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OK so I tried to put this post up about three days ago but whilst I was doing it a power line nearby got struck by lightning and we lost power for a while. So that was the end of that. Now that we have power again and I have a bit of time I will try again. I had the fourth session on my back last Monday. I was hoping it would be the last session of outlining but that went straight out the window when Ian started the session by asking me "How do you feel about Tibetan skulls?" Luckily enough I think they are cool and the design that Ian had drawn up was pretty killer so we went for it. The result is that I now have a Tibetan skull on my my ass cheek and the back of my leg. I love it and am very happy to have it on there and we definitely have only one session of outline left. So after 12 hours of work so far my back looks like this. I have included a close up of the skull as well.

Done by - Mike Bialek, Okey Doke Tattoo Toronto ON & Trophy Tattoo Hamilton ON

I'm in Stockholm at the moment and joel madberg did some more on my arm. There is some space left on the wrist and a candle waiting for color in the inside of the elbow. We will finish that in belgium hopefully. Cheers [emoji4]

Looks great. I really have to check out Trophy. I heard its a nice spot right by (under?) the new Crow's Nest. I picked up a couple end of the season tattoos from Tim Pausinger at The Pearl in Toronto today. I'll post in three pictures. My left leg is really coming together now. I hope I can find good employment soon, because there is still a ton of work to be done!

It comes down to how YOU communicate your expertise. Your in the prime position to help educate. The average collector/ enthusiast without any understanding or artistic knowledge needs to seek their ideas from somewhere.,.dont they? Do you just expect them to come in with a blank idea and you magically come up with the same interpretation, or expect to only tattoo what you want to put on their skin. That comes with time and trust. It's like an old time piece of flash, it's been duplicated a million times. Isn't that plagiarism to a degree? A panther is a panther is a panther. I understand to a point what your saying, a custom one of a kind piece, well maybe, but pieces say things to people and can capture exactly what that means to that individual as well, so it could mean more than just wanting a copy cap design. It's like my smoking wizard with the starburst from the pipe as the background. I had wanted a wizard for 20 years, but no wizard captured that exact pictorial message, until I came across this wizard on the net. I took that picture in to my tattooer and said...man, after all these years I found the one. I can understand if you need to change it, but it's emulates something quite specific. His response, and knowing me for years was...man, your right, it captures you perfectly, I couldn't make it any better. We slightly changed some aspects like hat band & colour, but why try and reinvent the wheel on this occasion? It was perfect. Is this wrong? Fuck you to anybody who thinks it is, this is one piece out of my entire suit that had already been captured, it speaks volumes, it's my favourite tattoo next after my back tattoo. There's also been times I've taken an exact design in and said ...man, something like this...and from there we come up with a complete new transition, sn even better custom piece. Maybe next time someone comes in with an exact picture and turning them away (only to have it tattooed by someone else without any education) you can say...man, that's a great design, I can see why you chose this. What's it's meaning to you?...dig a little, become a consultant, tap into that individual a little and say, ya know man?...leave it with me, I reckon I can come up with something even better for YOU without doing s copy. That person may just walk out of there with a little bit more knowledge than they did prior to them entering, and maybe you EARN a loyal and devoted customer for years to come. I'm no tattooer, I'm also no artist, but I've learned a lot from my tattooer over the years because he actually took the time to help me understand. This is the 1 reason that he has been responsible for my entire suit, and the rework of everything he didn't originally do. I'm just offering a different perspective on this subject, not having a dig. We all help educate each other, because my tattooer had mentioned to me the same, that over the years has learned to appreciate where his clients come from also. "Booze, Blues & Tattoos"

I got this big ol cat from Luis Campos today at Empire tattoo in Asheville. Great guy and beautiful city. Also pic pilfered from his IG

Some of these pictures from Heartbeak Ink are pretty fun! (Like Filip Leu getting his hands tattooed.) @Eilin you're in one towards the bottom. 10th International London Tattoo Convention | heartbeatink.gr

