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Finished this today. Pharaoh's Horses is one of my favorite classic images. Overall pretty happy with it, just wish I had picked darker colors or left it completely black and grey. Luckily this is the first and probably not the last time I will visit this image.

What the hell, I'll throw my hat into the ring. By El Monga guesting at Spider Murphy's in August. Healed shot.

My fiance is going to rehab for a month next week, so I have decided to spend the time he is away writing a letter to him telling the story of our relationship. I've been in a writing lull lately, but I think this will help me get through the next month with plenty of material and also will be a sort of catharsis for all the shittyness going on in our lives right now. We are en route to get married next summer or the following (should his sobriety stick this time around), so I'm hoping to give him this piece of writing as a wedding gift. Sorry for getting so heavy on this thread, but I'm stoked to start working on this and think it's an "awesome thing" :) I'm a firm believer in finding and holding onto happiness in our darkest moments.

I´ve already posted this one in this months contest, but here it is. Mike Rubendall 5-6 hous. Most painless tattoo session ever,

That is VERY nice, @cltattooing! I'm pretty particular about Pharaoh's Horses, as it's also one of my favorite images. You really captured the essence of the original painting; it's in the eyes, and you nailed it.

Might as well book with Grime now too, I should have enough money saved come 3 years from now... I have an appointment with Tim Lehi in a couple weeks to do something on my shoulder. I only have a general idea of what I want and am probably gonna let him do his thing with most of it. He's one of my favorite (possibly my #1) artists/tattooers, so I'm sure I will not be disappointed.

No, my wife did. She is a vet tech and does id tattoos on animals at her clinic. My dog already had a 7yr old alphanumeric tattoo in one ear from the breeder...green ink and it is fading out and getting hard to read. So we took the opportunity to put an additional ID tattoo in the other ear while my dog was getting a dental and under full anesthetic. /offtopic

Grime | VICE United States

Try Googling Grime & Tattoo. Whoa genius.

my 5 year old nephew: "I wants a tattoo in the necks like Uncle Eric" I figured my life was a little vanilla so why not set a bad example for the children in the meantime. FOR THE CHILDREN! tattoo made in Edmonton, AB by Shawn O'Connor @ Ink Machine

KING MOONRACER right in the neck maaan tattoo made in Edmonton, AB by Shawn O'Connor @ Ink Machine

lmao that is great. How did you do.....oh wait nevermind, i'll just google it.

Dana Helmuth has returned from Nepal and I get to go under the gun for more work on Tuesday. He seems to be super inspired after his trip, so I hope to tackle as much black work as possible and get on to some color while he is feeling extra motivated. It's going to be a long day, but I can say that I have been inspired by @ironchef @MoistTowelette @chrisnoluck @DevilMan 's wife and all the others blowing up the back piece thread in the last month. Also, fundoshi. :)

I feel like getting tattooed is the coolest thing I get to do. I do not want it to end but its inevitable.

Not a clear photo but you can see the wild snake on my thigh and my chicken drumstick flash in my pug's ear.

What's googling? - - - Updated - - - Thank you!! I am aware i could've googled him but i thought to myself "hey, might as well ask since i replied to your post anyways". Hope that didn't bother you. Some people are very tightly wound here.

San Diego was a blast... and so was NYC earlier this month. Pus, me and my pre'ance Julia.

latest from Eli Quinters

Starting my Backpiece on Friday with Stewart Robson! 3 hours, so hopefully get the outline done! Super excited but am now feeling slightly anxious....

Got this one today. It was the easiest tattoo I've had so far in regards to pain. I wouldn't be worried about the front of the thigh.

Living in Sydney I don't understand why you would travel to Thailand for a tattoo ? You could jump on a plane and in under three hours flying time get tattooed by a world class artist like Dean Sacred in Auckland N.Z. or in the other direction get yourself to Melbourne and the likes of Trevor McStay or Geordie Cole . Either are far shorter distances and I guarantee you will never again need a cover-up . Here's some links to ponder Dean Sacred | Sacred Tattoo Shop Geordie Cole Trevor McStay | Dynamic Tattoo

Thanks man! I'll definitely be posting a picture when it's done. So far I've been tattooed by Steve Boltz, Adrian Sanchez, and Austin Maples, but all are on my right leg. Gotta get my arm started off right.

Its brilliant work and I'd certainly be thrilled to have your version of the horses in my collection!

Nah, of course not. Nobody knows everything. n__n d Questions are good.

That's excellent.

Oh, love this thread, show me more! ;) I will save my post here a little bit longer! As I'm adding some big stuff to my thighs in not very long! hohoho *Exited* :cool:

Got my full back piece started by Aaron Bell today...I do have large rib shots as well as stomach done so I had some idea of what to expect. Most was pretty tolerable, except for the edges of the back where it wraps into the ribs...but he saved the worst for last...a wee bit near the base of the spine sucked and he started to go a little on the butt cheek, just the very top. That hurt! Makes me wonder how I am going to make it as its a shoulders to knee ditch composition.

Your ship has an old school feel to it, love it mate. It could have been done 20 years ago.

