupted by the Business side, and gives him a huge amount of stress relief, and the ability to study the art. It was way out of line what you said , and Gabe clearly was practicing amazing restraint in not tearing into you! Thanx Gabe for a sick artistic knowledge base (tattoonow) and keep it up. Best Regards-- Rob Laux

I was enrolled at Forbidden School of Body Art (Portland OR)from December of last year up till about two weeks ago. I have been learning from instructors, but am looking to finish the last 18 of my 50 required tattoos at another school due to the lack of oversight and competence of the instructors. (long story that’s being investigated by the super attendant of private schools up here). anyhoo, I am following the oregon laws to the best of my ability and as soon as I have my transcripts will be able to take the exam for licensure as permanent color technician. (required in Oregon for employment at any tattoo shop). you know the old saying when you ass-u-me it makes an ass out of u and me thanks for the insight.

STOP,,,,,,and think about what you have just done!Please.

Rob, maybe you should take some notice of the artist above, you'll learn a thing or two. Scratcher.

O.K.. stopped.....Thought........ moving on. whats thst supposed to mean man? come on. "stop think about what you've done". hmmmmm. I'm learnig from licenced instructors, I have only positive responces from all my patrons and am enrolled in a tattoo art class this semester....what else Oah yea, I'm working on my portfolio daily and trying earnestly to create a stable income to support my children.... HMMMMmmm... I'd say I'm diong what I can and going about it in the right direction so far. I hope you peaople can stop bieng so vauge. Oah well ThINK 4 today, Work 4 a better tomarrow. peace out 'yall

Maybe you can use a tattoo machine .......just! but at least stop claiming that the (badly traced & even worse coloured) drawings are your own. I am a scratcher like yourself and actually have the same flash right in front of me comparing while I try not to laugh at the poorly executed SHIT SCRIBBLE you are trying to say is YOURS. No wonder the Pro's hate us. No hard feelings,sometimes I type aloud!!

this thread is jammed with some of the worst shit i've seen in years. get a rope, hang yourself.

Come on nozzy lad, where have you been these days? It's kinda quiet around here. Where has your penis attitude gone to? Guess you're just not so bothered anymore???

al that 'art' above . . . was, sorry to say, garbage. you call that art? not one thing even semi original there. artistically, i feel you have nothing to offer the skin art world, and you should hang it up. you said you're 27? and that is where you are at at this point? it's unfortunate, that you would want to scar people for life with that kind of slop, or that people would even want that stuff on their bodies for the rest of their life...what an ignorant world we live in. and i was thinking of getting a swash for myself . . . now i'm not so sure . .lol . . .

This is the result of "suppliers/ machine sellers" selling tattoo products to the regular public.

i agree with the above post with the supply companys sellin stuff to just anyone who flips then a few bucks fuckin pathetic whats the tattoo industy comming to these days there are some clowns around here where i live who tell people they use the same equipment as i do but their work sure dont show it and the flash pictures above are just redraws out of tattoo mags and they call it their own shit FUCKIN JOKE

"I have never had a complaint about my work on any one so far and have only heard good things from others that are associated with my work or those close to them. " HI FUCKER! It's me again. Remember when you called me a liar and lacked ethics? That "their problem" (at Forbidden) was that we weren't Christian enough for your ass? It looks like you're a hypocrite, because this is the biggest lie I've ever seen. Just so you know, one of "your" clients came back and had Jessica fix one of your shitty tattoos... they didn't tell you it sucked balls because they didn't want to hurt your delicate little feelings. I see that you're now seeking approval from strangers online because you can't get it in real life. Looks like no one else is buying your crap either, most of these people seem to be able to recognize "art" that you ripped off and are calling your own. So now you know that it wasn't EVERYONE at the shop that is "full of shit" and "biased" against your ugly-ass tattoos. It's everyone- in general. Or now are you going to say the whole world is biased against you? And WHY are you obsessed with telling people you're a father of three? Is that your way of fishing for sympathy? Anyone can stick their penis in some chick and spawn babies, it's not like you deserve an award for it. I hope you get it now. You're never make it as a tattoo artist, and if you try anyways you'll leave behind a legacy of fucked-up skin. I think your calling is more like "Gas Station Attendant." I hear there's lots of perks, like opportunity to steal M&M's from the candy case. Good luck!

F U BIZO yea anyone can stick their penis in a chick and have a kid but it takes a man to stick around and be there for them. You should really shut your fu**ing lip. Post your bullshit drawings and we will see what others think about your self proclaimed greatness. Thanks for helping fuel my ambitions though. Its because of stupid people like you that say (or write) stupid things like you that really help drive me to be better then you could imagine. So thank you stupid, thanks alot. B.T.W. My full color page flash is 100% original. shure Ive drawn pictures using other refrences for instance the green dragon. But I dont know of many artists out there, be it music, painting, drawing ect. That did not cover a song or draw a picture that was inspiring to them by someone else. You know people have to get their start somewhere and studing other artists work and learning how to re create them is crucial in learning any art or trade. I never said every single thing is 100% original but in fact most of it is. Peace

