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Transgender is not a fetish. I will not go on too long about this though if anyone is interested do some research on how doctors determine if a baby is a "boy" or a "girl" at birth. Plus the stuff on the surgeries when a baby/child doesn't fit "our" prescribed genital measurements at birth and how they are assigned a sex. It is all rather scary stuff. Bottomline I support anyone who wishes to be them if it makes them happy rather than trying to live an unhappy life that society will deem "normal". I work in psychology and do lots of work with LGBTQ individuals including policy and advocacy....there is no normal as everyone is unique so the DSM can really do more harm than not (we all can actually meet one or many of the clusters). We have similarities sometimes but each person has their own etiology from experience to language to development so to subscribe to a "norm" is to sell your life short. Thats all, carry on

I don't know if I uploaded these correctly, so I hope the pictures come through along with the explanations. The first few, of the peacock, skull/top-hat and snake, were done by Al Schiefley. The guy got the tattoos in the early 70's, shortly before Al died. I ran into this guy in southeastern Ohio and asked if I could take his picture. He didn't know what the big deal was, and seemed a little weirded out at first. I told him I liked getting pictures of old tattoos, especially done by guys from Ohio, and after talking with him a few minutes he seemed delighted about it. I also have a couple pictures of Stoney St. Clair tattoos that are on an old guy around here, but I can't seem to find them anywhere (one was a rad little skunk, that the guy said he just did on him freehand). They're on an old photo card. I'll upload them if I find them. The guy in the stocking cap got almost all his tattoos from Sailor Jerry Collins. I can't remember the exact dates he told me, but I remember thinking they had to have been done before the time period that I read about where Jerry got pissed at the IRS and quit tattooing for a while, so the 1950's I believe. I took the pictures in 2006, and he said the tattoos were like fifty years old. My memory might be wrong, but I think that's what he said. This dude was salty and had no problem lifting up his shirt for the picture. He got tattooed while in the service in Hawaii, and had some rad stories. The last pictures are of Tex Rowe. I took them while at a convention in Pittsburgh in 2008. Actually, I went with Rich T., and we were both snapping pictures...I think it was his camera and he may have taken the pictures and sent them to me after. In any event, I remember Mike Skiver saying that Tex's back was done by Brooklyn Blackie, and I believe he said his chest was too, although I can't remember for sure (if you know, I'd like to know, thanks). It was pretty cool that Skiver brought him there and was bringing him around the convention. I seem to remember someone telling me that Mike did this for him often, and was close with Tex and his family, which I thought was really neat. Respect. Tex seemed fine with the pictures and it was nice to actually meet him. The dude was not only this rad old timer in tattooing, but I'd heard he was a highly decorated WWII veteran who (I heard) trained where I did (Ft. LeonardWood, MO), though I don't know that for sure. Tex passed away the next year. I got tattooed by Bowery Stan at that convention too, and I know there were a couple pictures of him and Tex, but I don't know what happened to them.

Triceratops. By Richard Stell

Yea please no one misunderstand my statement. I was apalled by hunters close minded statement. I'm a huge against me fan and supporter lgbt communities. My previous statements were only meant as insult to hunter, not the specific topic at hand. @Abellve

What's a poll have to do with it? look back in history, public opinion would have (and has) said that owning other humans like livestock is fine, withholding women's right to vote is fine, killing people for their land is fine. Numbers are bullshit and mob rule doesn't make anything right. If embracing differences and backing people bold enough to be themselves in a world full of people that would rather see them dead than happy is dangerous nonsense, then watch out. I'm a world class threat...and I will press the issue.

Ive been a huge Against Me! fan and always will be. And whatever Laura decided to do I will give a gracious ear to. I also didn't want to bring negative opinions about the former Tom's decision to become Laura, I just wanted to post about it because it was cool news and deserves some attention.

panther head by liam sparkes

@Hunter Morrow what you do to yourself every morning in the shower would probably gross me out but WHO CARES. HOW IN THE SWEET FUCK CAN YOU CARE ABOUT THE DICK OF SOMEONE YOU WILL NEVER MEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Weird bugs gross me out, so I just ignore them and pretend they aren't there. Or I take a minute to realize nothing bad will come of that weird florida bug I've never seen before creeping on my front door and just let it do it's thing, dick or no dick.

@Hunter Morrow...First, I think a person's ability to approach and speak of others with dignity and respect is a lot more telling than their gender (chosen/changed or otherwise) and given the choice, I'd much prefer to grab a drink with someone who makes their choices and faces the unkind world as they've chosen to live than someone spewing judgement, ridicule and hate. Second, how people identify themselves isn't an act against another person. He didn't do this *to* his wife. Third, fetishes are about sex not gender -- sex is something you do, gender is something you are. Or, more succinctly, "People care too much about other people's dicks/cunts." ( @Ursula)

Wait...you don't have any tattoos? That just grosses me out. It crosses a line.

