Submitted 04.28.23

What Makes a Great Tattooer “Exceptional”? Fireside Tattoo Network

What Makes a Great Tattooer “Exceptional”?

[16:29] “What really separates great tattooers from average tattooers isn’t necessarily their ability to draw better or talent. It’s their willingness to work a little harder or a little longer to make it as best as it can possibly be.”

— Jake Meeks

A tattoo artist who goes above and beyond in their craft is someone who truly cares about their clients and their designs. They take the time to understand what the client wants and puts in the extra effort to create a unique and personalized design that truly speaks to them. This means paying close attention to the details of the design elements, ensuring that everything is consistent and flows seamlessly throughout the body.

For instance, when designing a back piece that spans from the neck to the knees, it's important to consider the transition from one thigh to the other. This can be achieved by incorporating elements such as rocks, a fallen tree, a big wave shape, or a flowy cloud shape in the negative space. By keeping the angles and curves consistent between the two body parts, the design becomes more cohesive and visually appealing. It's these small but significant details that truly set exceptional tattoo artists apart from the rest.

Watch the full episode:

Large Scale Like A Champion | Ande Chambers 


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Are you just starting out in your tattoo journey? Maybe you've been at it for a while and didn't have a traditional tattoo apprenticeship? Fireside has courses and programs for anyone who's hungry for information and wants to level up their tattoo design skills.

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