Interesting is the cultural acceptance. I think I may have made mention to this here previously, but it states in the Anti Discrimination Act here in Australia that a person can not be unfairly treated because of race, religion, nor because of their cultural origin. It doesn't say specifically anything in relation to tattoos although with HR it seems cultural related tattoos they don't fuck with because of bordering the discrimination card with cultural origin. Now, I work for a Govt body, in Corporate Services, at a management level dealing directly with Directorates from every stream. I rock Exec meetings in short sleeves and jeans most days and don't have a problem. A. Because I'm full time and there's fuck all they can do about it and B. Well, I just don't give a shit. My work, as in my job speaks for itself. But, in saying this, I know there's people who loathe my appearance and would have me stitched up in a heart beat. This is why I've made it very clear that my tattoos signify my cultural origin (I'm Anglo Saxon) and symbolises my religious beliefs. Haha! Who are they or anybody else to say that my symbolism isn't just as significant to my culture than say s person from Polynesian decent?they know Id take them on all the way if they tried to HR me out of my job if it wasn't performance based. I keep a running log on all my KPI's and initiatives and written feedback in my personal files also....just in case. We are discriminated against, but we become very resilient in the way we overcome mainstream prejudice. Fuck mainstream and their rules and expectations. I do know though my chances for further promotion has come to a halt. That's ok with me though, I ain't in it for the prestige, I'm in it to supplement our life style. "Booze, Blues & Tattoos"

I really need to make it to this one year. Dave, who is doing my back, works it and he talks about how it's such a great convention. No nonsense, just loads of great tattooing. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, but stupid tattoos taking up all my money so I can't travel to get tattoos.

It was funny looking through Tim's portfolio at the Montreal convention because I swear half of it is pictures of your tattoos. Great ones as always, and I especially love that frog. I hope you find work too because the only thing worse than having a job is looking for one.

Oh man, check out the dudes at Virtue! Making some great cider in Michigan. I've only had their Redstreak; super dry, not very bubbly, real old school cider. Fun video, too! Educational.. "

This isn't now but these were taken during my last session with Horitoshi I. The last pic was my view of the ceiling while getting tattooed.

Last week, Sarah Hurst of Vivid Tattoo, Knoxville, TN put a nice likeness of my submarine dolphins and SSBN patrol pin on my chest. My first ink at 61. I had seen a sailor getting a tattoo removed the old way - rock salt abrasion - back in the 70's when I was in, and that really scared me off (don't know what he had, but there was an old chief standing over him basically letting him now that if he cried out, he'd give him something to yelp about. Now, my grandfather served in both world wars. Lied about his age to get in WW1, and that I'm sure is when he got his tattoos. I only remember a couple of them - a cupie doll and a faked line. Someday I might get that faked line on my forearm. Maybe. I'm very pleased with my new ink. Not showy or perfect (the patrol pin has some wiggles and a run-away line, and the stars could be sharper). But, at only 4" (~10cm) wide, it has great detail - and the drop shadow was a neat surprise! These represent 10 patrols on USS Von Steuben SSBN632. A total underwater time of 2.5 years. Although my Lord and my family mean more to me, I don't have a design in mind that would represent the marks they have left on me. I guess that remains for me to represent.

Pictures taken while getting my back done. Session one: Session two: Session three. NOT FUN: Next session in a week. Can't wait, not being sarcastic there either. It seems that the more I get tattooed the more I want to get tattooed, and here I was thinking going into this that getting my back done was going to destroy me and make me want to slow down.

Newest on my calf from Ray Wallace at Sideshow Tattoo Austin. Awesome experience.

Looks good. Don't over think on the design and let your artist do his thing.

People in "complaining on the Internet" shocker - news at 11. (myself included, 9 times apparently, which is more than necessary)

Drilling the "tramp stamp" area. Joy. Love handles. My favorite.

True to a point @BrianH. Most cider is targeted towards the trend drinkers today, but cider has been around for as long as beer has, and there's some real good ones out there that are more like a "brew". The Monteiths is a N Zed cider and fits this description. Not too sweet, not too dry but with that real brew palate happening. They also do apricot & pear blends, and a Summer Berry. What makes these trendy alternatives different to most exotic tasting ciders is that Monteiths actually use Berry & Apricot wine for the flavouring, not preservatives for the flavour. The Kiwis really do their shit well. Then you have like your Westons Old Rosie's cider. It's flat with floaties. Packs a punch with a high % and is bitter on the taste. That's an acquired drink. Definitely not for the easy drinker. "Booze, Blues & Tattoos"

I know nothing about it. But there does appear to be more "craft" ciders here in the US. Downeast cider is popular here in Boston. I like one or two occasionally but too sweet for me to get proper drunk on just cider.

