What I REALLY Think... | Tattoo Critiques | Artist Submissions

[@PonyLawson]

For a chance to be featured in an upcoming video, send your tattoo photos to [e-mail] - be sure to include whether you're the artist or the client!

[@geraldhardin4757]

On the cardinal tattoo, you didn't think the way the bird was pirched looked funny. They had the leg going straight out at a 90° angle but birds don't pirch with their legs straight out from their bodies. Almost like they didn't have that part of the tattoo planned or forgot about the leg lol

[@GwyndolinOwO]

Do you prefer that artists only send in real "skin" tattoos? Or would you be open to a beginner artist sending in tattoos done on practice skins? I don't feel comfortable tattooing a real person given that i have 0 work under anyone as an apprentice but i also know that practice skin is a lot different then a tattoo done on a person. thanks!

[@jessee7334]

Dude you're clueless do you not know what hands look like??

[@EzeICE]

Nice Sling Blade impression. Lol.

[@Keasha274]

I'm missing the eyebrows.....I mean that's what Frida was known for

[@so980]

Hi Pony this is Sourya, thank you so much for your tips, I greatly appreciate it!

[@condutchak]

I love how your profile picture is a cat and your two tattoos were also cats 😂 great tattoos btw 👍

[@hughchapman5319]

nice work

[@katfromdenver]

I actually loved that strawberry tattoo. I understand if the artist wants to work more toward realism, but I think they should embrace that painterly quality!

[@SCMUSICREPORT]

Thank you!!! Yeah I feel like on the portraits I definitely should have done two sessions! I think out of fear I didn’t try to add any detail further.. I need to do better studies of my reference before hand. I appreciate the critique bro! Will work on it! Definitely would like to get out of the “painterly” label hahaha

[@Section8dc]

Still amazing work my friend!

[@SCMUSICREPORT]

@@Section8dc thank you so much!!

[@Shusha0029]

That back strawberry was amazing! Such great realism!!

[@labradorsandwhich]

That tattoo was a beautiful & accurate representation of the original Gone With The Wind film poster, which WAS painted. Pony's critiques are good but I don't think he knew your reference. I'm ancient so I appreciated this straight away...

[@heartcasket6334]

@@labradorsandwhich thank you so much!!! I do see what he means though! I tend to make a more painterly representation I’ve actually been working on it lately, tightening stuff up at the end of the session!

[@FreckledFoxx]

We all need a teacher like this man. Specific, honest (but not unnecessarily mean), constructive criticism from a very gifted artist.

[@yungemu3236]

Just watching his critiques has helped me improve so much

[@Gabriella_E]

This is some solid editing and the quality is just *chefs kiss . I did enjoy the content as well Pony, the lighting on you specifically is 👌

[@sissywizard1764]

Supportive and positive criticisms... i'm so tempted to send in my worst tats to get them ripped by you 😂 Looking forward to more of these

[@DDBBdoodys]

Love this video! It would be awesome to see you super-impose your tablet screen and "draw" on the tattoo to have a visual representation of what you're saying. Can't wait to see more of these!

[@charlottem.1477]

That’s a cool idea too. Might not work for all but it would be a great addition.

[@JoseSanchez-xo9od]

This guy is so relaxed, if he slit my throat my heart rate still wouldn’t be over 50bpm

[@1ivingdeadgr189]

That general Grievis tattoo is stunning!! Love the colours in the metal on his head

[@doodlebugsdice]

Can we just appreciate that Pony Lawson is wearing a shirt that “Anti Animal Cruelty Club”?

[@woodyshoru]

My thoughts exactly 🐷🐮🐔

[@chuck21222]

I noticed immediately as a fellow vegan!

[@patchopossum9414]

@wendy pearson Are you vegan? 💚

[@NunayahBuisness]

@@patchopossum9414 are you virtue signaling?

[@Jack-zj1ug]

@@NunayahBuisness it's not virtue signaling to ask if someone is vegan, especially if someone is claiming to be against animal cruelty.

[@RMBlake007]

12:28 The "couple" is the famous photo taken from "Gone With The Wind" and depicts the lead actors Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh as Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara.

[@SCMUSICREPORT]

🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@OglethorpeJConniption]

YES! As a woman who was named after Scarlett O'Hara, it kind of broke my heart that Pony didn't seem to know that.

[@nicholaslarmour8762]

This content is super neat to see! Would like to see more of this please. This feels like a real down to earth version of what the ink master should be.

[@Dannielle.S]

Indeed! Agree 100%

[@Dannielle.S]

Wow, not a tattoo artist, just love your work and perspective when I’ve caught some of your interviews/videos/critiques, and this is a really incredible act of service you’re doing to help people! Wanted to shout out a kudos to you, because this time you’re giving can really impact an artists work in a way they may not have had access to otherwise. Nicely done sir! And love your shirt ❤️

[@YasmeenKhan]

one tiny thing to add with the portrait of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, because it's a still from a very old film, the lighting etc in the original photo does give it a kind of painterly soft look.

