portfolio question

Hello Everyone, My name is Joel and I would really like to one day become proficient in the art of tattooing. Most people tell me that I am "pretty good at art", but I definitely know I could be A LOT better. I am currently focusing on becoming an EMT and am very excited about it, but would one day like to find an apprenticeship to become a tattoo artist, while continuing my EMT work. I respect the whole apprenticeship approach, but it would be nice to also make some cash or work a couple of (long hour) days a week. I was thinking of checking out the various tattoo schools, but after reading a thread on this forum about that, I have changed my mind. Thanks for all the input. I have much respect for the art and would rather continue in the traditional sense of finding an apprenticeship and all of the ins and outs of the industry/art. At this point, I am no where near approaching an established tattoo artist. Quite frankly, I need to work on my artistic ability and work on developing a portfolio. I am not in a rush, and am not in it for the money or any ego driven reasons. I am in it for the art of it. Sorry for this long intro, but I thought it might help me get some honest responses. Specifically, I am writing this question to ask what established tattoo artists would want to see in a portfolio. I have read a little bit about how to approach tattoo artists regarding apprenticeships, and I am not even at that level yet, although I do understand and appreciate the level of respect involved and all the intricacies in establishing that sort of professional relationship. This question is purely in regards to the portfolio, and am asking honestly, what would you professionals want to see? What wouldn't you want to see in a portfolio? What skills should I work on? What would help me in the long run artistically? I really want to approach this with full heart, mind and soul. I want to focus on drawing more, and be more disciplined with it. I feel that most of my art after college was focused more on self-expression, almost abstract in thought kind of work (which is great), but now I am looking for a little guidance. If anyone could offer some advice I would greatly appreciate it. And again, sorry for the long post.

I am an apprentice right now so I can't say what tattoo artists are looking for but I can tell you what I had in my portfolio. I had about 75 or so drawings. Before adding color to the drawings I made copies of the linework to show where I was coming from and that I had a steady enough hand that I could draw clean lines on paper. I had varied line weight and I really spent time finishing my drawings. Nobody wants to see half a drawing. Included in the pages of drawings were about ten sheets of flash (sheets of flash are 11"x17" consisting of at least five designs and fully shaded/colored.) I had flash sheets of hearts, butterflies, skulls, daggers, nautical themed, etc... Make sure you have the line drawings for these as well In the colored versions I used inks, watercolors, and colored pencils. You can pick just one, just make sure you are half way decent in the one you choose. I included charcoal drawings, oil paintings, and figure drawings as well. I wanted them to know that I was serious and had been formally trained in art. This is what worked for me. It didn't hurt that I had gotten a sleeve tattooed on me at the same shop. They got to know me pretty well and vice versa. The mentor/apprentice relationship is based on trust, respect, and hard work. You have to show them that you are the right person as well as have fantastic art.

Thank You David. That is definitely helpful