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Got this from Tomas Garcia at Sid's in Santa Ana, CA. He has a special book of line drawings that he'd love to do. I had trouble deciding between two designs in particular, so he took both designs and made it into one. It was definitely a great experience over at Sid's. The entire crew is extremely hospitable. Very down to earth crew. I'm a fan for life. Tomas even drew up some hand made lettering for me too.

Another frustrating part is trying to finish work in time for the photo shoots! I'm SO FUCKING STOKED to have been asked to be part of this. The exhibition will be amazing but the catalog will be on a different level. So much of what most modern Western tattooers and customers know about Japanese tattooing is because of Taki (Shodai Horitaka) - He has published invaluable books at affordable prices that we (Japanese tattoo lovers) have all benefitted from. He has also published books about other styles of tattooing that were awesome. If that isn't enough, he was also responsible for most of my favourite interviews in Tattoo Life magazine with some of my favourite American tattooers. Many of his books form key parts of a tattooer's library. They stand well on their own but also are perfect as jumping-off points to delve deeper into the subjects if you're that way inclined. I think the Perseverance catalog will do the same.

Of anyone here, you have more right to be preachy. You, Don and the rest of your family represent the kind of authenticity that cannot be faked, styled or imitated. A beacon for us all.

Just back from the West Texas Tattoo Convention. First convention I've attended, drove 10 hours with two of my best friends to get there, then drove back the morning after into a blizzard. Totally worth it. Tattoo and photo by Ron Henry Wells (poached from his Instagram).

today i took a walk to go get some new records...that did not happen. got a new tattoo instead just for the fun of it. rose with daughters name.

Okay- i'll start my own morning column here. Ha ha. Thank you for the kind words

Love them 80's heart shaped face girls that came of GTC this is by Mike Brown

Started the chest eagle today and I'm stoked with the results, and by how far we got with it today. Tattoo by Paul Pearson.

You've always been one of the more thoughtful posters here, @Deb Yarian. We're happy to have you post as often as you'd like.

Nothing wrong with your posts being authentic. If people here are so soft they can't handle that, then this might not be the right forum for them.

Thanks for all the work you put into here, Steve.

I'm planning a trip to Austin, Texas in early May and I'm looking for suggestions on things to do, see, eat, and where to stay. ***I already have an appointment at Rock of Ages w/ Steve Byrne so I don't need tattoo suggestions :)

Also, first post using Tapatalk. Nerd alert!

So the story is that she got fired from a show for nudie photos? Definitely a little silly but what I also think is silly is people posing nude and then being totally shocked when these "sexy photos" have a negative impact on their lives. I suppose it's all the positive reinforcement given to celebrities with sex tapes.

I recently apologized for my inactivity here. I still enjoy looking through and reading new posts - but haven 't contributed or posted as much as I used to--- I don't know if it's because I'm old or just an old tattooer --- but I felt like many of my responses lacked empathy and came off impatient or preachy. Sorry, i'll try harder

This has to be the worst thread to read the day before a tattoo session. I am getting from ass to back of knee colored in tommorrow. Back of knee sucked for outline and black and right below ass was pretty tender.

Ok.. migration complete. i need a drink. j/k we (I) will be tuning the server for the next few weeks to improve performance, but it should be better than before already. let me know if you get any error messages etc.

Advert for a Ed Hardy guest spot , thanks to Paul Sayce for allowing me to share .

Thanks for bringing this up @Shannon Shirley while we've never met, people who I think are awesome tell me that you're awesome. Everyone here should pay attention to what this guy says. I still check the forums every day but I told myself I'd try to only get involved if I could be constructive in some way (even being a dick in a particular way can have a positive outcome). Lately there hasn't been much 'new' information or discussion where I felt my opinion would make any difference. Often someone else gets to the point before I do. I don't want every post I make to be a verbose "Me too." On the other hand... The more help or insight we give, the more help or insight we're asked for. Everyone likes to say they "Did their research" for their tattoo but that often just means looking at pictures in a Google search or checking Instagram. But what about the kind of research where you follow an idea that someone mentioned and find out for yourself? Learning and discovery is fun. Information discovered is more cherished and valuable than information that's spoon fed. Everyone wants a book or website recommendation where the mysteries of life and everything will be explained, with pictures. Explorers will eventually tire of conversing with tourists and consumers but they may feel nourished conversing with other explorers. (I use these terms with their proper, non-insulting intention) If more people try to be explorers (intelectual, spiritual or physical) this site, and the world will be a better place. I've said it before but I don't come here to help with tattoo questions. We have a phone at Frith Street Tattoo. Helpful people are paid to answer it and answer questions. Most tattoo shops work with a similar system. You can get a helpful answer pretty quickly that way. Even if you're in another country. International calls are not very expensive compared to the price of a tattoo. I come here because I realised that it was a place where professional opinion meant something. I only started typing when I knew that nobody better qualified had answered. The turning point for me was Bryan Burk's post about Japanese tattoo politics. Finally we had first-hand, sensible and interesting information or opinion from a reliable source instead of conjecture or wiki-regurgitation. I knew then that I'd beter keep my mouth (or keyboard) shut unless I was sure I could contribute something worthwhile. I'm aware this approach doesn't make for a lively forum but it was great to see it in action earlier this year when Bart Bingham put a halt to some whining about tattooers drawing directly on the skin with a simple, direct and thoughtful post. Sorry for the lack of links to threads and @ mentions. LST seems to be loading extremely slowly so I couldn't check where stuff was. Other that the fact that one of my favourite tattooers started this site, I still like it that real-world experience holds water over post-count here at LST. I also like it that the mods (well, the one's I've met) are heavily covered with genuinely great tattoos. That really makes a difference.

