Potential?

So I've been thinkin long and hard about the possibility of becoming a tattoo artist. I'm 38 and going through some changes in life and looking at doing something I've always wanted to do. I graduated art school some time ago and have been drawing and painting since I was a kid. I've had a non art related job for the past 15 years but still have done stuff on the side from private commisions to murals as well as designing some tattoos for friends. I've been visting this forum for a while and know the correct way to go about getting a career going in this field. The question I have is aimed at the tattoo professional on this board. (others are certainly welcome to throw in their two cents) Here is the link to some artwork I have just posted http://www.inkednation.com/blizzard Look in the photo albums and offer your opinions on if you feel I'd have the potential to excell at tattooing. I don't want to be another middle of the road artist out ther but would like to attempt this if there is the potential for me to stand out from the average. I feel pretty confident in my artistic ability (and I know I'm no DaVinci) and think I could transfer this to something I've always wanted to do. If you have the chance, look and let me know what your thoughts are. Thanks for the input!

I'm no professional Blizzard... in fact, I'm just starting to work on tattoo related artwork again. You know, there are alot of people who think they have talent. And granted, theres alot of talent out there..... When I clicked on over to your profile, I diddnt expect to see what I saw. And to top it off, you seem humble along with it. My kind of artist. I love your work, I'd love to see more. Tipping my little pinstriped fedora to you. Hope ya stick around here! :) -Saiyge

Good stuff Blizzard!!...TAz, Painted Angel Studios

Thanks for the kind words. For those that don't want to bother with the inkednation site I did post most of the stuff on the site below. There are some cleaner shots too as some of the other ones were a bit blurry (still gettin used to the new digital camera) http://www.jdmurals.com/page7.html Thanks again!

I'm not a tattoo artist, so I will not comment on whether or not you have potential in the business. I'll leave that to the professionals. But I AM an artist, and I really appreciate the quality of your work (and as an old D & D fan, too...) The best advice I've had on seeking an apprenticeship from a tattooist is go to the shop when it's slow. They'll be bored and looking for something to do-and will be glad to take a look at your portfolio! Good luck!

With your obvious art skills you really shouldn't have a problem getting an apprenticeship...Good luck man and if I can help jsut e-mail me....TAz

Cool website too!! TCE

Thanks for all the kind words. It's gonna be hard to get an apprenticeship (getting divorced, gotta pay child support for three kids, which I am not bitching about, I believe in supporting my kids, work 50 hours a week and need to keep the day job cause of that and the fact that I do have bills to pay) but I'm gonna give it a whirl. I really want to do this. I've had friends tell me for years that I should try it but, as most artists know, you are often not quite certain of your capabilities. I, personally know that my work is better than someone who can't draw for crap but when comparing to people who can draw or are really good artists, I can see my shortcomings. I have a few favorite peices but I can't say I have ever been 100% happy with any piece I have done. I always look at it and go, "Well I coulda done this a lil better or added something there...." However I read once someplace that a great artist once said "No great piece of art is ever truly finished, merely given up on." That gives me hope to be a really good artist someday.

Hey Blizzard!... I have never known any true artist who was totally satisfied with their work... And again, if I can help just e-mail me pal!!...And keep in touch...let us know how you are coming...we are interested!!...TAz