Shmitty

As a tattooer I say as long as you are buying it to put in a frame for its artistic value, I don't see a problem. Hell I think it would be kinda cool to see my drawings in someones game room.

I don't know about anyone else, but I haven't really seen a pattern as to who's skin is the best to tattoo, it varies so much from body part to body part, much less from person to person. I will say that the lighter complected you are the better color usually looks, and I like the way that black and gray works on Latino skin, but otherwise it is a kind of a "start tattooing and see what happens" kind of thing.

Here are another couple of good artist at work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3grSSc4OrGc&feature=youtu.be Andy McKee - Toto - Africa - www.candyrat.com - YouTube Don Ross - Michael, Michael, Michael - www.candyrat.com - YouTube

This is an awesome one that I stumbled across the other day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x29l5eHHoXo&feature=youtu.be David Ford - Go To Hell - YouTube

I have been pacing myself. I went from no tattoos, to one sleeve, lots on my legs and a couple on my torso, in 3 years. It has been almost 2 years since I have gotten a tattoo at all. I do have most of my body planned out, and lucky enough for me I will have to pace myself to be able to afford them. lol I do kind of have an ace in the hole though, one of my best friends does laser removal so I will be getting my entire left arm and also left leg zapped and start all over.

I have 2 kids, and I am sure that I am not as good as I could have been if I were not a parent, but I don't care I wouldn't trade them for anything. I understand that there are people that can and do have all the time in the world to dedicate to their art, but that would be a sad and hallow existence for ME. My kids are my life, tattooing is my job, as much as I love doing it.

Yeah, I have heard that the Marine Corp, might have an update that allows them to have more tattoos. I'm not sure how reliable that is, but I've got my fingers crossed. The Army had also made some modifications, stating that they could have parts of the neck and hands tattooed, but that was reversed.

lol, Yeah Tribal has been making a huge comeback in Army recruits too.

