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Been lurking for a while, first post. The information on this forum is so helpful - thanks to all of you. I've been getting tattooed for over 20 years, starting with the obligatory celtic knot on my ankle in the early 90's (later lasered off). I took a long hiatus from getting tattooed and then dove in with a large back piece from Greg Whitehead in 2014. I'd been considering getting something more visible for a while, but needed to wait until I could fully commit mentally. I'd been following Robert Ryan for a few years on Instagram, love all of his work, and knew I wanted him to do my tattoo. Finally took the plunge last weekend and couldn't be happier. The design is taken from one of his paintings, Bardo Thodol. We left the bottom of the tattoo intentionally open-ended so I can add to it later. Wonderful experience at Electric Tattoo in Asbury Park, great people all around, and VICE was there shooting a documentary on Robert for the Tattoo Age series. My tattoo might be famous! We'll see if it makes it into the final cut. Anyway, great to be here!

I have a new girl friend! She's my age, nice looking, we're on the same page with politics and lots of other things. She's also a bit of a gym rat like me and takes care of herself. She digs tattoos and is considering her first one. I'll have to see how it goes, but were having fun. I'm getting a tattoo started tomorrow night and she's going to stop in for a while.

that would end up looking like a big black blob on your arm,IMO that would not transfer well to a tattoo. maybe you should wait a few years to really think about it and find a good artist. and welcome to the forum. sit and stay a while and do some reading and then do more reading here.

Yesterday they had a goodbye luncheon for a couple of us that are being laid off. This is awesome, because we were both planning to retire! Saved 2 jobs, got severance pay and Cobra, and in 6 months we can go back to consult if they need us. Gave us both remembrances that say "Beam Off". Our company builds particle accelerators and medical equipment. Sent from my Le Pan TC802A using Tapatalk

I'm starting a battle royale back piece tomorrow, not my whole back since my shoulders already have work on them. The size is 13" x 13" and hopefully I'll get it lined and partially shaded. The artist made up a composite with the design pasted onto my back.

Going to have a 20 year tattoo covered and reworked into a new dragon this weekend. I am stoked! Since it's going to take several hours I got my artist several Monster drinks, a new Yeti cup and a Cuban cigar that just came in this week. I am 56 and enjoying getting new ink. Getting my first tattoo reworked is something I have thought about for years. A long time ago, a small group of new, young, and energetic FedEx managers took a ride to the Jade Dragon tattoo parlor in Chicago. Most of us walked out with new ink. 20 years later my first dragon is a little tired and faded. Old man is slowing down a whisker too.... Found a very talented young man, named Taylor at Evol Ink in Birmingham, AL. Very impressed by his work and attention to detail. Shop is first class. Great staff! Will be posting before and after pics this weekend.

it's a real bump this time... https://www.instagram.com/chrisgrosso/?hl=en Spring now seems like an eternity away.

I see you also have a piece by Greg Whitehead. Great minds think alike!

This looks great! Planning to visit Robert soon, can't wait!

Welcome! - great intro, and great tattoo.

@DJDeepFried Man, that sucks. I was hoping that the tides had turned and the courts would rule differently. The Olympics are going to be very interesting in 2020 when the world's athletes and tourists arrive all tatted up.

So, spending almost a week with your best friend whom you also have feelings for, that are not reciprocated, might not be a wise thing to do.

5 weeks since my last update, 2 appointments in between. On the first session early september we startet coloring the scales, last session was done sunday on the International London Tattoo Convention. Great experience to get tattooed at such an awesome event!

i think i will end up tattooing my whole stomach 😄

Finished off this eagle/snake with Grez a few weeks ago. Hard to get a good photo by myself! Also got this weird reaper from Chad around the same time. For the first time I'm having trouble healing red ink but it's getting there!

Spent this weekend at Riot Fest in Chicago, spending next weekend at The New England Shake Up in MA. I am not going to want to go back to an office job after this.

hayyy! Just had my first 7 hour session about 4 days ago on my back. Man, the butt cheek HURT! I could do the back all day though. I'd have to say the itching right now is definitely the hardest part of getting this large piece. Still have a few more long day ahead before this baby is complete.

Oh @Colored Guy, I am so sorry to hear it.

When did "selfish" become the new catchcry for living your life how you choose and doing things you love? I'm apparently very selfish for choosing not to have children and spending all my money on me, and was also labelled selfish when I had my motorbike too (OMG you'll fall off and DIE! So selfish!) People need to live and let live, and mind their own damn business.

A possible case of "Never Nude"?