Talk about sexual harrassment, I nearly threw up when you asked me if I wanted to do a 3 way with you and your busted girl. Even if I did like girls I sure as hell would let you near me with your toothpick dick and your girls streched out vag. I am sure the Dept of Edu. would find this kind of sexual proposal from one student to another pretty inappropriate. You say your a man to stay with your kids but you have no job and no education, that's one cool dad. So do you have your orgies around your kids, I dont think social services would find that too appropriate or Jesus for that matter. Does mommy know you and your babies momma sleep with other girls and guys? You say your sooooo religious but your a compulsive liar, smoke, drink and do drugs, thats not so Christian like is it??? I cant wait to get your reply, let me guess your gonna tell me to shut up and that I am a liar with no morals but oh no...dont curse cuz you might find yourself in hell. Why dont you get on with your pathetic life, accept the fact that you fucked up and try harder to keep your kids from ending up like you. Stop trying to contact me and the other girls here, none of us want to sleep with you....Leave us alone.

Wow dude, it looks like you pissed off some people. that's fucked up that you hit on someone at your school and that you sleep with other guys. gross. And do you really have 3 kidns and no job? maybe your just too old to start a new career in tattooing. My advice is massage therapy school. I have a freind went to one of those and now he works at a massage place and getrs tons of freaky chicks and dudes. If thats what your in to. I mean Im no artist or anything but I have been into my share of tatoo shops and your stuff doesnt look like theirs. well at least it sounds like you believe in jesus so just keep preying and he will tell you what to do. well anyways, good luck, peace and chikcen grease

http://www.chopper-tattoo.com/members/tattoos/monkey/images/clapping_chimp.jpg

http://th03.deviantart.com/fs25/300W/f/2008/106/c/c/Cherry_Blossom_Tattoo_by_TheTempestOfNature.jpg

You claim that your work is original but I found most of your so called "art" online. It looks like you changed a couple things and called that image your own. What you are doing is called Plagiarism. According to Wikipedia "Plagiarism is the use or close imitation of the language and ideas of another author and representation of them as one's own original work." My advice to you: You need to be honest with people and let them know that you are a "flash" artist not a self proclaimed "original" artist. If you are honest about the type of work you do it will be the first step to earning any sort of respect in this industry. Stop defending yourself with meaningless responses and try to earn respect through accurate self representation and humility. You have destroyed your credibility and your reputation will proceed you to most any shop in Portland. Change your posting name too, you claim to have such disdain for Forbidden yet claim "Forbidden Artist." You do not work for that shop, nor are you a student. It looks like quite a few people are disappointed with you so you should be humble enough to let go of your pride and listen...or this industry will not let you in.

Kiana is a fucking liar! You can say anything online and people will probably believe it. I in no way like other guys like that. Kiana has met my girl once and now she is saying this bogus crap! This is just an exaple of the kind of people who work for forbidden body art. Low life lieing losers who would rather bash on someone rather then try to be civilized. I went into the school with one goal, to learn the proper way to tattoo. My mother helped me invest using money that was given to her from my grandmother on her death bed. I gave $5,000.00 bucks to Jessica Vann in confidence and was ripped off. She told me they would help me find job placement and even go to other shops with me to find a job. All lies. Her husband had a hissey fit about my email address and threatened me infront of everyone at the school. By the way Casey is not even an instructor at forbidden school of body art and had absolutely no right to even know what my email address is. It was a violation of student confidentiality. Not to mention I was sexually assulted by Mike another employee of forbidden body art not an instructor. I have opened up an investigation with the school board and these so called artists are doing their best to sabotage my reputation because they are scared, and in the wrong. so what I am christian. But you can bet your retarded ass I never said anything that your claiming and I wont sink as low as somone like you to retaliate in anger. You Kiana were just hired on at forbidden body art but you act like a highschool girl. very unprofessional. I guess I can believe they hired you there. a perfect fit. Unprofessional, and full of shit. If I were reading this I would probably avoid your shop just because of the wack crap that your spouting off. Dont you relise that you can loose your license for bieng unprofessional. Grow up. As for my education I graduated the Monterey Fire Academy in 2002 as top acidemic student, i then took a EMT course and graduated with straight A's. I was a parking enforcement officer in monterey untill i moved to Oregon. That was during my first marrige. Not that it is any of your buisness but you seem so intrested in my life as to make false accusations so I might as well set you straight. We ended up in WA and I was resuming a full time scedule at LCC as well as working part time. since then I have worked very hard at reclaiming my life as a father and artist. anyhoo my girl has somthing to say about your rediculous bull shit accusation I never would dream of making. You ugly hag. I wouldent make a proposition to you even if you were really a girl! you cross dressing transvestite whore. HA and god forgives sinners you he bitch! ok so I sunk to your level but I had fun venting. your so full of it though, it makes me wonder. why. Mabye you were abused by daddy growin up and need to fit in somewhere, whatever your problem I hope you get help. Really you were just another student i dont know why you have tarnised your own rep to bash me. Its retarded. I wish you the best and hope you find salvation in Jesus. Really. stop hatin at least.

