Devious6

As everyone else has said, it looks great!! Remember that it takes at least 6 full weeks for your skin to fully heal after the trauma of tattooing. Let it happen. Also, remember that your tattoo is unique to you - an imperfection, even very small ones like you've pointed out - just make it truly yours and a one-of-a-kind. We have a totally custom-designed house - a one-off designed by an architect and then custom-built. There are a few imperfections that cropped up along the way....and we love and celebrate each small "ooops." I think your artist did an amazing job. By all means talk to him about your tattoo...and I wouldn't hesitate to have him do another piece, if I were you. Be proud of your eagle and flag!

The problem I've had with red and blue on my last piece is not healing but rather absorption. Others have told me they had similar experiences and I'm hoping that my touch-up work scheduled for this Thursday will do the trick. It did seem, though, was slower to heal and was more tender/itchy than my first which was black/gray.

Congratulations!!! But, pictures are required!

Awesome!! I bet you can't wait for the next session!!

My Dad went into the Marines at the end of WWII - this is him in July 1946, just scored as high shooter in his training platoon at Parris Island. His tattoo was a killer skull with a snake intertwined in the eyes and mouth. I wish I could show him mine now - he died in 1997 while I was commanding a battalion in Bosnia - but he was my incentive to finally do it. I'm still looking for that rifle - serial number 2860035. I've come close to it and have several M1 Garands in my collection. I know that he would have never considered putting something on him that reflected an image of Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, North Korea or China. Still, he loved the oriental and German cultures and visited Asia and Europe many times over the years before he died.

I think it could be that our psyche was more focused on projecting our own images of strength and patriotism. Flags, eagles, battle ships, tanks, crossed infantry rifles - few people then would have ever considered putting on something that reflected the enemy we were fighting, the enemy our Nation was totally committed to defeat. I think that's why I love my eagle so much - it reflects the strength of our country - the one I served and love. Not perfect but mine. May be it's just me - the old retired Army guy - but images and emotions still matter to me. Or maybe I'm just having one of those introspective days.

I had actually seen this piece recently and initially thought the same thing - but as a WWII buff and former Army officer/military historian I quickly realized it was a biker. I had several WWII German helmets when I was a kid in the 60's that had been painted for use by bikers. One was chromed, the other painted purple.

With a muffler clamp at the ready!!!

Wow, you guys are amazing!! I can't even draw a pumpkin that doesn't look like a pre-schooler drew it.

Welcome to the forum!

What a great discussion! As a new guy on the block - first tattoo 6 months ago and second 3 weeks ago - I can comment on this from both sides. I was always fascinated with tattoos - don't think I ever consciously stared but definitely looked. I was intrigued by the designs, the colors, the placement. I didn't ever approach someone to ask about them though - I knew nothing about the culture or the process and so I didn't intrude. I also never judged someone based on their having tattoos. My father had one that he got while in the Marines at the end of WWII - he went on to be a college professor and electrical engineer so I learned as a kid that having tattoos doesn't tell you who a person is. Now at age 61, retired from the Army and serving as the president of a college, I work with many people on my staff who have tattoos and see many students with them as well. I have a mix of friends, family, students and colleagues both past and present on my FB page and I openly post pictures the show my tattoos. I wear sleeveless shirts that expose them so now I get the stares. Although I've had a few negative comments from friends along the lines of "What were you thinking?" the majority of reactions have been positive. I enjoy a bit of breaking the mold of expectation of what an Army Colonel or College President are "expected" to be. And, when I see someone with great tattoos I compliment them and ask who did their work. I'm always looking for an interesting design or great artist. I hate the question "Did it hurt?". Pain is relative and everyone experiences it differently. How do you explain your own pain to someone that makes sense or know that the person has the same level of pain tolerance? So, I always just answer that "It feels like being kissed by a baby unicorn." At my age, I don't have to worry about what my tattoos will look like in 50 years. I'll be happy if I'm still here in 30.

Welcome to the forum. Lots of good advice here for you.

You have to build up a post count before you can start posts in other areas. By replying here, posting pics, offering comments on other posts you can build your count. I can't seem to find it in the rules, but I think 10 is the magic number.

Welcome to the forum! We are looking forward to seeing pics of your Phoenix!

I couldn't believe they kept him around.

I do not have the experience to offer advice on the type of tree, but I offer my sincere condolences on your loss. I will say, though, that going with an image that speaks to you makes more sense than any advice we can give. Certainly, find an artist who has the ability to transform your feelings into art. I had a similar experience with my last tattoo. As I looked at various designs, one kept pulling me back over and over - it was that one that I gave to my artist and then talked about how it could be changed to reflect my personal feelings. If you do that, it will have deep meaning to you....and that's who it needs to impact most, IMHO.

Checked in with my artist today - he agrees that I need a little touch up on the blue and red of the flag. Decided to wait for another two weeks of healing - the spots where I had scabs is still peeling as the tattoo settles in. No big rush - but I want to be fully healed before we head off to our vacation in November. So, I'm set for October 6th - just a 30 minute appointment to finish up.

I could have answered that question...but I was a history major in college.

Awesome!!

The Dial Gold is a liquid antibacterial - so it is very soothing....and I love the smell. Now it is associated in my mind with a new tattoo so when I use it it makes me want to get another. Good luck on your heal and peel!! Looking forward to post heal pictures!! Mine is still peeling a bit, and needs to shed some layers of skin before it's final - but I'm psyched at how it looks.

My shop requires a minimum of $50 as a deposit to schedule an appointment. Rescheduling is no problem but if you are a No Show you forfeit the deposit. For me, I took pictures of tattoos that represented the design I was looking for. Then I talked with my artist about them and told him what I liked, what I didn't and anything else I thought about adding. Then I turned him loose to come up with the design. When he completed the design, he shared it with me and we again discussed it and made a few minor changes. Once he had the final done we talked again - and at that point it was all in his hands. That process worked well for me, but I would assume each artist and shop is different.

You are truly supporting inter-Service cooperation. I don't think all, or even most,tattoos have to have some special meaning. If you like a design, go for it!

Amid all the discussion we've had of late about how we interact with new members and people wanting advice, this is the epitome of a perfect interaction. Advice sought, open to suggestions and the advice given and grateful for what is provided. Whether or not any of it is used, we all come away feeling good. Nailed it.

I do get your point - and I am not looking for perfection here. Just a few spots where the shading didn't take to make that flag wave true.

Today I celebrate Scab Free Day!!!!!! The last of the scabs flaked off when I was in the shower this morning. Now it's smooth sailing as I heal this awesome tattoo. I'll be dropping by the shop to talk with my artist on Friday and have him look it over - then schedule for touch up as necessary. Woo Hooo!!