So here is a rundown of the various tattoo regulations, in regards to the United States Armed Forces. ARMY AR 670-1: Para 1-8E: e. Tattoo policy (1) Tattoos or brands anywhere on the head, face, and neck above the class A uniform collar are prohibited. (2) Tattoos or brands that are extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist are prohibited, regardless of location on the body, as they are prejudicial to good order and discipline within units. (a) Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities. Extremist philosophies, organizations, and activities are those which advocate racial, gender or ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create, or engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color, gender, ethnicity, religion, or national origin; or advocate violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S. Constitution, Federal, or State law (see para 4–12, AR 600–20). (b) Indecent tattoos or brands are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety; shock the moral sense because of their vulgar, filthy, or disgusting nature or tendency to incite lustful thought; or tend reasonably to corrupt morals or incite libidinous thoughts. © Sexist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender, but that may not meet the same definition of “indecent.” (d) Racist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. (3) Counseling requirements. AR 670–1 • 3 February 2005 5 (a) Commanders will ensure soldiers understand the tattoo policy. (b) For soldiers who are not in compliance, commanders may not order the removal of a tattoo or brand. However, the commander must counsel soldiers, and afford them the opportunity to seek medical advice about removal or alteration of the tattoo or brand. (4) If soldiers are not in compliance with the policy, and refuse to remove or alter the tattoos or brands, commanders will: (a) Ensure the soldier understands the policy. (b) Ensure the soldier has been afforded the opportunity to seek medical advice about removal or alteration. © Counsel the soldier in writing. The counseling form will state that the soldier’s refusal to remove extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist tattoos or brands anywhere on the body, or refusal to remove any type of tattoo or brand visible in the class A uniform (worn with slacks/trousers), will result in discharge. (5) Existing tattoos or brands on the hands that are not extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist, but are visible in the class A uniform (worn with slacks/trousers), are authorized. (6) Finality of determination. (a) Recruiting battalion commanders or recruiting battalion executive officers (0–5 or above) will make initial entry determinations that tattoos or brands comply with this policy for Active Army and Army Reserve soldiers. This authority will not be delegated further. (b) Unit commanders or unit executive officers will make determinations for soldiers currently on active duty. This authority will not be delegated further. © Recruiting and retention managers (O–5 or above) will make initial entry determinations that tattoos or brands comply with this policy for National Guard soldiers. This authority will not be delegated further. (d) Professors of military science (O-5 or above) will make initial entry determinations that tattoos or brands comply with this policy for ROTC cadets. This authority will not be delegated further. (e) The Director of Admissions will make initial entry determinations that tattoos or brands comply with this policy for the U.S. Military Academy cadets. This authority will not be delegated further. (f) Determinations will be fully documented in writing and will include a description of existing tattoos or brands and their location on the body. A copy of the determination will be provided to the soldier. Unless otherwise directed by the Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, these determinations are final. If a tattoo or brand is discovered to violate this policy after an initial determination has been documented, commanders must submit requests for an exception to policy or for discharge through the soldier’s chain of command to the MACOM for approval. Appeals to the MACOM decision will be forwarded to the Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 for decision. (7) Soldiers may not cover tattoos or brands in order to comply with the tattoo policy. NAVY Navy Uniform Regulations Chapter 2 -- Grooming Standards Section 2 -- Personal Appearance Article 2201.7 7. TATTOOS/BODY ART/BRANDS. Four Criteria will be used to determine whether tattoos/body art/brands are permitted for Navy personnel: content, location, size and cosmetic. a. Content. Tattoos/body art/brands located anywhere on the body that are prejudicial to good order, discipline, and morale or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the naval service are prohibited. For example, tattoos/body art/brands that are obscene, sexually explicit, and or advocate discrimination based on sex, race, religion, ethnic, or national origin are prohibited. In addition, tattoos/body art/brands that symbolize affiliation with gangs, supremacist or extremist groups, or advocate illegal drug use are prohibited. b. Location. No tattoos/body art/brands on the head, face, neck, or scalp. The neck area for purposes of this regulation is any portion visible when wearing a crew neck T-shirt or open collar uniform shirt. In addition, otherwise permissible tattoos/body art/brands on the torso area of the body shall not be visible through white uniform clothing. c. Size. Individual tattoos/body art/brands exposed by wearing a short sleeve uniform shirt shall be no larger in size than the wearer’s hand with fingers extended and joined with the thumb touching the base of the index finger. Tattoos/body art/brands that exceed size criteria are waiverable provided they do not violate the content and/or location criteria. d. Cosmetic. This regulation does not prohibit cosmetic tattooing to correct medical conditions requiring such treatment. For the purpose of this regulation, cosmetic tattooing refers to medical or surgical procedures conducted by licensed, qualified medical personnel. AIR FORCE Tattoos/Brands (Unauthorized- content) Tattoos/brands anywhere on the body that are obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited in and out of uniform. Tattoos/brands that are prejudicial to good order and discipline or that are of a nature that tends to bring discredit upon the Air Force are prohibited in and out of uniform. Tattoos that are commonly associated with gang affiliations are prohibited both in and out of uniform. Unauthorized (content): Members who receive tattoos/brands not meeting the standards after the implementation of this policy are required to initiate tattoos/brands removal at their own expense upon notification by their Commander. Initial Accessions must disclose any tattoos and must complete removal of inappropriate tattoos prior to being accepted in the Air Force. Members failing to remove or alter unauthorized tattoos in a timely manner may be subject to disciplinary action or involuntary separation. Failure to observe these mandatory provisions and prohibitions by active duty Air Force members, USAFR members on active duty or inactive duty for training and ANG members in Federal service is a violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). (See notes 2, 3, 4 and 5). Tattoos/Brands (Inappropriate-m ilitary image) Excessive tattoos/brands will not be exposed or visible (includes visible through the uniform) while in uniform. Excessive is defined as any tattoo/ brands that exceed 1/4 of the exposed body part and those above the collarbone and readily visible when wearing an open collar uniform. Members should not be allowed to display excessive tattoos that would detract from an appropriate professional image while in uniform. Commanders should use these guidelines in determining appropriate military image and acceptability of tattoos displayed by members in uniform. Air Force members with tattoos not meeting an acceptable military image should be required to (a) maintain complete coverage of the tattoos using current uniform items (e.g. long-sleeved shirt/blouse, pants/ slacks, dark hosiery, PT running suit, etc.) or (b) remove tattoo(s). Depending on the circumstances, commanders may seek Air Force medical support for voluntary tattoo removal. PTDY is not authorized in this situation and is at member’s expense. Members failing to remove, cover, or alter excessive tattoos or who choose not to comply with acceptable military standards may be subject to disciplinary action or involuntary separation. Failure to observe these mandatory provisions and prohibitions by active duty Air Force members, USAFR members on active duty or inactive duty for training and ANG members in Federal service is a violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). (See notes 2, 4, 5 and 6). Marines MARADMIN 198/07 UNCLAS 191708Z MAR 07 CMC WASHINGTON DC(UC) AL MARADMIN(UC) MARADMIN MARADMIN 198/07 MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC// SUBJ/ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHANGES TO THE MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY// REF/A/MSGID:DOC/CMC WASHINGTON DC MCUB/YMD:20030331// POC/S. T. FOSTER/CAPT/-/-/TEL:COMM 703 784 9387/TEL:DSN 278 9387// NARR/REF A MCO P1020.34G, MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS// GENTEXT/-/1. PURPOSE. TO DETAIL REVISIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE TATTOO POLICY FOUND IN MCO P1020.34G, MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS. 2. EFFECTIVE 1 APRIL 2007, PARAGRAPH 1004.1C OF MCO P1020.34G, MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS, IS CANCELLED AND REPLACED WITH THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH. "... MARINES ARE PROHIBITED FROM: C. TATTOOS OR BRANDS ON THE HEAD AND NECK. SLEEVE TATTOOS ARE LIKEWISE PROHIBITED. A SLEEVE TATTOO IS A VERY LARGE TATTOO, OR A COLLECTION OF SMALLER TATTOOS, THAT COVERS OR ALMOST COVERS A PERSON_S ENTIRE ARM OR LEG. HALF-SLEEVE OR QUARTER-SLEEVE TATTOOS THAT ARE VISIBLE TO THE EYE WHEN WEARING STANDARD PT GEAR (T-SHIRT AND SHORTS) ARE LIKEWISE PROHIBITED. A HALF-SLEEVE OR QUARTER-SLEEVE TATTOO IS DEFINED AS A VERY LARGE TATTOO, OR A COLLECTION OF SMALLER TATTOOS THAT COVERS, OR ALMOST COVERS, THE ENTIRE PORTION OF AN ARM OR LEG ABOVE OR BELOW THE ELBOW OR KNEE. TATTOOS OR BRANDS THAT ARE PREJUDICIAL TO GOOD ORDER, DISCIPLINE AND MORALE, OR ARE OF A NATURE TO BRING DISCREDIT UPON THE MARINE CORPS ARE ALSO PROHIBITED. PREJUDICIAL TO GOOD ORDER, DISCIPLINE AND MORALE, OR ARE OF A NATURE TO BRING DISCREDIT UPON THE MARINE CORPS MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, ANY TATTOO THAT IS SEXIST, RACIST, VULGAR, ANTI-AMERICAN, ANTI-SOCIAL, GANG RELATED, OR EXTREMIST GROUP OR ORGANIZATION RELATED." 3. THE FOLLOWING NEW SUPARAGRAPHS 1004.1C(1) AND 1004.1C(2) ARE ADDED. "(1) MARINES WHO CURRENTLY HAVE A SLEEVE TATTOO(S) WILL BE GRANDFATHERED. THE MARINE'S COMMAND WILL INSERT A PHOTOGRAPH(S) OF THE RESPECTIVE TATTOO(S) ALONG WITH A MEASUREMENT(S) OF THE SIZE IN INCHES AND OF THE LOCATION(S) ON THE BODY AND THE DATE THE TATTOO(S) WAS DOCUMENTED, ON THE PAGE 11 OF THE MARINE'S SRB. THE MARINE WILL SIGN THE PAGE 11 ENTRY VERIFYING THE INFORMATION IS CORRECT." "(2) THE DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS IS DESIGNATED AS THE ADJUDICATING AUTHORITY FOR ANY TATTOO ISSUE INVOLVING RETENTION OR SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENTS. REVIEW OF A QUESTIONABLE TATTOO(S) WILL BE SUBMITTED TO DC M&RA (MM) VIA THE REENLISTMENT, EXTENSION, LATERAL MOVE SYSTEM (RELMS). THE PACKAGE WILL INCLUDE A PHOTOGRAPH(S) OF THE TATTOO(S), MEASUREMENT(S) OF THE SIZE IN INCHES, DESCRIPTION OF THE LOCATION(S) AND EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE TATTOO(S) HAS BEEN DEEMED QUESTIONABLE BY THE COMMANDER." 4. COMMANDER'S ARE REQUIRED TO EDUCATE ALL THEIR MARINES ON THE NEW POLICY AND DOCUMENT ANY MARINE THAT REQUIRES GRANDFATHERING BY 1 JULY 2007.//

