slayer9019

Agreed for the cost of gyms now, I just busted out the weight sets.

I'll tell ya the smoking has to go. I still feel it even though I quit, like hitting a brick wall.

Recently I have gained some damn good motivation to get healthy. Quit smoking a few months back and now have been working my ass off to get back in shape. Getting my chest tattooed has been a pretty big motivation.

I hate hate hate getting blood taken. I hate needles. That being said, I have pierced myself, and get tattooed regularly. The biggest problem with getting blood drawn for me at least is my veins damn near don't exist. They always have to draw from the hand but they always still try to get it out of each arm.

I might have actually seen you get this tattooed. I get tattooed quite often at Invisible.

Every shop I've been to uses the 1/hr deposit rule (here in NYC that is usually $200) which is applied to the last session. Only once was there no deposit, but that was due to a traveling artist coming from overseas. I actually even asked if he wanted a deposit.

damn! I was gunna snag that...too late

Please create threads in the proper sub-forum.

Welcome to LST. No jump ins here.....I think?

Really the only things that have changed is the fact I am now multi-colored. I've always seen myself as a person that will have a lot of tattoos, so actually getting them hasn't really changed anything. I guess as of recently I do have to deal with people always pulling my sleeve up or similar as they want to check out the bigger stuff. Honestly the metal shirts I wear grab more attention that my tattoos. A Cannibal Corpse or Darkfuneral shirt is a bit more out there than tattoos at least in my area of the country.

Got questions about your tattoo with regards to aftercare or possible issues? If so, this is the thread for you! Questions surrounding your new tattoo are common, and we have covered several questions you might have. Think of this thread as your one-stop-shop for all the questions you're dying to ask. In other words, before you start a thread, please read the following. These topics have come up several times in the past, and this will probably answer any questions you might have. FAQ Q: Is my tattoo infected? A: While tattoo infections are fairly rare, strangers on the internet are not the people to ask. If you're wondering if it is infected, it would be best to ask the tattooer who applied the tattoo. They have all types of knowledge about the various stages of a healing tattoo and would be glad to help you. You are their customer. If it looks really terrible or is very painful, consult a physician. Q: What is the best aftercare for my new tattoo? A: There are a variety of effective aftercare methods. There is no "one size fits all" approach, but there are some good guidelines that have been discussed in previous threads here on LST. The best person to get aftercare advice from is from the artist who did the tattoo. (Are you starting to see a pattern here?) Q: Can I go swimming (or engage in other activities) with my new tattoo? A: While everyone has their own opinion about this topic, the way to think about it is this: you have a large, fresh wound that you really, really want to take very good care of. (Hell, you paid for it!) It would be in your best interest to keep it free from water, sweat or contact with not-so-clean areas (like gym equipment). Q: Is my tattoo healed yet? How long does it take to heal? A: This comes back to what was said before: everyone's body reacts differently. There is no "one size fits all" description for what a healing tattoo looks like or how long it takes. Even on the same person, the area of the body can effect how long it takes to heal. For example, tattoos on the lower leg often take longer to heal than tattoos on the upper arm, but even this varies from person to person. That being said, there are some loose guidelines to follow to understand how the healing process is going. Generally, it goes like this: after leaving the shop, your tattoo might be swollen, red, and oozing plasma/lymph/ink. After this phase, you'll transition into the peeling/scabbing phase. The area can become very itchy and it might look like you have sunburn on your tattoo. After this, the tattoo can look faded or glazed over. It may even have a "waxy" look to it. This is normal. Eventually, the tattoo will settle and look pretty good. The length of time from "fresh" to "looking good" can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months. Again, this depends on several factors, including diet, lifestyle, area of application, and too many others to list here. Q: Can I and/or should I put sunscreen on my tattoo? A: After a few days, it should be OK to put sunscreen on your tattoo. During the healing period, you should really try your hardest to keep it covered and out of the sun. Afterward, try and apply high SPF sunscreen to your tattoo as sun can quickly fade the original image. Q: Am I having an allergic reaction to the ink? A: If you have any allergies, it would be in your interest before you get tattooed to tell your artist. Having said that, most people are not going to have a reaction. As I've seen here on LST and in my travels, people sometimes attribute a rough session/swelling on their first or second tattoo with an allergic reaction. Repeat: when in doubt, see your tattoo artist or your doctor. Helpful Links http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/558-tattoo-outline-raised.html http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/32-best-post-tattoo-care.html http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/2567-beach-pools.html http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/1022-itchy-tattoo.html http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/4262-does-your-skin-break-out-after-being-tattooed.html http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/2887-tattoo-scars.html http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/715-little-bumps-under-6month-old-tattoo.html If anyone has suggestions to be added to this thread please feel free to either PM me or tag me in a post and I will add it. Edited by @hogg

