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Well, my 2nd session with Garver went down this past Friday. This pic was taken right when it was done. Best part is, he asked if I was interested in sleeving out my arm. I obviously agreed and more sessions are to come. Going to connect my Back to the Future portraits with some other elements.

Very new here and I have to say I find the honesty refreshing. There's too much BS in the world as it is. I'm here for quality advice and insight, not hand-holding. I've been cruising the initiation threads the last few days (got to page 71...geez) and I've seen a few threads where people just seem to be fishing for some kind of therapeutic approval. I'm all for supporting each other, but I'm glad to see this isn't a place for coddling the attention-grabbers. I like the honesty of LST. Keep it real. Just my two cents.

Gday all, In total I've got three tattoos, two of them are brand new this week, and one I've had previously. The tattoo I got on my inner bicep has bruised, and is slightly tender in comparison to the one I got the day before. One of the guys at work swears that it's infected, but I swear that it's not! I do plan on getting the rest of this armed filled in. Love this tattoo!! It has a slight blowout, but it doesn't bother me. Does it look infected? to me it's just bruising. This tattoo I'll be getting fixed up so that the blue shading is all the way through. When my arm is bent, it does make the tattoo stretch a little, so it makes it look uneven. Hopefully when the rest of my arm is filled in, you won't notice it as much. Thanks heaps guys!

My first tattoo was flash right off the wall and done kind of spur of the moment (I was 19). I loved it for about ten years and then decided to cover it up. I did a lot of research in the area where I was living at the time (this was now the mid-1990s, so the internet wasn't really a "thing" yet). I just did legwork. Checked out shops, portfolios, talked to artists. Found someone I was comfortable with whose work I admired. He did I great job. I've done the same kind of research for my most recent two tattoos, but the legwork started online and ended with meeting the artist in person, talking design, etc. I'm very happy with him, and very lucky that he works not too far from me. But I'm also kind of heading into a new phase here on LST and getting an even better education about what makes a "good" tattoo. I'm reading a lot, checking out the artist interviews, absorbing things. It's been a real education and I plan to stick around so I can become even more informed. Best way to find out what makes a good tattoo? Spend time with people who HAVE good tattoos!

You can have a good idea of what you want—black and gray roses—but yeah, don't go in saying, "I want it exactly like this." You will find yourself out on your ear because most accomplished tattoo artists aren't going to copy something exactly. Why would you want them to? Let him do his own take on it, and you'll end up with something much better.

yeah not seeing infection... who did your tattoos?

suck it up ;)

@66pens87, it's hard to say how long a sleeve would take to complete. There are many factors. How fast is the artist? How well do you sit? How well do you heal? How many breaks do you and your artist take during sessions? How large are you? The larger the arm, the longer it will take as there's more coverage to fill. A lot of artist don't like quoting time because of all the varying factors. As long as you show up for your appointments, you should be good. After your first session or two, you'll probably get a gauge on some of the above and you'll probably be able to figure a ball park time. Have fun starting a new tattoo!

I'll post in the next couple of days about brunch arrangements. I've had a super busy past few days and I haven't had a chance to make the reservation yet.

@mmmsarah where people run into problems at LST is when they beat a dead horse - post or create in 3 or 4 different threads looking for some sort of validation of their tattoo or tattoo idea - no one is bullied or picked on here - but you'll get honesty - and if you're desperate to get honesty in 3 or 4 different threads about the same damn thing - then thats what you'll get - yeah obviously traditional styles win the day here - but thats also because they tend to make the most solid looking tattoos

I edited the quote intentionally so that the info didn't remain in my post. It's not really a big deal. Also nothing wrong with talking about tattoo experiences at all, in my opinion. It was just the brand of rotary that was mentioned, which falls under the technical equipment umbrella.

Want to know what 1000 backpacks filled with school supplies destined to be given to needy elementary and middle school children look like? Here they are Our College's Registrar Office has been doing internal fundraisers for the past 4 years to fund giving the backpacks out - as well as other supplies when possible - to schools that have needy students. We started with one 3rd grade class and are now up to 3 schools and multiple classes in each. We've given out over 450 backpacks so far this year. But, a local church, Parker Hill Church, contacted us recently to say they wanted to help. Today, the delivered 1000 backpacks filled with supplies. This will allow us to outreach to schools that surround our 4 extension campuses - something we've not been able to do before. It took about an hour for us to carry them in to the storage room - but what an experience. If this doesn't put a smile on your face, nothing will.

