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You've said that you're here to learn, but I have seen very little from you that suggests you actually mean that. I recently saw some tattoos that Jack Rudy did in the mid-80s and the way they aged and settled in was incredible. They're perfect. I've seen more recent Jack Rudy tattoos as well; the guy who did my back has some lettering from him he did I think about ten years ago, and again, the way that tattoo is aging is perfect. So beyond being responsible for largely starting and popularising the genre of fine line black and grey tattooing, he's an amazing tattooer, one of the best ever. I don't think it's particularly hard to grasp why people respect him. This place used to be somewhere where actual real world experience mattered, and that maybe if you listened you could pick up all kinds of hard-earned wisdom. If you can't understand that maybe this isn't the place for you.

i dont have authority - just an opinion - one that i expressed already

This was the reason I joined the forum 5 years ago, and that most of my posts are from 5-4 years ago. Nowadays I mostly lurk the latest lowdown thread and not much else. More than half the people here have no fucking clue what Jack Rudy, and other tattooers that have been at it for as long as him, did for todays tattooartists. /rant

I actually don't see you saying anything wrong? It is hyper mascline posturing, but just look at the imagery of traditional tattoos- it's mostly aimed at men, so is anyone really surprised that a tattooer used the word pussy to describe wimps? As for the other part, he kinda talks shit about all his friends too that wanted tattoos from him. Then again, most tattooers I've met have started the same way. I guess what they wish for is that people rather come and ask for an apprenticeship instead of just creating shit until they quit or realize that they need training. But the next legendary tattooers will probably also start out with moms india ink or a china machine.. oboogie do you ever play any other card than the age card?

I traded messages with my artist - gave him some thoughts on my idea for my right upper arm and what I'm looking for in terms of meaning. Got this back: "Yeah I really dig the idea. I don't have much time this week, but next week I'll be able to start sketching on it. I'll let you know when you can stop in and check it out." I'm psyched. Probably will schedule mid-September - I want to be well healed before we head of to Antigua in late November to celebrate our 42d wedding anniversary. This is the 15th anniversary of 9/11 and, given my experiences that day I want something that expresses my feelings towards our Nation and the emotions of the day.

Thanks, all! He is home now and still sleeping off the sedation (and snoring). After carrying him four times today, I realize that I really need to work on strength training! (58 lbs). He's sutured and bandaged and as soon as the sedative wears off must wear the "cone of shame" for 10 - 14 days. Several fairly big wounds were cleaned an left open. Also has two drains that have to come out Saturday.

I asked a simple question purely out of curiosity. You can't answer it? Alrighty then. I'll go with my instincts here — you are quite young. Well said, @Graeme. (And @ChrisvK below.) I wish I'd found this place years ago. So much to learn here.

its funny though how someone could come to this forum and the best they can do to contribute is rip on Jack Rudy - goodbye in advance

I think that if it starts out great, it will age great. If it starts out marginal..... it won't get better.

People are Asian. Rugs are oriental.

@Tiresius here's a re-work my bud Scott Rusnak did.. caption: "Was honored to rework this Johnny Two Thumb tattoo today! The original was done in Singapore around 1983. Thank you Bob!! "

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I don't think you understand what tattoos are.

how disappointing that would be

Worrying isn't going to help anything at this point, but it is going to stress you out so don't worry about it. You're going to need to let the tattoo heal and judge from there what, if anything, needs to be done. If you have any questions about healing the best person to answer them is the person who did the tattoo.

Sending good thoughts for Rocky!!!

Rocky, our daughter's dog, was attacked by a pack this morning and we had to take him in for emergency suturing and a drainage tube. We can bring him home this evening. I suspect the pack is actually a bunch of dogs that hick neighbors just leave running free and feed about once a week. One of my tattoos is a heart like the one on Rocky's ear.

Lango is moving to Blackheart.

Isn't it great when one's ideas are met with enthusiasm? The artist I saw was also stoked with my idea - but he only had an appointment available in a year and really, I will probably change my mind two dozen times before then! I'm thinking 6 weeks though is a pretty good waiting period - as well as the date being so significant to you.

Old enough to see where this is going and decide not to go there ?

Wizards and Baphomets on big fat bellies are an excellent idea. Also vultures. Big flaming panther heads. Generally tough tattoos plus fat bellies =

When I see other people's tattoos, I don't usually look at them thinking "that would look better if it was reworked." I was simply observing the beauty of a tattoo that was done over 50 years ago and has been left untouched since. Tattoos obviously can be reworked, as shown above. But I enjoy seeing them like they were intended.

Chad Koeplinger and Oliver Peck were both at the Stells' shop this last week. DAMMIT. Why didn't I go over and get some work done and hang out? I am leaving this week on vacation, so that's why. BUT DAMMIT.

Shouldn't tasks that happen before/after tattooing ideally be reflected in the price? I mean if an artist has to receive a tip to make up for their time then they obviously have no idea how to price themselves right.. Besides, if they need to be tipped for doing tasks that are absolutely a part of their job then something is really, really wrong here. I know that math and business is not the favorite subject for a lot of creative people, but it's not that hard to figure out. I personally hate the idea of mandatory tipping almost as much as I hate prices listed without tax. I would love to tip just based off how nice/professional an artist is towards me as a customer, and not tipping at all is an option if an artist is being an asshole or unprofessional. How much would I like to tip? If you can get drunk off it then that covers a days work.

The pain creates vulnerability, it reveals your true self. Through the pain you can receive clarity. My tattooer and I were talking about the tattoo pain threshold yesterday actually. We were discussing how everybody receives 'X' amount of tattoo credits, some receive more than others. But once you're credits are used up, they are used up and tattoo pain will be worse for you moving forward. So tattoo and spend your credits wisely!