You're #41 (but #1 in the hearts of LSTers everywhere). #42 is next week: Brian Kaneko.

I was looking through a tattooer's pics on their instagram a while back and noticed a guy getting his back done in the background and looking like he was about to die. I looked a little closer and realized that guy was me! Here's the link to the pic. The account belongs to Jennifer Lawes, now tattooing at The Pearl in Toronto. I haven't been tattooed by her yet, but she is very good. Definitely worth checking out her work. http://instagram.com/p/n02VwcuTNO/?modal=true

Haha yes I do suspect that the HR policy is to avoid issues with workplace discrimination, especially with New Zealand Maori Moko being of cultural significance (not that I have seen one in person) - I can imagine the publicity and backlash for any employer who dare touch those tattoos with a disciplinary action! Awesome that you're able to be so bold in your workplace! I definitely don't have the balls to take the Anglo-Saxon cultural stance! But then, I suppose, there's more than one way to skin a cat.. If the firm weren't happy with my tattoos showing, they'd find another excuse to push me out of a job. Tbh, I find it hard enough being a female in law, and am already discriminated against because of my age - 23 year old HOD hasn't gone down too well with most of the oldies. The last thing I need is another thing haha. I like having two personas really, one corporate & one reckless :)

I have heard it said, during a session, that when you go to a legend, you are going for their experience. You can only get an Eddy Deutsche tattoo from Eddy Deutsche. That being said, I have been tattooed by some lesser known tattooers and legends as well. I'm very fond of my Scott Sylvia tattoo. It's both technically perfect and soulful. As far as newbies being libelous, you have to learn to follow the rules, so you can break them correctly. @hogg , what are you getting from @cltattooing ?!

Tops, and I'm digging that snake @Mark Bee. Sweeeet! "Booze, Blues & Tattoos"

Cute frog @Mark Bee!

Ugh - that sucks. I hope you feel better soon. You can also lightly run your fingernails on the shirt right over the tattoo. I know what you mean about scratching around it - yup. I just had a session last night so I'm in the "lay on my belly with an ice back on my back" stage. My smacking advice would be extremely ill-advised right now!;)

@OnyxRose - try smacking the tattoo instead. It helps with the itch, and if you can train yourself to unconsciously SMACK instead of unconsciously SCRATCH, you're golden! (A while back I was talking with a co-worker and found myself unconsciously smacking my ribs and not realize I was doing it... lol. I ended up sharing why I was behaving so strangely :) ) But it works.

I booked another appointement with Tony Nilsson! Not until mid December though. I don't know how I will get through the awfull wait!

That's really nice. I like the way it has a scrimshaw or wood-cut kind of look to it.

So much good shit happening in Asheville!

Finally booked with Seth Wood for his November guest spot in L.A. to bang out more of my dragon 3/4 sleeve. Haven't been tattooed since April, but at least I had the summer to go swimming and save up some. I'm not gonna lie; it's been tough seeing all of your awesome tattoos. I've been very tempted to get work from some great artists in the meantime, but trying to stick to my self-imposed "one tattoo at a time" rule.

My experience is somewhat similar to yours in that I got mine years ago, was one of the first in my social circle to get a tattoo, and it was not an internet design. Mine was a walk in tho, one night at Elm Street Tattoo (if I didn't know better I'd say from Oliver himself but I just can't remember) Anyway, I love it no matter what derogatory term is inflicted upon it. I hate the term and never use it.

I can vouch for Dream Cream feeling really good on a flaky tattoo. It sort of cools all the itching down. I've always been too wary of the tea tree oil to use it on a fresh one. (I like tea tree for cleaning wounds but don't know how it would affect a tattoo.)

Stay strong @SeeSea

Good times. Enjoy. Hope you have your post therapy on ice Miss. "Booze, Blues & Tattoos"

Right now they are hate handles.

