Want tattoos different styles; totally lost

[Dave Patrick]

Hello,

I've been getting more and more interested in getting tattoos.  Specifically one on my left thigh (a big tribal octopus; saw the one Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers has and I think it looks awesome), and a sleeve on my right arm down to mid-forearm where I have a couple scars I'd like to cover (multi-colored with cool electric colors like a hit of bright orange and some cool black, could be one koi and also a dragon - saw some dragonwork by Regino Gonzalez which looked cool).

 

 But I'm also interested in having like a couple different styles.  I really like colorful retro comic book style also.  Also like a collection of different tattoos possibly on the other arm, that all work together to look cool as a cohesive whole.  

 

I'm being very vague and I apologize for rambling, but just wanted to know of anyone's thoughts.  I don't really know people who have tattoos but I've always loved them, but there's a fine line where they could either look incredible or just plain awful.  

 

I live in Washington DC.  Does anyone know any great tattoo artists near DC?  i want some beautiful pieces.  

 

 

[marley mission]

Tattoo Paradise in DC is where I'd be looking for a solid tattoo

Edited June 4, 2016 by marley mission

[Dave Patrick]

Thanks for the response.  I just checked out Tattoo Paradise in DC - while they look good, they don't look like what I'm looking for.  

I'd even travel a distance for a great tattoo as long as the artist is consistently excellent.  I've heard there are amazing artists in Brooklyn.  

 

 

[Dave Patrick]

I really like the styles of tattoos on Scott Shriner from Weezer and also on Rob Zombie.

[Synesthesia]

It kind of sounds to me like you want to look like various famous people you think are cool, to the point where you don't even know what you want. Rob Zombie is covered in 90's new school/biomech type stuff, I don't even know who that Weezer guy is and can't find any good pics of his tattoos, and Chad Smith's octopus is tribal like you said. These are widely varied styles, and honestly, a lot of what these guys have is really dated and nothing special.

I would suggest you do more research into various tattoo styles and imagery, without knowing who the tattoo is attached to. Figure out what it is you really like in tattoos and be yourself, don't try to look like anyone else.

Also, multiple styles of tattoos can look really nice on a single person. I personally like the look of traditional sleeves, so my arms will be filled with traditional stuff. My legs are kind of a free for all at this point, I have neo-traditional type stuff now and might even get a Japanese or photorealistic black and gray piece or two. 

[21stNow]

You can also check out Jinx Proof in DC.  The style that you are looking for may be more in line with Fatty's Tattoo, though.

[Dave Patrick]

Great post, Synesthesia; I appreciate your input.  I do really like the multiple styles of tattoos.  I'm definitely not wanting to look like celebrities; I just like their overall style, but I totally see what you mean.  It's surprisingly difficult to find tattoo ideas of what I'm looking for online.  

I'd love to have a full sleeve (well, ending midway down my forearm) with a black dragon and an orange koi and a red koi, with light blue water around them.  

On the leg I really do like the octopus.  I'd get one not totally reminiscent of the drummer from RHCP, but more my own style (or the artist's, I mean).  

 

I'd love to have different individual tattoos (just a few) on my other arm, of different styles; small art pieces that I like.  

 

The key is finding an amazing artist.  

[Dave Patrick]

I'd love to know what you recommend!

[Synesthesia]

It's hard to recommend anything when no one really seems to know what you want. I would have suggested Tattoo Paradise, I've been there and it's a great shop with really talented people. Jinx Proof is similar, although I've never been there, they're on my bucket list. If you feel like traveling some, the Baltimore area has some good shops you could look into: Stay Humble and Have Fun Be Lucky are also on my go-to list. In Frederick, if you really wanted to travel, there's Classic Electric and Black Label.

I'm prejudiced towards more traditional tattoos and that might not even be what you want, though.

[Dave Patrick]

Holy crap, Stay Humble in Baltimore looks amazing!

 

[9Years]

You mentioned Regino Gonzalez. See him and don't look back...

[otisc]

You need to do your research, pick the part of the body you want to start with, and then take a long time to pick the design and even more importantly the artist to do it. What you will find is that your preferences may change as you do research. Once you get one big piece, what you want for your second may change, too. Don't plan your entire body out at once.  I personally don't think there is any problem with mixing styles/artists. But you need to put in the time and effort so that your journey begins with a piece you are proud to show and will stand the test of time. Good luck!!!