Not a problem. NATFMS stands for National Alliance of Tattooists For Military Standards. It was started to basically help ward of the bad stigma associated with tattooers around military bases. One thing I can tell you is that if you work in a shop that relies on a base for the majority of your business, you want to stay in good graces with that base. The Commander of the base has the power to black-list (make off limits) any place that is deemed unacceptable. One way to keep your shop from being Black-listed is proving that you will not help recruits break the rules. Another way that you could find yourself Black-Listed is by price gouging people just because they are military (really crappy but it happens often). NATFMS also means that you will charge military personnel the same as you would anyone else. In short NATFMS is an insurance policy that helps tattoo shops that abide by military standards to keep from being lumped in with shops that will willingly break those rules. Off the cuff I cannot recite the regs, but here is a quick overview. There are the universal no-no's, which apply to all branches. These include racial, sexist, and any other hate based tattoos. Others would include all gang tattoos. Some tattoo restrictions as far as placement are universal. The face, neck, head, and hands are all off limits to all military. Now, that said, all branches have waivers for recruits that have tattoos that are out of regulations. Some people may be admitted with tattoos on their necks, hands ect, if they are examined and determined to be acceptable. Next we have the branch specific rules. Army- The army doesn't really have any extra regulations passed the standard regulations. You are allowed to be tattooed anywhere that doesn't show while basically wearing a full, long sleeved uniform. Marines- The USMC is pretty strict on their regulations. You may have as many tattoos as you want, under basically boxer shorts and a t-shirt. Outside of that you are only allowed to have one tattoo, that must be able to be covered with your hand, on a body part. You cannot have another tattoo within a 5 inch radius. Air Force- They have a trick little formula that basically means that you can not have more that 1/4 of a body part covered with tattoos. Navy- Honestly I don't really deal with many Naval recruits so I am not sure off the top of my head what rules they have. National Guard has the same rules as the army. I know these are kind of incomplete but if you would like I can make a thread that has all of the regs as current as I can find. The regs change pretty regularly so it will have to be updated occasionally. Just let me know and i can get everything together.