Several winters, I'd walk a couple miles to work in the snow and storm at the lights bane was one of the albums I'd listen to while making this walk. I'd listen to somberlain as well but as much as I like it, the production and atmosphere on storm was incredible. Whole different experience with headphones on in the snow too.

Oh my! @TrixieFaux, those sweaters! They are A-MAAAAAAAA-ZING!!!!!!

@Lance Thanks for posting that. Really cool stuff! Now that there's a bit of time passed since the convention I feel like I've processed it enough to have an opinion. This was the first convention that I've attended and I've gotta say, I'm not sure it's my thing. Don't get me wrong, I had a great time, spent too much money on prints/art etc (including a relatively spontaneous tattoo with Greg Christian that is totally awesome), watched my wife get two excellent tattoos from Stewart Robson, was totally blown away by a lot of the tattooing I saw happening, met some of you guys, etc etc etc. But the whole thing was pretty overwhelming for me. I guess it really solidified a few things about what I enjoy about tattoo experience: going to a shop, seeing the culture that has been cultivated and created there, talking with the tattooers, making bad jokes...soaking it all up, y'know? As inspiring as the whole thing was, I think I can only handle small doses of the convention environment!

Judging from his on-line portfolio, you should get a curvy-girl with a skull instead of a head!

I got on Grime's list. My appointment's in 3 years. o__O I want a samurai skull hanya but I might change my mind when it's closer to the appointment date. haha. =P

http://web.stagram.com/p/583127157239957060_18727800 Emily Rose Murray just posted these. Amazing!

Tomorrow week I will be on a plane heading back to Yellow Blaze for more work on my front. Looking forward to being back in Japan, but dreading the tattooing given the location. At least all the lining is done...

I'm late in posting this. Also it's long. Grab a cold beer and read at your leisure. So was I the only one who attended the Shige Seminar at the SFO convention? If anyone else went I'd love to hear your thoughts. Especially if you went Sunday. I attended Saturday and what was supposed to run from 10:00-11:30, lasted till about 1:30. And only because Ed Hardy's lecture was supposed to take place in the same room at 1:00. I suspect it could have gone on for another hour. Shige was rushed at the end and had to skip over some explanations. Even then, it was both entertaining and educational. For about 3 hours he discussed the practice he goes through developing each of his back pieces. Starting with a day long consult with his clients to make sure they get the tattoo they want and to make sure he and they are all on the same page. He explained 1 day may seem extreme for a consult, but given the size, the fact they will be together for long periods for the tattoo, and the tattoo will be a part of the Client forever, giving them a day for a consult was most responsible. In one of the back pieces he showed us, he explained the Client originally wanted one design motif but he convinced him to go another route. In that particular case it was a friend with a family, and who owned a nail salon. The Client was originally interested in a hell scene but Shige asked him if he really wanted that type of scene given his new family and his life making people feel more attractive. The Client realized then that something else was more appropriate and together they arrived at a design incorporating a Buddhist diety. I thought this was cool because it showed his commitment to his Clients and their happiness. He also noted that each back piece is designed specifically for each individual's body. No design can truly be swapped out for another person because he designs in full scale, and for the bearer's shape. Rather than drawing a sketch and enlarging it, he'll draw life size designs. I thought this was an interesting approach and allowed him to fit as much detail as possible into a design. This explains a lot from what I've seen of his work where for example the arc of a sword scabbard perfectly follows the curve of someone's lats. In regards to subjects, whether they be Buddhist entities, mythological/natural creatures, or scenes from specific stories, Shige explained he takes great care in making sure he gets the subject just right in portraying them accurately and accentuating certain elements as needed. One thing he mentioned was that it was his job to educate the Client about stories. The Woodblock, Noh, Kabuki scenes are not something most Japanese Clients know about. Most people in Japan are just as uneducated as non-Japanese in regards to this. As such he takes great pain to research as much as he can. In the instance with deities, each hand carries a certain item. Which hand it is in and which item is very specific. This reminded me of Horitomo's lecture on Fudo Myo-o who said the same. If the items were lacking or in the wrong hand then the depiction of that deity would be off. It's all in the bearer if they truly care, some don't, but it's good to hear things about these deities most are not aware of to know they may be incorrect. He also noted that most motifs based on a story is based on a true story with a historical figure and context. It was very important to know this and he went through the process of showing some back pieces and describing their stories and where in particular they took place in Japan and when. And also compared the time spans between each. Now I've always been interested in mythology since I was a wee lad so bit by bit I've made an effort to learn about particular historical characters, many of whom figure into these stories to a certain degree so some of these stories were familiar to me, but I always relish the chance to hear more about them. Even so, Shige apologized many times to the group for making it feel like a history lesson, but also stressed how important it was to know it. Why so? One example he explained was when designing patterns on kimono or the colors used. One would not apply the print design of a geisha from say the 17th century to the print design on a princess's kimono from the 10th century. The pattern would be wrong for nobility and the time period would be off. subtle things. In the past the closest thing I've seen to this example was with regards to samurai style armor from the 1500-1600's being depicted in stories from about 1100. They were cool images, no big deal you think, right? Not really. I mean if you don't care about details like that it's all good, but in relatable terms it's like showing a Viking at the controls of a drone strike or a knight wearing chaps and a pair of six shooters at his side. It can be cool but it can also just as easily make someone scratch their head. All this, displayed the shear amount Shige goes through to give his all to a tattoo. What was also nice was that while informing the group about the historical backdrop of particular stories, he also touched upon their relationship to other stories and how they interconnected. He also alluded to particular stories he felt would make interesting subjects for future large pieces. Taki who was translating, joked that he wasn't sure if Shige was hinting that he wanted some one to make a request for those stories. If it was, or you want to give it a try, I can fill you in on which stories those were. Ha ha! Between all of this he also described how having no "master", outside of the constraints of certain story elements, he was allowed creative freedom to do what he wanted and not conform to rigid traditions. For example normally a back ends a certain distance on the ribs down the side but I believe it was his Taira No Tomomori back piece, that the subject wrapped around the Client's body to almost become a full body suit or in the case of another tradition mandated a Buddhist deity be depicted with 11 faces. In that particular case instead of tattooing all 11 he introduced some western notions having some hidden with the idea that as the faces wrapped around the deity you wouldnt be able to see some and he also allowed the Client's face to be the 11th. In addition that particular face was known to always wear a smile. So Shige told the wearer that he always has to smile now. I thought that was pretty clever and a nice inside joke between the two. I'll end this now, but like Shige's lecture it could go on much much longer. Suffice it to say it was a very enjoyable time and what I came away with was a profound appreciation for one man's deep thought process he gives to each of his Client's tattoos. Often times, something Clients take for granted of their Tattooers. Thank you Shige and Taki for the seminar. Also everyone who attended received a print of Fudo Myo-o and a digital copy of his book! Now I have all 3 versions. Hardcover, paperback, and digital! Sidenote, every time I mentioned "Client", I was very tempted to swap it out for "Canvas". But that would be too cruel.