[@fitandhappy42]

Also wouldn’t be surprised if there was an intentional effort to make it resemble film posters of the time which also have that look (though that image itself isn’t the poster one)

[@SCMUSICREPORT]

So when I made this I couldn’t find a reference of this scene that was high quality, I actually had to mix two different references and THEN make my stencil from that. I’m still fairly new to portraits so it’s all a learning process :)

[@oz_jones]

@@SCMUSICREPORT It looked dope. I wouldn't get that personally, but it was aesthetically pleasing.

[@Sam-no3pz]

Thank you so much Pony! great tips, i'll definitely send you more pics of my work in the future for more critiques. very helpful:D

[@sarahafterdark2453]

As someone who's looking to go get their 3rd tattoo I think this is super helpful on what to look for on an artist's portfolio. It really gives a new light on what I notice in their style and who I should seek out based on their strengths. :)

[@carolefreeman2544]

Pony is the nicest guy ever! A real sweetheart and very honest, yet caring. Love Pony!

[@sventer198]

Can we just appreciate that Pony does not realise that that is Scarlet and Rhett from “Gone with the Wind”? Such a young man you are, Pony.

[@thehorrorfanx]

I was thinking the same thing. Sometimes I forget younger people just may not know things I consider to be universal pop culture.

lol thats from 1939. most people don't know this movie anymore

[@cutieplushtrap]

i feel like everyone has at least heard of it.. but not seen it

[@heartramen]

love watching this.. can listen to pony all day..

[@jo-denevyfer339]

I'm so glad I found your channel, didn't know you had one until now. Can you please incorporate like digital lines. It gets confusing trying to figure out exactly which areas you're talking about. Love from Cape Town!

[@rasamarkovic7796]

love your attitude and respect you have while speaking, I think the industry would be a better place if more people were like you!

[@claudiagarciadobles4164]

I love everything about this video, can’t wait to see more of these.

[@paulpagani182]

You and the rest of tattoo artists at mayday tattoo are the best period .

[@bree-annramats5656]

Very cool! Just wondering though if anyone else noticed the cardinal only had one leg -- or was it somewhere I didn't pick up on?!?

[@CatalinaEnSa]

One day I'll fly to chitown for the only purpose of getting a Pony Lawson's tattoo.

[@cientz5419]

same

[@punkdadash1298]

dude same most definitely wanna go to Chicago and tatted by this gnarly guy

[@Nessie.TheMen]

Thank you pony I always loved your work and you’re one of my idol in this business 🖤 thank you for the tips here! Very helpful!

[@mandmm3906]

When will Pony read me my next audiobook?

[@powdies]

I'm not into tattoos, but I love this guy! I'm watching partly for your beautiful eyes and lovely voice, Pony! LOL

[@richboyprado]

The way you flicked the rubber band into the camera was awesome. I’ll be stealing that if I ever become a regular in front of the camera

[@zombiekxd]

i would really love to see more of these kinds of videos from Pony

[@morganrobinson2436]

Did you notice the name ‘Noah’ on the dinghy next to the darkened lighthouse? I’ll bet anything that was a memorial tattoo. Makes more sense for the lighthouse to be dark if the tattoo has a loss and grief behind it.

[@Chloroplastspectrum]

1:58

[@kaelahorne8856]

I honestly didn't even notice the boat until he pointed out the name, I'm surprised there wasn't critique about it

[@widowrumstrypze9705]

Yeah, the lack of light, and the stormy dark clouds with the name on the boat were all very evocative of loss, and sadness. The work was beautiful, too.

[@brabhamfreaman166]

@OP Thanks, I had the exact same thought *when* Pony pointed out the name, also the boat looks like it’s maybe beached/on the rocks which again fits with the dark lighthouse and the notion of loss.

[@ayyvertit]

I’ve been a fan of Pony’s work. I just became a fan of his content. Submitting my tattoos ASAP!

[@cjjohnson73]

Awesome content Pony!!!! Video editing and content is A+

[@THUNDER52]

I am possibly about to get full-on into tattooing and have been studying it for months/year, and these I’m using to sort of guide me in-process and post process when I do start

[@gabrielmikhail412]

Pony is seriously one of the best! I have been to his shop a few times long time ago , but my point is he’s just tryin be real and help you do better

[@KuyaWets]

You deserve more subs! Much love Pony from PH 🇵🇭 Always my dream to have a tattoo session with you in the future. 💯

[@raphaelf2288]

as a tattoo enthusiast with the urge to learn, your video is just amazing thanks

[@tevisfredericks3822]

I sent some of my work I did on myself. Love to get some pointers to better my line and color work. Only been tattooing for a 1yr-1/2 going on 2

[@pandatotoro]

This is great! Love the lighting!