Pitts tattoo here in Malaysia, where I'm currently staying for a few months. Should look good when it fully heals up (Only one day old)

Thanks sir for the reply. I figured those would all be take. Into consideration. I have a traditional American sleeve but pieces it together over 10 months. First time I have used this guy but I guess he is a big deal here in Portland. I am a big guy with big arms, I never take breaks (don't smoke and eat on the fly) so we shall see. Gonna be interesting. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm checking flights...doubtful I'd get in with anyone but maybe pop up for Saturday.

Agreed. I have three tattoos, so I'm by no means the expert that some people are on this board, but I have found that bringing in a few different reference pieces and then letting the artist create something all their own is really the way to go. You need to trust them. And no good tattooer is going to copy someone else's work exactly anyway (at least that's my experience -- good artists respect each others' work and don't want to rip each other off). Find a good artist, trust them, put in your two cents, and you'll end up with a piece that's uniquely yours. Good luck :).

If he is capable of doing detailed work he should be capable if doing detailed roses. If you are unsure just ask him. Most of these concerns can be discussed with your tattooer. You dont need a middle man. I would also advise you not to be concerned about it being exactly like the photo given. Every artist is different and does things differently. If he does good work he will do a good tattoo on you. Take it from someone with allot of tattoos. My first few tattoos I was so concerned about it being exactly like the photo I showed them, and they didnt turn out as well because of that. They would have looked better if I would have just let them do their thing. Now I just let the tattooer do whatever they want. Trust your tattooer. They've been doing this longer than youve wanted to be tattooed. You are over thinking it.

Some use stencils some do freehand or a combination of the two. Guess you'll find out. Post a pic when it's done! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks oboogie! I've enjoyed your posts!

tattoos go through many stages while healing,and they take months to heal,they will never look like the day you had it put on,EVER again.I have both knees and both wrists and both elbows covered and they do not look any different than my other tattoos.even after years, after the healing is done, 1)keep it out of the sun or use sunblock forever. 2)keep daily lotion like aveeno on them forever.

@ligatortat didnt you just get your tattoo relax and enjoy it - it aint going nowhere touchups...meh

I would have to disagree. My experience has been totally the opposite - people have been helpful and tolerant. Again, this is a tattoo forum. People who frequent it tend to be passionate about tattoos and that sometimes leads to strong opinions and discussions. In the end, though, it's a personal decision as to how much stock one places in another's opinion or idea. I have only one tattoo - and it is not of the prevalent style. No one has ever made me feel unwelcome.

Thanks, Devious6, I've enjoyed reading your posts . And thanks for the welcome, sighthound. Below is my new hawk (pic taken right after it was done; three weeks healed now). It's a tribute to my Dad who died in 1990 and loved red-tailed hawks. Kind of nice to have him "with" me permanently.

forearm is easy spot

"Just focking do it" - Me when my tattooer asks if Im okay. Its going to hurt. Its a tattoo. Just take it.

I like the idea of a tattoo community,here and in the real world,I do feel a brotherhood/sisterhood connection with other tattooed people,I am an outgoing person and I enjoy interacting with other tattooed people in the real world,some tattooed people are open and receptive to conversation,some aren't. either way,yes,I believe there is a connection here and in the real world amongst tattooed people.But at the same time I do welcome questions from and conversation with plainskins as well. and in the real world I enjoy the stares and attention I get from being "different" because of my tattoos.

