gougetheeyes

Yeah, I basically did that around that age, though it all wasn't in one shot. Shit, most shops were still all cash only so none of this "credit card sleeve" stuff, which, I have to admit, is pretty fucking appealing even as I'm pushing 30. I started getting tattooed as soon as I turned 18 and thank god I was usually broke. But once I got that itch, I had to scratch it, not because I wanted to roll up my sleeves and try to look cool, just because it was always there and I felt like I had to or I would.. die. Or probably something less dramatic. You're right though, the big downsides are experience -- both in life and much more so in becoming familiar with tattoos -- and since I was so frantic, I kind of blew it some of the placement and composition. Don't regret any of it, but there's certainly something to be said for waiting and planning. But at 18, 19, 23, whenever, "patience" wasn't really part of my vocabulary.

@slayer9019 @G.Ursitti @Perez @LeoKraft @Jack @The Hyena hell, @Joe Shit too

Bump. Let's just make this happen next week for whoever's around. I bartend at a little hole-in-the-wall place in Williamsburg that has reasonably priced drinks and also soda pop for those non-boozers and am happy to just set a date for maybe Tuesday or Wednesday night and hang out with whoever shows up. If people wanna come around 9 or so, I'm off at 10. Do the first one next week, try to keep it up every few weeks or month or so? Any takers? I'm happy to drink Tecate and whiskey pretty much any night of the week. Next Wednesday the 29th at 9ish. High Horse Saloon, 103 Havemeyer between Grand and Hope. And I think Mojo will be DJing, and he always plays great old stuff. Only thing that could come up is I get asked to work the night, too, which only means I'll still be behind the bar. Worse things have happened.

Fantastic tattoo and NUDE WALTER is almost as fantastic a name. Nice job all around dude!

"We're sorry, you are not a good fit for Ink Masters." Also, that application only asks for one photo; of yourself.

Just want to say that for my two last ones (a fairly large rib piece and also a tiny guy) I left the bandages on over night, which I hadn't done since like.. my first tattoo. It's been just under a week and they're both healing in record time for me. WHY DID I NOT DO THIS SOONER?

Really dude, just go with your gut and you'll be much happier in the long run! And the less "explanation" a tattoo needs, the better.

So you got family friendly tattoos but want a non-family friendly tattoo that says you don't like how tattoos are now family friendly? Just get what you like dude and don't worry about hipsters or hippies or whoever. Stick with something you identify with and you can't lose, everyone else be damned. (Apologies if this came off extra cranky, long day yesterday.)

..if the Pagans were still running the Philly show (didn't they used to do security there at least?) I'd be willing to bet that "cut" would be ripped right the fuck off.

Thank God they included Mr. Fliction in the slideshow from Philly..

And there it is. Tattooers like Stewart -- tattooers who have dedicated their lives to tattooing, gone about it the right way so as to pay respect to the trade and lineage of the craft, tattooers who are not only fantastic artists but know the ins and outs of their equipment, shit, tattooers that work in a shop -- pretty much have every right to be a dickhead to someone with an inflated ego scratchin outta their kitchen. Because we all see this shit every day. Do yourself a favor and put down the "gun," draw your ass off for the next couple of years, and maybe if you're able to learn a little humility (and also how to draw) in that time, you'll get lucky enough to get some tutelage with an apprenticeship, or at least get someone to point you in the right direction. Good luck.

Sonofa... this is the second time I've heard a vote for xanax, the first was from @ShawnPorter. And I wussed out at the convention because I didn't know how I'd do on it. Next (and last) rib session, I'm definitely poppin one of those bad boys.

Dude FUCK ingrown hairs. I have no remedy for you... I have noticed that (without getting too intimate here) the longer the undergarments I wear, the better that whole situation tends to be down there.

What's up ultra, always good to have more NYers/east coasters on here

Favorite part of the day? Watching "Robare" from NY Ink cutting the line and the door guy shaking his head and putting his hands up, saying, "I don't know who the fuck you are." It was gold, Jerry, gold!!

Looks great, fun to see it's from Allan, too. Was he in Japan or did you take a little trip??

Funny, too, we did a bunch of filler a while ago and left that spot cause it was just big enough for "something," just in case. And yesterday Perez texted me about three minutes before I popped over to the booth though I hadn't seen the text yet. It fit right in that spot like it was made for it and he used pencil dust for the stencil to boot. And had the exact right amount of paper towels. Not sayin it was fate.. but hey, if the snake fits.

I'll just go ahead and post the link, since I'm sure @Perez is happy to spread the magic. Didn't get to see Polito but what I did get was a little snake from a Lee Roy acetate from Andy Perez. Good times x10: Instagram Also somehow made it through a brutal rib session with Ron "Angel Fingers" Wells, but not quite done yet, so you'll all have to wait for that one.

A Ceasar is the Canadian equivalent of a Bloody Mary?

That is one beautiful goddamn photo.

Great fucking read! Just had to say it. @Scott Sylvia, that Jason McAfee interview made me laugh my ass off! Extra stoked he mentioned Deftones for khaki Dickies.. even if he peed 'em. Jondix and Tim Lehi interviews, too. And for those of us (myself included obviously) who are not tattooers, go find a shop/friend who is willing to share it give it a read. Good stuff. And no.. not on the payroll at TAM, just had a great time reading through it this morning. Best way to start the weekend!

The actual Tattoos in Flight blog is awesome. He always gives credit to the tattooer and since he's a pilot and huge aviation nerd gives a great description of the actual planes/battles/history, if there is one. Check it: Tattoos In Flight: Airplane, Flying, Aviation & Flight Tattoos

I realize my affection for Gwen is basically a case of arrested development, but still..

Do it! Also, welcome back!