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My arm isn't done, and I've only really started on one, but I can actually contribute! So I shall. :) Taking pictures of my own arm is hard, and I suck at it. There are individual pictures of these in my gallery, though, anyway! I was really late in coming to an appreciation of traditional designs (aside from traditional Japanese, which I have always loved). What sold me on traditional sleeves was the interesting way in which individual pieces become more than the sum of each individual tattoo...it becomes this collective aesthetic that I find so fascinating, in addition to being a very cool collection of individual images. I mention this because I have similar feelings about 'masculine' and 'feminine' aesthetics. (I'm also one of those people who thinks a man or woman can wear whatever the hell they want and still be masculine and feminine if they want to be, but that's a discussion of a slightly different variety. For the purposes of this post, I'm just using the generally accepted definitions of those words.) I think whether something reads as 'masculine' or 'feminine' in the traditional sense depends mostly on general presentation. There are tons of pictures out there of women wearing tough, aggressive traditional work, but they dress or present themselves in a way that's still super-girly and feminine. I think this look is amazing. Of course, there'll always be people out there who just find tattoos in general 'unfeminine' or whatever, buuut. That's really more about them, imo.

My first tattoo was done in the consummate walk-in shop, S&W Tattooing in Amityville, NY. Flash all over the walls and you ordered it by letter and number. That "hot stuff" devil may have been an "A7" for all I know and they blew them out probably at least one a day for $25 each. The place jumped on a Friday and Saturday night, people lined up out the door waiting. Once you were in, you were on your way in 20 minutes. I don't recall them doing any bigger work, although the flash was there. We were in awe that a tattoo may cost over $100 and more than 1 session to complete it was unheard of. I like to see shops with flash, it gives the impulsive customer something to look at and they make a decision quickly. For me it brings me back to the shops of 1975. I also like flash to give me ideas on what I like. Some shops do have a dedicated walk-in day, which is cool. No appointment just stroll in and sit in the chair once something is picked out. Again, it takes me back a few decades. People were different then, most would dig up the $30-40 for one tattoo and get it done. Some stopped right there, some became festooned with postage-stamp sized tattoos. Why save up and get one good $200 tattoo when you can get 5 little ones, 1 every pay day?

Here are a few. the whole half sleeve is by Mark Stewart. The arrow through the chest is by Tim Gillman. Don't have a lot of pics available of my other stuff.

I forgot to add an update after the last appointment, so here's the quick video of the half sleeve all healed up, that was another killer 8 hours: Instagram I also got more work done yesterday on the bottom half of the sleeve, lioness is about 70% finished(7:30 hours): Instagram Next appointment will consist of finishing up the lioness and hopefully get both of the cubs done on the inner forearm. Once that's done there should be one or two final appointments to go back over everything. So pumped, Jesse is fucking amazing. Really happy with the progress

Great story, @Colored Guy, and cool idea for a thread, @cltattooing. I love the feel of a shop crushed with flash. I've been in a few shops that have next to no flash on the walls, and it always feels very odd to me--even elitist at times. Plus, there's something about seeing artists deal with walk-ins that I really like. The negotiation, the hustle (on both sides of the dummy rail), and the end result.

Hello, I have been a lurker of this website for some time now and decided to join as a member. I have approximately 40 hours of tattoo work on myself. Notable artists I've had work from are Mark Stewart, Tim Gillman, and Paul Sorcigli. I am scheduled to get my chest piece started on March 14th, from Virginia Elwood. I love bright and bold traditional tattoos and reading about the history of tattooing.

Agreed completely with this, especially about how placement is often the difference between good tattoos and GREAT ones. I think not only is it a hard thing to explain here, other than that it's one of those things where you'll know it when you see it, but it's something that really requires seeing tattoos in person because photos don't give a very good sense of placement, or of the movement of tattoos. Placement is something that is kind of irrespective of genre too. If you've seen Filip Leu's tattoos, I mean in real life, not in pictures, they way they sit is incredible. They look like they were meant to be there and that they were always there. My wife @Pugilist had her back done in a folky Americana style by Stephanie Tamez and it's the same, even though the style is totally different than Filip's. What was neat about seeing that tattoo come together was how immediately it looked like the tattoo belonged there.

My wife does not want a tattoo. If she did, I think this would look good on her. Combination design, placement, flowing with the body.

Ahh, gotcha! So then maybe what we are really talking about is placement and design. Placement is where/how the design settles into the flow of the body. To me it is one of the more subtle hallmarks of REALLY good tattoo design. I don't know how to explain seeing good placement in a forum post but I CAN stress to you how very important it is. Maybe what your eye is registering as "masculine" is clunky tattoo design and placement? And wanting something "feminine" has something to do with more harmonious body/tattoo flow? Idk...shot in the dark...

Here's mine. Sorry they are not as clear as they could be as they are on my right arm and I took the pics with my non-dominant left arm. The owl is a cover up of an older owl and is on the inside of my arm; the tiger is on the outside.

