Kimmie

I've always wondered what words us '90s kids would end up claiming. Not off to a great start so far.

I've only been to two conventions so far, but both of them had a fair number of artists who were available for walk ups. Personally, however, I would still recommend doing some research before going. You might fall in love with an artist's work online and be able to secure an appointment instead of leaving it up to chance. Even if you don't make an appointment ahead of time, you'll know which booths you want to prioritize visiting as opposed to walking in blind and trying to see them all. There's a lot going on at conventions, so it can get overwhelming and rushed for time.

That's a very wise perspective to have!

Agreed. If the rose morph is your absolute final decision, your artist probably won't mind the change as long as you're polite. Especially if you say you're still willing to follow through with the initial plan if need be. If you're not 100% sure yet, I would still shoot him an email to share your thoughts. That way he can share any opinions or information he might have and if he hasn't started drawing yet, he'll know to hold off.

Glad it all seems to be working out :)

Recently, I've come across several artists who are in such high demand that they only accept new clients on a case by case basis. I know that giving artistic freedom, saying how long you've sat for, and mentioning artists you've gotten work from can all be beneficial. Have you guys discovered any other ways to make yourself more attractive as a potential client? Is there anything you make sure to include or avoid? Artists, is there anything that you look for?

There was an experiment conducted where participants had to choose between two pieces of artwork to keep. Some were told they'd have the opportunity to change their decision later and others were told their decision would be final. It was discovered that people were much less likely to be happy with the final decision if they were able to change it (regardless of whether or not they chose to). So maybe it's similar with piercings vs tattoos?

Walmart however..

I know it's nosy, but I've always wanted to be able to read minds.

I am in my last semester of college! I've already fulfilled all of the requirements for my specific degree (B.S. in Psychology/Clinical Mental Health) so now I'm living the easy life with elective courses online. In 1998, my family started a concessions company. It was mostly my Mom's brainchild, but when she passed away in 2013 my siblings and I took over (with the assistance of my Dad). Our website hasn't been updated much since it was first created (Atlanta's Best Popcorn, Kettle Corn, Color Popcorn, Caramel Corn and Cotton Candy Store.), but we have our own production warehouse and are one of the top employers of deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Georgia. I also run an art collective with my boyfriend (Third Eye Collective | Atlanta Custom Art and Glass). It's still a new company, but we have a 7,000 square foot warehouse with a photography studio, recording studio, glass blowing studio, art studio, and our own line of apparel and hat pins. We're also in the process of becoming certified as a tattoo studio so we can host guest artists. ETA: I didn't mean for this post to come across as shameless self promo! But most of the things I do are related to one of the above and I can't help but be proud.

Hey, it's a lot cheaper and easier than buying living kitties.

I've been content with planning out pieces for my legs, but these posts (especially that Lars Uwe back piece OMG) are giving me the itch. Back to the original question, I think "masculine" designs make for some of the most feminine pieces. Instead of the delicacy coming from the image itself, it comes from how it's worn and by whom.

@Mush I really like how the tiger stripes are being done. It complements the background nicely.

Images in tattoos don't always represent something, but I think how they're executed represents that period of the person's life (to some extent). So while I agree some styles age differently and may be more appealing to certain age groups, I wouldn't necessarily say that gives them an expiration date. If anything, I think these differences contribute to the overall timelessness of tattoos.

I love seeing how the forum's regulars have progressed over time almost as much as I love recent/current discussions. For some reason, it helps me with my impatience (having to wait for my appointment has been KILLING me).

@CABS that Felix placement really is perfect!

You don't have to have a meaning for every tattoo that you get. Find an artist in your area that does the style you like and bring in that picture as a reference. Unless you want him to include that specific symbol in the middle, don't worry about the meaning. And if you do want the symbol in the middle, do some research and find somebody who can translate it.

Yeah, he got $1 million as a signing bonus alone. And also a $45,000 chain. So.

If you don't mind a lightning round of questions: How long did your rib piece take, what kind of numbing agent was it, how long did it last, and how did it affect the healing process? I would like a large rib piece one day and while I accept pain as part of earning a tattoo, I'm no glutton for punishment.

I always wonder if celebrities like that, who are such caricatures of themselves, are lucky idiots or intelligently role playing. Yeah, we're all saying how ridiculous he is but he's a MILLIONAIRE who's probably loving his life right now. And while I wouldn't get shitty tattoos, I'd definitely act a fool in public to have the good life in private.

Oftentimes, people who insist on an exact copy have the same mindset as people who insist on upside down images: "It's for me," "This is what I want," "It's my money/body and I should get exactly what I want," etc. So explaining why you, as an artist, don't want to copy somebody's work may work for some people but for others it doesn't address their justification and won't change their mind. Therefore, I would show people who want exact copies this picture: Instagram. Tell them that tattooing is an art form and designs are created with the artist's style, method, machine, colors, etc. in mind. Therefore, exact copies do not produce as high of quality as original pieces (which is not only true, but dissuades them from thinking they can just go elsewhere). Humbly assure them that you are talented and experienced and confident that you could create a quality, custom design that they will love. I know this is an older thread, but this perspective hadn't been given yet and as the psychologist of the group I couldn't help myself.

As someone trying to prove the importance of spelling and culture, you'd think a country name wouldn't be botched so hard.

Don't try to cram so much meaning into one design that you sacrifice aesthetic. If an owl represents knowledge, just get a badass owl. If you want more of a personal touch, get it in a style that you really like. I can appreciate a good skin rip that looks like you're seeing into the body and its components. However, I don't think that binary fits into that concept as well as biomech or anatomical. It's too static and looks more like ripped or burned paper in my opinion.

There's several variables that determine how long a piece will take (size, location, etc.) The best person to ask is your artist. If you let us know your general location, people can probably help you find someone good in your area.

Do you have a link to some of her work? The people on here could give you a second opinion. Honestly though, if you're already having doubts about it being her forte then you're probably right. You found this forum before getting the tattoo so it's not too late to change artists. Having to wait longer sucks, but it's worth it to get better quality. A year really isn't that long when you take into account you'll have this piece for the rest of your life.