HaydenRose

This logic seems flawed considering "die-hard" collectors are also super broke most of the time. I'm assuming based on how poor I've been for the past 6 months saving up. Then again, I'm not sure if Ive made it to "die-hard" status yet... Lol

That's on you! Ooooo! I think she was mentioned, but no pics yet. I'm seeing her the end of June and couldn't be more excited!

I love that peony in your gallery!! Welcome and good luck with your apprenticeship!

So the next issue was released today on the App Store... I think. Their Instagram photo says 6/9/13, but today is the 8th. You can purchase the issue for $3.99, which is confusing because I thought the point of the whole project was for this magazine to be free in order to do kind of what LST is doing... Will the issue maybe be free tomorrow? $3.99 is NBD, but I liked the whole concept with the last issue and that this series would be accessible to people who may not be 100% committed to the tattoo culture yet, but are curious. Does any one know anything about this? Or have better/more information than me?

That looks SO GOOD in color. WOW. Good on you!

I was more making a joke than trying to be accurate. It's definitely depends on the individual, environment, and prior experiences with pain. I just found it amusing that every one who has answered this girl was a man and couldn't help myself :) Now lets see if this girl heeded our advice and got the tattoo anyway yesterday or today (?) ...Curious how it went!

I've found, in my experience, that the best tattooers are the nicest and most professional ones. Tattooers that have big egos and harsh personalities are probably just overcompensating for/grumpy about their sub-par work. Just my $.02.

While I agree with the others that you should wait until you're at least 18 to get a tattoo... My first tattoo was a large piece on my ribs. I weighed 110 lbs at the time. Did it hurt? Yes. Did I die? No. Have I undergone more painful tattoos since? Yes. My ribs took about 3 hours and weren't that bad. My foot took 30 minutes and I was ready to strangle some one. Also note that a bunch of wussy men are telling you how painful it is. Women have a much higher tolerance ^_^ I think there's also a thread that already exists about ribcage tattoos. A quick search would bring it up.

I always enjoy the music in the shop. Most shops play decent-awesome music that I probably have on my ipod anyway.

Agreed, I love that real settled in look. I get nervous when my fresh tattoos are shockingly bright - you don't want a red tattoo that's leaning towards hot pink IMO...

Tattooed parts... That just made me giggle. Oh boy do I need to get out of this office and go back to sleep.

I don't know how impulsive this is since I've had my next tattoo planned for months now (will be 7 months once I get it) but its the first where the imagery is going to be kind of last minute. I know it's a lady head, I know it will be large and on my thigh, BUT I don't really know what she will look like. It's driving me a little crazy since I like to have control over things and be prepared, but also a little exciting. I've been trying for the past few months to come up with a clear idea of what I want, but just can't. Instead, I know I want a lady head from this tattooer and I know I want it to be a badass, confident, kick ass lady (maybe with a wolf and dagger - but not a wolf headdress). To me, that's probably as specific as I need to be, but its driving me insane nonetheless going in blind to the consult. In a way, I think this way is better to get a tattoo, then the artist isn't constrained to the clients mock up in their head of the tattoo and can showcase their design/layout skills.

I'll have to show him and let you guys know. Thanks for the images :) very nice!

I don't think you can have too many! I'm getting my first in July. Still can't decide what to get though... I'll have to browse through this thread for the millionth time again to generate even more ideas to choose from... Lol I'm starting to think of getting one on each thigh. One now and one down the road when I have another good theme for one. And perhaps incorporating one on my left arm whenever I start that project. Once again I say, get all the lady heads!!!

Future husband said the other day that he thinks a skeleton samurai tattoo would be cool. Came out of freaking nowhere, but I think I could live with that ^_^

When Grez told me I had a nice collection started, I was like "hell ya!" I never gave much thought to the term, but the fact that he liked the tattoos I was getting I figured I must be doing something right. It's nice to have great tattooers appreciate your involvement in the culture. I think being called a "collector" kind of brings us more into the fold.

I always avoid chlorinated pools, but not so much lakes and oceans. It seems to me the real danger is all those nasty chemicals. No one stops showering after getting a tattoo, so I don't think the issue is water, but more what you're dipping your tattoo into. And of course I wouldn't advise submerging a fresh tattoo, wait until its decently peeled (at least a week).

Mr. Flores, you are a huge asset to this community. Every one of your posts in this thread is real solid advice and commentary on tattoos and its culture. New people, listen to this guy! You can't get this insight anywhere else on the internet!

This tattoo isn't too horribly executed but shameful nonetheless.

That's so good to hear! I've been hearing mixed reviews.

I find based on questions I get asked a lot from "plainskins" is that people who aren't big tattoo-heads think they have to justify getting tattoos by giving them personal meaning. A quote or a small image is easy to be meaningful. A badass battle royale tattoo probably has no meaning. It's just badass. People can't make that kind of commitment without a personal connection. Just like some people can't have one night stands. (This is just my opinion based on the dumb people I know who get lame tattoos).

And you do them so well! :)

Those came out great! Very solid. They work great together and separately. Congrats!

I felt this way when I got my inner arm done. It was like whoa I truly am a tattooed person now. But I think getting over that initial shock and plunge into big tattoos makes the rest much more exciting. I also find I don't worry so much when they show because I feel like this is the person I am now. The transition from a person with tattoos to a tattooed person kind of makes you more confident with them. My example being an upcoming charity event. My first one I've attended with tattoos I can't hide. The last one was before I got my arm and shoulders done, so it will be a big shock. I struggled with trying to find a shawl or something, but realized my tattoos are my accessories and I shouldn't hide them even if it means ill get stares and comments all night. I also completely understand thinking more about tattoos before you get them. While I can't wait to have my arms completely done, I'm finding I'm being more cautious as I think of ideas for how to fill them in. I'm fine with waiting, I don't want to rush and get something then years later wish I did something else. It's important and definitely requires time to do it right.