JAC1961

I think all you can do at this point is let it heal and see what it looks like. If it happens again, just wet the shirt and let the dried plasma soften and it will come loose without damage.

@AtomicMagpyeSeems to be going well. First night there was some swelling and definitely sore, but the swelling is gone and only one spot near my arm pit that's still slightly tender to the touch. I'm really happy with it, I think it will turn out great.

I'm super stoked. Yesterday I started my second tattoo, a tiger half sleeve on my left arm. Done by Jeff Stress at Enso Tattoo in Columbus, Ohio. I'll try to get better pics, this one is right after the fact. Two things that amazed me, that it only took Kevin 2 hours and how much the pain level can change in just a matter of a couple inches.

@AtomicMagpyeYour ship and Kraken are absolutely great! I bet that was a test of endurance and fortitude.

Glad to do it. Didn't realize it's a reincarnation, but I did see some of footage was marked 2010/2011. Since becoming interested in tattoos, I've been searching for all the videos that I can find for inform/entertainment.

There's new video on YouTube made and about Jeff Gogue. It's him getting his 101 hours of work on his back in Japan, but also includes his work. He talks about have to surrender to be able to get a piece like that. Some interesting thoughts. I love his works and really enjoyed the video. Jeff Gogue - Surrender

Another possibility would be get it covered with the same text, but in a more modern/stylish font. Stuff like what's done by a lot of Cali artists.

Great blue dragon! Love the claw.

Very nice. Seems like maybe I've seen it on Instagram... or maybe a similar one.

@GardengingerlilyI'd say that it looks really close to the reference pic. I guess that I don't think of lilacs of being purple and pink in the same blossom, but that's just me.

I don't think it looks especially phallic, it isn't that great of a lilac either. Does it look like the reference that you gave the artist? Think I'd go back and talk it over with them.

I agree completely with @Synesthesia, knowing too much of the process kind of ruins some of the "magic" for me. As long as they know what's going on, I'm happy. I used to collect art glass and felt the same way about that. I went out of my way to not learn too much about the how-to. Some collectors insisted on learning each and every secret. While the artists liked talking about what they did, they seemed pained when non-artists dug too deeply or pushed too hard about every little detail.

Nice, very nicely detailed. Any significance to the image?

@thewitchhunterthat's going to be an awesome dragon when it's complete!

So what's removal like? I've always heard that the pain is worse than tattoos.

It's sad to see happen anywhere, but not surprising. It happens in every walk of life, every profession, so there's no reason to think that tattoo artists are immune to it. Some may find it barbaric, but I believe in the old fashion ways. If that type of thing happened years ago, the woman's father, brothers, uncles, etc. would impress upon the over-sexed prick the error of his ways and explain why it wouldn't happen again. Of course today you can't do such things. When my wife and I got married MY dad told my wife that I if I ever laid a hand to her just to let him know and he'd take care of it... and he would have.

Sorry, @BobbyBuxI don't have any specific names for you, but it looks like @SStuhas some and Google can probably provide even more. Good luck and show us what you end up with.

I think that I'd be tempted to find someone in your area that's proficient at a similar style like geometric and hit them up. A good artist can reach a little farther than they usually do and sometimes enjoy the challenge.

I guess that this is as good of place as any for my question... How common is it for a tattoo to scab? Is there things that cause it or prevent it? I'm asking because my first tattoo on my upper right arm didn't have a single scab. It was itchy and did peel after a few days, but never scabbed. I washed it with Dial bar soap 3/day, treated with A+D ointment (recommended by artist) for the first 4 days or so and them switched to lubriderm lotion. I thought that A+D wasn't very popular for use on tattoos, but since I'll be beginning my second one next month and it seemed to work well on me I'm thinking that I'll do the same thing again. Any thoughts from those more experienced?

Thanks @Dan, he seemed to think it was a good image. I felt better taking something like this and let him do his take on it rather than a pic of another tattoo. He said that he'd stencil the tiger and draw in the background, which I like. Yep, I'm just west of Toledo. I found in researching artists close enough to me to travel to, that I had to look to Columbus, Cleveland or Cincinnati for any that really specializes in a certain style. I'm glad that you pointed out Greg's work as I do hope to get an American traditional some day.

Really stoked. I had a consultation on Tuesday for my second tattoo at Enso Tattoo in Columbus, OH. Went great, really looking forward to it. He said he prefers to keep sessions to 3 to 4 hours and that mine will be 2 or 3 sessions. From what I've read, my artist is no nonsense and puts in a good hours work. Waiting to hear back for my first appt. It's going to be a color half sleeve asian tiger on my left arm. Below is the reference print I gave. Looking forward to posting pics of the progress.

Kinda hate to term anything I do as 'awesome', but this as close as it comes for me lol. I retired from my 'real job' specifically to be able to chase my passion (over used term) of woodworking. Now days I spend 6-8 hours in my shop making anything that catches my fancy. Here are a few recent pieces that I finished as Christmas gifts.

@IX XV LXXXVIIIlove all your work, especially the crane and tiger... outstanding!

Just a gimmick in my opinion. If it's a blood relative, you share DNA anyway. If it's a spouse or friend, I think I could find a much better way to honor and remember them. It's a fad that will fade away quickly. Of course, it makes someone in mourning feel better and get closure, why not.