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Finished up with Rob yesterday. That guy is an absolute champion. It's hard to find the words to express how happy I am. Here's a link to his instagram for more vertical pics, hah. https://instagram.com/p/1y_HRiCO7e/

I'm on a roll lately... I just booked an appointment with Eddy Deutsche for mid-June!

Lol. Does this crack tat make my butt look big?

sat for my 4th session last Saturday. updated my blog with a photo you might have already seen if you follow me on instatattooedmanbuttgram. also wrote a few sentences. The Back Piece: An Uncomfortable Journey: Session Four: Shading on a Sunny Day

Bird bursts! Arrows! Infinity signs!

I was thinking a bit more about this topic and had some more food for thought... The cut of a tattoo suit (or even a single tattoo for that matter) is very important. The composition and borders of the tattoo needs to match and "fit" the body of the wearer, like it was always meant to be there. We are all different shapes and sizes! And we all have different preferences to achieve the look we desire. Some folks want their sleeves to go right up to the hand, some are content with some space on the wrist. The borders of the backpiece on the shoulders, how far up the collar/throat you go on the front, how low below the belt you (no biker backpieces! jokes). Some body types will look better with the vest style bodysuit, others prefer the full blast across. The emptiness of negative space can have a very powerful impact too, and I've seen lots of backpieces where the negative is very thoughtfully incorporated. The inner thigh, crotch, butt crack and underside is no different. Some may feel it completely unnecessary to tattoo in the crack, just like others may feel it taboo to tattoo armpits, heads or feet even. I know I did not want a stripe. For me, my tattoos (made by a dozen guys) are all continuous and blend into each other, so I knew I did not want the crack stripe and wanted to maximize the tattoo coverage, get a little freaky haha. Go however deep or as shallow into the danger zone that you and the tattooer feel comfortable with and get your suit to cut where it makes sense and for the tattoo to look good on YOUR body. Don't compromise the "cut" of your suit out of fear of the pain. We all know and expect it to hurt. Bite down on the wooden spoon for an afternoon and than bam you are in the clear, looking good and feeling confident. That's why we are all in the mess, ain't it? A tattoo after-all has to fit YOU, compliment and enhance your body and whatever else tattoo-wise you got going on. That's what I love about tattoos, it is very personalized and you can go as conservative or extreme as you desire...no need to response a no one! @Dennis suit - the cut and composition looks great. It fits the body, compliments it. Tattoos (bodysuits and one-shots alike) should look like they were always meant to be on the wearer, this is a fantastic example, very precise cuts and we are lucky to have Dennis sharing an in progress peak. The way the vest cuts on the torso, the thighs, ankles yeah man! wow @Rad Kelham ah i took the photo down off my IG after a couple days which would explain why the link is broken. Backpiece (and 25% of my tattoos) are by Steve Batt in Edmonton. He doesn't put anything online, off the radar type of guy.

I think the only tattoos that really become trendy are bad tattoos...

I think it's just a dig. They know that you are not mainstream so maybe they hope you'll stop getting tattooed or pierced if they use reverse psychology on you and call it trendy... I think my mom tried that too. Didn't work, I still like tattoos no matter what people who don't like them say! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

i would say the trendy side is the tattoo's people get, all the people getting the silhouettes of the birds and every one wanting mandallas, or getting thai unaloms and calling them spirals haha and getting them upside down. just like the tribal in the late 90's early 2000's or the celtic bands. Or my most hated tattoo of all ,the massive wall of text people seems to get with some bs quote or bible passage. People get the tattoo they deserve :D

Well, some of you pals already know, but it's relevant, so I'll tell you all. I put in my resignation at my day job so that I could be at the tattoo shop more often. It's a big scary step, but you gotta start somewhere. Also, I quit drinking after being a lush for the last 10 years. Onwards and upwards folks.

Who cares what motivates people to get tattoos and to choose particular imagery as long as they're getting good tattoos.

Feathers!

