LizBee

Check out Darcy Nutt as well for large Japanese work, just for comparison. Another thing that helped me when first getting into this is to spend a lot of time looking at BAD tattoos. Honestly. It really helped me to to improve my eye and get pickier about what I wanted in my own designs and what I expected from an artist. There are threads here and sites devoted to bad tattoos, lol.

I second the above, and, like @jdberetta puts it, it is more the question of why he isn't setting up in a reputable shop than "is it sanitary." The has to be a reason, since as an artist it MUST be more comfortable to have proper chairs and equipment available in a professional shop. Perhaps he's a diva, pissed too many folks off, who knows! Or, he wants to be different and break the mold, and feels more comfortable in a home setting. Artists are artists and you can't explain why they do what they do sometimes! You do need to feel very comfortable with what they're doing, however. His style aside (not my jam), he appears to be a good tattoo artist, and tattoo convention halls are not exactly the most sanitary locations in the world but people get tattoos there all the time. I'm sure clean and sterile conditions could be arranged in someone's home just like they are at Ballroom C in the downtown Marriott where yesterday they had the annual Modern Fertilizer Association Convention. - - - Updated - - - I second the above, and, like @jdberetta puts it, it is more the question of why he isn't setting up in a reputable shop than "is it sanitary." The has to be a reason, since as an artist it MUST be more comfortable to have proper chairs and equipment available in a professional shop. Perhaps he's a diva, pissed too many folks off, who knows! Or, he wants to be different and break the mold, and feels more comfortable in a home setting. Artists are artists and you can't explain why they do what they do sometimes! You do need to feel very comfortable with what they're doing, however. His style aside (not my jam), he appears to be a good tattoo artist, and tattoo convention halls are not exactly the most sanitary locations in the world but people get tattoos there all the time. I'm sure clean and sterile conditions could be arranged in someone's home just like they are at Ballroom C in the downtown Marriott where yesterday they had the annual Modern Fertilizer Association Convention.

That is some fantastic art you have there, and I'd drive 4 hours for that - no brainer. I agree with the above. It is easy to be impatient and scrutinize every part of the healing process (I do, for sure!) but in your case, it might be good to just ignore the bumps and wait things out, dry heal, and let your skin calm down on its own time schedule.

I can tell you that this type of cyst is SUBcutaneous (beneath the skin), and tattoos are cutaneous, so one should have nothing to do with the other. As you've been told, no one really understands why some people seem to get them, but you're probably right, genetics play a role no doubt. Looks like things are coming along nicely, and congratulations!

Richmond VA is pretty heavily tattooed, and I have to agree with some comments above that most I see on an average day are shitty. Poor quality, random and trendy content, poorly executed and poorly placed. No reason for that in this town, but life is a process, and you don't know what's good without seeing the bad. Everyone seems caught up in it here, crossing all levels of society, and many aren't doing their research, and want what they want, NOW. They can get it now, too, no problem. Lots of owls/monocles/top hats/feathers/infinity signs/flocks of birds/ironic type tattoos, but a ton of traditional and new school. Lotsa bad portraits, too.

As we can see in this thread, there are two ways it can go with a cultural design tattoo - you get it because it has significance for you as a link to your own heritage, or something similar, or you get it simply because you admire the visual of the design as art. I personally believe both are fine. You get what you get for your own reasons, and don't worry about what others think about it. They are not wearing the tattoo. People do love to attach significance to tattoos, so when I'm out people seem to really need to know the deep meaning behind my tattoos. The names of my children, well, okay, that's obvious, but one of mine is just a design that I really, really like, and have always liked. That's it! Nothing more than that, but people are not satisfied with that, and up go the eyebrows, as if that is not adequate reason to get a tattoo. Well, for ME it is, and that's the person who matters in this particular situation. However, if you think you might be upset by mistakenly getting something tattooed on you that, after the fact you learn through research, means something you do not like or you don't want to be associated with, like back in the 90's-00's Kanji days when you weren't sure what those characters might actually say, lol, then take the time and make sure about your design ahead of time. If you would still like the visual of the design artistically, even after knowing it meant something you don't identify with, then who cares? Go for what you like to look at.

