graybones

I work in a creative industry and many of the people I work with have large tattoos. Sometimes I think it makes us look the part of "hip creative types" to our clients. Even so, I'm glad I waited until I had a job out of school and built up experience before getting tattoos in an easily visible location. Make sure you can provide for yourself before you limit your job options. You can always start with a thigh or chest tattoo and work on a sleeve later.

@SeeSea Wow, 8.5 hours... is that your longest session, or have you been doing those all along? I've done 6.5 and felt like that was my personal limit.

@Pugilist @SStu @Cork thank you! Super solid entries, KBeee and Wilhell! Wonder if we can get another snake or two in here?

@KBeee thank you!! The memories I made at both shops were worth the trips!

Well I was waiting to post a healed pic of my finished Seth Wood thigh, but since I can't seem to take a decent pic of my own leg, here's when it was half-fresh: http://s16.postimg.org/lelsgz5qt/Untitled_1.jpg I started it at Temple in Oakland in June and finished at Saved in NYC in December. I live in North Carolina so both locations meant a trip for me. Really awesome experience getting to see two different shops and travel all across the country to get this done, made some awesome memories, hung out with friends new and old, and just overall had an adventure. Seth is an awesome dude as well and I hope I can get something else from him in the future. (posted this in the contest thread too, hope it's okay to post it twice!)

Whoa, with all the awesome tattoos posted in the Lowdown thread recently I'm surprised no one's posted here yet. I'll kick it off! Here's my thigh by Seth Wood, started at Temple and finished at Saved.

@SeeSea Congrats on finishing your back! It's absolutely stunning.

@CShaw I love how beautiful and feminine those bats are! You don't usually see bats being depicted in such an elegant way. Lovely! @beez Is there anything more badass than a dragon and eagle fighting?? So nice! I love the colors!

It's hard when someone you love is so negative about something important to you. IMO you don't owe anyone an explanation about what you do with your own body, but I can understand making an exception for family. I like the idea of having your mom confront her reasons for reacting so strongly and explaining what tattoos represent to her, beyond just being "trashy". Is she worried her daughter has turned into a kind of person she doesn't like? Does she believe you are disrespecting her by getting tattoos, or is she hurt that you're disregarding her feelings/values/opinions? Once you know the root of the problem, you can address her worries and gently explain that her reacting that way does nothing but cause you both pain, since the tattoos are here to stay and there will only be more in the future. Even so, she might just need time to come around. My dad eventually did... kind of... he's never going to love my tattoos but he sees past them now. I hope it gets easier for you!

Finishing my thigh with Seth Wood on December 1st! Looking forward to it.

Wow @SeeSea it's really beautiful!! Such gorgeous color.

I love this. The size of each tattoo and negative space between them is perfect.

@suburbanxcore Sounds awesome! What did he put on your leg?

Rich Hardy posted this on instagram today: "PERTH 2013 Pinky Yun, mid 70's One of the best eagles I have ever seen!" Instagram

Welcome to LST!

@TrixieFaux Beautiful!!! Agree with SeeSea, I really like how the cat and snake are interacting.

@rozone Stunning!!

HAHAHA!! I just went back and read this old post from you @BrianH. Hilarious. Tattooer tries to give them solid advice for their benefit and they act like a brat about it, then go on to insult traditional tattoo styles and imagery. Extra funny to me because I saw almost every artist at Temple do a consult or tattoo while I was there and everyone was exceedingly kind, helpful, and professional the entire time. Would love to check in with this person 10+ years down the line and see how their tattoo "exactly how I wanted it" is holding up.

Before my appointment I looked up Temple's address on Yelp and came across this review. Gave me a laugh. I think I've said on here before but I'd never trust Yelp reviews for anything more than finding a quick lunch spot. So many uninformed people making stupid comments, on top of the company's shady business practices and bullying.

@SeeSea ugh I'm dealing with all that right now too. Two days post beautiful thigh injury (and my personal longest sitting for a tattoo) and I am sore as hell. Slept like shit last night too. I'm trying not to be too tender with my leg though, I know the guys at work will give me shit for it if they see me limping around, haha. It'll be the coffee & Advil diet for me today.

Congrats @TrixieFaux! That's a beautiful arm.

Try ModCloth.com for the skirts, they have a lot of longer length dresses that are flattering on a variety of body types (check the reviews too): Unique Skirts for Women | ModCloth This one is out of stock right now but I have it and love it, longer and very comfy: Porch Swing Dance Skirt | Mod Retro Vintage Skirts | ModCloth.com

Thanks! When I decided on a snake for my thigh I knew I had to go to Seth. He does my favorite snakes. @Orangutango Very cool!

Thanks @Iwar !