Charles.M

I suggest, that you not misinterpret sharing negative life experiences and expressing those experiences, as hate on for something. Getting small tattoos then regretting them and covering them seems to be part of the tattoo growth process, but if I can help another evolve faster than I did and not make my mistakes then I want to help. the wisdom of hindsight may come across harshly or heavy handed but I believe it is with good intention. that is where I am coming from. Humour helps sometimes. to each his own, but each has to live with it...there for a while and all that

Background scenery behind cherry tree (mountains) and put a close up foreground object at base of tree, maybe a bunny or fox, with some atmosphere elements (cherry blossom petals) to tie in any between spaces.

yup, ....succinct and to the point.

Welcome! Who is the artist who applied the lion, is it an original or a repro? Narrative chance here... lol

Clear fluid, also known as lymph, is released during tattoo healing when the interstitial fluid (the fluid which lies in the interstices of all body tissues) is released when healing, it normally contacts then air and crystalizes and creates what we call scabs. Scabs are our bodies natural defence to protect us from infection and to allow our skin to heal itself. When a scab gets pulled off prematurely from an area, it often looks pitted, like yours. Tattoos go through several phases and looks when healing, before finally settling on healed,which is at least a month, so do not sweat it until then, at that time re-evaluate (it cannot be changed by a tattooer, by tattooing in the mean time anyway). The default answer is ask your tattooer... they are in a position to know your specific circumstances directly and they were there at the time of the application (hopefully) and may have insight as to why, where, how, et cetera, and can help you correct your conduct, when you need it. A tattooers aftercare is part and parcel, with the procedure they tattoo, according to believing you will take care of the tattoo according to their aftercare advice, if they knew you were going to do something else, they would probably tattoo differently, to accommodate for your special circumstance. your tattooer will know if that spot required more attention than anywhere else because maybe someone jumped and a correction was needed or.... something else happened. The damage also might have happened downstream, as in you bumped into something, or it super dried out in your sleep or scratched it in your sleep...life happens between application and final healing. A tattoo is like a dance between the tattooer the tattooee, if you both do your part the dance ends well, but if either trips, you both look bad. considering the above, wait a month then re-evaluate...

I agree with mtlsam Get a new white sock and put your junk in there just before you start your session (in the bathroom), that way when you have to drop your drawers, you are covered where people will be concerned about modesty. I think people will give you a pass on a not tight but. A dude with his junk in a sock is completely harmless looking (not tough at all... lol). This technique is more common than you think, I did it when getting work on my full back... it works.

The default answer is Ask your tattooer... they are in a position to know your specific circumstances directly and they were there at the time of the application (hopefully) and may have insight as to why, where, how, et cetera, and can help you correct your conduct, when you need it.... (assuming it was not their first tattoo lol). A tattooers aftercare is part and parcel, with the procedure they tattoo, according to believing you will take care of the tattoo according to their aftercare advice, if they knew you were going to do something else, they would probably tattoo differently, to accommodate for your special circumstance. This might no longer be useful to you, but might be to anyone else reading this topic later. My experience for taking down swelling, have been to elevate that body part where possible above your heart, put ice in a plastic bag and apply for 5 minutes, then take off for 10 minutes, apply for 5, repeat, for a while. I do not recommend any medications (whether prescription of over the counter) because they affect the whole body, whereas ice application and elevation (general first aid wound treatment) is specific and targeted to where you need it. I did not find a specific symptom thread, after searching, so it seemed appropriate to post this here, until there is one.. which is probably why you also posted here. Best of luck.

To get the ball rolling and make an opportunity for a cheer up..if you are experiencing some miserable sh.t or otherwise... or have some material to help another member cheer up! The first joke is.. My favorite invention of the age of electricity is an escalator... drum roll please......, because when it inevitably breaks, it is still stairs!