I don't know that there's any way to predict or mitigate how you'll sit from one occasion to another, and also don't look back and think you should have/could have done anything different, etc. to have sat longer/better, etc. You sit like you sit on that particular day, and that's all there is to it! Your artist knows this, and both the client and the artist work together for the most appropriate and best outcome at any given session. No worries. You already know how to prepare, so just do those things (avoid substances, hydrate, eat or bring snacks, etc.) and don't worry about it. Your hormonal cycle will influence things as well, so consider that when scheduling. I am not a fan of numbing cream, or other means to control or dampen the pain. The pain is part of the experience and is integral to getting this artwork placed upon your body, and some parts of the body are more painful than others. I would, instead, work on mental exercises and breathing techniques, not unlike that used during the labor of childbirth, and see if you can bring yourself through it effectively on your own, rather than relying on a topical anesthetic. These will wear off and trick your own natural pain-receptors, endorphins. This is JUST ME, remember, and many have had an easier experience using topical lidocaine and such. Another thing, and, again, this is just ME, but I find being by myself to be the very best scenario for sitting well. When I sat for 6.5 or so hours, the times my beloved husband came to sit by my side, lovingly bringing me snacks and beverages, providing moral support, chatting with me, etc., the pain was much worse, and harder to ignore. When he left to stretch his legs, take the kids home, etc. it was much better. I could get my brain into the proper place and focus on a peaceful mental condition. Everyone's different, however, but I thought I'd share that, because it was significant, and I ran him off when I realized it, though he was being very, very sweet and patient. As for post healing and pain, I am a huge advocate of Tegaderm (or any of the -derm tattoo products, threads abound here about these products), which are applied the next day and, for me, significantly reduce the discomfort in the first week. I am able to actually sleep right on a new tattoo with the use of it, and I don't have to worry about staining my sheets or having my sheets or clothing sticking to the new tattoo at all. Changed my life, lol. So, when it comes to GETTING the tattoo, I like to just rock it old school and deal with it, but I am a fan of new technology when it comes to the healing process! I cannot address the "would you or wouldn't you" aspect of your question, because this is such a personal choice.

This is a good place to get your first tattoo if this is the place you want your tattoo, that's all anyone can really say about it. There is no hard and fast rule, though I think most would agree hands and neck/face should be later on down the line! I think a lot of women these days tend to start out on their feet, hip, shoulder, or other places like that where they can very easily keep the tattoo hidden. Then, they either stop there and never get another one, or they like it and start to get more. I always have a very specific idea in mind of where my tattoos will go and I can't explain why, but there's no need to. If this is the spot where you picture your design on your body, then this is where it should go. It should be a pretty simple process in terms of the logistics of having it done, just by wearing a cami or tank top, like you say. You'll only see it in a mirror though, and that's the bummer (to me!) about tattoos on the back, but it is a great spot since it looks good, doesn't necessarily get a lot of sun exposure (less fading) and is easy to hide or not hide, depending on the circumstances.

That's looking good, @Kurgana! I know this -derm stuff is not for everyone, and is not part of the traditional tattoo experience, of which the healing process is a big part, but the annoying stuff to deal with in the first few days of a new tattoo is eliminated (no messy sheets, a lot more comfort). I'm sold on it since it works for me, and doesn't irritate my skin or otherwise pose a problem. Having gone without as many times as I've used it, I feel like I can confidently say I'm going to use it from here on out. - - - Updated - - - That's looking good, @Kurgana! I know this -derm stuff is not for everyone, and is not part of the traditional tattoo experience, of which the healing process is a big part, but the annoying stuff to deal with in the first few days of a new tattoo is eliminated (no messy sheets, a lot more comfort). I'm sold on it since it works for me, and doesn't irritate my skin or otherwise pose a problem. Having gone without as many times as I've used it, I feel like I can confidently say I'm going to use it from here on out.

Agreed with the above - very nice work. That said, the skills demonstrated on IG indicate the ability to do other styles as well. I'd feel pretty comfortable with this artist providing me with work that will be gorgeous/badass and stand the test of time.

I haven't found being in the shower to help a whole lot, though that's what I usually wind up doing. They way this stuff comes off, like when it is used in a medical setting, is to grasp each side of it and pull your hands apart, like stretching it across the skin (not upwards), very similar to how you remove those Command hook adhesive strips from 3M. You're breaking the surface tension. If you try to pull it or peel it, it doesn't often work so great, and will pull on the skin uncomfortably, depending on where you have it. If it is on your arm, though, and you're alone, you can't exactly grasp each side of the film to pull it so it lifts off, so I generally have to improvise unless I get my husband or kids to help out. After that, though, it would be good to have a good clean water source to bathe it.