Went to Seven Doors Tattoo in London yesterday for a drawing session. Had to bring the little one (their suggestion, as we had trouble finding a good date)... So I haven't actually got a new tattoo yet, but my son got two! A butterfly and a crazy design from Deno. Both put on by Yutaro who was really sweet to him. He's very proud now and thinks they are super cool :-)

instagram - to me - love it or hate it - is a game changer for evaluating what to expect from a tattooer its not everything - but its huge i like when artists post regular work not everyone does this but when i can go a year or 2 deep into someones IG and i see hundreds of tattoos they did well that says something if you see a consistent body of work that pleases you then you can feel confident that you will probably be pleased with the outcome of your tattoo like i said - its not everything but its a big thing in the current processes of choosing an artist i personally love IG i have mentioned to a few artists that i liken it to growing up and looking at the sports pages following your favorite athlete well - i dont follow sports these days like that but i like going onto IG with a cup of coffee and checking out the latest pieces of awesomeness that my favorite tattooers have posted anyway good luck in your search i also am a big fan of the LST interview section fun stuff and you'll get some good perspective on the world of tattooing

My father had a tattoo - got it while in the Marines during the Korean Conflict. It was a traditional skull with a snake weaving through the eyes and mouth. But, since he passed away in 1997 and I was 60 when I got my first tattoo - just about a month ago - this wasn't a big problem. My mom is in a nursing home and I showed it to her the day after I got it. She asked why I got it, I told her and she smiled and said it looks good. End of story. :cool:

Not sure about this. Without context it just looks like someone is taking a shit haha

I am curious why bad tattoos are so popular. I mean, I can understand that someone who knows nothing about tattoos goes to a bad artist and gets a badly done tattoo. I did that myself. What I don't understand are why tattoos lacking any creativity or art are so popular. For instance, why do people want to put typewriter text on themselves? Why do they want so much text but no images? Why do they want flowery, descriptive text but not an image of what that text is describing? This makes absolutely no sense to me. I've been as dumb as anybody regarding tattoos but one thing I've never had pop into my mind is to want words describing beautiful things rather than the beautiful things themselves. Another one are the fads like the inifinity symbols, the text on the wrist and the exploding birds thing. Back in the 90s when I first got a tattoo the fads (the fairies, the curly tribal stuff on the lower back) at least were flattering. The current fads are so ugly. I saw a girl with the exploding birds and it looked like someone had attacked her with a marking pen. The small crap on the wrist thing looks like you're trying to sneak crib notes in to the test. The straight lines of text tattoos are so unflattering to men and women alike. I just don't understand. Am I just an old fuddy-duddy complaining about the youth of today? Has there actually been a real change in the culture to prefer ugliness over color, shape, texture and art? Any ideas?

@DragonFanSa We've been respectful and kind towards you here so far, please be respectful back to people when they tell you they find your language offensive.

No, there's not gonna be "growing up" here. It's late, and I'm tired, but I'll bite. Sit down and listen up, kid. That word has been used since WWII to put down Japanese people within the US, but only just symbolizes the ongoing discrimination and illegitimation of Asians within the US, a country where discrimination against my race is seen as more permissible than most other minority groups. Being called a jap along with other racial slurs, being treated differently and getting into fights over my race, that's not something that I'll ever grow up from. It's not like I went hard at you, I asked politely if you could not use that word. I thought that you may not have been aware that it's an offensive term to use since you're not from the US, so I wanted to make you aware. Learn to keep your mouth shut and be respectful, especially when someone asks you to.

I think English may not be your first language, but could you stop saying 'jap dragon?' Jap is a racially derogatory term - and probably because I'm Asian, but that term skeevs me the fuck out, and might make others uncomfortable too.

when I was growing up my mother was totally against piercings of any kind so when i went to Virginia beach on spring break my senior year I decided I was going to get a tattoo in memory of my cousin who was more like a brother to me that passed away when i was 14, it was on a whim tattoo just went to a shop and found a cross told him what I wanted and he made it happen. I told my mother I had just gotten my ear and nipple pierced (knowing she hated that worse) I used this to fire her up and when I got home and she was threatening to rip out my piercings if i did not remove them myself I casually showed her no part of my body had been pierced. she said that it was a terrible joke and she was upset. I then proceeded to remove my shirt and said "well if your already upset and were prepared for the worst... here is my tattoo". she was actually happy, she liked my premise, she thought it was tasteful and thoughtful and a good way to remember a person very dear to me! - - - Updated - - - spelling

I use this shit Available at most branches of Wickes or B&Q.