How many CAN draw

Ok so we have a debate at the shop! I say that you can draw but dont have to be the best in the world to tattoo. I saw a post once listing some of the best in the biz that cant draw! Cant remember who they were. I had an artist here that didnt really draw that well but was a great tattoo artist. I have one that is great all around, unfortunately he thinks his shit dont stink and as the owner I try to overlook his attitude but its hard. OF course he has no idea who alot of artists are so his world is really small. anyone know of any big name guys or girls that are flat out tattoo artists but cant draw really good? BB King can play the guitar really well but he cant play and sing at the same time!

Ok here is my view on this... I personally believe that in order to tattoo you need SOME artistic talent, meaning sometimes people with little talent but a great eye for shading, depth and understanding of color relationships can actually do a very nice job as a tattoo artist BUT are also limited in their skill too. Those who can't draw well (or at all) are limited to what they can have in their shop for flash and work off of that. They typically cannot do custom work-which I think is a limitation but some may say different. I know someone who does tattoos in my state who does very good tattoo work BUT does it strictly off of flash and is what I call a copy artist-he would be screwed BIG time if someone came to him and said "draw this for me." He still does well for himself, but I would never go to him for the simple fact he is not an artist period. I also know another artist who is the polar opposite to this fellow and who IS an artist and can tattoo, paint and draw his ASS off-BUT he is a total ego freak and does NOT listen to the client's wants and does what he wants regardless. He makes a VERY good living off of it, does only custom work but is a total jerk to work with---BUT because he has the talent people still go to him because he is THAT good and even those clients who he totally ignored their requests continue to go to him because again he is really that good If I was given a choice I would look for someone who has artistic talent, does it as a CAREER and not a job, and above all who acknowedges the important fact of simple humility and give a client what they want. It is a tall order, but it is again my personal preference. There are people out there that care little about the artistic part of tattooing and simply pick someone based on price and limited imagination-so whether you are a coloring book artist or one who has genuine talent---there is someone for everyone.

Here Here, I agree! I cant seem to get my artist here to understand that not everyone is as good at drawing as he is but they may tattoo on a level way higher than he is. I think a well rounded artist can do it all and he thinks the only thing that counts is drawing. Now I can draw and have been since childhood but I dont paint or watercolor! He just thinks that drawing is the most important and even told a kid he didnt need to worry about the basics of machine setup and that "stuff" learn to draw 1st and then do that! I know some amazing artists that cant tattoo but are out of this world with a brush or pencil. Anyway I thank you for your comments, I know I saw someone post a name on here once of a world renowned artist that cant draw verywell and has tatto art that will blow you away! Im gonna keep trying to find my boy here some examples.

I don't understand why if you couldn't draw you would tattoo someone. Shading skills are nothing if you don't know line, form, shape, line quality and perspective, all of which can be learned and practiced through an intro to drawing and advanced drawing classes. so take the time its the fundamentals to any good drawing and how can you apply that to a tattoo if you cant put it on paper. Drawing is half of what you need as a tattoo artists, I'm Working on becoming one and all I hear is to draw and draw more. I believe if you are not confident in doing something on paper you shouldn't be tattooing it. Not to mention only tracing things makes it hard for you to do original tattoos as well as custom work which is really every hope for a tattoo artists to do only custom work right? who want to do flash all the time let a lone some of the time. I would not get tattooed by someone who couldn't draw.