[@anarchist_parable]

Are there more of these? Where do I find more of these? This is really sincere, professional critique and I'm eating it up 💚

[@alynn83]

You’re a natural for these. Look forward to more videos :)

[@mukbangsekilo]

I can hear him talking all day, satisfying😩

[@ambersmith6361]

I didn’t know you are in Chicago! Now I really do have a chance to get a piece of art from you!

[@lcalvert-barnes3782]

I am really enjoying your teaching style!!! And LOVE your vids! That couple portrait is a famous movie poster from ‘Gone With the Wind’. So, go look at the poster, then look at the tat. You just might have a better view of the work.

[@LavenderLydia]

I hope you do more of these videos! I love watching them :)

[@Lynwood_Jackson]

Pony's just making good use of his time during COVID. Legit.

[@leeb907]

Liking this critique session. Hope we see more

[@jaystav123]

I’m so glad I came across your videos!

[@AmandaHow]

love this Pony! can’t wait to see more

[@carabiner7999]

12:46. That's Rhett and Scarlett, from the film adaptation of Gone With The Wind, FYI.

[@MikeLaBelle]

where do we get that shirt ❤️

[@BoBnotThat1]

Dude, you are making me want to start drawing again, cos i see the same stuff your seeing. Im not a tattoo artists but i used to draw all the time.

[@rmarriott2]

from a photographer's viewpoint: i didn't notice it at first, but the shadow under the front strawberry (@15:26) is too much... it is too dark (given the amount of front light you are portraying to show detail in the front berry as well as the catch lights on/around each individual seed of the rear berry [a nice touch]) as well as the shape of the berry itself... it is only half of a strawberry, which doesn't start round & would only become less round as you cut into it, so why is the shadow round? i am not trying to harp on it, but the shadow is also coming from a top light source that doesn't seem to exist anywhere else. the rim light on both berries would be from behind, so maybe drawing out that shadow (like a 6pm shadow as opposed to a noon shadow, if that makes sense) and making it somewhat similar to the shape of the cut strawberry would really help. once i saw the shadow it was all i could see, which is unfortunate because Pony's right: that rear berry is great! if i were to make one suggestion to a lot of artists, regardless of medium or style: try to recreate Edward Weston's "Pepper 30". there are interesting shadows & highlights as well as a natural fade as the light falls away. there are also much needed imperfections that help add shape, depth, and a story to a simple bell pepper. this goes back Pony's critique of the skin in the "Gone with the Wind" tattoo. for what it's worth, the image of the pepper was done with a cone made of paper & a lamp, with the subject coming from his family garden. the image borders on the abstract and, at first glance, different people see different things... but once you see the pepper it becomes locked into your mind. in trying to recreate this image, capturing that abstract shape while maintaining the existence of the pepper (along with the shadows & highlights can) prove daunting, if not impossible. i think any artist can learn a lot from the attempt, whether you consider it a success or a failure. oh, and if you master "Pepper 30", try your hand at the lesser known "Cabbage Leaf" if you have a year or two of free time.

[@cuky_camping1703]

"Great video! I'm just starting to learn about tattooing and this tutorial was incredibly helpful. The tips on design principles and color theory were especially useful. I'm looking forward to practicing what I've learned and improving my skills.

[@jessundead]

These videos have helped me tremendously thank you 🙏

[@whollylostandgone]

Sweet Arm the Animals shirt... got a few myself.

[@SuperMinion-vy1hk]

The lighthouse tattoo - maybe there is no light as Noah has passed away???

[@nicolaskleiser214]

I have learned so much in this video. Thanks 👍

[@tfeketitsch]

love this. i think you know which one was my favorite :p

[@LazurayMusic]

Really helpful video bro, keep it coming

[@itsalexisvro]

can i just say youre my fave tattoo artist ever and it would be a dream to get a tattoo from you. if youre ever in florida i'd love to book a session with you! or maybe sometime in the future i could come to your shop :) anyway, hope youre doing well pony!!

[@nobody2655]

I appreciate the candor of your critiques.

[@angiemorgan8173]

Even when Pony is brutally blunt, he's still nice somehow. 👌

[@rieskimo]

I'm afraid to get into this series because I'm afraid to lift the veil as a non-tattooer. Having said that this is great.

[@paulrosa9879]

I think the artist doing the more painterly work should learn and definitely push towards more realism by practicing with black and white. Also embrace the painterly style as well. The colors are awesome. I bet if they did some cartoon characters or did more work that feels like its aimed at being an illustration. like a spiderman or something! Would be epic!