My advice is to Print 10 of your favorites and walk into a few local shops, pitch what you want with your 10 references pieces from Peter Madsen and they will either be into it and take on your commission or not. Beware, though, not every tattooer is honest enough with himself to refuse a project because it is beyond his current technical or artistic skill set. So ask to see if they have done anything like it or not, if you are the test subject then keep that in mind and don't have your expectations too high as somebody works their personal learning curve into your skin. You might spark someone's imagination into being the next big thing in a style or you might be walking in as wallet only, so beware. Peter Madsen has a unique aesthetic blend of a lot of influences, so don't expect someone to emulate his thing easily, If Peter Madsen is your man then make it happen, if you just like his thing, then someone else might suffice for now, with enough flavor to do the trick, just do not have the unrealistic expectation to have some random dude or gal be able to manifest something genuine that Peter Madsen has been working on as an artist his whole life, keep in mind an artist's expression is an accumulation of their personal influences and aesthetic filter, their them filter (as it were), so it is deeply unique to them. If you do not feel comfortable or confident with your local experience, then make your way to a Tattoo Convention with a wallet full of money and your ideas and reference and you will be sure to find something you like and get. There is enough Tattoo Conventions these days that one has to be within range, otherwise, deal with the local reality, or better yet save money to travel for your favorite Artist, I am sure they would appreciate the effort and it would be reflected in your collective ink. It is noteworthy that a tattoo takes two people, the artist / applicator, and the receiver / canvas it is a cooperation between these two and more human than any other art out there. Each influences the other, and the outcome is a reflection of their cooperation, and meeting of the minds and bodies. So pick your partner wisely, it is well worth the effort.

That is funny...!

When I was at a Tattoo convention in Calgary, I met this guy with a full back Tattoo by Grime. It was awesome, but, he was super cautious of people with cameras around taking pictures of his back. The way he saw it, and explained it to me, was that it was his tattoo art designed for him by Grime and he did not want to see 10 bad copies of it appearing all over the internet. Trendy tattoos are one thing, then there is something else...thought I would share and read other peoples views on the subject. Thanks. I guess one has accomplished something when their tattoo that they are known for (I noticed it) has made it's way to popular culture....then starts a trend. Did the cover model get the tattoo cause it was trendy or started the trend. Which came first the chicken or the egg?

agreed. Another example is Mike Tyson's face-tattoo in 'The Hangover 2', but that was a comedy, specifically making fun of people who copy stars tattoos...the joke was pointing it out blatantly. the above example, of Harley Quinn's character I provided, seemed to me to be something different, if it is a moot point, ok...

Those Tattoos are fake for sure (only for the character the actress is portraying), what I am pointing out is that a real Tattoo model's Tattoo on her stomach has been imitated into a movie character's fake tattoos, (for the character), hence Art imitates life. Imagine meeting someone with a complete copy of your tattoos (whether real of fake), it would be like meeting a doubleganger. Maybe this is a trendy tattoo that I just missed and only was aware of it on that specific Tattoo model who kept appearing in Magazines, especially the covers, I mean that is one of her identifiable features, with all the hair and make up and costume stuff... I would not recognize her otherwise...

Maybe this is naive or just hopeful, but I want to start an artist signature line of T-shirts, designed by Tattoo Artists, I know this is not a new concept, but the niche will be that they are not shop T-shirts and not Sullen big productions from the larger companies (which are awesome). I would like to see simple clean designs, limited colors on Black shirts, made locally, of limited runs of 100 -300 shirts only, so that it actually matters that you have one of a limited supply (value added). Also limited run designs will mean that the art is constantly changing with fresh designs by the artists. There is a real opportunity for the Tattoo Scene to support local makers of things, like t-shirt makers and printers etc, instead of having things mass produced in China. Help your cousin Jim, you know what I mean. North America used to be a world producer, now we are consumer extraordinaires. This also gives a creative venue for tattooers who make awesome art which not so Tattoo-able sometimes, which can generate income for a rainy day fund when they are not tattooing (yes that happens). Here are 5 designs which I am considering for Black T-shirts (hence the black back-drop). What is your feedback? Why one or the other? If there is consensus, this thing can pop out in the real world and you are a part of it. How often do you get that opportunity?

I notice that Margot Robbie, the actress playing Harley Quinn'c character from the movie Suicide Squad had a tattoo on her abdomen, just above the pant line which read "Lucky You". Thing is that Tattoo is actually on a Popular Tattoo Model, I have seen her on the cover of several Tattoo Magazines, just flipped through a stack and did not see her, don't remember her name but other astute tattoo trivia - forum members will probably be able to find out. Here it is, just found her pics from the internet... Point is, what do you think about it when Art imitates life like this? Also this thread can hold other instances of such examples....

Getting an autographed version of a published tattoo related book makes it a collector's item and pushes legitimacy in the direction of tattoo. As tattoo grows up from the carny culture from 100 years ago (the good with the bad), and swings into a recognizable legitimate art form (which is legitimate to those who appreciate it anyway), more artistically accomplished artists pick up machines and current artists are challenged in meaningful ways to push boundaries and remain current. Healthy competition stirs creativity and where it goes nobody knows until we are there. Art is only limited to the creator's imaginations. As tattooing swings into its new phase, tattooers who are now accomplished and awesome, will be recognized for what they are anyway and appreciated by a broader audience. To me it is just sad that non tattooed people have a built in bias to dismiss the accomplishments of an artist if that artist is Tattooing (obviously not members of this forum). Take same art and stick on wall, then the bias is removed somehow and they can actually look at it. Otherwise, mention art, then tattoo and eyes glaze over, and dismissal ensues by general population.