Get "There are only 10 kinds of people in the world." tattooed on yourself.

King Missile - Detachable Penis:

Stevie Nicks portrait above my Fleetwood Mac quote! Got Stevie because I've always wanted the portrait, it's a beautiful design. I grew up with Stevie. In her Rhiannon period, where this portrait is from, she just held the upmost magic and beauty and I can't think of anything I adore more.

I say find a tattooer that you are really into, like I mean really into. Like every single tattoo they do is fantastic. Then put a deposit down for that tattooer. I always have really general ideas and placements in mind, then let the tattooer do the rest. My .02

@markbee that's righteous dude. It's always great to make the doctors scratch their heads. Let her know that there are better ways to get her family to visit, sheesh. Thanks for the support also. I had a different family member make an attempt last year, and this is just a reminder to be there for her, and to cherish life along with the people in it. Cheers

There's nothing wrong with going to different artists for different tattoos. That's how most of us here get tattooed. With that said, I'd suggest reading this thread before committing to a lace tattoo. I think there are ways in which you could take the inspiration from lace and make a nice tattoo out of it, but looking at that link you provided, a lot of those tattoos are going to be a total mess in a few years.

I got a piece of tribal many years ago...stretching from my big toe right along the side of my foot circling below my ankle bone. It's fucked. It fell out post heal, & cause I was 400kilometres away, I had a "mate" "fix" it up. He butchered the fuck out of it. I was blind fuckin drunk too the night I went into the shop and consuming rum while having the tattoo done. All I remember was A. It fuckin hurt. B. She tried to overcharge me to the roof for it & C. I was required to do some fast talking negotiating on the price when the big fucker walked out of the back room saying "have we a problem with the price *unt"! My negotiation skills prevailed that night as I didn't pay the bullshit price she tried on...ha, but that's a story on its own. So, I got a hoe toe...God dam it! I'm in two minds with this one. Either blast over the fucker with a solid black panel then sleeve the rest of the foot with kick arse solid tattoos or laser the fuck out of it. I'm thinking the black panel. Least it's on the side. Anyway, we've all made slight judgement errors over the years, but the moral of what I'm saying here is, even though that tattoo sucks arse, it has a pretty cool story attached to it and makes for a good yarn from time to time when someone quizzes me about this shitty piece. All of a sudden, the focus isn't on the fucked up piece of tribal but the near death experience in the Goldfields late one night with an angry biker run tattoo shop and its enforcer. Good times. "Booze, Blues & Tattoos"

First tattoo and I couldn't be happier. The work was done by David Hale out of Love Hawk Studio in Athens, GA.

I'll admit that when I got in to tattooing, I was directed to Richard Stell without knowing a damn thing about him. The guest spot news was broken on this website, and I was pushed by several members to take the plunge and get something. Should I feel dirty about that by going to a big name and not knowing his legacy? Maybe. I put my trust in the knowledge here on LST, and I never had a doubt I was making a poor decision. I wanted to be part of a community, and experience the things that other people were experiencing, so I just went with it. Was asking him to do something uncharacteristic of his style wrong? Some people may think so. Asking an artist to do a different style could be considered sacrilege to some. In my naivete I asked for something he doesn't generally do, but damn if he wasn't excited to do it. I have no regrets, and I also learned that you don't really understand someone until you meet them. You could follow artists on Instagram, and hear about them in other shops from other people's experiences, but until you sit with Stell and hear him, first hand, talk about his old biker days and how he had pet alligators and all the other crazy stuff, you can't fully understand. I would hope that people who seek out big names, solely for the name, have a better respect for that person afterwards instead of just, "Yeah I got XX to do this."

huge photos make it easier to appreciate the purple in those tiles

Dave Regan added some maple leaves to the namakubi he put above my knee at the beginning of July. I apologize for the awful day after picture. I really can't sing Dave's praises enough. He's a talented and funny fellow that makes getting tattooed a joy.

Not now, maybe not ever. Why would you get tattooed on your back anyway, you'll never see it, and unless you plan on spending most of your time shirtless, neither will anybody else.

I Had 3 hours of FUN today !! Previous sitting ! This was the first sitting, now I had 3, all about 3 hours at a time.