[@howtoflyr]

more of these type of content please

[@peteadambialecki7390]

3:00 The shirt cuff on the praying hands have something that I just can't un-see in the tattoo.

[@TheRisingIcarus]

Buttcuff

[@danh950]

Even as a non-artist this is amazing to watch, thank you

[@BarveyHirdman]

Dope shirt my guy, keep rockin!

[@nirinshatv7062]

Im a learning with this video. Thanks a lot man! I am starting to idolize you.. Keep it up!

[@kylietullos4210]

Appreciated the slingblade impression 😂

[@mcgoo721]

Good thing about that first one is that shading isn't going to hold up in it anyway. Give it a year or two and it'll be nearly blank so it can be fixed.

[@laurabev123]

I really love the bird by Tyler. It’s so cute.

[@waterdragon2224]

I agree with removing the bats from Wednesday. Very well done illustration otherwise. Hands are hard and her fingers look great.

[@LolaAyatollah]

You said lighter washes go in easier if you go slowly ... would your voltage also be very low when doing this ? I enjoy your videos and appreciate your commentary.

[@johncoppinger]

10/10 Pony! 👌

[@fromoz9294]

how cool is that clarke gable tattoo ?!

[@kitkakitteh]

Absolutely NOTHING on Wednesday was symmetrical: the bottle was wonky, the eyes were off, the hairline was off, the tattoo shape was wonky. The bats were wonky. Her upper lip was weird AND wonky. So disappointing.

[@CU.SpaceCowboy]

hes so polite , great insights too 👍 mm frida ima get you girl

[@minidoka5488]

You should draw on the photos to show the changes. Like what they do for football.

[@BlazeZenTattoo]

Great video! Respect for honestly opinions, It's rare this days!

[@camilopalomino8319]

Uff gente ese leopardo me voló la cabeza. Nisiquíera estoy seguro de poder dibujar esas manchas. Impresionante. El emplazamiento del tattoo también me parece genial

[@soyauby]

I have the biggest crush with Pony from Inked and then, I discover his channel... yei! thank you universe.

[@JMS-2111]

Why the apologies if I ask for an opinion I want the truth, and sometimes that hurts, and is a good chance to learn.

[@TazioN]

Did Pony really not recognise Rhett Butler and Scarlet O’Hara from Gone With The Wind?

[@charlottem.1477]

That totally possible

[@SCMUSICREPORT]

Haha it happens! I actually hadn’t seen the movie before I made that tattoo for my client!

[@Noozi666]

Can someone help me out what is the music jazzy lo fi stuff at the beginning? And of course 10/10 content as always

[@underwatervibes5711]

🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼 awesome critiques

[@BratzFanz123]

Pony is so handsome! 😫😩

[@alisameche5905]

I live in Texas City, TX between Galveston, TX and Houston, TX can you give me advice on what tattoo artist to go to in my area??

[@dannyschaible7112]

That cat tattoo at the end is great, but the upside down rainbow is hard to get over.

[@blakelaszlo6651]

You should record this on an tablet, then you could circle and highlight exactly what you're talking about, I'm an apprentice and some times when the artists talk about my drawings I need them to show me exactly what they mean. When you were talking about the General Grievous tattoo, I had no idea what you were talking about with the drak blue at the top

[@alexanneschronicles]

For the tiger face, the face is so beautiful I love how you can even see the wiskers and all it looks very realistic but what happend with the neck? Espacilly with the left side, I can't tell what's happening, why would the fur look like that.

[@onwong]

More of this kind of content :D

[@BackRoadStoneRevival]

I dig the cardinal Tyler. It would look dope with that thick outline all the way around the bird.

[@kushnoketchup]

“Yeaaaaaaaaah boiiiiiiiii”

[@xMrJanuaryx]

I have always wanted a tattoo but I can't even trust a stranger to correctly count back my change...

[@dantepasqualee]

You could be an ink master judge😭

[@chenisejenkins1786]

I know this is an old video, but I was wondering, if you could use a drawing tqblet with a stylus to show the viewer where you looking at and which part you're critiquing. I know you zoom in and out, but sometimes i got lost (like on the second tattoo) when you were talking about adding purples and blues in the back. Other than that, i appreciate the time and constructive criticism you gave to each artist. Ive been binge watching your videos and have found them all to be enjoyable. Sometimes the attitude/personality of an artist is hard to watch and so i turn their videos off. Glad i found your channel, too bad im not in Chicago. Take care. Have a great day.

[@chenisejenkins1786]

Ok, never mind, the very next video I clicked on, you're working with a stylus and doing exactly what i just asked you to do...🤦🏾‍♀️😂 Take care.

[@ceramiccoconut]

That kissing couple was from Gone with the Wind lol

[@SCMUSICREPORT]

🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