9

2.11.12

Finally feels like i'm getting closer.  My skill and confidence?  Strong.  Definitely can start expanding the elements and themes, too.  Digging working in greyscale.

I can feel my focus shifting 100% towards tattooing.  Scary.  Why?  Because i have a shitload of responsibilities with f/t and p/t work.  All i can think about is pulling lines and getting this whole whipshading technique down...least on paper.

Still, i am ready to make whatever sacrifices are necessary, and i feel like i have the support and sandbags to do so as well.

What u see above is a final render of my very 1st flash page.  Technically, it's not a 'flash' page, as i have never held a machine in my hand (and won't until my master says i may); so...it's a 'portfolio flash' page.  I'm not qualified to put a needle in anybody's skin whatsoever, but i'll be damned and roasted alive before i cease to do so on paper.  Must once again emphasize the 'NIB'.  This pflash wasn't done with a nib - but there's work forthcoming that is.  LOVE using it.  Sharp.  (more on that later, guaranteed.)

Overall, I'm nervous, but confident in my gut about the 25th.  Funny.  I remember the old days of standing in line in NYC and elsewhere, feeling a relative anxiety.  Know what i did when i was in line at those auditions?  Draw.  The difference between the visual and musical/performing arts for me, is that my natural talents are plum-stronger when holding a device containing ink, graphite and color.  I can sing (semi-pro), play piano (pro for a guy who doesn't read music), and acting may be my top talent in this realm - but all of em combined can't hold a candle to drawing.  I've been drawing my whole life.

...I will be a tattoo artist, and a successful father, lover, and American.  Success is determined by my own definition, and by nothing or nobody else.  If i can pay my bills, enjoy life with my family, and get my rocks off in the down time, then i will be as content as capable.

Matter of fact, i am content right now.  I struggle, but deep down i am grateful for what i have, who i am, those very important people in my life who support me, and for the gifts i was given.

...patience my friends and enemies, i will get under ur skin...


CHI.

8

2.6.12

...I'm convinced that it's the writing of this blog that's keeping me sane.

This beauty of an Irish lass allowed me to sketch on her back.  Feeling confident with my understanding of at least one 'rose formula', i went for bold, clean-but-messy lines and shading.

clean-but-messy.  Like that.

As far as the overall weekly goes, progess made on my 1st flash sheet.  Of course i think it sucks.  maybe i'm supposed to, but i digress.  Will keep twiquing that mofo until it clicks.  Going for a total of 3.  One roses and skulls (custom), one greyscale - maybe a portrait and something downright evil.  And a traditional sheet - essentially copying Collins' flash, with my hand.  On the 25th i will ask, again.

Got some nifty new supplies today:  Dr. Martens bombay ink (r,y,g,br,bl).  And a nib pen.  Gunna use em to take a go at the crawling panther and tiger. (kinda excited for that!!!)

...good, bad, I kinda' feel like i'm in a tunnel.

CHI.

7

2.2.12

...this drawing, when colored and complete, flew out the godamn window when i was taking the picture for upload!!!

...saw it float down from the 3rd floor of the tree fort into the neighbor's yard, and thought to myself as it was occurring:  "well, not meant to be, gutta redraw it."  Nice lesson:  Let it go and move on.  Find that inspiring in art, fresh.  i actually chuckled.

...u know what i'm liking MOST about this whole tattoo artist pursuit?  Is that i'm taking it as light heartedly as possible.  Yes, it's starting to PERMEATE off of me (literally), and only my closest loved ones know of my frustration in its process.  But what's cool is people BELIEVE in me, and it helps.  A lot.

I think i'm starting to ENJOY getting familiar with the CULTURE, the real deal ACTIVE happening of TATTOOING, and TATTOO ART, and TATTOO ARTISTS.  Regardless of  our issues with diversity, tattoos seem to bind us all.  ANYONE can be tattooed.  I think.

...here's my plan:  1) go back thru my work and develop 3 flash sheets, 8x10, fully hand crafted, best work possible.  2) bring them to my primary shop first, humbly ask...the shop owners.  3) if yes, ideal.  if no, back to researching artists/shops, drawing, reading on the mechanics, visiting select shops and artists for a tattoo and vibe gathering...finding one that clicks and...asking.    ...and finally? INTEGRATING INTO THE SOCIAL ASPECT of the trade, meeting, acknowledging and PROMOTING TATTOO, TATTOO ARTISTS, & TATTOO as an ART worth buying!  Why buying?  Because TATTOOS are pretty much as PERMANENT as u can get.

...did i mention it's the ASKING that's the hard part, u know...

...and so it's in digi ink, lemme mention that i went back today and scoped out JACK RUDY's work.  Outstanding, that black and grey...


...oh...why the hell doesn't HARTFORD, CT have an official CONVENTION yet???


CHI.