No more easy spots left.... JR Tubbs - inner arm, elbow to pit in May Nick Colella - chest eagle in June Mario Desa - Lower leg/ankle in June Smith Street crew - possibly later in the summer

I think people without tattoos might assume getting tattooed these days is simply a trend, as a way to explain its popularity, but I definitely am not a follower of trends and have simply come to a point in my life (middle age) where tattoos are more meaningful to me and I love the art of them, and the way I can express myself through them, plus I'm less concerned about public perception (getting employed, looking "professional", etc). Also it is easier now to find amazing artists than it used to be because of social media and the internet. As for parenting, I'm realizing now, after having my own kids, what kinds of things affected my parents and how I was raised, and I'm cutting them a bit more slack! I can see how hard it is to relax and allow kids to become who they are, and how anxious you can get over your kids not making the same mistakes you did, etc. My mother and I will never be on the same page, but now I realize she can't help it, lol, and she's learned to just accept me for me.

trend? no trend? if this is a factor in getting tattoos...you're doing it wrong

I don't care about nor pay attention to trends. If I am into something, I do it. Pretty simple.

I remember when I was a teenager and my parents insisted I was going through a "phase"...I probably have an embarassing notebook of tattoo doodles I was going to get once I was 18 (a whole lot of nautical stars and metalcore quotes, most likely). I don't get a lot of those comments anymore from anyone around me. I think people understand this is what I am, this is what I like, and it's been that way ever since I first learned what tattoos and piercings were and while my interests might continue to shift from those early plans, it's never going to completely go away. I think sometimes people say someone is being trendy maybe because you're coming off as wishy-washy or indecisive. The more dedicated you seem to be, no matter what kind of tattoo style or modification you're into, I think the more people will realize how serious you are. Sometimes it takes a while for people to realize your commitment. And with parents, I think a lot of the time they HOPE it's a trend because they don't want you to go through with what you're planning. :rolleyes: I think this whole thing of kids getting their first tattoo on their neck, or getting a hand tattoo when their arms are bare is part of a larger instant gratification trend. But that's still very much anti-mainstream in the sense that they're "job killers," these people (probably) won't be going on to become a lawyer and have 2.5 kids and a white picket fence. So I think there's trends within tattooing that aren't necessary the same trends found in society as a whole, your definition of a trend depends on which side you're looking from.

Tattoos are definitely more popular and mainstream than they have ever been, but remember that people have been getting tattooed since the dawn of homo sapien. My parents used to say similar things, but then you realize that when people pass judgement or ridicule upon your appearance, it's usually because you are making them confront their conditioned opinions and they don't know how to deal with that internally so they project it into you instead because you have become a symbol for that. Also when you understand that, it makes that sort of bullshit a lot easier to deal with because it's not actually about you. If it really does bother you that he's saying that stuff, hopefully you can ask him to be more respectful about it because even if he is right it still sucks to hear and doesn't contribute anything positive to your relationship, especially when it is a parent! Good luck :)

I think I've actually conditioned my boyfriend more than anything...for weeks after getting a new tattoo, if he even breathes too hard on it, he's like "OH SHIT, SORRY." It takes a good month or two before he feels safe touching them. :D

@Rad Kelham I'll happily send unsolicited butt pics to my buddies...but I don't think I'm going to post a blurred picture of my asshole on a public forum, tattoo-related or otherwise! The internet doesn't need to be broken a second time this year. ~ PM me your email or DM on IG @Dennis_kool ... as long as you solemnly swear you are not a craigslist dirty pic collector ;) - - - Updated - - - about what? seeing my sexy black ass ?! lol

Here is a picture to illustrate my awesome socks, which I have found to be vital in keeping me toasty.

This. My brother got an owl tattoo towards the end of their trendiness, and just got a mandala. He isn't the kind of person to follow trends, I'm guessing he was just exposed to those images because they were trendy. Both are awesome tattoos and will age well. Trendy things don't always have to be bad.

I made a tattoo but never tattooed grapefruit until this summer. This fruit - bad client :) I did not like to work with him)) It was made not for high quality but fo fun skydivers=)

Mandalas are the new hot shit coming into the shop I work at. I think they are super rad. I love a lot of that sacred geometry that was introduced by Tomas Tomas, Jondix, Hooper, et al. But watered down versions are becoming that new new.

Is there a tattoo trend now that will be the equivalent of the tribals of the 90s? Is it possible to predict?

Tattoos may be a trend but they're not a passing fad -- partly because that ink isn't going anywhere. You can throw out that pair of '90s Hammer pants, but you're not getting rid of that tribal tattoo armband without a laser (or some high grit sandpaper).

yeah just chiming in - hope no offense was taken - i always appreciate some good dialogue

Ultimately they are the tattooers fault, and there is nothing that you can do other than washing them daily. Doesn't mean your tattooer is a bad tattooer...I've gotten these from the best in the industry. Tattooing damages skin, especially with multiple pass pieces. Sometimes the craters heal fine and other times you need a touch up.