I started on here about a year and a half ago, I would not like to see this site crumble. It seems to me that lately, less and less knowledgable people are commenting,posting etc. It also seems that thier are more lurkers with "I know some shit" attitudes. those that fit this profile should understand that you are ruining this site. This site was started in hope of an intelligent place where some could learn about the nuances of this craft. Stating amateur attitudes on here does not help.Having gotten three tattoos does not make you an authority.

So we have tattooers who have brought so much knowledge and insight and richness to this board talking about how they don't post much anymore because there isn't much here to interest them, and then here we get reddit's leftovers because alt models, mediocre tattoos, and BOOBS. Well done.

You can walk mostly where you need. 6th street and the warehouse district isn't more than a couple of blocks from either other. You can take a taxi but we have pedi cabs around downtown. I would only use a taxi if you want to go to the east side. It will be in the 90s maybe even 100 but May. Bring plenty of shirts and most clubs don't have a dress code unless you dress like a gangbanger or wear sandals/flip flops. Rock of ages is about 5 to 7 mins away. You can take a bus from downtown to them. Possibly take an one half to a full hour to go though the stops. If you want to go up to north Austin, rent a car. We have zip car and cars2go. Little smart cars that have there own parking at certain places. Barton Springs is good to go to. It is about 68 degrees year round and really chill and walking distance to a couple of restaurants. Some girls will be topless and if you have a dog you can take it to the dog area for it to run around in the walk or take it to lady bird lake. If you have anymore questions just holla. Also @fallingapartart lives in austin - - - Updated - - - Have you been to Austin?

As you've already shown restraint why don't you take some time to look at more tattoos on this site to get a better idea of how awesome tattoos can be and the great artists that are out there . Like you said you want the first tattoo to be awesome and if so you will proceed from there , to ensure you live up to your getting tattooed potential and don't feel disappointed I personally wouldn't get tattooed at any of the shops you suggested . You are in a perfect position as you have the " time and finances " so you could consider a trip to neighbouring Russia or even one of the conventions/shops in Europe . I'll leave you a link to one of the prominent Russian artists to check out ÐвторÑкий Ñайт маÑтера татуировки Дена Яковлева

What a vey nice thing to say!!! Stewart, often I think to comment on a post- and then you do, so articulately, that I just feel like writing "ditto"

Go to perfection and see all the great artwork. - - - Updated - - - Yes you can! If you want a certain type of food then ask around. - - - Updated - - - Alamo ritz has a smaller collection, maybe 3 or 4 movies to chose from. If you have a car, go to the one down in south Austin. It is now assigned seating. - - - Updated - - - I am glad your friend moved away. Too many fucking people here anyway. Austin is not your home and don't try to make it your home either! If you are with someone that lives in Austin have them show you around. If you are visiting say downtown. - - - Updated - - - Now, with that all said, best places to eat will be told to you by dryfess when you come to town. He works at rock of ages and is like the concierge. Stay downtown! Traffic is a motherfucker! It can take you an hour to go 15 miles if no accidents are on the road. The Hilton, San Jose and omni is my chooses to stay. Food trucks are big here! If you want more you can ask @else if she like the info I gave her and a places to eat at while in town!

Thanks @SStu, It was still more fun than going to work today!

seconded.

In all fairness, dude probably isn't in to tattoos just wanted that one for his wife. It's not like he was going to cover it with a dragon or a panther. Even considering that the tattoo couldn't get any worse, I think the outcome was pretty good for the guy. To paraphrase Joe Dirt, It's not about you, it's about the consumer.

planning a trip to Austin in May and hoping to get an eagle tattoo from Steve Byrne...

