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Aaaannnndddd one more: this tiger is an add on from Colin Baker who works at State of Grace Tattoo in San Jose, CA. The tiger wraps around the inside of my right thigh. The Lady Warrior tattoo was completed in August earlier this year. The tiger was an add on. He also completed a very intricate Rat Warrior (yup the Chinese zodiac thing is lit on my leg), but that one was done on the back of my thigh. When I can figure out how to do a 360 degree shot of my leg, I'll post pictures of the complete battle scene. The Chinese calligraphy that I posted above, compliments this battle scene. Loosely translated it means: Brave woman, escape the ordinary.

Here is a shot of my back all healed and settled. Started and finished in 2017. Done by the one and only Eric Perfect in Philadelphia, PA.

Got this nugget in Seoul, South Korea. Done by an artist with the instagram handle @Yuuztattooer. Took about 5 hours to complete. Doesn't speak much english, and I specifically went to Seoul to get a tattoo by him (I tacked on this special trip while in Hong Kong). Quite the experience, traveling to a foreign country I have never been to before. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Enjoy!

Yup here's another one. This one was completed in Hong Kong by Erin, the owner of Bubblegum Tattoo Shop, which he runs with his wife (also a tattoo artist). He is known for his Chinese calligraphy. This was hands down the most painful tattoo experience, not only because it was on the ribs, but because he banged it out in 2 hours (I had another appointment and the design process took longer than planned).

I can see the progress but it’s on my back so don’t see it every day.

I finished my back 9 years ago and it hurt like a bitch. I prefer the traditional look anyway, but they tend to go a lot quicker too. Which is always a plus. Richard Stell did this in only two sessions. The first one was about 4 1/2 hours and the second was 10. Picture taken 10 minutes ago...

The sweetest heart award goes to @Gingerninja I just got done talking to a tattoo artist today that my girlfriend goes to about my piece. The planning, the travel, the lodging, the eating, the appointments themselves, its a logistical and financial nightmare for a dumb college student like myself; the last trip there was $1400 for the seven hours on the table alone plus another $600-$700 for the rest of the trip. I'm saving hard and focusing on TRYING not to get another piece in between. This forum darn near ruins my ability to be patient with all the killer work I look at.

Looks amazing....keep up the commitment. It must seem like "work" at this point but wow, just think what you have accomplished so far and what the ultimate outcome will be. You got this.

@scottyg hit the proverbial nail - "wonderfully bizarre" is a great description. Quite a piece (in a good way). I cannot even fathom 130 hours ... although my only tattoo had taken about 35 - come to think of it, maybe it isn't that much so hang in there! You have a tremendous amount of work put in it and the results are spectacular. I would think that 130 hours in you are quite a bit closer to the finish line. If nothing else, you can look forward to showing it off to us here when done

I've been talking to Ashley Matthias, the woman who did the cat and some others on me, about drawing up a logo and business cards for my little side vintage resale business. As we were talking a mentioned that the cat is kinda lonely all by itself so I think we are going to make a vintage sci-fi stylized rocket to go with it. Should be fun.

It's pretty bizarre and unnecessary IMO. And I'm really not keen on the idea of powdered plexiglass being put in the body! In all truth, it also put's me off getting tattooed by green circle people because they are endorsing it...

If you want to do it, go for it. If you don't, don't. I am vexed by all of the negativity and hate being spewed. If someone is looking for a deeper connection to someone, this could be a way. Since I am not a tattooer, I don't know the details on how to mix and apply it. As a consumer, I'd want to ensure that it's safe. Other than that, I think the idea is pretty cool.

I have been limiting my red work, small areas are okay, larger areas are a problem. So I'm going more with oranges and burgundies, no more problem!

If I win the Christmas lottery, you are on my list @Oiocha!

Got this in November from Mike Fite when he was at the new Kadillac Tattoo in Hatboro, PA.

Bummed out. Have had a five hour session booked for over a month. It snowed today. Not a big deal in most places. But if you live Alabama, life stops and everyone stays home. Hoping my artist can get me rescheduled soon. What is a couple weeks compared to how long I will wear this thing?

Howdy everyone! I've been lurking since March. I found the LST forum when I was planning my back piece. The back piece experience thread and the ladies thread were instrumental in my prepping and planning - I especially appreciate the insights of GingerNinja! So thank you GN and everyone else on this forum! My favorite style of tattooing is blackwork and I look forward to being completely covered someday. I'm starting with places that stay covered at the office [emoji12] and will move on from there! I just finished my back piece Saturday and will probably move on to one of my legs by next winter. This was done by Hira Lupe at First Class Tattoo in NYC. I'm not putting my butt on the internet [emoji16]so here is a side view: Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

get a killer color back back piece and just cover it. remember a polished turd is still a turd.

well...life got busy and i got lost last year didn't get to have my yearly appt w/ScottSylvia as i got my ACL replaced, but i'm baaaack!!! consult this weekend, and two appts booked for December. i.can't.wait.

Absolutely I tip with these factors in mind: 1. Timeliness to emails: I've worked with artists who take 2+ weeks to get back to me. I've worked with artists who get back to me within 2 days. I am more inclined to tip more to the artist who is extremely responsive. 2. Personal relations: I've worked with artists who had the nerve to argue with what I wanted. I've also worked with artists who collaborate and give sound advice if they think something won't work or if they have a better idea in mind. I am more inclined to tip more to the artist who treats the experience like a partnership and a collaboration. 3. Satisfaction with the design: I've had artists who hit the nail on the head 100% with what I wanted. I've had artists go on their own crazy program and give me something I was not happy with. I'm more inclined to tip more to the artist who gives me exactly what I want. I always tip, but I will tip generously to the artist who fits the above criteria. And in turn, I've found they will bend over backwards to give me more flexibility for future appointments and longer tattoo sessions. I scratch their back, they scratch my back, its a win win for both of us involved.

I just had a surprise surgery on Sunday and I was very quickly known by all the nurses as the guy with all the colorful tattoos.

I get the impression some medical professionals are really looking at this as a potential cash stream. My GP on a recent visit said they'd been looking into it. He also asked if I knew the most popular reason for tattoo removal is to get another tattoo

Gonna book an appointment with Chris Trevino next week. Not sure of the exact date as I have to book it still but we briefly spoke on the phone about it and I couldn't be more excited. This will be my first time traveling out of state for a tattoo and I think I'll make a nice trip out of it. Just gotta wait until pay day and I'm gonna put the deposit down.