[/img] Finally figured out how to post correctly.. Apologizes !! Tattoo by Chris Garver , Invisible NYC

New one done today by Stevie Edge

My first tattoo was a big thigh piece, and I just got my other thigh done this weekend. Experienced twitching both times. However, the first time was much more painful than this past one. The outline wasn't fun but the shading was a breeze. Here they are, the first one isn't in a style I'm super into anymore, and I'm not too crazy about it anymore, it's not bad it just doesn't fit with what I'm going for anymore. Maybe one day I'll have it covered or reworked or something. I don't regret getting it, because it helped get me into tattoos, and really it's not a bad tattoo, just not what I would get now. Here is my latest one, which I've already posted in 2 other threads in the past couple of days, but whatever, done by Phil Hatchet Yau:

I guess this is probably a bad month to enter given how great the tattoos posted so far are. But I see that as a good thing, it just means more people are out getting great tattoos. Anyways, I've already posted this in he latest tattoo lowdown, but here it is: Phil Hatchet Yau at Tahiti Felix's Master Tattoo, 4 hours, one-shot:

I agree with all above. Some serious wow factor there. Awesome work ! :)

Thanks a lot for the welcoming words folks, and double thanks to Joe Shit for making me browse through links all night! :D @Iwar; I am born and bred in Molde, where I also currently live. When it comes to tattooers worth mentioning El Monga at Aloha Tattoos (Barcelona) did a piece on my calf last year and Deno JR at Circus Tattoo (Madrid) has done a little here and there.

Sweet! I got a samurai skull from Grime a couple years back. You can check it out in my gallery if you haven't already seen it.

I did this Firefly Tattoo, and it has a moon in it. Figured it was relevant

Got this From Phil Hatchet Yau at Tahiti Felix's Master Tattoo while visiting San Diego this weekend. One-shot, 4 hours. Very happy with it. Super cool tattoo shop, with tons of original flash from the 50's and some from even earlier. Phil is super nice and seems like a great dude.

I know your pain,when I was getting my sternum done I had to stop my tattooer and told him I had to go to the toilet... I just stood there looking in the bathroom mirror asking myself "what the f**k am I doing to myself" hahah such a goose.

Here are some photos from my session on Thursday with Henning Jorgensen at Kings Avenue Long Island. Brutal 6.5 hour session. Filled with involuntary leg twitches/spasms, especially when Henning worked on the area above the tiger's ear/shoulder. Henning was a true professional and always told me I was doing great even when I thought I was sitting terribly. And @ironchef sent a few encouraging texts that helped me get through it. A full day session is no joke, the last hour was a huge challenge and I eventually had to tap out. A humbling experience. The plan is to finish it next fall with 1 session in Montreal and 1 session in NY. Also I plan on getting a hotel for all future sessions because 8 hours of round trip driving and 6.5 hours of tattooing is too much for one day. I felt like I had very serious hangover the following day.

I think the next time, I just wont let somebody with 6000 followers on instagram take a picture of it. Stupid fucking internet.