JoKno

WTF I hope you got paid a lot for that. That is redonkulous.

OMG I just heard about a shop in Myrtle Beach called "420 Superstore Tattooing and Tobacco"

In South Carolina you can't even have piercing and tattooing in the same shop.

I'm gonna have to find a way to get to Santa Cruz and get an appt with Stefan. All of his work is awesome. I Just had another sitting on my sleeve yesterday. Did all the cloud-work and shading on the chest and top of shoulder. I wish I didn't have a collar-bone. That was the worst by far. The sternum was bad and near the nipple, but the collar-bone sucked so much more.

I've had old people with Alzheimer's ask me what's wrong with my skin. lol. I have heard it other times to and it does feel pretty good to hear it that way.

No real horror stories for me. I do have to say a big thanks for having trusting friends and a mentor that's understanding. My apprenticeship so for is more home based than anything thanks to local laws. Since I have a home, family, and already broke, I couldn't commit to dropping everything and dedicating 2 years without earning money and paying $5,000 to an apprenticeship at a shop. Instead, I'm working full-time as an EMT and getting tattoo experience whenever I have free-time(whatever that is). My mentor lives kinda near me and we get together as much as possible. Anyway, he's taught me anywhere that we can. Sometimes at the shop he works, at his house, or my house. It's hard, but I believe that it'll be rewarding when I'm done. I'm hoping that I'll be able to move soon and get into a shop and earn a living from what I love. Just a little history on my search for an apprenticeship. The nearest shops to me are in Augusta, GA. The shops with the best rep said that unless I had at least an Associates degree in art, they wouldn't even consider it. The next best shops either had commited apprentices, or wanted $5,000(this included "everything I need") and 2yrs without earning money. The cheapest wanted $2,000. These prices were to be paid in advance. The bottom of the barrell shops said that they didn't do apprentices because they just steal everything. I walked out of one shop without asking because the owner was passed out drunk on the floor. I did get one offer but it was at the shop inside the flea market(a friend mentioned to them I was looking). He said it would be 1yr, all the money in that year would go directly to him and then if I stayed he charged 60% of earnings. I would have to provide all supplies including ink, needles, gloves, paper towels, basically everything that I could possibly need. He only provided and autoclave(but no bags), a copier, and room(more like a closet about 6'x9') that I would share with another artist. Also, I'd like to add that the lovely state of South Carolina only just made tattooing legal about 2yrs ago. However, the law states that you must follow the local ordinance for the county you are in. Aiken county has not written an ordinance, so therefore a shop can not be open. There is only about 3 counties in the state that allow tattooing, so you can imagine how hard it makes it for people to even get a tattoo.

so, yeah, what jake said

Not one that I have, but I just saw this gem tonight and had to share it.

I've wondered about using a hot compress for healing. The concept is to encourage blood flow by dilating the vessels and capillaries. Better blood flow means better healing. Thanks for the post on that Jake. I'm gonna give it a try after my next session.

Happy birthday

I was so confused at first. lol.

I'm more comfortable with the larger grips 1.25", but I've found that the smaller grips are nice with some shading.

Big Bang Theory Being Human Top Gear (UK) An Idiot Abroad

I have a mental image of just finishing eating some mexican, then trying to sneak out with the salsa bottle from the table. Get caught, then trying to explain that you just wanted the artwork off it. LOL.

Iwar- I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one to say "work". I use it all the time. I never thought it would be annoying to anybody.

Well said Lochlan.

I was digging in some older threads and this topic has been mentioned before, but I thought I would restart it with the hope of a little more success. This is not just for the tattoo artist out there. This is to anybody that is looking for ideas for their next tattoo and those that are always looking for inspiration for their own art. I have seen everything from the expensive fine art books to children's coloring books in the library of artist. I would like to know what everybody here has and uses as some of their favorites. If it's books, magazines, a specific website, or whatever gets those creative juices flowing.

Sounds like somebody needs a hug. lol. Just kidding. I can see what you're talking about, and I would say it's not a general attitude with most. A lot of the attitude can come from the constantly dealing with people that come into the shop asking about doing this tattoo or that, but never getting anything done. Also dealing with the people that think the local tattoo shop is the local club or lounge to hang out in all night. Since you obviously didn't fit either of those categories I can see your frustration. I would be a little annoyed too. I probably would have wanted to be asked if I wanted something too. If I were the artist and had asked you to wait after I made an appointment I would have done something like that just as a gesture of appreciating your patience. I know some artist personally that have that smug attitude, but I also know many that are super nice and cool to anybody. Some people are just assholes by nature. I hope you have better experiences in the future and don't give up on getting great work.

lol. That pesky shift key is so far away. Welcome.

Howdy doody.

"gun" for a machine is really the only thing that bothers me. I like to use the term "work" for tattoos. Kind of a broad definition refering to "work of art" and just plain "work" because getting and giving tattoos is work.

If they are itchy and come and go, then it's damaged sweat glands. Still nothing to be worried with, I've got a few of those.

You're freaking yourself out. More than likely it's just in-grown hairs. If your arm feels hot to touch (compare to other arm) and is swollen and tender, then you are looking at an infection. Scarring is possible depending on technique used, but again chances are no. If the bumps get bigger and painful then you'll need to get the hair out before an infection does set in. Alot of times they grow out on there own, others you may have to pop like a pimple. If you have a friend with good hands and great vision you can even use a very small needle to catch the hair and pull it out. If you do feel that you need to see a doctor, then call a Dermatologist. Ask them how they feel about tattoos before you even go, some of them just wanna tell you nothing more than the tattoo is the problem and it needs to be removed. They're full of crap 99% of the time. Find one that appreciates tattoos.

shouldn't be a problem. it's not like you're wanting things that wouldn't go together at all.

I'm a Basic EMT. I'll be an Intermediate or "advanced"(new for SC) after I test. I work for a private ambulance service. We run 1 truck for the 911 system here.