DeathB4Decaf

@jen7 You don't work in the automotive industry by any chance? I kid, I kid. ;) But how did things change? For the better or worse?

So not related to anything currently being discussed in this thread. But! I just found out a new 40something year old female engineer at my work has a full backpiece and thighs tattooed. I'm such a creep and am going to be that asshole asking about it once I meet her one on one without others in ear shot. I work primarily with men, rarely even see other ladies, let alone someone with tons of work (or anything visible). Now, to ask about it without being my awkward self. That's the hard part, ha. Side note, we all change and wear coveralls. Barely any girls in our changeroom, so one of the other ladies noticed it when she got out of the shower and told me. And no worries, I'm not going to ambush her in the lockers while butt naked and ask, ha. Such a silly thing to be pumped about, but whatever. I'm a professional when it comes to overly awkward first impressions.

Sounds like you've got it all sorted with your artist. That's what matters. You'll be spending quite a bit of time together, so I'm sure it'll be forgotten in no time. I understand what you are saying about time commitments and responsibility outside of your getting tattooed. I'm going to go ahead and make the assumption that the majority of people on this forum have demanding work schedules, travel times, and juggling to do regarding fitting in tattoo appointments. Open communication works wonders and occasionally things come up. As for driving almost 2hrs for a 15min consult. I'd say most of us have been in similar shoes. It sucks, but that's when you just got to make it work around both artist and client schedule. Just in the future be mindful of when you are booking your appointments. Be open to say no when a suggested day doesn't work for you. When I booked out the sessions for my full back, I was probably the most annoying client ever for the receptionist. I had a years worth of work commitments, planned trips, etc all blacked out of the calendar in front of me when we started scheduling. A few (nonconsecutive) months were completely off the table. I'm not the kind of person that can be on a canceled last minute call list. But, I'm sure a tattooer appreciates a simple no to a date. In the future have your agenda with you before booking. And best of luck with your new work. Please post it up.

Can't go wrong with an eagle and a snake. Looks great, @ItsNewport. So much good work posted on here, it's a little insane.

What a hell of a start, @BrianH. That looks incredible. So envious you are getting work by him. Can't wait to see it progress.

I can't believe how much you have done already, @Mush. Coming together super nice.

Now that's a rad knee tattoo, @Mark Bee. One of these days I have to get something by Franz.

We just started The Fall with Gillian Anderson. Really into it. I suck at watching a show and actually finishing the season.

Now that's what I'm talking about @beez! - - - Updated - - - I'm not to proud to say I lived in bikini tops and going braless while home while healing my back. I've only had line work done, but damn, healing it wasn't all that fun. I wear multiple layers at work daily (including thick coveralls) so healing blew. But bikini tops- I love you. Oh, and ladies, I haven't posted a photo here. But here's the start to my shoulders to knees backpiece. Weee. Next sit in three weeks to finish lining my butt and thighs.

I try to get out there every 3 years or so. Heading there later this year, hopefully Sept or October. I live in Waterloo region. :)

Gorgeous video, @Dennis. Newfoundland (and the east coast in general) is my absolute favourite place to travel to. Such breath taking beauty.

It's been the Year of the Podcast for me, yet again. Some good new stuff were added into regular rotation (for when Reba and George Strait just ain't cutting it). My most anticipated release this year was the new Slapshot. I'm into it, but honestly haven't played it as much as I'd expect myself to. Maybe 5 years from now it'll be a staple. Really into the new Fucked Up. I'd say Black Anvil's Hail Death is near perfect. Like holy shit perfect. New Lana Del Ray is a good late night jam coming off being at work for 12hrs. New Crowbar was so good. Same goes for new SOIA and Ryan Adams, too. Can't forget Miranda Lambert making me car sing all the time.

Blue enjoying her front seat view of the tree on Christmas Eve.

You must be so happy with how close you are to done, @SeeSea! Love it so far!

@Graeme Thanks, I love it. And your Dave Cummings work is incredible. He's on my short list to get work by.

Finally started my back piece after what feels like forever. Getting it done by Scott Duncan. He rules. Got the majority of the outline from shoulders to a bit into my ass done. Totally sucked, especially around the sides/love handles. Back in January to hopefully finished lining the ass and things. The crew at the shop (sugar shack) are amazing so that helped. Just had my first shower after a bit ago. My boyfriend had the unfortunate pleasure of hearing my complaining while he cleaned it. I owe him an extra gift under the tree.

What in the actual fuck? You are joking, right? Right...? Please tell me you are.

Congratulations, @Cork! Looks amazing!

I love your post, @beez. BUT DAMN. She kept the skin for you?! Your mom wins everything ever.

I'm sure her general reaction towards your tattoos comes from a place of love and her not quite being open to "getting it". Parents sure can be funny sometimes and it's interesting how much their approval means to their seemingly smart adult children. I use to be jealous of my friends who's parents yelled at them for coming home with Black Flag bars or whatever tattooed on them. I think it just means they give a shit. Getting tattoos on your body just probably doesn't follow the bogus script they've had in their head for what you'd be like as an adult. Doesn't mean they are not proud of all your other accomplishments. Maybe have the talk to end all talks about them, an open and honest conversation from both ends. Then the topics off the table. Don't let your parents opinions on something so simple as tattooed skin cause strain on your relationship with your mom. My parents were never surprised by my getting tattoos. I came home when I was 14 with a kitchen scratcher tattoo by my friends older brother. Who, not all that surprisingly, was not a tattooer. I showed my mom it with pride right away. Her response was along the lines of, "well that wasn't the smartest way to go about getting a tattoo". That was it. A few days later she pointed out that poor people, especially women, already have enough things stacked against them, no point in making myself look like a criminal and killing my potential. (Thankfully I moved far away from kitchen tattoos well over a decade ago.) My mom may not win any mother of the year awards, but she has a good heart and I know now that she meant well with her bleak commentary. She's just always been blunt and said it how she saw it, no matter how misguided it may be. Parents have their faults. She had known since I was 10-11 that I loved tattoos. I'd always check out all the tattoos on the bikers and scumbags that hung around. I sat in awe across the kitchen table from my mom when she got one (a terrible blue rose on her chest) when I was 8 or 9. I'd get paid to babysit with tattoo magazines. We moved regularly and always being on the go meant I had few belongings, but my mom would occasionally find a new tattoo or music magazine in a gas station somewhere that would keep me distracted. I can go home with a new tattoo and my mom will usually ask to take a peak. I'd say the real shocker and bone of contention was just my decision to grow up independent and sober, build some financial stability, and earning myself a comfortable middle class life. I'd say that causes more waves and tension. But, you know, different strokes. TL;DR: Just hug your mom. Tell her how you feel, have an open conversation, and actually listen to her response. She'll get over it, they always do. Then hug her again.

Sweet. Thanks for posting.

Damn. You are tough as nail, @CaitlinBurnett10. But it's SO good!

Ha! On point. But holy shit, those suits are too notch.

Love Uncle Allen's stuff. Jealous! Hope you post up what you get. And I've found so many artists rumoured to have silly long lists typically don't.

@MrToby What an amazing start! So many lines. Hope you post up some photos later on, too.