HELP WITH STYLE

[holierthanthou]

ok.. so here is my ultimate question to anyone out there that wants to put in their thoughts....

As an artist my style has always been realism. I usually draw faces and realistic type s&!t...

Now as a tattoo artist on the rise and out of an apprenticeship.. I was told by my co/workers and stuff to work on doing solid, clean stuff.. before I get into doing the realistic gory faces that I want to do..

So my shop has me doing traditional type work and such....

I don't want to get ahead of myself.. and I know it's good to be well rounded.. but.... does everyone start here?? I mean did Mike Devries and Paul Acker start here?? doing names, tribal, and traditional work??

Input Please..