bobbyji48

I say thank you and really try not to engage it. Most people get it. Some ask to see more. DEpending on my mood I show or don't. I don't mind the questions most times. The only one I really ever mind is the what does it mean to you or why did you get that? I sometimes tell people my tattoos have no meaning. One woman came up to me randomly and said she didn't like tattoos and thought they were disgusting. I told her I thought the same about unsolicited opinions. She didn't get it.

such a great series....so glad they are doing a second series

I am a chef. Being a chef and eating out, I sometimes get a professional courtesy of a couple free apps or dessert or a glass of wine for free or have had items taken off the bill. It is a courtesy and I always tip up to pay it back to the server. I think often times tattoo artists offer a courtesy to repeat clients & friends, but everyone should know it is at their discretion. I think some clients place too much emphasis on the bond they may create with a tattoo artist. Getting a tattoo is a very personal thing. You are letting someone alter your body by piercing your skin thousands of times. You have to have trust. That said, the client has to understand that they are sitting there paying for a service the artist is offering. If they are unhappy with the arrangement they can chose to leave or alter it. If an artist cuts you a "deal," say thank, give them a better tip and most of all don't expect that every time you get work done. Professional courtesy is a courtesy, not a given and definitely should not be expected. By coming to expect's it, the client under values the artist's skill and the relationship between artist & client. I have been hooked up by tattoo artist friends and I have paid $250/hour. Each time I go in with only one expectation....a good tattoo.

Got a piece from Freddy last winter. Probably the best tattoo experience I have ever had. Great work obviously, but so down to earth, easy going and welcoming. My girlfriend got her feet tattooed by Hector Fong. Awesome. I love his work and plan to get something from him sooner than later.

Inside upper arm so far. But I only have pieces on my arms and lower leg.

Luckily for me I work in a profession that is pretty accepting of visible pieces. I am a chef and my biggest worry is getting a nasty burn that might hurt my investments on my arms. My right arm is pretty full with individual pieces and I just finished a sleeve on my left arm from Chris O'Donnell. One of my bosses is very enthusiastic about my artwork, really respects the art and craft & understands that collecting tattoos from artist you respect/like is the same thing as collecting pieces of art that hang on the wall. She did ask about my hands though. I told her I was holding off for now, but was uncertain about the future. My hands are a consideration for me while working is a slightly public position for a pretty public nonprofit. I have no consideration for what my family/friends think. They don't have to like it. I surround myself with people who take me & accept me for who I am and what I bring to the table.

Thanks @gougetheeyes Miranda & Cookie @ Pop's in Kingston, NY Geddes Jones Paulsen @ Shady Lady in Kingston, NY Jay Salerno @ Vision Burn in Dunmore, PA Thomas Hooper @ Saved in Brooklyn, NY Chris O'Donnell @ Saved in Brooklyn, NY Freddy Corbin @ Temple in Oakland, CA

Hi, Thanks to mods and operators for creating and maintaining such a cool sight. I have been collecting tattoos for the last six or so years. A mix of custom, Asian and traditional pieces. My hope is to continue collecting from artists whose work I admire and support local artists as well. Best, Bob