I just thought I would throw in my .02. I am a tattooer, and I do have a sleeve, both hands and my neck tattooed. I do also work with a tattoo artist that is a Gunny Sargent in the Marines, therefore no visible tattoos. He does great tattoos and stays pretty busy. That said, if someone comes in and wants to get tattooed on a walk in basis, they are generally apprehensive about getting tattooed by him. He is used to it and immediately hands them his portfolio, usually the result is another great tattoo. I will say that his work speaks for its self, but he does have a bit of a harder time landing clients than I do, because I look the part. As long as you are good with that, then great. Another small point is that you only have 2 tattoos and you say that you only want tattoos that have real meaning to them. At some point, when you are working in a shop, that will change to some degree. It is awesome to have a tattoo that is just because it is great art. Good luck to you.

You can't go wrong at Cannibal Graphics, they are all very skilled. I have been tattooed by Waylon and he is an awesome guy and an even better tattoo artist.

Well, all of the different branches have different criteria. Army is pretty lax on it. You only have to keep it under your uniform. Marines are pretty strict as well as the Air Force. The shop that I work at is a part of NATFMS, which means that we will not tattoo anyone who is in the armed services outside of that branches regs. I think its pretty cool, especially when the vast majority of the clientele are new in the Army.

Whats goin on Ernie? Long time no see.

Hello, I am a tattoo artist in Oklahoma. I have been tattooing for 3 years and love every second of it. I currently work at Elite Skin Art in Lawton, Oklahoma and tattoo mostly military personnel from Ft Sill. The only down side to working there is that I have a 180 mile round trip to work. I love to travel around, and use the convention circuit as an awesome excuse to get to places. I am a family man, with a wife and two kids. I don't have much time for hobbies, but I love cars of all shapes and sizes, as well as motorcycles. I draw as much as I have time for. :cool:

I usually use Aquaphor until it starts to peel and I switch to Curél. It has worked out pretty well, I have also used Tattoo-Goo, Boob Butter, H2Ocean, and After-Inked. Of those, After-Inked is my favorite, it has the consistency of a regular lotion with a lot of different oils in it, and smells nice. I can't stand H2Ocean for the tattoos. I do like their piercing spray though.

My top 3 most painful would have to be my lower knuckles, the edge of my palm and my wrist, as dumb as that sounds.