Can someone help me design my sleeve? But seriously, I only allow my self time to skim the topics in the new post section. If nothing grabs my eye I move on to illegal downloads and Mighty Boosh clips on youtube. Unfortunately most of what I found interesting were the posts by other tattooers, people who I know and or respect. Im really not interested inwhat people are planning on getting tattooed unless its from me. I do like seeing photos so the panthers, snakes and Rock of Ages type posts usually get a look. I will continue to stop by and check things out and hopefully chime in when appropriate. Till then....

@kylegrey perfect response. The crux of the matter is that this site is only as good as the things people here say. Lets ALL try to be thoughtful and help others be thoughtful too. Although I can't say I speak for all tattooers... "we" - meaning tattooers, tattoo artists etc. were busy before we joined this site. We're still busy. That's not why we don't post. Switch the focus from 'busy' to ' interested' and think about what keeps people interested. If someone can be entertained by, benefit or learn from someone else, they are interested. Otherwise it's a one-way-street. Entertainment is easy to find on the internet, so that leaves the other two if we're talking long-term. Tattooers is peoples too.

I think we can be blasé and attribute the reasons to whatever but that's just speculation , what we do have is feedback from the artists that remain and should entertain the possibility that each of us is slipping and take it upon ourselves to do something about that . Remember the words of my man Jimi Hendrix " Knowledge speaks but wisdom listens " or that other hippie Arthur Schopenhauer " Treat a work of art like a prince : let it speak to you first "

Was just pokin' around the internet and saw this on Yellow Blaze Tattoo's site. What a lineup!! I poked around the forums to see if anyone else had posted this yet, couldn't find any references but may have missed something. Apologies if there is any redundancy!

A couple of my favorites: Jacci Gresham Watch: Tattoo Legend Jacci Gresham Talks About Getting Her Start | Complex Vyvyn Vyvyn Lazonga Jami Eason.... Annette LaRue.... Deb Yarian... I'm talking Tattooers that were doing it before most us were alive.... Please Add...

Hi all, I'm 26, originally from Montreal, QC. Now I live in Vancouver the last 5 years. Really loving this forum, and it feels great to jump back into posting again. I'm more of a loyal, long-term kind of poster when I fall in love with a site. :) I love drawing, art, and I have my own little studio in my home. I'm definitely looking for an apprenticeship, working towards that... Looking forward to sharing my tattoos & stories, and hopefully meet some cool people! Cheers everyone. xox

People like Liam Sparkes, Maxime and Duncan X all do work in an engraving style that holds up well.

This thread got dumb fast, wow

+1 Thanks guys!

Agreed. Thanks again.

What is there to think about? Cancel your appointment with her, forfeit the deposit if needed, then get tattooed by someone you're confident will to do a good job. - - - Updated - - - What is there to think about? Cancel your appointment with her, forfeit the deposit if needed, then get tattooed by someone you're confident will to do a good job.

I saw this on yahoo news. Amazing he waited so long.. he must have been extremely bummed out. The new work is simply outstanding. Rob

I added the #lastsparrow feed to the right side of the forum - thanks for the awesome idea @Lori Todd !

lol yea didn't even realize what I did there... This drum is MASSIVE. Probably close to 5x5. The 808 references never stopped

He did a Christ head on Mike Wilson that just floored me the first time I saw it. His light source stuff was always cutting edge. I have pics somewhere.

No...just no. I get you want to sit there with your Macbook, but no.

Dagger through neck.

I was always a fan of Suzanne Fausier (sp?) from Michigan. And I've known Annette since I was.... christ.. 15? Deb tattooed my brother when he was on vacation once.... small tattoo world.

@gougetheeyes when Les passed away, his son Danny kept the club going, i believe. and after his passing, it's now run by Jimmie (Les' grandson, Danny's son).. i just looked back through some posts on Jimmie's Facebook, someone asked about if anyone can join.. here's what he said - "it use to be anyone with a chest or back piece or over £ 5 pounds worgth of tattoos could join the club mate now days yes most people can join tattooist an fans mate theres no secret handshakes or teaching how to tattoo mate its just a club that my grandfather ran i continue to run it to keep his name alive".

A point touched on in the original post is the separation of art and craft. Do you approach tattooing as an artform, or as a craft. A lot of the old school guys seem to be craftsman. They made their needles and machines, and they tattooed. Many of the new school seem to be artists first, tattooers second. Obviously, every tattooer is some blend of the two.