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Welcome to team Saniderm/Tegaderm. @tcgjake

It is the center of the compass that has to do with the Sword of Fudo.... Immovable... The place that keeps all things in their order.... I believe... The Book "immovable" is what we referenced... When we were drawing the piece up... Weldon was the only person I knew Richard wouldn't be mad dogging the whole time.... Richard fell asleep on the shop couch.... I really love the piece. Never thought I would get anything above the boobs....

Yesterday morning I removed my tagaderm "sock" that I made Saturday morning (after Friday night's session). Too convenient.

First time using Saniderm and wow, what a difference! Here is my tattoo about 12 hours after removing the Saniderm. A bit dry and perky but no scabbing whatsoever. Dont think I’ll go back to healing without it.

I always feel like they aren’t finished! Haha! I have a 1/2 sleeve and I can’t wait to finish it. Just don’t have the money right now.

nah, 3/4 sleeves are dope!

That looks amazing! But you gotta go all the way down to the wrist!

If you want to do it, do it!

Original was my first tattoo from 20 years ago. Met with my artist to see what would work. He took several photos, did an outline tracing and committed to drawing what might work. The old dragon was 20 years old and tired. Got it on a business trip in Chicago at the Jade Dragon Tattoo Parlor. At the time a group of young, enthusiastic managers went downtown to see the iconic tattoo shop. 6 of us left with new ink. Many years later, I wanted something new, fresh and keeping with the dragon theme. My artist carefully explained what colors would work, what design would work and the size of the new piece to effectively cover the old work. Little did I know this was going to be a journey, a process and commitment of many months. Once I saw the stencil and the pc screen illustrating the color choices. I decided to take the plunge. First session was about four-five hours for outline work. Second session was the beginning of shading. (4-5 hours) Third Session more color. ( five hours) Fourth Session-almost done ( Was coming down with the flu and getting cold chills and shaking thinking I was getting cold) close to 4 hours.. Have been back for two touch up sessions and have the last one scheduled this week. If you notice the yellow areas in the whiskers and scales between the horns, a little more color saturation is needed to prevent the old image from showing through. Comments-Cover work can be very complex. Its a blend of design, choosing the appropriate colors that will cover light and dark and going larger to find a design that will obscure the old work. It may never be completely invisible, however the focus of the new work will draw the eye away from the previous work. Detailed shading and design is never one and done. Plan on more than visit to get the deep color saturation you desire and to cover the old areas. I waited 30 days in between sessions to allow my skin to heal and allow my artist to see what really needed to be done next. Learned a lot about what after care products I prefer. When doing a lot of shading work, some products with lidocaine do make a difference. While you might not experience the same level of relief on line work. When shading and the pores get opened up..there is a difference. At my age-(56) five hours is longest I can sit. Four hours is much easier. Having a cool artist that understands you and the end goal are very important. I wont be doing any more cover work but I plan on lots more ink. Have had a couple more new pieces since this piece was almost done. Hope this helps those thinking about cover work. My artist explained he would much rather work on a 20 year old piece than one done six months ago. Just one old guys experience.

Brain tumor follow-up yesterday. The net is that it’s bigger which could either mean the radiation is working (yea) or that it’s still growing (boo). I’m doing the PMA thing and going with the radiation is working. The concern is around my facial nerve and balance issues. I’m already walking like a drunk sometimes but the facial paralysis shit freaks me out. The funny part of today went like this: Dr. Neurosurgeon: How’s your hearing in your left ear? Me: It’s shot. Dr. Neurosurgeon: How’s your balance? Me: F*cked. Dr. Neurosurgeon smiles at me, looks at my leg and says: Is that a ray gun tattoo? Me: Yes, Dr. it is indeed a ray gun to commemorate my radiation. Dr. Neurosurgeon: That is the most brilliant thing I’ve ever seen. (Note: the barrel isn't crooked...straight lines on curvy body parts, ya know) Grez at Pagoda