First time pinstriping - critique?

I am just starting my own attempts at striping; I found the pane of glass, if left clear, was too distracting as my eyes consistently wanted to look through the glass rather than focus on the work. It helped IMMENSELY for me to paint one side of the glass and made a couple cuts in 2x4's so I could stand it up. Works great, and I can scrape it off with a razor blade to start fresh every time.

 

i agree with the "practice practice pratice " adivce

having the desire to stripe is the most important step, and as you obviously got that , keep at it.

i also reccomend, work on straight , clean lines first, then work on getting clean 90 degree radius's and other curves......then try and stripe a perfect circle, with and without guide lines.

one day it just hits ya, "wow that line is pretty good" then start workin on designs, and it will be pretty easy.

looks like you got a good eyes as the symetry in you design is pretty good, and thats hard , even for expireinced guys.

brush style , paint type and viscosity are big factors, dont be afraid to expirement, and keep it fun. when you can do 2 parralell lines down the side of a car, go out and make a living at it

good luck

skull

 

For those asking what I got for supplies, the art store near me carries Kafka brushes and one shot. They used to carry Macks, but for some reason dont stock them anymore. I went in there with the intention of buying a Mack, but they had Kafkas on the shelf.

 

Great first attempt! I liked the book Herb Martinez published. I found it the most comprehensive if your goal is going professional. I bet you'll find a copy at the local library or ILL it from Fort Worth TX library.

 

I can't work the Kafkas. Looks god for a first attempt. Slightly roll the handle of the brush into the curve, that will bring the belly hairs out of the way and hel keep lines consistant. Consistancy is the biggest challenge to most people, me included.

 

From looking at the example you posted , it appears that you're trying to run before you can walk. I would suggest searching the web for some how to books , and spend a lot of time practicing the basic strokes . When I was in the signarts class 50 years ago , we spent 4 hours a day doing basic strokes for 6 weeks . You're not going to learn this in a month. If you can , talk to someone who's been in the business for a while and pay attention. There's lots of talent in the northeast , so finding some help should'nt be that hard . Good luck .