Leaderboard

Finally finished. Ever since my first "off the wall" flash tattoo in 1989, I have always dreamed of a full back tattoo. It was a year long experience that I'll never forget. I'm happy it's done and really happy I won't be in a constant state of healing anymore!

I think it's also worth noting that the "labour of love" thing is also often used as a cover to underpay/overwork people, i.e. if you are doing it because it makes your soul sing or whatever, then that is reward enough. Loving what you do does not mean you don't deserve to be properly compensated for it! You get a lot of that shit in academia too.

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!

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

Hawk knocks a drone out of the sky

Well, I'm officially inked. :o This thing took 9 hours to bang out, I couldn't be happier. Jesse is so damn talented. Already got the next 3 appointments booked, going back in on November 7th to hopefully finish the top half of this sleeve so we can start working on the bottom half in December.

@hogg articulated real well what it's all about. alot of times i post the tattoos i got coz i'm stoked about them but after a while i pull that shit down because my thinking turns to something along the lines of this is my tattoo and it's for me, my experience and our ideas...so some stay up some get pulled...just depends on my mood really and it's probably kinda weird at the same time. few rarely stay up on instagram for sure. i only have few tattoos from big name dudes. stell is one, and honestly, as i was thinking about that i didn't really think many of his tattoos are what i'd want on me, but he seemed like an interesting dude. i ended up with a rad tattoo but more importantly, stell is a rad dude and it was a fun experience. yeah it was fast, kinda loose and not the cleanest but it has soul and all the proportions are right, it looks proper from a ways back like it's supposed to. as far as eddy and horiyoshi losing it, you gotta do your part too, come up with a good idea and don't overdo it. i see that shit all the time on steve byrnes instagram, people asking for so many things that it just makes the tattoo ridiculous and it loses soul. like the person ordering a custom whatever and they decide well since it's custom, i'm gonna get all this shit and really go all out...but damn maybe that's the tattoo they need coz that's their personality and that's the tattoo they deserve. i'm rambling now, i should've just said i like to get tattoos from dudes i like to hang out with. the fact that these dudes aren't all over instagram is huge fuckin bonus. - - - Updated - - - makes me think of this

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 just wrote this whole long rant but then I reread the thread and realized I couldn't say it any more simple or eloquent than this. If we're being honest, aren't all our tattoos a form of narcissism to some extent? Also, if we're talking "famous," how many tattooers can the average person name? Kat Von D, Ami James, maybe Bang Bang (who's famous mostly because he tattoos famous people)? Totally agree with the idea of seeing tattoos in person vs. tiny closeups on Instagram. Seeing Shige and Jeff Gogue tattoos up close and personal at the Perseverance opening blew my mind – like I had no idea how powerful a tattoo could be. It's like looking at pictures of paintings in books vs. the real thing.

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

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]

Tiny Lady Tattoo Font #27 :D

Ooh, I love that book with the blue cover!

Yesterday. Sorry if it's too big.

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.

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.

I worked once in a bookstore and while I liked that job, it was pretty much entirely shelving books and answering really dumb questions from customers. I don't even remember how many times somebody asked me to help them find a book when all they could remember about it was MAYBE the colour of the book's cover. I brew beer for a living now and pretty much everybody in the world thinks that I have the greatest job ever, because apparently grown-ass adults think that brewers sit at the bar and drink beer all day. Which isn't what I do. I think I've had a proper sit-down, take the time I'm legally entitled to lunch break maybe two or three times in the seven years I've been a brewer, because I don't have time for breaks in a regular workday. If I may go on a tangent here, I think you're right that there's a lot of envy here and a misperception that there's something, I don't know how to express this, maybe more "soulful" about working with one's hands. That book "Shop Class as Soul Craft" that came out a few years ago and was fairly popular despite being overall pretty terrible was a big purveyor of this kind of bullshit. I think also Richard Florida and the whole bullshit notion of a "creative class" and the idea that we're all involved in some kind of creative enterprise (you know, like working in a big box retail store, and just make sure that this so-called creativity has an economically useful function) hasn't helped with the idea that artisans have these wonderful jobs. Work is work, it's a means to an end.

Yeah haha hence the 'may have bitten off more than I can chew' part! Erin seems to think she'll be able to finish in the three days, and I'm stoked. Though I did say I was prepared to wait half-finished until next time she is in New Zealand. Luckily I'm not a large girl, so there's not a huge amount of actual back area to tattoo, which will mean less hours; and we aren't doing down to back of thighs, just top of shoulders to below trouser line (half ass?) .. I don't really know though, she can do what she wants haha. Her work is amazing, and I'm so excited that she's able to find time to tattoo me! I emailed her last November after seeing her at the NZ Tattoo Festival asking when she would next be here and if I could book a bunch of time, so have been patiently waiting for her return (while finishing my left sleeve with my local artist). The finished back piece will definitely be worth the pain! I don't know entirely what I'm getting yet, I have given her a bunch of subject matter to work from in terms of images etc.. A bunch of old Salvador Dali sketches, some Greek mythology imagery, and stuff.. But basically I told her that she has free reign. It would be a shame to tell her what to draw I think, she's so talented that I trust it'll be amazing whatever she comes up with!