This is interesting to me because I had my childrens' names in script around my ankle (the three names fit perfectly) but that was about 13 years ago and it looks really boring now. A straight script font without any artistic elements at all, like it was printed out using a word processing program. I have a consultation next week and want to see what I can do to embellish the script, add to it, enhance it in some way. One of my girls was extremely horse-crazy for the first 12 years of her life, and now, at 14, she could care less about them, so I'm glad I didn't use symbols for my kid tattoos - there's way more to her than her prior love of horses. The symbolism could be something that means something to you, yourself as the parent and how you feel about being a parent. I have a real connection to bees, throughout my life in several different ways, and I have a bee tattoo already - am thinking about getting three smaller bees surrounding the larger bee to symbolize me (Queen Bee) and my three girls.

I have thought about getting my son's name in theban font and incorporating some symbolism from the alphabet too. It is just an idea for now though.

Now that is really creative! Wow!

From what I've seen, this trend started about 25(!) years ago with all of the tribal stuff and is still going strong. The tattoist that did most of my work says there's no sign it's going to let up. I think it's just a part of society. The types of tattoos you get could be trendy, and will look dated a few years from now, but that's just how life is...younger people that are image/fashion conscious will always invent new stuff to be different than older folks.

lol kids! Gota love them :D My youngest wants to get pterodactyl on his back and move his arms as if the pterodactyl is flaying... lol :D

Have tattoos become trendy in a way? Eh, I guess, though I think it's more accurate to say they've become more widely accepted. Whether it's "trendy" also depends on who you are and what you're in it for. It depends a lot on the individual and their intention/mindset. But that's just my .02.

I don't get the whole dirty details bit. You go in, discuss a full backpiece, you work on said piece. Ass, inner thigh, whatever- so be it. You both sign up for it so you best be ready to commit. I absolutely hateeee sessions on my ass/inner thigh, but it's all worth it in the end. Or some enlightened shit like that.

@CultExciter two good newses in one!! Welcome to the hot chocolate club. ;)

Indeed^. Red Letter http://www.redletter1.com/ and Chelsea Rhea at Amulet Tattoos

Uigu Lee!

it looks like you still have a lot of work left on that piece. Ask your artist for suggestions they may have great ideas. what about someone looking up into the sky

I think the split looks weird, so fill that crack up! That's a good shot of where the thigh ends on this guy!

I got my underside fully filled in February. Mine goes deep i.e. <1" radius around the asshole, no white skin with my legs together or apart. I think it looks better if you go as deep as you and the tattooer feel comfortable with. Because it enhances the natural shadow of the body (booty). It is very intense. The spot where the ass meets the thigh under the cheek is one of the most painful spots albeit one of the most thrilling sits you can have. Both in terms of physical pain and the mental block of spreading your ass for another person to perform the work in the area. You really need to embrace the vulnerability of the session to get through it. And once your ass and crack is tattooed you will have exponentially increased your no-shame quotient! I could care less now if my tattooed ass is hanging out of my shorts! Kiss my black ass! I was told the skin is very different to work on in this sensitive area. The shading appears to be cross-hatched and I do recall multiple passes, likely because of the type of skin, swelling/sensitivity, hair follicles, etc. I was face down with my ass in the air, like the sexy-wife-pose lol. Thigh hanging off the table at some points to give my guy some more room to work. I got electric shocked a few times too haha. I've got my session-report in the Full Back Piece Experience thread (Crazy Tattoo Stories). In summary, bring a towel or wooden spoon to bite down on.

