Johnny

I cant really answer for tattooing because I dont know but I suspect it is like most things. Some history is lost but what we do now will one day be history. And sometimes, better ways come along and maybe the old ways werent the best. I believe that anyone in a craft should know the roots and be familiar. In other words, I agree with you but I see it happening in many crafts. Especially photograpy. I was pleased that my daughter took photography in high school this year and they made them get a film camera for the beginning of the class. They havent touched a digital yet. Unfortunately, I couldnt find my K1000 from 1983 so I borrowed a camera for her class. I really wish I knew where that camera was. Brilliant camera to learn with.

Old thread I know but it is relavent to me right now. You folks have all been very patient with me so far and I appreciate it but at 40 something and getting my first tattoo, I have questions. Hmmm, is there a word for non-tattooed people that only tattooed people use? Anyway, the problem I am having with picking an artist is that it all looks pretty good to me and I am having trouble finding the line between pretty good and really good. That may sound silly but I guess my eyes havent trained well enough to see the subtle differences. Sometimes a tattoo will get posted on this site and I will think it looks pretty cool and others will say it is utter crap. Maybe I knew it wasnt excellent but I am sometimes surprised at what is called bad. I am pretty much going to pick someone in my general area as I dont have the budget to spend money on travel AND a tattoo. And its not like I am getting a full back done or anything. Just a pretty good sized tattoo on my upper arm .......................... to start. Dont get me wrong, I'd love to catch Tim Hendricks in Miami and have him do something but I have no idea if he still comes down and I am guessing I wouldnt be able to afford a more widely known artist like that. I've seen a couple of interviews with him and love his passion for the art and he seems like a really cool guy. Miami only an hour or so away so it's not big travel or anything. I cant imagine that is going to happen so I continue to look around here. So when looking at local guys, what is it I should be looking for in their books or online portfolios that separates them from the pack? There are so many shops within an hour of me that it is a lot of work to look at.

Hey @Joe Shit, do you know the guys at that Rockabilly shop? They have a guy you didnt list named P.L. that seems really good. Just wondering if you knew anything about him.

That's what I'm talking about. That poor young man is going to have his hands full.

I dont really know much about her but something tells me she is awesome.

@Jaycel Adkins, I probably feel the same way. I dont know that I am disturbed by someone like that as much as I dont understand it. I see and know a lot of tattooed people and see and know a lot of people who have a very non-mainstream style of dress but I dont often see and dont know anyone with the huge implant stuff. I mean, I see some strange piercings but those horns are certainly a statement. I like to think I am more and more open to differences the older I get but that level of modification baffles me. Maybe I am old enough to be accepting but too old to understand.

I didnt take it as sarcastic or dismissive. I am a pretty traditional guy typically and would not feel right doing something that was disrespectful or in conflict with tradition. I'll end up asking more than one stupid question around here but I lack knowledge and you guys have it. I figure I wont get it if I dont ask.

@Stewart Robson, great answer as well. I appreciate the input. I think I have looked at a million examples and have chosen a couple that I will eventually share with an artist and let him use it as a guide.

Good reply. I was really asking more in general than specifically about the phoenix. I am more looking for this tattoo to represent more of the Greek or Egyption thoughts of the phoenix in that it represents the sun that dies and rises every morning. I started out wanting something to honor my parents who have both passed, and celebrate my wife and daughter, and some other stuff. That approach was going to result in a bad tattoo. I saw the phoenix and thought that I was changed by all of those events. I also believe that we constantly reinvent ourselves as live goes on. So the phoenix, especially the Greek version, fits and can be more eagle-like and not break any traditions or anything. I have collected a few examples that I like so far. Maybe I should have started a new thread for the question but was really asking in general if tattooers or enthusiasts were put off when tattoos from traditional cultures, like the chinese phoenix or dragon, are changed to a more modern image or move far away from the traditional style. I probably wouldnt do something that flies in the face of tradition personally. I am new to tattoos but in most everything I have ever taken an interest in, I usually end up being pretty faithful to tradition. That said, my next tattoo will likely be a traditional type of tattoo, like an anchor and rose, but with a modern approach to color and realism. Sorry, just rambling.

The vampire girl scared me a little.

Fixed. I obviously didnt have my spelling cap on today. Sheesh.

