CultExciter

Dude! My mentor will be there. I will be holding down work at the shop, but if you see O'Donnell working on a Kiyohime backpiece, say hi!

I would venture to say this query doesn't fall into what we consider the "DON'T TALK ABOUT MONEY" rule we have here, but falls more into an etiquette category. I love seeing thoughtful conversation round these parts. The advice already given has been sound (including from two tattooers I really really dig). It's ok to ask the hardline questions of "How much should I bring?" because otherwise, you just don't know.

I cosign @CABS I look at the tattoo I received from Carolyn often, and then I think to myself, jesus, why don't I just move to the west coast.

I have nothing important to contribute. I like all of you guys. Even when we don't get along.

Well, I think a good majority here are aware of these people. I love Aaron Cain, Pacheco and James Tex. Certainly not oblivious to it. I'm also certain that I don't have a tattoo machine tattooed on my hand, but I can recognize most on site. There isn't a Captain Big Nuts card to attain around here. I certainly am not interested in making anyone stay if they feel like they don't belong. Just know your audience. Period.

Yea, ice cream and cookies is a way better vice anyways.

Speaking of, I really want to come up, even if it's just to see Candiria and SOIA. (But really I just want to see Fury of V.)

Welcome. Great shop. Great tattooers.

How about we let...

I have but one response. His affections for NYC must be that strong.

I also love that @daveborjes works there once a month.

@gougetheeyes All the moves! Your recent pics of Maine have me thinking I need to move there. Haha.

Thanks homey!

Now that I think about it, I had tattooed around 30 people before I tattooed myself. Oooof, and I'm not saying that's a good thing.

That's a Supreme. @Rad Kelham

Mandalas are the new hot shit coming into the shop I work at. I think they are super rad. I love a lot of that sacred geometry that was introduced by Tomas Tomas, Jondix, Hooper, et al. But watered down versions are becoming that new new.

Well, some of you pals already know, but it's relevant, so I'll tell you all. I put in my resignation at my day job so that I could be at the tattoo shop more often. It's a big scary step, but you gotta start somewhere. Also, I quit drinking after being a lush for the last 10 years. Onwards and upwards folks.

YEAH YALL!

Well, those aren't actual tattoos, so I'd classify them as Photoshop!

You're good dude. I'm possibly in the wrong here. I just think it's weird to chat about here on teh internetz. Standard, across the board, if you have concerns about your safety, always ask the person you're getting tattooed by. Everything you want to know about tattooing can be found on the internet, so just don't be surprised if, when talking to people you don't know on the internet, and some of them may/may not be tattooers, they may not the most forthcoming. If you want the answer, you can find it. But I still enjoy a certain veil of secrecy around this business.

Ask your tattooer. Don't say incorrect things on the internet.

I just prefer people to not say things when they don't know what they are talking about. Two ears and one mouth for a reason. Yes, you "can" reuse needles. You can do whatever you like. But it has nothing to do with "cartridges" or anything related to the machine. Anything stainless steel is autoclavable. But do to the nature that a) needles are cheap and b) it is the safest procedure not to reuse. Stainless steel grips are autoclavable and can be reused. Does that answer your question?

<facepalm> You don't autoclave needles. They are always single use. Doesn't matter what type of machine you use.

Good luck buddy! I hope it all goes as planned.

Stay in art school.