I try to leave it on a good solid 4 days straight, so removal on the 5th day if possible. It is very hard to make it that last day, but I like to if I can, since then it peels all at once, very easily (for me) when I wash and apply lotion, and the whole thing is good to go right away. Otherwise, it is no big deal at all to remove it a bit early. The peeling might take a little longer. I mention this only because I tend to want to "help along" the peeling when I shouldn't, and if it happens big all at once then I spend less time fussing over it and don't have to force myself not to mess with it. Everyone's skin is different, though, so this is just how it goes for me. Can't wait to see how it looks healed!

Lookin' good, @Kurgana. It is remarkable how comfortable a brand new tattoo can be covered with this incredibly thin film. Love the work, too!

@Kurgana, the skin will be visibly wrinkly underneath, and it will remain so the entire time. I'd leave it on a few days and be on the lookout for redness and itchiness. Itchiness after the tattooing isn't too uncommon, and that's related to the tattoo, but you shouldn't have any itching from just the -derm film alone. I personally don't recommend using it immediately and then reapplying, because you haven't given the plasma/serum a chance to leak out. I'd slap a light absorbent pad on there (the kind with the black plastic backing, often used in the trade) to soak up the stuff for the first few hours. Ultimately, however, no matter HOW you do it, the tattoo will heal, and everything will be great, lol. This is not rocket science or anything, just relating how things seemed to work best for me after trying it several ways. YMMV and whatnot. Next thing you know the entire heal is done and all this is behind you, so no worries.

@Patrick Bateman, I have had it roll up some, but always pretty late in the game and never to the point where it was an issue, other than being tempting for me to pull on it, lol. I do not let it air dry overnight and do not apply alcohol, but I do leave it in saran wrap or whatever overnight the night after tattooing to let the initial serum out. This is after an initial washing about 4 hours after tattooing. So, one wash 4 hours after tattoo, off to bed, next day wash again, pat dry, apply Tegaderm, then off you go for 4 solid days. When I do it this way the Tegaderm sticks like GLUE, so it hasn't occurred to me to try to get a drier skin surface before application. Removal of the stuff is almost worth its own thread, lol. All of this is much affected by the part of the body as well, don't forget. The armpit area is a bit of a problem, but I did the best I could in there, and really any joint is going to require some creativity with how this stuff is applied. Someone helping you when you're applying to an arm makes a huge difference, especially with Tegaderm, since it is very, very thin, stretchy and once it sticks to itself it is difficult to get back into shape again. Doing it one-handed is a trick. I was able to do it by myself for a tattoo on my upper outer arm that didn't get into tricky territory and required a simple rectangle.

Thanks for bring this up, @Patrick Bateman, because it reminds me - the bigger border of -derm you can have outside the edge of your tattoo the better. When I've cut it closer, even an inch (which I thought was plenty) it tended to leak or fail in that area. The best, most hassle-free heals I have had were when I had a huge 2" or more border, which seemed overkill, but wound up working great. Set it and forget it, as they say, was really how it went, and that was so awesome.

@Kurgana, I can understand the logistics of applying it immediately, but I personally think it is much better to wait until the initial plasma/serum has done its thing. That stuff will collect beneath the film in a big way, at least with Tegaderm. I don't know about some of the other -derms, and maybe the ones developed specifically for tattoos are more breathable or whatever, and could be designed to be applied right away. I know with Tegaderm (what I use) the plasma will collect underneath and things go much more smoothly if you can wait. I have a St. Bernard and a Great Dane mix and teenagers, so even if I sat there with a vacuum cleaner at the ready at all times there'd be no way to stay ahead of the filth, lol, but it is possible to apply the film in a clean manner the next day. Just wash it, pat it dry with a clean towel, and apply the film. It does not have to be sterile, just clean. My two cents!

I'm glad you revived this thread too, @Guerilaneedles. I've gotten into tattoos relatively late in life but am not slowing down, and definitely find myself feeling awkward in some shops, and I'm not used to that! Every shop is different, and there seem to be unwritten rules, and you have to figure them out for yourself. Many shops post helpful signage, which is GREAT, but as I'm sitting there getting tattooed I'll hear the artists commenting to each other about what this or that client did or didn't do, kind of bitching back and forth, and it makes me wonder how they expect the average customer to KNOW what their particular pet peeves might be, but they sure as hell seem to expect it. I wonder what snarky comments may have been thrown my way after I left, in years past, when it would have been helpful to have told me what is expected or preferred? These days I'm pretty confident I know how to roll in a shop, but when I got my first work done I sure as heck didn't. Most people aren't mind readers, after all, and what may seem obvious in your own environment may not be to people outside of your arena.

