Dave Sedano

As everyone previously suggested, discontinue the use of vaseline! Being petroleum-based, it can clog the pores and delay the healing process. Any brand of unscented skin lotion is usually suggested, usually in minimal amounts, just enough to cover the tattoo and massage it into the tattoo until it disappears. If the tattoo looks 'shiny,' dab off the excess moisturizer with a paper towel. On another note, seeing as how you are still pretty early into the healing process, you should wait until the tattoo is fully healed before making any judgement calls on it. A tattoo can go through some funky looking stages while it is healing and can be misread as a 'mistake' or something of that nature. So once its totally healed, see the artist that did it originally, and if they are a reputable establishment, they should offer to touch up the tattoo, if needed. Of course, this is assuming that you followed their aftercare instructions. Some places will only guarantee their work if you follow their suggested aftercare routine. Failure to do so may be considered negligence on your part and so they may charge you a fee to touch up the tattoo.

Great article! It made me realize that the strong aversion to flash designs has now reached a point to where flash would now be the way to go if you want a unique tattoo. Sure it's been done before but you can do it so many different ways, it makes each time you do it a unique experience. Google is the new played out flash design resource. I've even seen 'artists' rip off artwork from 'Deviant Art' artist accounts as an alternative to google images, so that may be the next new thing if it catches on.

The best thing to do I think would be to consult with the artist that you want to get tattooed by so they can walk you through the process and clarify any concerns you may have, face to face. Bring in any reference material you may have (i.e. print outs, drawings, etc.) so that they can better understand what you'd like to get done. They might also have suggestions as far as placement or composition of your ideas that may vary from what other artists will tell you here or otherwise.

As a rule, I try to educate each customer as far as the longevity of a tattoo and how the skin differs from a sheet of paper. I try to explain that there are certain things that have to be kept in mind when drawing or picking a design for a tattoo because the skin and the ink will change over time, so I strive to make tattoos that not only look good now but still look good down the line. A lot of people dismiss the 'bold will hold' or traditional style designs because they say that times have changed and it's just a cop out for tattooers that lack artistic ability. But in reality that expression transcends tattoo genres and should be the basis of any tattoo regardless of subject matter.

I was pitched this idea and turned it down straight away. It was a group of guys that wanted Dale Earnhardt crashing into the twin towers. I didn't get it, nor did I care to ask why, but one of the guys felt he needed to tell me. He said they came up with it the night before when they were drunk. Yup. And wouldn't ya know it, a week later, the tattoo shows up on this site ugliesttattoos.com Below is said tattoo done by the shop around the corner...

I'll be there sharing a booth with another Miami-based shop, Nue Tattoo Studio. First time working this convention, super stoked for it. I'll have some paintings & prints available, and tattoo designs drawn up just for the show. Looking forward to meeting all you guys and gals! Please stop by the booth and say hi! I'm not an asshole, I swear! P.S. - My apologies for not contributing more on here! This is a great site/forum and I will make it a point to spend more time on here!

Greetings to all LST members, moderators, and the like! My name's Dave and I'm a tattoo artist here in Miami, Fl. I ran across this forum after viewing all the artists' interview videos and I must say it's great that they were documented in such a way and it's indeed an honor and privilege to be able to hear all the great inspiring stories from such great artists and people. I look forward to getting to know you all better and to further discovering more in the site and forum. PEACE!