Yeah, I've been tossing around ideas. I was trying to think of things that reminded me of him, he was a marine, a jack of all trades, he was quiet, a philosopher.. many things that I've found out after his passing vs before.
The things done together is harder, he was sick for a long time so a lot of what we did as we became closer was just sit in silence together or talk, though we did tour the country in a van with my band one summer. Picking a starting image has been difficult because of that.
Understood. One site had suggested a 'pinch' of the ashes, which is probably all that's necessary. I wouldn't want an ash sludge, but as you stated, enough to feel that they're in the ink and enough has transferred to that tattoo.
I hadn't thought much about style until you mentioned it. I feel like American Traditional may be a good representation of him.
A quality artist is my number one priority. I'm not sure I'll find what I'm looking for locally, but a little travel is always welcomed.