First Tiger, need advice

So this is my first tiger. It didn't come out as good as I was hoping it would. I am having problems with my line work. I can't seem to get thin enough lines or enough variation in the thickness of my lines. I used a number 2 Robert Simmons brush but I still can't get thin lines. I have been using DFX black, and I don't know if I am not using enough water but it seems like when I load my brush the brush ends up ten times thicker with the paint if that makes sense, and I am only able to get like one line out before I need to reload the brush, does this mean I need more water??

I think it looks wonderful...only thing i would do...would be outline the fangs...great colors too!

Thanks I was too afraid to outline the fangs because I can't get thin enough lines

Looks good! For line width variation, it's all about pressure. You just need to use a nice light touch and hold your brush at a perpendicular angle. For the wider parts, press your brush down further and drag a bit. Just practice getting good thin-thick-lines on your arm!

When you load your brush you need to roll the tip to get a fine point at the end. I would say you probably have to much thick paint on the brush, I tend to load my brush and then wipe off any excess paint on the bottom of the paint tray (or in the corners/sides if I haven't yet reached the bottom. This should help make sure the brush has a nice point too. You could also try twisting the brush as you paint to reform the point.

Other than that I think it is a great start for a tiger. I have just been looking at my first tigers and I have noticed that over time I have refined my style. Check out lots of tigers and you will soon notice the things that you really like in a tiger (like the type of muzzle, length of lines etc.)

Yes, there are many many many threads on here about tigers. Check them out! There is a lot of advice.
Honestly though, that's a REALLY good start. You seem to already know what would improve your tiger. It does sound like your paint is a bit thick. You'll definitely want to get the excess paint off on the inside edge of the cake. A number 2 is a REALLY tiny brush for tigers. I use at least a number 4 to get some variation in my stripes. If you happen to subscribe to fabatv, Mark Reid and Marcela Murad have awesome classes on linework and teardrops. Welcome, and good luck!!

Such good feedback already. I would add, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE the linework. That's what it takes for me and my crew. We practice everyday. I keep a white and black near my kitchen sink with several brushes. If I have 5 or 10 minutes, I will paint on my arm and wash it off, several times over. Teardrops, lines, swirls, and dots. Teardrops, lines, swirls, and dots.

I'll randomly call up my crew and ask, "Have you spent time at your sink today?" which helps us all stay in the habit.

And what Janna said about holding the brush perpendicular - that is KEY. I just learned that after 10 years of face painting! I'm not kidding. I always held my brush at the same angle I would hold my pencil and have always struggled with getting those fine, sharp points on my linework. Then at the FPBA convention, someone showed me to hold it straight up at a 90 degree angle and VOILA! It made all the difference in the world. But, now I have to really pay attention, because old habits die hard.

Practice doesn't necessarily make perfect unless you're practicing how to do it perfectly, right?

I also agree that instruction videos help a LOT. Heather at Silly Farm also has one focusing on lines, teardrops, etc. Mark Reid's book and/or video on Fantasy Cats are amazing - he is the King of Tigers IMO, and a darn good teacher. He has some very good tips on loading the brush, brush sizes, etc.

Have fun! You are off to a greeaat start!

Your stripes are looking pretty good. For linework, practice, practice, practice. Hold your brush upright & let just the tip touch the shin. Then as you gently pull the brush into the strip, press it gently down & then bring it back up again to a fine line. I practice on my arm. When your brush gets overloaded w/ paint, dip it in water & roll it over the paint, pulling the paint towards the tip. This will bring the tip to a good point & get it well loaded. Some brushes hold paint differently than others. Loading a brush is just as much a skill as using it.

Thanks so much for all of the advice!

Are you sure it was a #2 round?? I can't imagine how you would ever get lines that thick from a #2. I like to use a 4 for almost everything. Getting the variations in thickness is practising with pressure, as was mentioned. Your sponge work looks very good for just starting out and your arrangement of the stripes looks good too... a little practice on your line work and you'll be doing great!

Well it has a big number 2 on it. It is a Robert Simmons E85 Round #2. But when I load it, the paint makes the brush way thicker I think thats why I am not using enough water.

I"m with Daizy... you need to shape the brush after you have loaded it - i twist it back into a point by rolling it between my fingers... but occasionally I load the brush until it's flat and use it like that..... Mark Reid does an awesome class about this on FABATV.

your brush may be too soft, I prefer one that is a little more springy than that.

Another cool Mark Reid trick is to push some of your lines all the way into the hairline. Makes for a more realistic look.

Thanks for the additional advice! I think my brushes aren't that great. I need to order some better ones. What is everyone's favorite? My craft stores around here never have any good ones in stock.