The Tig

Yeah, I don't think she'll go for that! Thanks to her first hubby who cheated on her constantly, she gets a bit jealous and defensive. I'm thinking of using the local B-17's nose art as an inspiration, brunette version, of course! ;)

Hello and welcome from Texas, Brian.

With plenty of thought, I'm looking to add to my left leg a few space and aeronautic themed tattoos. I enjoyed my past work in NASA from '85 to '98 and have loved this EVA image. I found a really good portraits artist that could pull this off in B&G on my outer calf. I think it would look best without the Earth and just some black shading around it to set off the white suit. Maybe remove some of the unneeded straps across the stomach area. A Flying Tigers AVG tiger across and above the knee: And on the inner calf, a classic WWII nose art pinup. She'll have to be a brunette like my wife to keep me out of the dog house. Something original but a little like this:

:D But seriously, tattoo needles and the process (machines, gloves, inks, etc.) of tattooing should be treated similarly as a surgical field. Not so much like an operating room in a hospital, but more like a minor procedure performed in a doctor's office. Infections and blood born pathogens are serious business. I'm sure a trained professional tattoo artist could elaborate, but that is not what this forum is about so I wouldn't expect any further word on this.

I'd put away the tattoo machine for now and not touch it until you are safely under the direct supervision of a professional and very experienced mentor. I believe the word for the day is "Apprenticeship".

Welcome! If it were me, I'd be afraid to fill in too close around the text since that could make it less legible and lose definition. Maybe some very light grey wind bars or swirl undertones to tie it all together.

Welcome and wow, impressive gallery of your work, both here and IG. While I don't get to NJ much (wife is from South Jersey about 90 miles from you), I'd certainly line up a sitting next time.

I can only attest to the back of the knee and yes, it gets quite painful there. I'm considering a traditional Hanya on the front of the knee after the lower leg is complete.

:D Who did you see in Austin? There are several great artists there.

Hello and welcome! Maybe something like a kid timeline?

¡Bienvenido! (my Spanish is much worse than your English)

We watch it later and pause during the reveal of each tattoo so we can take time to really look at it. Watching the new UK series, Tattoo Fixers, nothing is bleeped and more skin is revealed than we'll ever see on US TV.

Welcome, Nathan. Nice portfolio. Excellent cover ups!

A sad loss. Horses are such incredible animals.

Welcome, Mike.

I've only seen the first two episodes but really enjoy watching it. It isn't nearly as goofy and melodramatic as the US's Tattoo Nightmares. The artists have a great sense of humor and the junky tattoos that walk in are hilarious. I found the first season on a youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7VM7lxNafUfIWUOd2BkMRQ

The most accurate answer based on real world experiences would likely break the no politics rule.

Clever bird name! :D A year ago, I was out in the back yard with the dogs when I see a green parakeet land on the porch. The seed feeder was empty and he was looking for food. I managed to keep the dogs back when the chihuahua walks right up to it and the bird didn't fly off. I do the same and reach down. It hops on my hand! Obviously a hand fed pet that was released or escaped and will die outside, being so tame. I think the word has gotten out among animals that our house is a sanctuary (we have 5 adopted dogs and 3 cats). We bought him a female to keep him from getting lonely. He moved in on her right away, preening her face and playing Barry White records. Sadly, he no longer jumps on our hands and instead protects his woman.

My recent tattoo and my previous tattoo were done 17 years apart. That's a pretty long time for us. During that time a divorce (and child support) and then another marriage have kept my money away from most luxuries. Plenty of great times happened in between tattoos with my priorities and responsibilities being all over the place. The whole time I kept putting my next tattoo off, but it was still nagging me in the back of my mind... I finally gave in and am extremely happy with the new addition to my skin. I feel more alive. More confident. I want to keep "expressing myself" for lack of a better term. - - - Updated - - - Here's something to think about: How many objects do you own that are relatively old, as in stuff you've had most of your life? I'm 52 and only a very few objects I've had more than 30 years. I've seen so many things I once thought were important become distant memories. Cars, bikes, guitars, clothes, and even some art are all gone. So, I love the longevity of tattoos, even my 25 year old tribal bear paw print on the shoulder. The commitment runs deep when it becomes a part of you.

Thanks for the support_good_tattooing suggestion. I suggest this one as well, thebesttattooartists.

A guilty pleasure indeed! Even see some of the tattoo artists I know follow inkmaster's Instagram feed even though they say they never watch the show. ;) Like everyone else, I don't enjoy the contrived drama, but that's Spike and "reality" TV for ya'. I don't mind watching the egotistical a-holes go down in flames, even though some are quite talented in their area. St. MarQ, "I am a tattoo god!" https://www.pinterest.com/MrsStMarq/st-marq/ Joshua Hibbard Portland Oregon Tattoo Shop | Joshua Hibbard | Tattoo Book

Bienvenido from Texas!

Hey, I like that even better. Your artist's style is enjoyable to see more of. From the paper images, I thought you were going with basic silhouettes. I think you are on the right track here (not that what I think really counts). If you do one at a time, the next color scheme will just kinda' happen.

That trike is really cool and unique. If you continue with images that each have a unique style, this could look great. Go with what you love. More inspiration and ideas.