I'd definitely recommend Tegaderm/Saniderm for this kind of area. I think it would make the healing process a heck of a lot cleaner and simpler. While you're healing go with a sports bra or just anything without an underwire. As for the tattoo process there are definitely ways to go about it so you're not flashing the entire place. I've seen creative taping of drape material utilized for this area. Tattoo artists are accustomed to using paper drapes and tape a lot, so they know what to do - any professional shop with quality artists are going to make sure you feel comfortable, and that ought not to be an issue, though you will have some skin showing, naturally!

I was talking to Darcy Nutt about this when she did my shoulder piece recently. Women, in general, handle the pain a lot better than men. Not always, of course, but also, as women age and go through more life, you're able to handle pain better. "Take it like a man," indeed!

I know in this case the matter is moot, but as a medical person I would not get tattooed over a bruise, because the skin is disrupted in this location and I don't think the ink would "take" properly (or there is a risk it would not) and there would also be increased risk of infection, possibly.

I'll be 50 in a little over a month, and I'm definitely feeling more comfortable getting tattoos now than I was earlier in life. I'm more comfortable with my decisions, and am not so afraid of them affecting my career, etc. I'm just more comfortable with who I am, and am enjoying getting tattooed very much! I'm just getting rolling, in fact. My family is not surprised, because I've always been a "counter culture" type, but honestly, tattooing isn't hardly even counter culture anymore. I also handle the pain much better now, since I've been through more, and know how to take my brain away to another spot. Just had a 6-hour session and though I don't know exactly how much more I could have done, it was doable. There were people around me tapping out for breaks frequently, and we took only one real break. My skin seems to be healing fine, and artists who have worked on me this past year have told me my skin takes ink well, so I'm grateful for that. 50-year-old skin is 50-year-old skin, and there's no insult or ageism in that, it is just a fact, and it is something every tattooer has to deal with. I'm much more careful about protecting my tattoos (investments) from the sun, and keeping them moisturized, etc. I'm not sure I would have considered everything so carefully earlier in life. Plus, like my husband likes to say, when I'm really old (I hope I get really old) my tattoos will still look half decent, because I waited so long to get them.

@rocketqueen, I think the only thing to be done is to ask the artist and see what response you get. Let him know the tweaks you'd like to make pertaining to eyes and ears, and if they're doable, then I can't see why the artist would have a problem. If you are a tattoo artist then, ultimately, you want your client to be HAPPY, right? A happy client is a client who will recommend you to others, etc. Don't be hesitant to ask for reasonable changes - this is your body, and you should feel very comfortable working with your artist. Assuming the artist is experienced, then there should be zero issue. If there IS an issue ("how DARE you suggest that every single line I placed on your body is not exactly what you want?!!! Get out of my shop!" - unlikely) then you can feel comfortable going to another artist/shop and asking them to tweak the design for you, and not worry for a second about etiquette. This will let you know what kind of artist you're working with, and whether you can have a good relationship that might mean more tattoos. Every artist I've ever worked with (who is in my area, anyway) has urged me to get back in touch if there's any touch-up or adjustments that I find I'd like to make after the healing process. This is not uncommon, so don't worry about bringing it up.

This is one of those circumstances where there just has to be good communication between the two of you. I have had artists say they won't tattoo anyone who brings in pics of tattoos as reference, and then on my last tattoo I was asked to point to tattoos and describe the features that stood out to me, what I liked, what I didn't like, etc., so she could get an idea of what makes me happy. Go figure! It depends on the artist and it depends on how you verbalize your own thoughts sometimes. I don't do such a great job of it myself always, but you get what you get. I tend to want to provide a whole lot of info, lots of pictures, tattoos and other media to illustrate the vibe I'm going for, not (big fat NOT) to copy a specific tattoo, but to let the artist know what KIND of tattoo I envision for myself. Some artists might take that the wrong way, but if you're clear about why you're showing it to them then it could be helpful. Good advice given above, and, as always, the best thing is tincture of time, and also to get more tattoos.