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Got some fun ones over the last 6 months or so: Finished up my rib piece with Theo at Spider Murphy's: Scored a walk in with Chris Wielk at Ocean Ave Tattoo: Another walk in with Cody Miller at Blackheart: And got this scropion from Alex Matus when she was guesting at Idle Hand back in September: Took all the images from the respective artists' Instagram page. Have an appointment with Jay Watkins at Spider Murphy's tomorrow, so I'll post that one soon too

One of the things that I like about LST is that the regulars are like-minded and share a genuine enthusiasm for tattoos. I know some people are uncomfortable with the notion of a tattoo “community.” However, in a sense I think that this is a “community” in that it is a group with common interests and experiences, and information to share, without judgement. Whether we like it or not, we have an interest in a practice that a many of people find pretty weird. So, there is something to be said for having a group of people available to you who do not find tattooing weird, and in fact find it quite wonderful. Even if we have people around us who don’t judge or criticize, there is still a gap between tattooed and untattooed people that you can’t bridge. You really can’t talk to them about tattooing and expect a response that is enthusiastic, supportive and understanding that you would get from another tattooed person. And you certainly can’t discuss the technical aspects or ask for advice. It is probably no different than, say, being interested in restoring old cars. People may accept your hobby, be curious about it, enjoy seeing your restored ’35 Chevy. But but the depth of conversation is limited, and at some point you wish you could talk to other car restorers so you can get into the intricacies of 1930s Chevy carburetors. It is fun to be able to “talk shop” with insiders in your field of interest, and it is fun to be one of the insiders. Speaking for myself, I’m planning a back piece and sleeves, but have almost no tattooed people around me. So LST is sort of an oasis, where I can “hang out with” tattooed people, where it is ok to be tattooed, to like being tattooed, to be heavily tattooed, and to be excited about your next tattoo. You can just talk about tattoos as much as you want. I like to read the discussions, hear how people feel about tattooing, gather information, ask questions, and chime in, knowing that I am welcome. It is the only place where I can do that. On the other hand, maybe some are happily tattooed and don’t feel any need to have like minded people to interact with. So how do you feel about LST as a community, or about the concept of a “tattoo community” in general, and does it play a role for you in you tattooed life?

Anyone going to this? Seems like a cool event, special-trip-worthy for sure. Artists so far:

I don't think you can ever go wrong with a snake and roses, but it seems like you have a few ideas already. When you see your artist, float those by him. See what he recommends or hit his strong suit. A big ass ship on the other side would complement the anchor well, in my opinion. Sidenote: You might want to rethink the hand idea just for a minute, too. A hand tattoo is a big statement and commitment, and you're just starting this journey.

Finished up my tiger with Chris O'Donnell on Friday. We added chrysanthemums, rocks and fingerwaves. I'm over the moon with the way it looks (healed photos to come) and thrilled that I never have to have the back of my thigh tattooed again! Oh, and all while having a full on vertigo.

Well worth the piece price!! Awesome piece, brother!!

Hey, sure. Cattoos are awesome :3

:3

Well, speaking of Scott, here is my shin/almost entire lower leg. It wraps in a way that makes it really hard to get a good shot. Done in one shot at the Pagoda City Convention in 2015. I'm posting from work and Photobucket is blocked, so hopefully these pics work out. Also, it should be noted that @embers and @graybones TOTM winning snakes are two of my favorite snake tattoos. They're incredible.

Beast mode! @havetsherre Marius work makes me wish i had 2 backs

freshie sssssnake bite on the hand by Scott Rusnak, Lucky Strike Tattoo (Edmonton, AB) flip side inside of the wrisssst

Yes! Best tattoo subject matter ever! 1) Winged snake drawn-on by Jeff Rassier, Blackheart tattoo finished Jan 2015 2) Snake and torch by El Monga, guesting at Spider Murphy's summer 2013.

welcome to the forums ! that symbol actually means "naked fat man dancing on lily pad"

because who doesn't need a snake and rose! Black Heart Tattoo Scott Sylvia's the best, can't wait to see him again :)

let's go Dietzel snake head by Todd Tattooer (Merci Bonsoir - Lyon / France) from last year (fresh on the picture!) Hard to take the whole tattoo on the picture but it has a tongue!

This is the other design i was playing around with - The pawn defeating the King

I actually like the shadow - lots of potential meaning in it: the true strength of the Pawn,; the desire to grow and improve oneself to become a King; How one sees oneself, not as a Pawn but a King....... If you're just a chess fan than the pawn itself is fine, but if you're looking to portray something than just being a fan of chess, your original is much better, IMHO. Placement, to me, is related to size and your future plans for tattoos. I would first find the trusted artist who understands your intent and then talk with him/her about where and how big it should be.

There are a few illustrators who I know, that draw for tattoo pieces (I have commissioned one piece from two of them for future tattoos). They both are more than aware that the designs will have to be tweaked, but it is more for me to show tattooist what I have in my head, as these people can get what I have in my head onto paper better than me. Also me telling them where planning on putting tattoo helps them as well. Not all illustrators have their heads up their own arses! :p