hey!

[flipcrab85]

new guy here... from Louisiana. I'm inexperienced. I'll try and not bombard with rhetorical questions...

[flipcrab85]

im considering the smooth b/g style, realism look, not really into heavy linework. i ultimately intend to end up with a single sleeve. i appreciate the large single designs that cover a large area. but for me, i prefer going with several elements to cover my arm. is it better to progress with something like this from the shoulder down, or just go with your larger main pieces and fill in the gaps over time? i intend to use one artist for the whole thing, once i find a b/g in this area im good with.. suggestions???

[el twe]

Welcome.  It sounds like you're on the right track - find an artist you like ad trust, and take his or her advice on where to start.  Where are you located?  Willing to travel? 

 

[flipcrab85]

I'm good with traveling. I'm just south of New Orleans. I'm good with a few hours (max 4-5hr). Something I can travel there and back in the same day. 

[flipcrab85]

Eric guidry, @ericguidryart 

Is one of my better local options, but not quite the styling I'm looking for

[SStu]

Hiya, @flipcrab85 . There's no one in SE Louisiana that I'm aware of who specializes in black and grey realism, but there are a couple in this shop who are superior and might fit into what you want to end up with. https://eyecandytattoo.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/

Alternatively, Nate Beavers http://www.natebeavers.com/ in Houston or Sean Hermann http://seanherman.com/work-gallery/ just south of Mobile might be your best bets . . . 

Riding out the heavy weather today? 

 

[flipcrab85]

On 6/20/2017 at 1:48 PM, SStu said:

Hiya, @flipcrab85 . There's no one in SE Louisiana that I'm aware of who specializes in black and grey realism, but there are a couple in this shop who are superior and might fit into what you want to end up with. https://eyecandytattoo.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/

Alternatively, Nate Beavers http://www.natebeavers.com/ in Houston or Sean Hermann http://seanherman.com/work-gallery/ just south of Mobile might be your best bets . . . 

Riding out the heavy weather today? 

 

Appreciate the info.

Yeah, gotta love a good lil "storm", fail again lol

[flipcrab85]

Considering starting things off similar to the stencil attached. Minus the clown additions.

 Would the two photo references be sufficient to use. I dont want it done as a "portrait" but would like some similarly to the wife's photos.

 

Thanks in advance

[SStu]

Erica Flannes does guest spots in Nola and Slidell a couple of times/year, and does great lady heads and stylized portraits: https://www.instagram.com/ericaflannes/?hl=en

 

[flipcrab85]

Some opinion on this guy? He seems pretty consistent

Instagram

@shark_hudson

[SStu]

Not bad. I wouldn't go to him for neo-traditional (that mermaid is kinda wonky), but his black/grey realism is pretty good. I don't however, see any evidence of previous lady heads and/or portrait work. 

[flipcrab85]

10 hours ago, SStu said:

Not bad. I wouldn't go to him for neo-traditional (that mermaid is kinda wonky), but his black/grey realism is pretty good. I don't however, see any evidence of previous lady heads and/or portrait work. 

Yeah, I gotcha. I'll probably go meet with em. Appreciate the insight

[flipcrab85]

I contacted @shark_hudson to see if he could provide ant reference of a female face just to get an idea of how he handles human anatomy. Sent me this, I think it's done well. I know things soften and smooth out in B/G as they heal

[JazzyMac]

6 hours ago, flipcrab85 said:

I contacted @shark_hudson to see if he could provide ant reference of a female face just to get an idea of how he handles human anatomy. Sent me this, I think it's done well. I know things soften and smooth out in B/G as they heal

Only my opinion, but just in my research, I've seen other artists that can do way better.  If portraits or female faces aren't his thing, then maybe it's best to look elsewhere.

The way the shadowing is makes it looks really weird.  You can find better.

[flipcrab85]

7 hours ago, JazzyMac said:

Only my opinion, but just in my research, I've seen other artists that can do way better.  If portraits or female faces aren't his thing, then maybe it's best to look elsewhere.

The way the shadowing is makes it looks really weird.  You can find better.

I agree, I'll continue the hunt...

[JazzyMac]

Check out Empire Inks in Wisconsin. 

Yeah it's a drive, but recently they were at in Texas at an Expo so they might travel extensively. The artist I chose travels. 

[flipcrab85]

ive decided on going with Jay Quarles from Black 13 in Nashville. he's the most accessible for me, beings ive got friends in that area, so travel arrangements are a little easier. appreciate all the input.
He's booked about 10 months out, but told me he gets about 4-7 cancellations a month, so its plausible to get in much sooner. i think hes pretty solid and concise in his application, detailed but not over the top thatll disappear later down the road.

 

[JazzyMac]

Phew!  Definitely way more portrait shots to bounce off each other for consideration, and a lot more options.  Plus a nice road trip and the chance to see friends doesn't hurt either.  Glad you could check out more places.

Edited July 7, 2017 by JazzyMac

[Devious6]

Good luck and post pics when you get the work done!

[flipcrab85]

submitted an idea to the artist, which included some mechanical elements. he offered to do just the portrait, but i think that looks a little empty imo. so trying to figure out some elements he would be good with doing. giving him more or less creative freedom within the style i want to go with.... just waiting for a reply.

is it too wishywashy of me to tell him to come up with something? i have a general idea of what i like, but to me its more about the artwork than the elements included. i'm new to all this but dont want to come across that way. i know alot of first timers have unrealistic expectations of elements to be included, im kinda, yeah whatever looks good....

[Devious6]

If you have looked at the artists work and think the work he's done is of a quality and style you are happy with, then I think it is a great idea to give him your thoughts and let him design something for you. Let him go and see what he comes up with.

[JazzyMac]

At the same time, be careful what you wish for. 

[flipcrab85]

reviving my initiation post.... ive been playing around with the concepts of what ive got in my head. just wanted to get a little feedback on where i am. ive got myself on a wait list, which is about 10 months out.... pending a cancellation opening. none the less, what ya think....

[oboogie]

That's way too much. I don't like that at all. It's up to you, of course, but I'd give your ideas to your tattoo artist, and let him/her take care of it. I don't think many artists are going to replicate that.

[Gingerninja]

My two cents - have a great consult with your artist on what is most important to you (the vibe, the style, which elements, etc.). I bet that together you can come up with something awesome.