smiling.politely

To clarify... Example of a person with tattoos- a few Pinterest designs, maybe a few other things they might get after they learn a little bit more about tattooing, but think of tattoos as not much more than personal decoration at best, or a fashion accessory at worst. More of a fast-food mindset. Example of a tattooed person- someone who, whether a tattooer or not, wants to know about tattooing a little bit, wants to know what makes a good tattoo (Beyond someone telling them "This person is good." They want to understand it themselves). May have goals of a full bodysuit, may only want half sleeves, but they care. I said neither was better than the other, but when you talk about marketing things towards people into tattoos, you're not saying the same thing marketing towards the average tattoo client. Most of the millions of viewers they get are of the former category, not the latter. Which is fine. Most of the people I have the pleasure of tattooing are people with tattoos, not tattooed people. I treat them exactly the same, if not a bit nicer, hoping they come away with a bit of education, and perhaps appreciation of tattoos beyond an iPhone screen. EDIT: Small addition... you wouldn't say the guy in front of you in line at Olive Garden is the same type of customer as a gourmand, or that frat douche hammering Natty Ices is the same as a trained sommelier.

Just like Iron Chef isn't made for chefs, Cops isn't made for police officers, and Cake Boss isn't made for bakers, all of the mainstream tattoo reality shows aren't made for tattooers or tattooed people. They are made for mainstream reality show fans. I'm also making a distinction between people with tattoos and "tattooed people," as pretentious or exclusionary as that may seem.

Navarro has a lot of amazing tattoos, especially now. It's almost like exposure to and appreciation of good tattooing (i.e.- judges, not contestants) made a positive change in his tastes. Plus, we all know how amazing all tattoos celebrities and/or people in the late 80s/early 90s got. Like Oliver's left sleeve! Not saying he's not a douche, but the "his tattoos are bad thing" is getting old, and isn't necessarily that accurate. Besides, as the folks on the show have said a million times by now, he's just a host. Chris, Oliver, and the guest judge (if they're a tattooer) make the call. EDIT: I mean, how could Dave live with this backpiece? http://instagram.com/p/pzdSkWSMxJ/

Some IG pictures of some new ones in the last week or two... plans for a biiiiiiiiig dragon coming soon.

It's like comparing Chopin and Black Flag. One is well constructed, technically "perfect" (whatever that means to the viewer), and is intended to come across that way. I find it well made, but kinda boring to my taste. The other, for lack of a better or less uncouth term, has balls. Strength. It punches you in the gut and gets your attention. As much as perfection is impressive, I like balls.

Honestly, when I see black and grey pieces, whether it be portraits, or representations of statuary, I do respect the application, but usually just think "Oh, it looks like that photo." Never have I been moved in some astronomical way by a photorealistic tattoo. I do respect the craft aspect of it, but it has always boiled down more to craft than creativity to me, in most cases. Still impressive, but never spoke a single word to me. That being said, the first time I saw the INTO THE BIG NOTHING clouds/eye tattoo by Steve Byrne, I was blown away. It spoke far more than the four words in the banner ever could. After all, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

"Tattoos are not an addiction; they are a collection. A tattoo collector is just like a conventional art collector who buys a painting, hangs it on the wall, and then moves on to acquire the next, unique piece. Tattoo collecting is a spiritual pursuit, while addiction is a physiological need. Addicts repeatedly take the same drug over and over without limit. A tattoo collection has variety, and it has an end. Once you collect the whole set, you're done." -Horiyoshi III Side note: I also have a Hello Kitty. It was done by my fiancée, is about an inch and a half wide, and took her about an hour. It's just lines, aside from color in the bow and nose. She was really trying.

I've travelled to Texas and London to get tattooed, and none of them are perfect. As blasphemous as it may sound to say this, my Steve Byrne hand tattoo has a few little flaws (specifically in the lines in some tougher areas). That being said, it's still perfect, and still my favorite and most meaningful tattoo (one of the few with a meaning). Perfection is boring, anyway.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, get tattooed a lot, learn about the world it comes with, learn about the respect it deserves, and be sure it's right for you first.

Draw a lot. Seems like a non-answer, or too obvious, but it's all you can do to get better. Also, the old adage "practice makes perfect" is a lie. Focused practice makes better... hopefully. Set small goals and work towards them in your drawings, even if it seems as simple as learning different ways to shade leaves on a rose, them move up.

I would imagine it would be the case. Mine is currently just linework (focusing on finishing my front before my head), and it's clearly visible most of the time. Unless one has dark hair that they keep relatively long (mine is currently an inch or so), it will likely be seen during the day.

I have a tattoo all the way around my head, and it's visible at some point every day, no matter how long I've had my hair. It may be mostly hidden, but at my temples it's always visible, and if my hair ruffles a bit, it's very visible. Unless you can have a job where a head tattoo being noticed isn't an issue, don't do it.