LST, Been coming here a while to read up on tattoos and watch the videos. Finally decided to create an account so I can interact with the community a little more. Really enjoy the website and look forward to sharing with y'all.

Oh, and does anyone know anything about these photos? Found them uncredited on line but they look maybe Burchett-y to my untrained eye. Pretty sure they're the back nad front of the same man These are indeed photos of the same man. His name is George Smith, of Sheboygan, WI, and was tattooed by Amund Dietzel. The photos I've got are dated 1928. and nearly every tattoo he's got, can be matched to Dietzel flash. The back piece as well, 'The the Ascension of Christ' was a personal favorite of Dietzel's. There are at least 4 examples of it in photographs, and it's mentioned in a newspaper article as well. http://solidstatemilwaukee.com/books/

My folks saw my new tattoo today and my mom said it was pretty, remarked that it went together well with the other one on that leg and then said her usual "please don't get any more/I don't understand why you're doing this" piece. Still think she's gonna end up with some flowers on her shoulder some day. She thought Chad Koeplinger was a very nice man...

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.

No advice, as I am one of the people you would undoubtedly turn away, but one of the reasons some people do it is because they can't get any visualization of what is going to permanently be put on their body otherwise. They are afraid to trust a stranger with their skin and they're not willing to let their skin be an open canvas to whatever. So they do their own research (feels like part of the tattoo journey to mostly non-tattooed people) and pick a design that they love and that looks flawless and they fall in love with it for its specific details, and why it spoke to them. Also, I have been turned away from shops because I didn't bring a design Id picked out already. So sometimes a person can't win no matter what. I will say this, at least you turn them away instead of tattooing different than the design without telling them. Cuz it sucks when that happens.

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."

I am slammed at work, yet I just read this entire thread. And I'm glad that I did, because there's some great back and forth in it. Thanks to everyone who posted something good here. I don't count my tattoos, but I do keep a list of who has tattooed me. Two weeks from today, I'm getting something from someone who's been on my wish list for a few years now. He'll be artist #42 for me. Then again, I started getting tattooed 20+ years ago. Some of the names on that list are very well-known. Some of them are complete unknowns. One of them is no longer alive, two of them have since stopped tattooing, and three of them were shit on in the this thread's first post. ;) Not a single name on that list makes me better (or worse) than anyone else who gets tattooed. But every one of them is a part of a story--my story. Just as every tattoo I have comes with a story of its own. I love meeting people and sharing stories, which is part of what I love so much about getting tattooed and hanging out with awesome people like so many of you. I'll stop rambling now, but thanks again to those of you who made this thread worth reading.

Hey everyone, Obviously a newbie, figured I'd finally introduce myself. I'm originally from Quebec, Canada. Met my American wife back in 08, got married in 09 and have been in New Hampshire since 2010. She's always had tattoos and I always thought she looked amazing with them and finally decided to take the plunge about a year and a half ago when I began doing research for shops, artists that fit what I wanted to do. Been lurking on this forum and absorbing as much information as possible since then... Found the perfect artist a year ago and got on his waiting list, been sketching and saving reference pictures and ideas ever since... finally received the call a few weeks back and I'm finally booked for October 10th for the first session and a 2nd session on November 7th. I'm going all out, starting out as a 30 year old fresh canvas, I'm getting my entire left arm sleeved. The plan is to get the 2nd arm done pretty much as soon as the 1st one is all finished and healed up. Money's already saved up and ready to go, I don't think I've ever been this excited to hurt for anything else in my life. :D

AND I JUST GOT ATTACKED AGAIN!! This time it yanked my glasses off my face!!! MY FACE!! Two weeks ago another crow dive bombed me and chased me for two blocks. It is TERRIFYING. Lessons learned: - Late May - Late June = fledgling season, and crow mothers are no different from mothers anywhere and will attack any perceived threat to their babies. Any perceived threat like walking under a nest you don't know is there. Walk somewhere else for the month. - Crows remember up to 200 discrete faces and also talk to each other. Don't piss off crows. - They like to nest in big, tall trees. - If you hear warning caws (I did NOT get a warning just now) then GTFO. Just do it. I like to walk and my walk to my chiropractor's office is usually quite pleasant but I think I will take the bus home BECAUSE SCARY BIRDS SWOOPING AT YOU FROM THE SKY AND FROM BEHIND IS FUCKING TERRIFYING! I dealt with this as a kid in Oklahoma. Kite hawks, anyone? My friends and I took to walking to each other's houses in the summertime with bike helmets on. One day a bunch of high schoolers in an open jeep drove up and started making fun of us for walking with helmets on....guess who got swooped?! Lesson. Don't fuck with birds.