I'll answer your questions, I think they're important questions and not outside the realm of reasonable inquiry. While I do think that a veil of secrecy is important to the artistic and technical aspects of tattooing, this is stuff that the customer should know about especially if you are concerned about your health and safety. In my opinion, the quality and transparency of your sanitation practices should be comparable to that of a physician. The information I am about to give anyone reading this right now IS NOT LICENSE TO GO INTO YOUR TATTOO SHOP AND SARCASTICALLY GRILL THE TATTOOERS ABOUT SANITATION PRACTICES IN A KNOW IT ALL MANNER. BE POLITE AND RESPECTFUL OR SHUT THE FUCK UP. Also don't take my word or anything you read on the internet in blind faith. This is how I keep my customers safe: Saran wrap, drape sheets, and dental bibs covering every surface of my workplace including station, armrests, and massage tables. Anything that I touch during the tattoo will have saran wrap, barrier film, or tape covering the surface. I use stainless steel tubes which are scrubbed with a detergent and then autoclaved for 60 minutes inside of sterile pouches which have steam indicators on them to let you know that they have reached the appropriate sterility temperature. I use single-use stainless steel needles which have been ethelyne oxide gas sterilized by my supply company, also with an indicator strip. Every part of my setup is single-use and disposable except the tubes which are autoclaved, the soap bottle which is autoclaved, and my machines which are wiped down with a hospital-grade antimicrobial chemical. We perform weekly spore tests on the autoclave to ensure that it is sufficiently killing all of the nasties. Once my supplies are disposed of, I also spray and wipe down my entire workspace with hospital grade antimicrobial chemicals according to cross contamination practices I have learned and am tested on according to my Blood Borne Pathogens certification that I am required to update yearly. I have been vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, although no vaccine for C exists as of yet. I am also licensed to tattoo by the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health and will gladly show you my paperwork for both my license and BBP certification. I have been asked by customers in the past to explain and demonstrate all of this information and to me it is never a hassle because I am doing my part to keep myself and my clients safe, and I do not want to tattoo someone if they are uncomfortable getting tattooed by me.

I have a feeling that anyone shady enough to cut corners with cleaning/sanitizing isn't going to answer honestly. Best bet is to go to a reputable shop.

Just over 10 years ago I made friends with this guy from Australia. We met in the emo (lol) chatroom on Soulseek. He moved to Toronto March 9th (a decision that had nothing to do with me) and we met up for the first time the weekend after that. As of April 4th we've been in a relationship. I've never been happier and more sure of anything in my life. Life truly is amazing at times. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Some awesome inner bi's here. I'm quite fond of skulls in this location. Brian Bruno Chris O'Donnell

Hello friends. It's been a while since I've posted, as it had been a while since I've been tattooed. That ended today with the first sit on my back piece. Overall, I'd say it wasn't as awful as I expected, but certain areas were downright painful. Notably the bum. Next sit isn't for 9 weeks, so I've got time to mentally prepare myself for more pain. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

yeah man, i just keep going. i don't use a lot of soap though, just take as much indirect hot water as i can stand under the shower.ouch!

I'm going to be this thread's poster child when I get famous. Suck on my future dickkkkkkkk Edit: I guess I got drunk and went on the internet again.

You added 2+2 and made 7. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory but it won't make a difference to the texture of your skin under normal circumstances. It's good for: • Reducing swelling on areas prone to swelling during the healing process, particularly near joints. (note, hands and feet often swell more than other areas but consider the number of joints in those areas. Apply 'reefer' jokes to taste) • For particularly painful areas I use it before getting tattooed. I didn't notice any difference on my arms, thighs or stomach etc. But did notice it helped me avoid the panic, allowing me to relax more during getting the sides of my ribcage tattooed. Still, nothing helps pain management more than relaxation and breathing techniques. Seriously. Before getting tattooed, eat a light-ish meal (sandwich or something), the night before try to get a good amount of sleep, drink plenty of water, relax, sit still, shut up and get tattooed. It's pretty easy. Because I'm a pussy I have a glucose drink with me, taking sips every 30-60 minutes or so. Any stuff you've heard or read about people taking this-or-that concoction of pills, or drinks or whatever. They are usually heavily tattooed people who are totally bored of getting hurt and sitting through the boring bit of getting tattooed. So they'll try anything. Once you get over 100 hours of tattooing on your body, a little of the exotic shine and excitement kinda wears off the experience. They get tattooed for the end result, not the experience. If you still have 50-80% of your body free from tattoos, you can be considered fairly tattooed but there's a good chance you'll be stoked to be in the tattoo chair/bench/whatever. It's interesting to look around the shop and check stuff out, to watch a little of the process and to be privy to the whole atmosphere that makes a tattoo shop one of the coolest places in the world, to be part of it and contribute by getting a tattoo. So sit still, shut up and enjoy it.