There definitely are some people who take that long for whatever reason. It might not seem as common, nor preferable for certain scenarios, but it happens. Have you thought about getting other tattoos, then working on the back down the line, when you think it's more possible, from a logistic standpoint?

Lots of folks with large scale tattoos that finish them that fast have well paying jobs... you never know what that guy is hiding under his suit.

As I was leaving Walmart tonight there was a older gentleman named Art running carts/security. He was happy to tell us all about getting these done on the west coast in the '40s. The rope was to protect him from drowning, and he's happy with how solid the panther still is.

In terms of rules and such, Charlie Cartwright tattooed both of my dad's hands in the early '80s, when he only had a few pork chops on each arm, and some work on his chest (that I'm not sure was finished). He was 23 or 24 at the time. Just as an example, the "rules" that we all think of weren't as set in stone as we may think, especially before some of the mainstream exposure began to come along in the late '60s and '70s, bringing more regular people in, asking for outlandish things to ruin their lives. Much like my dad, I'd imagine a lot of people got their hands done because it was outside enough that tattooers recognized that the people back then weren't going to get hands blasted, then go try to get a job as a lawyer. Unlike now, when someone asks about getting a hand done while they work as a receptionist or some low level office position. I personally got one and my knuckles done by Dennis McPhail while still in college, and the other hand recently from Steve Byrne. Back and thighs are completely bare still... but, just like with my dad, Dennis knew me well enough to know I wanted to tattoo (before I did), and was willing to be a janitor or welder with two college degrees if tattooing didn't work out. Thankfully, it has so far (provided my hands don't befall some unfortunate fate), and I'm not looking back now. That all being said, I'm all for not doing any sort of visible work on someone who doesn't fully understand the ramifications, and try to talk young kids out of it all the time. Half may listen, most seem to go get it somewhere else to someone that will just stick them in the chair. If someone has a sack of crap (literal or figurative) on their hand, though, I support covering it up or blasting over, if possible. If their life is going to be ruined, it might as well be ruined by something that looks semi-decent.

Definitely not... there are plans for one on one of my legs.

Head eagles are cool... at least, I think so. Held off on the snake, for mine, though, since I have a big one on my chest.

@bongsau You look very excited about introducing your opponent, those flowers, or all involved, to the velvety darkness of encroaching death. I'm pretty sure you have perfected the art of kung fu.

The words "tattoo" and "party" in the same sentence usually mean it's illegal. And even if it's not illegal, at least ill-advised for anyone getting tattooed, dangerous for all involved, and irresponsible on the part of the tattooer and organizer.

Possibly the greatest advice ever given, in the history of anything.

Talk to the person. And like was mentioned, if you weren't in a book or written on a schedule, you didn't have an appointment. By the time he saw some Facebook comment, 48 people could have come into the shop, of whom several could have booked all of his time. Which could lead to offering you an after hours spot, so that you don't have to wait even longer to get tattooed. Perhaps the counter guy already wrote someone in there without him realizing it, which caused the issue to reschedule to Sunday. Mainly, talk to the person about your concerns, hang your angry customer hat at the door, and listen to his issues or concerns. Perhaps most importantly, IF YOU DON'T HAVE YOUR NAME IN A BOOK, YOU DON'T HAVE AN APPOINTMENT. And if you don't have an appointment, your drawing probably isn't getting worked on, unless it's large and involved.

I've stayed five hours after closing due to having to reschedule someone, or taking a walk in that took too long to draw. I've come in with friends from out of town at 3:00 a.m. before. Sunday mornings and evenings are relatively common as well. It happens from time to time. People double book... people have to reschedule... tattooers get sick... etc. If he needs to work you in and not throw off any of his other appointments, after hours or a day off are the way to go. Otherwise, you move someone else, they get mad, so you have to work them back in, and move someone else, etc., etc., etc. Also, never take Facebook comments as being booked. Go see them in person, and get your name written in a book. Also, unless you're doing huuuuge work, it's pretty standard to not see art unless you go in face to face as well. Who knows if the client will screenshot it, then go somewhere else with it because it's cheaper? Not saying you would ever do something like that, just explaining why you may not have seen it.

New one while drawing up some lettering on the spot, since I hadn't had time to do it ahead of time... "If you don't have time to do it today, we can wait... I know how it goes being busy. I mean, we're pretty much in the same industry... I'm a massage therapist..." Huh. Also, had the lettering ready in about ten minutes, and finished with 20 minutes left in the appointment. You know, since I didn't have time to do it that day.

Huge cheetah pelt backpiece? Check. Lots of other work that outstrips it in terms of craft, design, and timelessness? Check. If you want to do that backpiece, wait awhile. I'd say give it three or four years, honestly. Into your twenties a bit... If you still want it, go for it.