Looking for Some Constructive Criticism

Hello...I was hoping that some of you experienced tattooists could offer me some constructive criticism on my art work. I have been obsessed with tattooing for the last eight years and am finally at a point in my life where I would like to pursue it as a career. It's all that I think about and I want to do everything that I can to prepare myself. The last thing that I want is to walk into a tattoo shop with my portfolio, get laughed at and told to go home and draw more or pick a new career. When I do this I want to be taken seriously and hopefully apprentice at a well respected tattoo shop. I look at the art of people like Nikko, Nick Baxter, Mike Cole, etc... and think "wow, these guys are light years away from where I am" and wonder if I even have a shot at doing this. So...I'd really appreciate any advice you can offer. What things should I work on? What could I do to make a solid portfolio? Would you laugh if I walked into your shop with these? Thanks! http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c218/bloodrose_333/Art/

Hey, it's good that you have focused on designs that people might get tattooed on them. That is a big factor, you should focus more on the art aspect of it though. it's going to be hard to word this but being able to draw doesn't make you an artist. Understanding perspective and drop shadows, depth ect, those are factors that seperate the pros from the hobbyist. Does that make sense? Your graphite apple in my opinion is your best. In that drawing you can draw what you see and that is very important. Your skulls and roses look very bland, it looks like how most people would draw them, try to get a skull model and draw it from still life and add your twist any which way you can. In my opinion it is most crucial to learn the fundamentals of art before going to skin. When you walk into a shop the artist is going to look at your portfolio and ask himself would i get these designs tattooed on myself? At your level i would assume the answer would be no, but that is not to say that you aren't far from that next level, and ambition is just as important, and you seem to have plenty of that. also you need to provide for all customers, which means try not to make all your drawings so "girly".. although your style isn't bad, if a guy walks in and wants a tattoo he probably wont want one of your custom designs on him. Try to man it up a little bit on a few drawings to show that you can pertain to everyone. Read the book drawing from the right side of the brain. thats a good start.. hope i helped.. keep drawing and when you feel more comfortable then go for the apprenticeship.

Hi Colt...I just wanted to say thanks for the honest critique. Everything that you said makes a ton of sense. And I can definitely see where I need to "man it up" a bit. I'm definitely going to continue to work on my artwork for a while and try to educate myself some more on perspective, etc... Like I said, I want to be taken seriously when I finally make that step into looking for an apprenticeship. It really helps to have someone give you an honest opinion...it gets a bit frustrating when your friends and family constantly give positive comments...that does nothing what so ever to help someone grow their talents. I know it's not your responsibility at all, but it would be awesome if I could show you some new pieces later on in the year to get some more feedback. Thanks again!