SStu

I waited 2 years to get in with Hooper. It's tough being patient but the rewards last a lifetime. Having someone who's not going to do the work prepare a drawing might be entertaining but it's not likely going to impress a capable tattoo artist. The reason you go to someone with talent isn't to get them to reproduce someone else's work - it's to get them to be inspired by their own abilities and creativity. Ideally the references you bring with you on a consult are from the artist who is going to do the work.

I think he's got skills. The blacks look to be well saturated and set in there. There is contrast in the shading. He's using the available space well. I like the style - but style is just a personal taste issue in any case.

Here's my "floral" half sleeve:

Definitely tune in to the vibe you'll get from your (hopefully in-person) consults. Waiting is often a good sign of ability. Of the above references, I personally like Harry and Megan's work the best. If the black is too muted the end result has the possibility of not being clear and discernible 10 years from now. Who are you hoping to see in Minneapolis?

The younger's work is definitely a bit cleaner. And more artistic.

post up a link to the new artist's work!

Robert De Niro's Taxi Driver.

Sorry - new school isn't a style that I personally pursue, especially from the other side of the U.S. In Houston it would be Nate Beavers, and he's a good communicator. Send him an e-mail and ask his opinion about L.A.

yeah, there's barely a straight line in there. I don't know about fixing it. You'll need to find a qualified artist and see what they say. You'll likely have to compromise on the original plan.

welcome. "done" advice?

Oh, perfect. You'll have troves of options!

Welcome. Where are you located and what style of tattoo art do you want?

Oh, you're in a tattoo artist Mecca. Boulder, Denver and Co. Springs all have LOTS of talent.

You need to read the rules on this site.

Still healing, so you'll have to wait in any case. From the original picture it looks like the tattooist dug in a little deeper in that spot.

If I had to try and categorize those I'd say they are both versions of no outline neo-realism. Having said that, the description would probably only mean something to someone who actually does that style. If you are new to tattoos I might suggest spending some time searching for old threads here that cover the topic of no outline tattoos. There is a lot of "for" and "against" on the matter, but it would be good for you to be educated about the possibilities.

Geez Louise. Are you in the U.S.?

@scottygThat's epic!

Crisp!

And very nicely done! Credit the artist!

It still looks very wet. If you're putting anything on it not prescribed by your doctor then stop, for sure. Tattoos need air to heal.

Even if it's an allergic reaction to red ink (which we can't confirm) we can't tell you if the reaction is temporary or permanent. Different ink composition very well might affect the outcome, too . . .

I did a quick search and found only a no-info website page and almost no input facebook page. The Owner's name isn't even prominent or possibly even listed, so I can't really react to historical reference artwork or ability. Not comforting here from the outside. The example you posted could be understandable to the closely initiated, but it's too small to provide any real detail. Hopefully you're going much bigger if you're intending to add a tree or two to the mix. The results, feel and comfort gained (or not) from your consultation is going to be paramount.

Twin Peaks is a surrealistic visual adventure so having a tattoo that follows that theme is understood by me. That being said any surrealistic tattoo is going to get odd looks = and that's OK, as long as you don't mind answering the questions that will arise. That being said, you're going to need a very high quality artist to pull off the artwork needed to make sure your surrealistic image is readable (even to the initiated). Abstract floor patterns and especially curtains are going to have to not just look random or sloppy. Who is your artist?

Not likely an infection after 7 months, but allergic reactions to red ink pigment is not uncommon. There are some old threads here that address that possibility.