Starting my back with Alex Binnie in May (snake and maple leaves, possibly with japanese calligraphy). My experience so far is speaking to him briefly about what I'd like (just before getting tattooed by Duncan), then going back a month later so he could draw a rough idea on my back, etc.

Thanks a million, everyone. You've been beyond helpful and may have saved me from a lifetime of regret. You have my most heartfelt gratitude :D

This reminds me of a funny story that I forgot about until now. For a while, my wife only had a 3/4 sleeve on one arm. For a few years, she had been debating getting her other arm done. Despite the fact that her arm was beautiful and delicate and not overly tough, she was nervous that doing both would look masculine. I was talking about this with my buddy one day when we were walking around Manhattan, and we saw three or four really good looking women with two full sleeves. I joked that I was going to stop and take their pictures, but that it may come off as creepy. Ended up not doing it. Haha. Regardless, she got her second arm sleeved.

You're over thinking it.

hard one to answer - probably many dif opinions on this depending on the tattoo artist i am almost think - especially if you are going to keep getting tattooed - it would be a good idea just to find an artist you like and trust and get a small piece from them - somewhere else on your body - see how you like it - see how you heal - if you are feeling good at that point - talk to the artist about your coverup ideas for your chest - see what they think the content should be ballpark what you like but let the artist help with the execution of a tattoo you are going to be proud to wear - dont rush yourself into another mistake as for the other artist - hey live and learn - i think most of us have pieces we dont 'love' anymore - part of the game dont stress though - tattoo on - its a journey

Yeah at this point, it's time to talk to the shop helper at Kings Ave instead if LST. Good luck! I mean that in a nice way too.

OMG @sophistre !!! You arm is blowing my mind!

I think if I was to start over knowing what I know know and was tougher than I actually am (or at least wanted to give that impression) I would get a Curly body suit. Hands down the toughest look in tattoos. I love that heavy British tribal thing.

Thank you! I wasn't sure if people would rip on my work bc it's not huge pieces but either way its cool. Started off small and working my way up! lol. Thanks again! - - - Updated - - - thanks Tornado! My mother passed in 06 and always thought I would do the traditonal Mom Heart tattoo but the plane sky writing her name got in my head one day and then the dilemma became who would the pilot be & I thought a frog bc she was a leap year baby but I wasn't keen on that idea so my wife said what about Churchill who was our family cat that passed in 2012 & we had her for 17 years & that was it...100% sold lol. Every time I look at it I just laugh and think of the good times.

My arms are still in process but here's the 1/2 sleeve so far

@TrixieFaux absolutely love your arms...so beautiful...fits perfectly with you :) - - - Updated - - - oh...and my arm so far...

Here are my lady arms! My right arm in the left pic was still in-progress. Not too masculine for my taste.... but I guess it all comes down to personal taste. Get what you like! I also don't know what a deco-ish googah is...?!

So.... We're putting on a show.... April 24-26, 2015 in Downtown Tulsa, OK.... We are still working on the site, and getting artwork done, but.... oklahomatattooshow We're trying really hard to get a well-rounded line-up together, and put on a nice event for not only the artists and vendors, but more importantly to showcase some amazing tattooing to our new home state.... Feel free to message me or shoot an email directly to the show if you or anyone you know is interested in participating, or just attending the event... Thanks, Jen

Yes, I definitely think that we are talking about placement and design now. I get what you are saying and this line of thought. This is one of those things that you share with your tattooer and they create a design that doesn't have strange lines or cut offs that disrupt the overall appearance of whatever body part on which the tattoo is placed i.e. is flattering. - - - Updated - - - Yes! Let's keep the lady arm pics coming! I'm so into it! Just waiting for the opportunity to get some taken of mine...helpless to take my own pics.

Yes! All of these names are so great! Very excited to have a solid list to show him. You guys are a gorgeous, crystal-lined fountain of perfect information. Thank you!

before you get on with those big plans make sure you have an artist you have trust in - coverups are not easy and you dont want to feel worse about what you got on ya than you do now i would not go back to the artist that did your original piece

Hi @JOACOISBACK Welcome to the forum! If the idea of "Igualidade Animal" is what you are going for, maybe consider representing the word "animal" with pictures of several different animals. It may also give your new tattooer more options for effective cover up (instead of trying to do it all with one eagle wing). It would also give you the option of working everything into a single chestpiece with the word "Igualidade" surrounded by different animals all the way onto the other side. It could be a very strong visual message. It would be very important to find some one who really knows what they are doing so you end up with something that proudly represents the idea that you love. Good luck and all the best :o

going in friday in hopes to talk with an artist to do a dragon piece on my upper leg.

Welcome to the forum! When I think of something twisting around something in a tattoo, I think of a snake.

@graybones: Talking about the sleeve, Greg and I both said we really wanted to take the negative spaces into consideration too, since I find it so striking when it's done well. I'm glad you think so too! I was amazed taking pictures of it at just how much space I still have left, too. @CShaw: Awww, thank you!! This is the first time I've taken pictures of it (or tried to), so it was my first time seeing it from a different angle, too. It felt weird, haha.