This video is awesome, I had my hands tattooed by Kurt Wiscombe, at the Toronto convention, 10 years ago probably.. thanks for the heads up.

Trend or no trend, if you like something get it. I do. Labels are not the thing, they are just labels. Collecting Tattoos is like collecting art for your walls, except it is pretty permanent. As you change as a person, your tattoos remain constant though your relationship to those tattoos may change over time, your original reason for getting it may fade but a new appreciation will develop. Getting tattoos is more than just in the moment art, they are a permanent human connection with the applicator, which no other art form contemplates or appreciates, in such a direct way... I recommend to forget labels and just get a collection of tattoo art for you that makes you happy...that way you win in the endeavour, after all, you have to live with it.

Gentleman's Tattoo Flash is a good company and have treated me well. They do not just take anything, so respect. Congratulations on getting your Flash out there.

Thank you for that Sam, I appreciate your input, I have spent the last few months researching, designing and publishing Reference books for Tattooers, I am quite current on the subject and if it is coming through, I am not surprised (it is part of me). I am taking a little break from that and deciding to participate in this forum, I think that perspective can be an asset to the group. As you can see by my posts, I am adding advice as I think it can be an addition to the threads, not just for the sake of posting. It is a holiday weekend here, so I have some time to post right now. Since you are posting publicly and not PMing me I must reply publicly. Please, everyone, know my intentions are sincere and I look forward to a long relationship with this forum's virtual inhabitants.

Just picked up my copy of Marked in Ink: A Tattoo Coloring Book On the back of the book it reads "Tattoo artist Megan Massacre invites adult coloring book fans into her whimsical world of sugar skulls, sailing ships, mermaids, owls, and more. Now you can add your own bold, vibrant colors to her signature edgy and artistic tattoo designs--and tear each perforated page out for display!" About the Author (from the book) "MEGAN MASSACRE is a tattoo artist, model, and reality TV star of TLC's NY Ink and tattoo cover-up series America's Worst Tattoos. Best known for her incredible attention to detail and vibrant use of color, Megan’s artwork has been exhibited at galleries both inside and outside of the tattoo world. Megan resides in New York, where she is a partner at Grit N Glory, the city's first rock ’n’ roll lifestyle boutique and tattoo studio. She enjoys traveling the world and hiking, and she is always aspiring to find that new, great challenge." Megan Massacre's Marked In Ink Coloring book features 40 tattoo inspired hand drawn images from the artist Megan Massacre, if you like her work then this is a good buckshot collection of it. . Each page is one-sided, heavy stock paper to help prevent the bleed through of ink and suitable markers pens, colored pencils and crayons.. what have you. Each page has a perforated edge for easy removal if desired which is nice feature to keep the rest of your book binding in one piece otherwise. I am happy to see actual Tattooers doing tattoo coloring books, because the non-tattooer coloring books are generally awful, badly drawn collections of trendy images. There is a whole section of the bookstore now devoted to these adult coloring books on various themes, but the usually the artists they pick to do them are probably family or something, do not know how they go the job otherwise. Anyway just picked it up yesterday, read a review in INKED about it and found a copy at the local books store, wanted to say congratulations on it!!! Way to go Megan for putting this out there. Did you see this book or have a copy and what do you think? I can see a coloring book contest being integrated into tattoo conventions in the future, lol.

At a convention in Toronto a few years back I was Tattooed by Steve Boltz from Smith St. Tattoo Parlour, Brooklyn, the shop is about 2 hours away(ish) from North Jersey but well worth the drive. https://www.instagram.com/steveboltz/?hl=en Great guy and I love the Tattoo, his work is consistently awesome. He did a free hand marker drawn coverup coffin theme on my chest.

Another circular blackwork pattern, so simple yet has the illusion of depth... before embellishments of dot-work or line work etc...

If you really want to play it safe, and dip your toe in all undecided like, get some photorealistic freckle tattoos ....in a place no one cares about.....the long game is you won't even need a cover up! Swishhhh!

Is tattooing an animal inhumane, or is it art? Animal Rights lobbyists exclaim in horror as animals receive decorative tattoos from their owners, claiming that animals can’t choose whether or not to not have the tattoos done. Read the article and brace your-self to be confused, amazed, not sure how to feel .... http://www.thenatureanimals.com/2010/03/animal-owners-tattoo-and-piercings.html My mind is boggled by this.....WTF