Guerillaneedles

Wow, just finished reading this thread from start to finish. First things, there are some truly eloquent opinions on here, and I'm really impressed that there has been so much in the way of disagreement and debate handled in a proper grown up way..... Surely it is a rariety indeed to find an online discussion which features strong opinions that has not degraded into name calling or worse. I kept thinking I wish some of those people who judge the heavily tattooed as stupid could read some of these posts! Secondly, my humble opinion is that there is a distinct difference between seeking out a tattooer solely because they are a well known name and doing so because they do solid, beautiful work that appeals to you (and they're well known). I'm very lucky to have been tattooed by some well known tattooists, but every single one of them I have chosen because it is their work that speaks to me first and foremost. I'm also extremely lucky to have had lovely, positive experiences with those guys, so much so that I've been back for more! A tattoo is so much more than the image you're left with. I pride myself on my collection, but have been known to be tattooed by people I've never heard of because I got good vibes from them. Last year at Brighton I got tattooed on whim by Stewart OC (who was then at Prick, London) because I walked by his booth, we got talking and just got on. I thought, I want this guy to have my money! I'd just started my apprenticeship and he was so lovely, offering advice etc. And last of all, as a tattooer myself, someone who is constantly working on improving, putting the best tattoo I can on (not just thinking about that instagram photo!), I do come across customers who clearly only want to be tattooed by certain people because they have a 'name', like it's more important to have been touched by those people than for them to have a good tattoo. That definitely irks me! Sometimes I think that comes from ignorance and the assumption that just because you've heard of someone that they MUST be better than someone you haven't heard of. But as as an anyone who has a 'hidden gem' in their local shop knows, that's not always the case!

As an artist in the UK I can say that tipping is not expected (certainly not by myself or my colleagues), but it is always appreciated whether it's a bit of cash or a present. If I'm being tattooed myself I'll either bring a small present or a bit of cash. I understand that getting tattooed is an expensive undertaking after all.

Latest tattoos from Guen Douglas done at Magnum Opus in Brighton. Really pleased with them but damn the heal is so tough. Usually heal very quickly with minimum issues. First time using vasocaine so don't know if this is affecting the heal? Anyway can't wait for them to be settled in. Got an appointment with Sneaky Mitch on Wednesday, way to soon but you just don't say no, not even when you've been waiting as long as I have to be tattooed by him!

Yes I need to get my collection photographed and uploaded here (got to work that out too!)

This is an interesting question. I first got tattooed at 18,and got 3 between 18-21.all various degrees of awful, one is covered already, one being lasered, the other very weak and will be covered eventually. I then actually waited 7 years before being tattooed again, during which time my mind was was opened to the more artistic side of tattooing - I got really put off by nearly getting another bad tattoo and wanted to wait until I find the right artist. I found it in WT Norbert who did my feet and ankles, and who absolutely nailed the brief. Even though the Australian sun punished them they're still some of my favourites. Once I came back I got tattooed my Nicole Lowe, but to be honest I'd say since instagram (and entering the tattoo industry myself) my collection has grown rapidly. In the last 2 years it's picked up massively. One arm completely done but with some filler gaps (including my hand), other almost done, most of right leg done. I love collecting from different artists, but recently seem to be averaging about 2 from each artist. I tell myself I'll slow down but honestly, I'm not particularly young (33 this year), soon we'll start a family and then I won't be able to afford it! I could be tattooed a hundred times over by different tattooists and still love every single one, so I don't really see the point in waiting for 20 years just to see what's up. I've only got one tattoo I've gotten since collecting seriously that I don't like and it's not even bad, it's just black and grey, and it was my first free tattoo when I started tattooing. I just got giddy! I've got a few big spaces left, but I think I'm going to give over most of my legs to one hit smaller stuff. I'm so happy with the artists I have collected already, it's such a buzz! Sure I'll be sad even I run out of space but it has to happen eventually.

Sadly can't post it and it's actually being lasered but second tattoo ever was a tribal, bottom of the back (oh yeah I'm of that generation), and it's so scarred it's truly truly awful. The guy had no idea what he was doing clearly. First one was tiny, now covered in a tigers tail. Third one is a pair of wings based on Brian Froud 's illustrations. Actually used to get a lot of compliments about these, it's very lightly done, which obviously means it's faded a lot, so it will be easy to cover. Worst thing being that the' artist' advised me to have one wing slightly different so it looked like their is movement (Haha, NOPE it just looks uneven). After that I didn't get tattooed for 7 years and since then tattooing has upped it's game so I'm super proud of the rest of my collection!

For me, it's got to be my hands. I'm right in the middle of the heal and it's hands down (no pun intended) the worse so far. So scabby, sore and tight. Honestly though, I feel like the more I get tattooed and the older I get, the worst the heal!

Someone asked me once if he could re-use the clingfilm I wrapped him in after the tattoo, if he washed it! No dude don't be cheap. Get to tesco and buy a roll!

Currently healing both hands, which go up onto my wrists and down onto my knuckles. I'm about a week in, they're so sore, very crusty, I can't really move my hands properly. Going back to work on Tuesday so worried about gloves coming on and off. Whaaaaaaa this is the PERFECT thread for me. What's weird is the usual wash/cream thing that usually makes my tattoos feel better actually making these ones sting! Was so bad the other night after washing and applying aloe Vera they felt like they were on fire! I started crying to which my usually lovely boyfriend rolled over and said 'will you be crying for long? I've got to get up in the morning.' Haha cheers love. Anyway glad to have somewhere I can whine to people who understand! - - - Updated - - - This gives me hope, mine are crust city. It's so sore! I hate healing

I have just finished using tatuderm for the first time. Tricky spot I'd say (just had both of my hands tattooed) so I had to do a lot of patching etc to get them to fit, and I wasn't able to get the recommended 1" space around the tattoo so I did experience some leaking etc. This means I changed it after 12hrs the first time. Pros : once I had actually got the stuff on (not easy given I had to dress my hands myself), they felt good. I had more mobility than with just clingfilm, everything felt a bit 'safer' and certainly not gooey. However,after dressing them for the 2nd time (I got my boyfriend to help this time and I think he pulled itit a bit tight)they were a lot less mobile. I also noticed some small spots forming so I decided to remove it again after 12hrs. This time I noticed the tatuderm had actually stuck to my tattoos (which it is definitely not meant to do!) I presumed this might have been due to my hands starting to heal and therefore not producing as much plasma but it was pretty sore removing what is essentially sticky tape from healing tattoos. Since then my hands have been dry healing (I feel like I messed them around a little already) and I'd say I'm generally having an awful heal (for me anyway,) got loads of scabs, very tight, very dry and still sore after about a week. I've got no idea if this is in some way connected to my use of the tatuderm or just that hands are a bitch to heal anyway! I've got a few more appointments coming up on much easier parts of the body so I'm going to try again. I'll report back!

Hi everyone, I'm new here. Always looking to learn and contribute to this industry I love so much! Been tattooing just under 2 years (including my apprenticeship). Apprenticed under Rob Ratcliffe at the Border Rose tattoo in Littleborough (near Manchester). Now working at Red Tattoo and Piercing in Leeds Corn Exchange. I collect tattoos as well, got work from Stu Pagdin, Guen Douglas, Wendy Pham, Danielle Rose, Lucy O'connor, Nicole Lowe, Sam Smith (scrapie on instagram), just about to get something from Sneaky Mitch. I love collecting! It's a great way for me to learn, and I love wearing my art collection. I also paint, watercolour and liquid acrylics mainly. Always looking to push myself in all areas, I just want to get better!