There's time, then there's time.

After going back to the shop from being sick, I've noticed how slow I tattoo. What takes the guys one hour, takes me almost two. Granted, I'm learning and that's part of the process, but a client can only sit for so long.

I haven't really pushed my artwork, but I'll link to one of my drawings so you can understand a little. Here's a large drawing. After viewing that image, you can tell I'm a stickler for minute details. I always have been. So how do I teach myself to speed up - even look past - some of what I naturally see in my brain?

First, I have to examine my techniques:

1. My outlines are timid. In fact, I find myself going over almost all of them at least one more time. This is a big time killer.

2. If I error, it's on the side of not going deep enough. I'm paranoid about blowing out. So when I shade light, sometimes it's too light and again I have to quickly go over it.

3. I'm too worried about the client's comfort level. Did I put enough ointment on? Am I wiping too hard? All of these I'll certainly be adding to my plate as I advance, but right now I'm being overwhelmed by these concerns. I'm sure this eats up plenty of time.

4. My left hand still cramps up after about half an hour of stretching. Any lack of proper stretching has negative results, including more time.

5. Setup is getting quicker, but I need to be even more comfortable getting ready and putting my tubes/needles into the machine.

6. I try to pull out details that I'm not technically adept to achieve yet. Does this make sense? There's nothing wrong with trying and learning, but right now it's slowing everything down.

Then I have step back and see where I am. Because I'm an apprentice at a busy street shop, I'm not yet in a position to be able to explore the visual details I see onto the skin. In fact, there are times I'm working up a drawing for one of the guys, setting up a customer for an appointment, and seeing to dirty tubes in the back room.

Shop life is busy. Just yesterday, Nic had to draw up a huge, beveled tribal design in a matter of minutes. Then he pumped it out beautifully in hours. I put myself in his shoes and felt compelled to have rendered it exact on paper first then jump into the tattoo. I would have had to push the walk-in to a later (next day) appointment.

Eventually I'll accept that, for now, I need to reserve my desire to achieve what is in my head. And through experience I'll hone my skill at actually using my tool, my machine. Then, as my ability to use the machine grows, the ability to add more detail will slowly fade into one ever growing technique.