As I look through examples of what I might want, a question came to my mind. What is the general feeling in the tattooing world about poetic license with regard to specific styles of tattoos? In other words, is it frowned upon for someone to take a traditional Japanese design and make it ................... less Japonese? I am looking at a Phoenix which isnt just a Japonese design but there are some done in a Japonese style. I like the ones I see that have more of an eagle or falcon type head as opposed to the chicken or peakock looking head. I am assuming there is no real big issue with the phoenix but chime in if you feel differently. I do wonder about more traditional designs that are more specifically Japonese though. What is the general feeling with breaking tradition?

That is very cool. I am guessing they have the camera mounted on a tripod and using a remote to trigger it. Otherwise, I suspect that would take forever. Cool to watch though.

I'll have you know, I was in Fort Myers this weekend and went to a grocery store. There was a guy in the line in front of me with some beautiful art on his arm. I wanted to tell him the looked great but I couldnt remember what I was allowed to say so I just didnt say anything. I completely forgot I was supposed to ask him if he was totally drunk when he got them. :)

Been on a Bottle Rockets kick early this week. That and Uncle Tupelo. Later in the week I was listening to a lot of Pearl Jam. I feel Merle Haggard coming on though.

I like that one.

I had our wedding date engraved inside my ring. Recently, I got a new ring just because I thought the old was outdated and liked some of the new stuff I was seeing. I ended getting a tungsten something or other and it cant be engraved. It was funny to my wife and I because we both relied on that ring to remind us what year we were married. We were actually celebrating our 5th anniversary when part way through the evening we looked at the ring and realized it was our 6th. Oops. So after reading this thread, maybe I will get the date tattooed on my finger, under my ring.

I can certainly understand and respect that. This thread is very helpful to me so I know what I should and shouldnt say if I see someone with a great sleeve or something. Now I know, I can approach them and say, "so, you got drunk and got a tattoo?" :cool:

To be honest, this would likely be my answer. That or some other complete lie. Sarcasm is a strong suit.

I completely get that they dont necessarily have meaning. I can also understand not wanting to go through the entire story every time you are asked. I completely respect all of the different approaches in this thread and on this site. I was really asking because I wasnt sure why it seemed to touch a nerve with so many people. I also agree that if the person is a complete stranger and/or is rude, it would be annoying. Just learning, that's all.

I'm new here so please forgive me but why do you get so aggravated with these questions? It is fascinating to people. And apparently, you dont look too scary to approach so they ask. I'm not judging, I'm really just asking. It seems like answering that some have meaning and some dont is pretty good. Or that you started young and have always loved tattoos. I dont think I have ever asked about someone's tattoos but I can see others being curious. I have lately asked one or two people if they minded sharing where they got their tattoos or if they could recommend a good place. I have only been on this forum a short time and am trying to learn as much as I can about the culture and the craft but I havent yet been able to understand why people who are heavily tattooed are so annoyed with a simple question like that. I can see being annoyed by annoying people but as long as they are courteous and dont interrupt a dinner or something I dont see it being a huge deal.

I would agree. When real estate was booming, there was a huge influx of new "agents" trying to take advantage of the windfall. And when the stock market was doing nothing but rising, everyone was a day trader. I would venture to guess that most of these people are back to reality and I suspect the same thing will happen in the tatto industry after the newest craze dies down some. The only difference is some of the new blood in the tattoo world will walk away with permanent marks of what they have done. Hope they like it. I think the challenge to any industry is to take the good from any situation, like the current popularity of tattoos, and take good lessons away to make a better, stronger industry. Even after the nubes are gone. But I can certainly understand the frustration from those who have taken the time to do it right. Personally, I am still working on getting my first tattoo and am trying to learn about the history, the craft and the culture. I am fascinated by they entire thing. I have total respect for the artists and the business. Maybe it isnt required to do this kind of research just to have a tattoo but it is what makes it fun for me and I suspect will make it a better experience for me and possibly for my artist.

Yeah, those guys arent too far at all. I also just got a referral to Rockabilly Tattoos in Lauderhill. I'll check out this one too. Thanks.

Amazing for sure. I am thinking that phoenix wouldnt look as good on me. Sadly. I'd like to see that one up close though. hehe

Thanks @Joe Shit. I dig the Rockabilly place. Really tight artists and not terribly far from me.