hgiles

Yeah, don't argue.

I'd have more tattoos/coverage by fewer artists.

If this notion were translated to another art form, say music, then it'd be like a pop-wedding band playing Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" at a gig. It happens all the time. And the public tolerates it, or they wouldn't hire said band in the first place. Sadly, this is largely the state of American consumerism. I remember hearing folks review concerts/shows they've been to and most of the time when someone says "but it sounded nothing like the CD recording" then they are dissapointed. Many place too much value in the product rather than the process. Oh and btw, though those tattoos may 'look' like Shige's - they don't feel/emote like Shige's. But yeah, most people can't tell that difference either, nor care. Merry Christmas.

Brian Bruno is also at Absolute in Richmond. And I know Doyle and Waugh get lots of reps, but Tony Morrell does a really nice take on Japanese. <-- Jinx Proof Crew.

Lots of folks tattoo in a 'dated' style. Paul's doesn't look that way to me. I mostly really like his stuff, the one knock I have is his finger waves. It really looks like he 'phones it in' on the water. Otherwise, I like his stuff a lot.

Jesse's Japanese is heavily influenced by Filip Leu and Kurt Wiscombe, which is a good thing -- and his Tibetan Skulls are always killin'!! Can't wait to see it!

ALSO - Advertised rates and 'actual' rates can vary quite a bit depending on how much the artist likes you and your project.

I sat for 9 hours twice when Dana Helmuth did my half sleeve/chest panel. I could only sit for 3.5 hours (x2) for Chad Koeplinger when he did my rib panel. My other rib panel was done in one sitting (7 hours) by Brian Bruno.

Yeah, I am a tattoo snob -- and proud of it!

It's your money and your body. Do whatever you want. I've done this a time or two and the artists involved didn't really seem to mind as long as another artist wasnt working in his real estate. One time, I had one artist call the other and say -- "hey, I am about to do such and such, do you mind?" It was more out of courtesy and respect than outright asking for permission.

Great to see Chad Koeplinger in there! I happen to have a Japanese piece from him. ;-)

I've been tattooed by both Dana Helmuth (18 hrs.) and Brian Bruno (7 hrs.), among others. When I go back to get some more ink they are really at the top of my list. Hmm, tricky call. They were both super professional with me and hard working (fast) guys even though they were both really light handed. I really like Tony Morrell's work too, but he's expensive. Someone mentioned RedLetter1, but they're nowhere close to DC.

I got a small one hour tattoo when I was 27...then didn't get crazy again til 10 years later.

Most of the time I don't take anything, but when Chad K tattooed my ribs I changed my stance on it.

The Japanese images that appeal the most to me consist of some animate (or spirit) object, plant life, and weather effect. e.g. 1 Tiger- peony - wind bars 2 Koi - cherry blossoms - waves 3 Kitsune - spidermums - fire 4 Snake - maple leaves - vortex ...any more or any less seems to screw it up for me. I didn't read this in any book, but my theory seems to hold try for my own aesthetic anyhow.