Check here for all sorts of "boob out all over the place" advice: http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/general-tattoo-discussion/5371-ladies-thread.html "Only been 6 hours ..." that's damn good. It seems that the body starts giving out after 5-6 hours from what I read and my own experience. I made it to 8 once in the wee hours of the morning, but I was in a sorry state. As much as I've fine-tuned managing proper hydration, temperature control (warmth) and food, I think the body just runs out of reserves. And then there's the mental fortitude. Truth be told, that goes a loooong way. Countless times I've had to yell at myself to put on my big girl pants and suck it up. Mantras and a lot of self talk. My last couple of sessions, we were watching documentaries on a big screen in the room, and I found that I was distracted from the pain more during one of them because I was getting pissed off at what an idiot the narrator was. ;) She'll probably have advice about sitting long, but it would probably be good to schedule some nap time, or at least some bits of time away from the machine where you can recharge your nerves. Perhaps a couple good solid breaks each day.

This is NOT my back yard, but I wish it was! So much fun! https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10151658937849364

I've been a customer there for about ten years. Solid work and really good people.

Congrats Erin's work is awesome!

Yesterday I went in for my second (and final) consult for my back. I'm so incredibly in love with what we are doing. But as I'm still trying to get all the rough drawing off my back/ass/and thighs this morning I can't help but be nervous as all hell. I'm not brand new to getting tattooed, been getting work for over a decade, but talk about jitters. We are doing full coverage (exactly what I've been waiting to do and kept the areas open for) and I keep thinking I'm going to tap out early often. I know I won't. Everyday I go in for an appointment I'll be driving 5hrs (round trip), so I'm hoping mill get my head right on the drive in each time. But so not looking forward to driving home after ass or thigh work. Again, jitters galore. I'm now just talking in circles and feeling like a wuss. Anyways, kudos to all of you who have committed and started/finished the process. This thread rules.

My tattoo artist is Andy Ferrier out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, which is where I am located. Andy is an amazingly skilled artist who wins handfuls of awards and is known for his line work, detail, shading and Big pieces. He works at a shop named Utility Tattoo's. Check out his gallery. - - - Updated - - - May have used the wrong terminology. The organic reference was meant for the line work and style of filler and shading, it is very flowing as opposed to bio-mechanical or something more rigid. Will post some pics when I figure out how. - - - Updated - - - I would like to think I am as awesome a chef as my username applies, :cool:. 25 years in the industry, mostly in high end French dining. - - - Updated - - - Working on first 1/2 sleeve, 3 mean looking skulls with glowing red eyes and flowing hoods and lots of shading and flowing lines for the filler and background. All black and grey, except for the red eyes, with a lot of really heavy black to make it really pop. All of the line work done ( 5 hours ), and 1/4 of the shading done. Should be all done by end of December. Will start working on the other 1/2 sleeve ( right side ), in april, to be followed by attaching the two sleeves by doing the chest ( no abdomen) then the top half of the back.

Welcome. I grew up in Wellington, nice to see another Kiwi here :-)

@Shaggy @Iwar thanks very much for the kind comments. All of those lines together weren't actually all that bad. I prefer it when it's just one area that is worked on since it all seems to just go numb and I can zone out from it. There was one moment when Ian asked me whether I had fallen asleep because he thought I was snoring. I could only respond by saying that it wasn't quite that relaxing. But it honestly wasn't all that bad. Except the bits around the tail bone that he did right at the end. Those bits feel like being scratched with massive thorns. Not so pleasant all in all at that point.

Started reading The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. I hear it is first book in a short series [emoji6]

I bring in google images, and then my artist draws up something similar! I havent been dissatisfied yet! SENT FROM MY LG G FLEX ON THE NOW NETWORK FROM SPRINT!?✌

TRUTH!!!

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

This. My mom has absolutely no intention of getting a tattoo, but whenever we get to see each other she's so intrigued at how "they all go together, but they're separate pictures" and though some of the imagery isn't her favorite she seems to appreciate the work that went into them. Pops on the other hand I've been trying to get into a shop to get matching tattoos with me, just hasn't quite worked out yet.

My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was nine, and I've been on and off with it for about 20 years. I picked up knitting in January and am mostly self-taught. I spin yarn, too, something I'm also mostly self-taught at. At present I have seven projects going - three crochet, two knitting, two spinning.

Well I received the grand price today :) Unfortunatly I can't show the t-shirt together with the backpiece, but at least I got some sleeves that pair nicely with the t-shirt ;-) (and yes, I'm sooo wearing this tomorrow to the office :) )

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.

If anyone is in the same boat as me (lives too far away to make it to this event), consider purchasing the Amund Dietzel books by Jon Reiter here: SOLID STATE PUBLISHING

Agreed! My tattoos are more precious to me than almost any materialistic item in my life. The "can't be stolen, broken or lost" aspect makes a strong selling point. I lose and break shit all the time.

Im never paying anyone who's hat doesn't fit, for anything. Ever.