Hey All, Being from Ontario I know how hard it can be to find good tattooers, especially doing Japanese work. For those interested you've got an awesome chance this month. Horitoshi1 family Horimitsu from Tokyo will be doing a guest spot at TCB Tattoo in Toronto from May 16th to 26th. The shop is located at 618 Queen St West (near the beer store). Open from 12-8pm daily. Appointments can be made by calling the shop at 416-203-1516. You can view his work here JAPANESE TATTOO

@Hunter Morrow - I think you might be in the wrong place.

Tattoo conventions similar to the biker scene? I don't know about all that, all I know is that I have some insane appointments lined up for the next couple of California conventions with people that I couldn't otherwise get tattooed by, especially as soon as I am. I'm working on an appointment with a guy that doesn't even take appointments right now and that's only possible because of this Convention....

from their last post, i lving4today means that other people being close minded towards someone making that decision is what they take issue with, not the person making said decision. the quoted section seems a bit poorly worded, like saying "i'm going to go juggle chainsaws and mow the lawn." could be one after the other, could be both simulaneously. either way, i want to observe this lawn care routine. also, who cares what grosses anyone out? if it's not hurting someone or detrimental to someone's well being, let them be who they are. it's not like a switch flipped in his mind one morning when he made this decision. it's probably been years and years in the making, didn't come easy, and probably led to a lot of confusion for himself and his loved ones. and, in the end, he'll still be surrounded by loves ones who understand and care for him. if the choices are being happy with your life and losing a few friends and family members that don't understand, OR living in abject misery and confusion for the rest of your days to make those judgemental friends and family members happy, which would be the better choice for all involved? it's better to be honest and find out who your true loved ones are than to live behind a mask of lies to please someone else.

Based off an old Zeis design I think that's what I heard, not 100% I need to double check that.... Richard put this tattoo on @phickey ...

Hummm... Well, his minimum is $200.00, and his hourly rate is $200.00, but he typically charges by the piece, and I give you an estimate based on what he guestimates depending on: Area being tattooed, the design, and where the tattoo is being done at, like if it's a convention or if we're at a shop... Most people say he's a "fast" tattooer, he prefers the term "efficient", he gets what most people do in two or three sittings done in one shot.

Done by my fiancé James Buie at TCB tattoo in Toronto years ago...

@Hunter Morrow - I'm simultaneously impressed and appalled by your audacity. I can really only speak for myself here - but one of things I love about LST is the variety of opinions expressed and the (generally) courteous manner in which differences are handled. Having said that... It is really a bummer to see such a base and judgmental comment here.

@Barbie Doll in Istanbul at the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) wearing her LST shirt....

I am writing because the Baltimore Convention is this weekend and I am really not excited about it in the least! I will probably go tomorrow night for about 2 hours just to say hi to people only because it is my hometown convention and I want to see if there is any decent art I can pick up but like I said....not excited about the convention....only about seeing a few people I don't see too often! Now...Troy runs some really good shows so that's not it....and I was stoked about Philly because there were a few people there I wanted to get tattooed by.....BUT I used to want to go see my friends at shows....say hi.....buy some flash or art....and then hang out even if I didn't get tattooed! Now it seems....for me at least....the vibe is different and I am not as stoked about going! I find myself more interested in wanting to travel to people's shops to be tattooed anymore....that just seems to have a cooler vibe for me! I was just wondering what is everyone's thought on this was? (artist or enthusiast)

wait a minute... how the hell did Bubbleberry get back on this forum?!?!?!

As an ancient guy, I've seen the tattooing "scene" go from sailors, bikers, and cons to yuppies, buppies, and everyone else. And that's kool, but it's major different to me. I've had the chance to go to some conventions, but passed on them. I'm not into crowd scenes, and for me, tattooing has always been about a connection betwixt me and the person putting the needles to me. I just couldn't walk up to a booth and sit down for a piece, no matter how famous or hip the tattoo artist was. I wanted to get a tattoo at Wat Bang Phra near Bangkok a few years back, something I had wanted to do for quite awhile. got there, got in line, and left. Oh, I watched for a few hours, but somehow, even though the vibe was excellent, and the work was a real trip, the idea of sharing the needle and ink with, oh, maybe a thousand other people in a country where the HIV rate is about 4% of the population convinced me to pass. It was the ultimate tattoo convention, but what can I say, I'm just an old-fashioned country boy.

Mural I did for my upcoming wedding:

ichibay tattooing Horizakura, was really awesome to see. Also got to see Ichibay's insanely good Roper backpiece, but no photos, sorry. lots more but you get the idea

Fuck sake I cant believe we are a supposed "advanced society" yet we still have close minded views like that . ridiculous . I dont think your view is "Right Wing" Hunter, just plain ignorant.

Somehow that strikes me as an odd thing to say on a tattoo forum.

Cross-posted to the other thread, but figured I could throw this here as well. by liam sparkes

Here's the latest and greatest for my oldest son. He got this done by Nick Colella at Chicago Tattooing Co. this past Saturday. Sorry for the low-quality pic, just a cellphone shot.

erica flannes sneaky mitch allenden mason williams

Here's a few of Richards that I am fond of...