Yup I get the same thing all the time seems to be just a reaction. I found you have to really relax. It may sound stupid but I learned to pseudo meditate. Also a beer or two really really helps for me at least

Lovin it! Glad you went big and bold Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

I never have a warm and fuzzy feeling in a tattoo shop. Generally that is because I am laying down half clothed, with a man about to slowly stab me for a few hours. :) I would think it is more to you benefit so they can work within your budget. Some people only have lets say $300 bucks but the tattoo would by hour cost $400. They will say sure lets do that instead of telling you its $400 and you leave. I can tell you that I have never ask for or have been given a price when getting tattooed, I usually bring enough to cover 3 hours of the shops hourly rate. The only time I was asked a budget was when Stewart Robson tattooed me and that was more for (how much should I bring). Ended up being much under what I brought with me.

I feel physical discomfort when I hear the word Aficionado...it gives me the douche chills.

@penguincomp killer tat!

You are turning into this guy... Seriously though, generally I have heard it used to signify someone who keeps getting tattooed, different than the regular Joe getting one or two. - - - Updated - - - I prefer the title Tattoo Hoarder.

When in doubt always ask the person who did it. Depending on the spot I can be all peely for a decent amount of time.

As we usually say if you think there might be a problem with the healing of a tattoo, please speak with the tattooer and/or your local doctor. The person who tattooed you usually knows a thing or two about what is going on with your fresh tattoo. I also share the same sentiment with the others above in regards to possibly venturing to other shops and seeing their work.

Some quick tips I have picked up in this area that I can pass onto you. It might help, it might now. Your mileage will vary. 1. Make sure that the bumps are not from the over application of product (aka AD ointment, lotion, etc), for me I tend to run on the dryer side and use less product as I clog my pores too easily. 2. If it's hot a f**ck outside, sweat might also have something to do with it. Possibly clean it more often? I often clean mine up to 6 times a day with really warm, borderline hot water. 3. I started to use a safety razor for not only my face but for my tattoos. It seriously reduces the risk of ingrown hairs. This apparently holds very true to people of African decent. (Mind you the last statement was pulled not from personal experience but from a large number of reportings on wet-shaving forums). For me it has eliminated any razor burn/ingrown hairs from my face and tattoo sites. Just remember there is a learning curve.

or if in an at-will state, fire the people who complain.

So the sickness is starting again...currently rebuilding a 71 sportster that was inherited from a friends uncle, a real cycle rider. Thing has unknown mileage and needs some serious restoration. Deal is I have to restore it back to previous glory. Then....my other friend wanted a new bike so I picked up his old 85 LTD454 which is about to go under the blade and get bobbed. Hopefully it will be a fun hack-n-slash job and since I got it for 500 it is gunna be fun! After looking at the LTD454 bobber builds for inspiration I realized what I really want to build, a Harley bob from the ground up. Just started pricing out a build that will hopefully begin at the end of the riding season. This will be my first ground up build so it is going to be an interesting one for sure. Luckily I got a buddy that co-owns a machine shop so he has agreed to help with some of the parts manufacturing. Just ordered a seatpan, so exhaust wrap and other odds and ends.

Thanks for the educational post!

I would like to say this. I hope you enjoy your stay here at LST. You can read up on some awesome threads that we have here, and you get to learn a lot. In 2 years (assuming 18 for legal tattooing in your local) you will be more than ready to get your first tattoo from a first-rate tattooer! Hell you got some time to save up! After you get your first tattoo report back here all about your experiences.

or sandpaper... :eek: