top of page
MENTOR'S PORTFOLIO
In this portfolio, mentor, Che Crook shares with you the transformation made over his career. The techniques and knowledge Che has learned and applied to grow as an artist is shared with you in the "Self Taught To Professional Tattoo Techniques" Online Tattoo Course.
Click image to read in full.
Before Apprenticeship
An example of a pen drawing done by Che before tattooing. He drew tattoo designs as practice. 100% self taught here.
The Beginning
We all start somewhere, even your mentor. This is one of Che's first tattoos after starting his apprenticeship. Che was still mostly self taught in the first studio he worked in.
Pencil
This was a pivotal point in Che's career, he was familiar with drawing in pencil but had yet to learn about shape, shadows or basic drawing techniques.
Year 1
Che's first 12-18 months of tattooing was self taught and done with trial and error. Our course is designed to teach you techniques wasting minimal time. Che's lack of guidance cost precious time in the early stages.
Early Days
One of Che's first tattoos in 2011, mostly self taught, tattooing based off of instinct and what he learned while getting tattooed
Japanese
As Che's interest in tattooing grew, the Japanese style was most appealing. Learning a variety of styles and techniques would later help Che achieve an experienced understanding of what makes a solid tattoo
The Journey
Che's first view of tattooing up close was on TV show, Miami Ink around 2007. in 2012, Che got to get his slevve started at the world famous studio, taking in knowledge he still uses today
Student
Che getting tattooed at Miami Ink by Federico Ferroni, a specialist in the Japanese style and owner of ink pigments, Solid Ink
Realism
Year 2 of tattooing, Che earned a spot at a reputable tattoo studio and began learning techniques and how to refine his work with pencil, then tattooing
Conventions
Che's first convention in Croydon, England in 2013. Che took a close friend to tattoo to showcase his work, also selling prints of his artwork
Technique
Settled into a new studio, Che has learned and applied more professional techniques, and now understands his needles and machines more.
Progress
During his second year, Che travelled to conventions to get tattooed, learn and network, leading to opportunities outside his hometown. Che began branding and making a name for himself
Iron Sharpens Iron
Che was tattooed by world renowned black and grey artist, Carlos Torres, at the Paris convention in early 2014
First Time
Che's first trip to Milan, Italy to work at the famous Milano Tattoo Convention in 2014 amongst some of the industry's best artists
Acalades
An article in Total Tattoo magazine, covering the N.I. Tattoo Convention, where Che picked up 4 awards for best black and grey, realism, portrait and best of day
Awards
Che was proud to hold 2 of his 4 awards with a client at the N.I. convention
Earning Stripes
Che had moved to Belfast, NI to work with world renowned Japanese style artist, Chris Crooks. Learning flow, composition and design. Che won 4 awards at the NI Tattoo Convention with his Black and Grey tattoos
Experience
Che gets another session on his sleeve at the London Tattoo Convention by Federico Ferroni. Che would later go on to tattoo the other client in this photo who he met that day.
Practice
Che develops his black and grey style by practicing biro drawings. Biro pen is similar to tattooing, build shades with layering, no erasing etc...
London
2014, 3 years in, Che moves to London to work with Jose Lopez at Lowrider Tattoo. Refining his black and grey techniques, learning shapes and shadows from masters from around the world. While in London, Che travelled across Europe learning and networking
Instagram
Instagram was a growing platform, Che used his travelling and networking to his advantage and grew his own personal brand and following. Che teaches you how to make a good impression in a bonus chapter of our Online Course
Barcelona
While tattooing in Barcelona, Che drew this rose at the hotel. An artist's mind never sleeps, you're mindset and motivation to work is the foundation of your life and career.
Trade
Che traded tattoos with artist and friend, Pablo. Che did this custom drawn design as he had free reign. Drawing our own designs and displaying our potential by doing the tattoos we want, will help you stand out.
Master
Che works on a tattoo as Jose Lopez, world renowned black and grey artist, watches over. Che worked at Jose's London studio and learned him from 2014-2016
1 step back, 2 forward
Che always goes back to basics to experiment with new knowledge. It can feel slow applying new knowledge, don't stop. Here, Che was practicing basic shadows and texture
bottom of page