All right Kiana, here goes. You think are you such hot sh*t. What in the world makes you think we would invite you to do something like that (even if we WERE into it, which we aren't.) Ever heard of a monogamous relationship?? You say "I nearly threw up when you asked me if I wanted to do a 3 way with you and your busted girl" Pray tell, what is so "busted" about me? Because I have 3 kids? Because I work my a$$ off to get where I am today while he takes excellent care of the children? You don't anything about me. You met me once, when we were nice enough to give you a ride home so you wouldn't have to freeze your a$$ off. You also say "Even if I did like girls I sure as would let you near me with your toothpick dick and your girls stretched out vag" First, you should spell check what you write because you seem to be in agreement with the something that was never propositioned. Second, how the hell would you know what we look like? Again, more accusations based on NOTHING! As for the other completely base-less accusations such as orgies (especially around the kids), that is rediculous. Why would you even say something like that? It's vengeful and comes from being bitter. Let me say this: You know absolutely nothing about me and the way that my family functions. You have no idea what you are getting yourself into when you decide to come between this Mama bear and her cubs. Fuck with me and my family again and you'll wish you never conjured those inane thoughts much less put them in writing. Did you know that slander is against the law? So is perjury. Look them up if you don't know what they mean. BACK OFF BITCH! This is obviously a desperate attempt to cover up what really happened at the shop. It didn't concern you in the first place and you are putting your nose in where it doesn't belong. You were SO concerned about your reputation when the accusations against the shop were made, but here you are stooping to everyone else's level and showing that you really do belong at that shop: a liar that is only out for themselves. Have fun. You can be sure that none of my family or friends will ever step foot in that shop.

i posted earlier with the impression that you were a religious man. why dont u just let it go and focus on your future. Jesus wouldnt want you to use such words even if they are used against you. it sounds like if you were so good at the emt thing you should probably stick with that. it is dissappointing to see you stoop to such a low level and how can you accuse them of slander and pergery when you are doing the same thing. that doesnt make sense even to me and I am just an old guy with a thing for tattoos. forgivness sounds like the best medicine for you and your old lady. whenever your indoubt just ask yourself what would jesus do. live long and prosper

You appear to be very confused about who posted what. You didn't proposition me, it was another student at the shop, and you should know who that was. I wouldn't make up random shit like that because I don't need to... every insult I've directed your way is based on the truth, and trust me, you've given me plenty of material. So, you want me to post my "shitty art" do you? Anyone can see my artwork at wikidtron.deviantart.com. And YOU see it every time you look down. If my art is so terrible why did you let me tattoo your pasty leg? Speaking of which... THAT is original art. I didn't do a shitty job tracing it from some flash, and I didn't need to use a "reference." It... or nothing that looks like it... exists anywhere else. Unlike you, I am actually capable of creating my own artwork. I was unhappy that I wasted my good artwork on your skin, but then I realized you're going to look at it every day for the rest of your life and be reminded of your failure, whereas I'm probably going to forget your name before the year is up. So... it looks like you got pretty worked up there! I'm a cross-dressing transvestite whore? That sounds more like slander than anything I said about you. See... the difference is that I was telling the truth, and you're just pissed. "God" is displeased. Oh, and I'm pretty sure your bitch just threatened me. I don't think "god" would approve, not to mention the cops. ...By the way, I found Jesus. He says you're screwed.

i love trailor trash flame wars. the lameness of these illiterate idiots is very entertaining. now go eat some more cheetos, and come back swinging!!!

noz you're a wanker (as usual).

Ok Benifit of doubt here im almost there with every one, But Forbiddenartist Here's a Flash Idea, Stop using Crayola Colored Pencils and stop using Sharpie to fill in every thing, stay away from TRIBAL NO ONE LIKES OR WANTS IT ANYMORE AND IT'S NOT ART BY ANY MEANS, LEARN TO DRAW CELTIC KNOTS BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO TATTOO THEM, LEARN TO USE WATER COLOR or Chalk Pastels For your Flash... And if you Wanna Prove People Wrong Draw this and Post it, If you don't your never gonna be taken Seriosly by any of us so heres your Challange Your Insperation and i know googles not this good, " An Naked Female Angel Riding a Zebra who is ripped and bleeding out, and a Monkey standing on its head with a boner" And If you Think you won't get a Request for a tattoo like this you need to stop and go get real job kid just trying to help you out

they sound wicked going off to draw them now watch this space the advice above is great and if i were you id listen good though i will say well done for posting your stuff in the first place take some balls also you defo got potential i suggest two hours flash a day of all your basics thats your bread and butter when they are perfect in every medium then move on good luck and best wishes a word to the wise always be curious what would your customer think of your work if they went to one of the greats for work thats my rule of thumb

Your Welcome for the Insperation Eggsonlegs and I can't Wait to see it, I don't think that kid gets on here anymore Anyway but If I had Room which i don't i would get it tattooed on me but i guess all that ink goes to your head after a while

Ms.K .. You'r "art" kinda suck too... Just so you know