@keepcalm Deno and Seven Doors SEVEN DOORS TATTOO

Great suggestions here. Add Matt Black to the list, too, please.

Awesome read and wealth of personal and informational opinions. I for one look for different things on a tattoo shop... Time in business/owner span/Credibility/clean and over all look/artists/customer service/etc.... I had one bad experience looooong time ago that made me just never wanting to get a tattoo again.... This is why I am not immerse in the worlds of tattoos hence my ignorance/n00bnes in the scene.... But... Now days I tend to do allot of walk-ins and I am that one guy that walks in to your shop and ask for custom work and maybe set an appointment if everything sets right (I am bad with appointments).... I am now starting to get in to it again. I love the art/collection/representation of tattoo's... I just wish there was more "walk-in friendly/consistent" shops in my area.... Let explain what I mean.... I walk in to a "studio" 3 weekends ago.... The front desk girl greeted us (Me and my brother) and was nice... She ask what I was looking for.... I Explain about wanting a cover up... She look clueless and said I need it to make an appointment with an artist because judging by the look of it I was looking at anywhere from 20hrs to 30hrs to get that covered up.... I asked her a few details regarding her "estimate" she quickly got a bit aggravated and said she had not been working there for long and she had no idea and all artists where busy.... Than she keep pressing for the appointment... I explain my problem with appointments and work.... Than she said "sorry" nothing we can do... Than she helped other people... I said thanks and walked away... I really wanted to score and appointment with a well known artist there that I knew about but for me to keep appointments is hard due to the nature of my job/position/hours... Take the example with Brett Osborne... I had an appointment for Tuesday at 5PM and thanks to my job that quickly went down the drain...:mad: Is not like I can tell my job... "Sorry bud... cant do it... I have a appointment to get a tattoo".... I am sure that will not set well with my boss.... Results of this = Now he does not bother with my emails and I understand why.... :mad::mad::mad: At any rate... Went to another shop the same night explain my situation and had an appointment set for the next day. The cover up took about 8hrs total (Two sessions) and I was able to work out appointments with lots of flexibility... The Artists was flexible and understanding with me. Yes a small portion of my piece did not turn the way I wanted but I got contacted by the artist and owner... They will fix that area and make it how I want it. I am happy again :)

Weatherholtz is a great tattooer and he can do just about anything. You won't be sorry! And to top it all off, he's a super nice dude with a really positive attitude. As far as the, "How did you guys know these places are good shops?" it just comes from looking at thousands of tattoos, getting thousands of tattoos (collectively) and being exposed to situations where you can see tattoos in person. Just keep researching, keep looking and learning, and go visit shops and get tattooed. And disregard Yelp entirely. After a while there will be a moment when you say something like, "Wow, those lines are so clean, and I love those little tips of purple he snuck into those leaves." And you'll probably think, "Huh. Where'd I learn to look for THOSE things?"

Finally get to post in this thread!! Screen capped right off Instagram. Karl Lark/Bert Grimm? lady head flip by Jason Phillips at FTW in Oakland, CA. Ribs are brutal. But I'm stoked on the end result. Felix by Adrian Sanchez at FTW in Oakland, CA for their 14 Year Anniversary Party. I've always wanted a Felix tattoo. It fit perfectly in the spot.

3 great artists that do what you are looking for. Justin, Rose and Shaun, all located in 1 shop in Long Island. A visit to Kings Ave to discuss availability and interest of the 3 artists might be a good next step.

Not mine (my arms are blank as of yet ;-)), but gorgeous: by Andrea Ottlewski, Slave to the Needle

Beautiful lady arms! Here's mine, along with some unasked for lady back and butt (in progress). All of mine are done by the same tattooer, Gemma Pariente at Full Circle. I don't think sleeves are masculine on a woman, get what you wish, epic tattoos are for everyone.

@TrixieFaux Your arms are the best. Almost makes me wish I'd gone with all black and gray!

That's rad. I say keep it. In another 7-8 years you might love it.

Reading something someone wrote here, that it will never be unprofessional to wear a long sleeve shirt at work, emboldened me to go down to where I wear my watch. In hindsight I wish I'd been convinced earlier since it would have let me get bigger forearm pieces.

i like it already - i vote keep it

6 hours in one session for me, and that was the Giger piece on my thigh (pics in my intro thread if you want to see). @Swifty Yes, I know that spot you're talking about! Felt like he was tattooing my neck, though mine was 15 years ago. I still remember it, some experiences never leave you eh? :)

2nd Appointment done. This one was freaking brutal, he worked the back of the arm for a solid 4 hours and I was completely tapped out on any kind of pain management my body could muster... we spent another 3 and a half hours on the background/sky and I gave up... the shame. I just couldn't keep going, the back of the arm and the top of the shoulder is some serious, serious business. I'll provide better shots once its healed, of the back showing the finished mane and hopefully a better shot of the sky, although it's no where close to finished. Going back in on December 1st, can't wait!

Here's mine by Jeff Rassier. I also posted a fresh pic in the latest tattoos thread but here it is healed.