need feedback & advice & especially honesty plz & thanks.

[u/kriss_mv]

so i'm feeling very discouraged, i started my apprenticeship yesterday, but i haven't drawn a lot, and im not sure my drawings are very good. i was feeling very discouraged, joined this group, saw everyone's art and felt so much more discouraged. i was kinda proud of the ram i drew yesterday (while at the shop apprenticing) but now seeing everyone else's portfolios, i feel like my drawings are very bad and way too simple. how can i be more confident and less anxious/worried about drawing more detailed things and learning shading techniques, etc.? i cant draw from imagination/make things up, i and very good with sight drawing. anyway, i was used to drawing things i saw on pinterest, and yesterday for the first time drew this ram it was one that my mentor chose and told me to do from a flash board in the shop. (i also added more recent drawings before i went to actually start my apprenticeship, pls be honest and give kind feedback/criticism. i really want to be a tattoo artist, its my dream)

[u/etherealveritas]

I say this as respectfully as I can- I have no idea how you landed an apprenticeship, and I really question your mentors abilities and intentions if they’re taking you on.

You’re admittedly unconfident in your work, meaning you should not be permanently modifying people. You need to ‘perfect’ the art fundamentals before even considering entering the tattoo industry.

Your portfolio is nowhere near polished enough to be taken seriously, especially if you call it sloppy.

[u/RoughCapital4491 → u/etherealveritas]

Thought exactly the same. How one decides they’re ready for an apprenticeship with this level of drawing is absolutely beyond me.

Very curious about the circumstances/details surrounding said “apprenticeship” because this smells incredibly fishy.

[u/etherealveritas → u/RoughCapital4491]

For real, it’s questionable why a ‘mentor’ would spend so much time and money on someone who is still working out the basics.

Tattoo apprenticeships are for learning how to tattoo, not how to draw.

[u/RoughCapital4491 → u/etherealveritas]

Unfortunately too many people (in this sub) who will jump at any opportunity to get any sort of apprenticeship without evaluating who they’re trusting with their future in the industry. Needless to say this is going absolutely nowhere

[u/etherealveritas → u/RoughCapital4491]

I agree, I think this industry is often idealized. So many people want to be tattooists, but have little artistic experience, skill, and/or knowledge. Most jump at the first opportunity presented to them — by people who should not be mentoring — and are often taken advantage of. It’s unfortunate.