Jealous. Let us smaller guys know when you get some smalls/mediums made buddy. Ill buy like 30.

@Ursula and everyone else who weighed-in, thanks for voicing up. In order to know what a good tattoo is VS a bad tattoo OR a bad tattoo VS a mediocre tattoo and so on, one must often see the difference. It's an open forum so this is part of it though we thought ahead, somewhat, and put some things in place... -Use the 'like' button because photos/tattoos that are most 'liked' rank higher and appear on the first pages. -Next, there is the comments section so leave feedback on both good, mediocre, and bad tattoos but be respectful. -Lastly, everyone starts somewhere in getting tattoos and more often than not we start getting bad tattoos first and it is not til we learn what a good tattoo is and/or someone offers constructive criticism that we realize I need to get better tattoos or some time passes and you take note its all bleeding together or its fading much faster than it should. This site is aimed at all interested in tattoos so all have the opportunity to learn and get better tattoos. Shit, I was in a shop topless the other day getting tattooed and I know when ever this happens around those who know tattoos I am going to get comments on my bad tattoos so I laugh with them while getting better tattoos.

Eagles to me are like Rock of Ages, classic/timeless tattoos! The mental association with the word "tattoo" within the top five images that will pop into my head are eagles. Something about them always catches my eye in tattooers portfolios and flash at tattoo shops. I'm often drawn to the older flash at shops and will look for long periods of time at each eagle. I love seeing old tattoo pictures as well with people who have large eagle chestpieces (I couldn't find any online so pls share if you have some). I have seen some amazing ones pop up on this tattoo forum as well and hope the users will post theirs here that they have collected, tattooed, and drawn. I have quickly gathered some eagle pictures from tattooers who I think do great eagles: Lindsey Carmichael, Nick Colella, Thomas Hooper, Chad Koeplinger, Stefan Johnsson, and Tim Lehi. Share your favorite eagle tattoos and tattooers who do the eagles you like.....have at it!

Ok at the risk of sounding like a huge bitch i'm gonna post this anyways... As far as I know Scott and company started this site to promote good tattooing, and good tattooers. I've noticed lately in the members gallery there have been a lot of bad tattoos uploaded. Is this just going to turn into another tattoo photo gallery where anyone can post photos of every horrible tattoo they do, and then have people thinking that work is good because they saw it on a site that claims to promote only good tattooing? I feel bad when I log on and on the very first page there's awful tattoos being shown. Am I just a horrible person for thinking this or do others feel the same way? I feel like if I wanted to see average bad tattoos I could just do a google search or visit one of the numerous tattoo design websites. Is it wrong to have a moderator removing bad work at the risk of offending the person who uploaded it? We seem not to have a problem telling people in the forums when a tattoo is shit.

Totally understand. I have a tendency to miss someone's tone in type.

huh? what?! whats wrong with wonky poorly colored and misplaced? :/

I sold some shit on ebay for the sole purpose of buying this book.

I am a graphic novel on the inside and it is slowly coming to the surface :)

The fact that she's still his wife leads me to believe that she doesn't feel anything was done to her. If she had such a problem with it, like you clearly do, they wouldn't be married anymore. I'd think that "my husband doesn't want to be a dude anymore" is pretty good grounds to get a divorce approval.

hmmmm... think I will drive downtown and get something done today...I need a touchup if anything...

derek noble, lucky devil tattoo, seattle

Here is the finished article: Instagram A skull on the other ass cheek was suggested and I think it might be something I will go for once I've finished my ribs. I'll just have to wait and see. Can't thank @Stewart Robson enough for this :D

Those are amazing! I love the one with the wolf. Here's one that's in progress. He told me I could do whatever I wanted. I decided on a girl head...of sorts.

Cool thread! That first piece is killer, but her right hand and left arm looks a little bit strange to me. Maybe just the picture, or maybe just me... I don't know. The piece as a whole looks really bad-ass though! Most of you have already seen my front piece, but I found a better picture of it on Marius' blog a while back, so here's to those who haven't seen it already (sorry about the insane size of the photo)

i was really hoping this thread would be about stigma.

I dig this a lot. We are all people with a common interest and like sharing experiences thru this site. I get just as much of a kick talking to someone who looking for a first tattoo or a tattooer I admire. When it comes down to it we are all just people with our own interests. I could give a shit about people opinions on my tattoos. If you like it, great! If you dont, nod your head and move on... we dont need a system for making people think they got a shitty tattoo. This isnt Inkmasters, its an awesome tattoo community.

I'm going to guess the lady in front of me in line at the grocery store with her tweety bird pajama pants and shearling boots, three kids in tow buying twelve 2 liters of Soda, Lucky Charms, frozen pizza, and a tray of cupcakes on food stamps while yelling at her kids to behave so she can go get some smokes at the customer service desk has something to do with it. At least she has my vote.

Finally got A Bob Wicks girl head from Eli three weeks ago. Will post a healed soon.