Leaderboard

What I said was in my opinion, those two artists were better. Not necessarily for their detail, I just like their composition and contrast in their work better. I'm covered in traditional style tattoos, so I don't necessarily factor detail into what I think is good. What I said was highly detailed tattoos generally take longer, which is why they say it's impossible to do in 4 hours and your less detail oriented guy can do it in that time frame. But I'm not the one wearing the tattoo, so what I think is better doesn't really matter to you. Your tattoo came out solid. Once again, in my opinion, it would have benefited from a little more detail to achieve more realism...but if it's what you want and you're happy with it, who cares what an internet stranger thinks.

I would just like to add a thought about tattoo time and money. knowing I have done my research on the artist and have discussed the art with that person, I put my trust in them, since I already am there and I am good with the artist and art, I know their skills and style, and I am prepared for long time or short, I never ask how much time it will take or how much it's going to be,(that's just me) when they are done I ask how much then and pay for it and tip. simple enough, it works for me.

I'm pretty sure hair growing back thicker is a myth...? I've certainly never noticed a difference, but then again, I hardly ever shave my arms unless I'm getting tattooed.

hey @keepcalm , I only have one arm tattoo so far , its on the under/ outer side of my forearm. My arms aren't massively hairy, but the artist did need to shave the area anyway and the hair grew back no different to my other arm which is tattoo free in the same area. Everyone is different I guess, but I woud assume as a once off you woudnt notice much difference. I remember a girl in high school shaved her arms all the time and the hair always grew back rather intense, but my guess is that's due to the repeated shaving.

Been chatting to the local tattooist who did my sternum (heart and daggers). Am after a crows/skulls/roses piece on my outer right thigh. He is keen to make a start, probably looking at Feb. He does a lot of American traditional and neo traditional, I told him I'm happy for him to just have at it and do what he likes with it. Really keen to see what he comes up with!

Detail doesn't make better. Traditional is good with barebones details, its all in what you want man. Don't worry about improving it unless the artist wants to.

I agree completely with @Synesthesia, knowing too much of the process kind of ruins some of the "magic" for me. As long as they know what's going on, I'm happy. I used to collect art glass and felt the same way about that. I went out of my way to not learn too much about the how-to. Some collectors insisted on learning each and every secret. While the artists liked talking about what they did, they seemed pained when non-artists dug too deeply or pushed too hard about every little detail.

Whoaaaa, how did I miss this last year?! The lineup was crazy and it's super close. Will definitely be on my radar for this year, thanks!

That's between artists. Some things non-tattooers don't need to know, we just trust and respect the artist and the craft. We don't talk about trade secrets on this forum for that reason.

Rubendall and Garver are both like unattainable dreams for me. Imagine getting one to do each knee, I think I'd die right there on the spot. I might see if I can make NYC work for my budget. Anybody else with any suggestions since my travel net has been broadened?

Day 1 of 2 down with Chris Crooks in Belfast. We did the lower left leg, tomorrow upper leg to tie into the backpiece. Will keep you posted.

Welcome. Do your research, find someone really good and don't cheap out. Good tattoos are NOT cheap.

ya,mine is pretty simple LOL

Last week, I saw the worst behavior in the shop. These two young (early 20's) people came in for small matching tattoos. She proceeded to FaceTime for at least 20 minutes, they made out with each other and were so disruptive. It was everything that I could do not to say anything. They were just below the line of being asked to leave. I was five feet away, in pain and I wanted to throat punch her. The artist grinned and bared it for the 30 minutes they were there. What the ** is wrong with people?

Every time this thread is bumped, the song Ladies Night starts playing in my head... Let the chair dancing commence.

Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World | Japanese American National Museum Store