Idahoink

David, I sure appreciate your thoughts and must say its nice to have a discussion on a forum without anyone getting mad or taking the subject personal. As I agree with the heart of your post and the fact there are mediocre tattoo artists as well as mediocre work in any profession from health care to land scapers. I also agree that this show did not start the rep for the industry(good or bad) but certainly does not help it. I believe that the one and only thing it does teach is what to look for in good work much like looking at a home builders completed homes. I also agree that there is a % of people that this show will not affect one way or another but I certainly dont see anyone on the "fence" getting any work done due to airing the pathetic drama that reality tv addicts crave from week to week. That is what I disagree with. There are many of us, and I would assume the honorable Mr Flores would agree:), that wish we could get away from the petty fights, insults from contestants, pshyco artists, etc. and just have a legit show on the work. As you mentioned, there have and will be great judges throughout the show whom I have mucho respect for but, I long for criticism and praise without the sarcasm, petty comments, or acting like a spoiled child from the contestants. I suspect they could judge a show with professionals as easy or easier and we could spend more time appreciating the work for ourselves and learning. I sure could learn more from any of the judges spending more time discussing than a break away to artist telling each other that they are going to kick each others ass. Right? My social circle of artists and friends do not act like this, nor do we allow ourselves to be exposed to adults that have the inability to police themselves in a social situation. Much like men and women in any profession that take their industry seriously and act professional, they should too. I honestly dont care what people think about tattooing or me, and never have. I have been judged my entire life by many that have no idea what I have done, who I am and where I am going. At 43, I can hold my head higher than many and honestly could care less. If anything, I hate TV and the uneducated douche puddles that create controversy for shock value and ratings. You know as well as I that there is potential for a reality drama in ANY profession, no matter if the subject matter is surgeons, housewives, little people, alt lifestyles, hookers, etc. Again, I honestly see your side and appreciate the discussion. I suppose just take this show personally(and thats my hangup) much like true bike builders who dont like to watch American Choppers to watch a Father and Son act like they do week after week, they just want to see the builds. Have a great day David.

Every time I come to the forum this thread is on the front page. I'm suprised that this thread is getting more attention than others on this forum. It's dissapointing. This show does nothing but give the art another black eye. The drama is embarrasing. Oliver Peck (whom I like) should be kicked in the nuts for being part of this fucking circus. Dave Nevarro is now a joke to me. I have several nice pieces from chest to toe and in real life I am a professional, now I get to work harder to prove to others that tattooists and our lifestyle are not a bunch of idiots. - - - Updated - - - Every time I come to the forum this thread is on the front page. I'm suprised that this thread is getting more attention than others on this forum. It's dissapointing. This show does nothing but give the art another black eye. The drama is embarrasing. Oliver Peck (whom I like) should be kicked in the nuts for being part of this fucking circus. Dave Nevarro is now a joke to me. I have several nice pieces from chest to toe and in real life I am a professional, now I get to work harder to prove to others that tattooists and our lifestyle are not a bunch of idiots.

Very interesting and good find. Looks like it works but a very small margin for error. Although, I am soon going to have some ink removed or at least faded a bit for cover and even if this guy was my best friend for life, I still wouldnt let him touch me with that non medical regulated, trailor tested on buddies, shop class inspired tool. I think I will just let the pros do what they do best instead of taking a chance. GL!

Dont forget to drink plenty of water every day, healing or not. Many people dehydrate as much or more in the cold winter months than hot months. Water is great for flushing your entire body. I try to drink 80 oz+ daily and am an actve 6 ft 195lb male that works as a stripper/pornstar...sniff...cough...ok I dont really but I'm still practicing. Remember if you see any color in your urine, drink more water as it should be clear.

Well once again my artist and I pushed through a marathon...Woke up at 8, there by 9:15, finished drawing on body, started @ 10AM and was done tonight about 8:30PM. A couple of smoke breaks for him and some laughs with old friends for us and I was heading home to eat and to bed. 48 hours in the chair in 6 weeks or so. Finished my lower arm sleeve and started my 2nd leg sleeve from knee down to ankle. It is my portrait of skulls we designed with a pyramid with an all seeing eye. The pyramid is complete as opposed to unfinished and without 13 steps... I spose there are 2/ 8 hour sessions left as the work is very detailed and the skulls are partially colored.

The amount of attention you require daily must be exhausting for those close. You have done an excellent job taking the previous comments out of context. On the otherhand, your attempt at digging past issues up and attempting to cause trouble is noted. I hope the best for you and the help you need. On another note, Jennifer I hope you are doing great and things are looking up every day! Your post above the zzzzzzzz above hits the target,

Sounds terrific Tony. Although we are not social networking fans, Wife and I are in! We have been looking for a reason to see some friends in AZ. We're in.

Sure hope the best for his healing! Thanks for the heads up, I spose I'll just stick with a bit of Aquaphor and Aveeno as I have with no probs for years. I have heard ok things with the product but, may be an issue with people with seafood allergies(may be bullshit). I would suggest to anyone in the future if using anything new to try a bit before getting tattoo in a small area on the body for this reason alone. Again, I wish great luck in his recovery and a perfect tattoo!

Looks like incredible results for a first treatment. For the prices out here in banjo land, it's almost cheaper for me to fly east. Good luck with the process

yay!! Dave Navarro is a tattoo judge now! Next I heard he is going to be judging dancers on Dancing With the Stars. zzzzzzz

Morality is held hostage by the government.

Welcome from another noob. Enjoy.

First, I wish all of you the best. I too am heading for a consultation this week on my upper left arm/shoulder. I have a 3 face old school(23 years) huge tattoo that I am looking to lighten up so that I can complete a legitimate, attractive and meaningful sleeve. Im not sure it will "dissapear" completely so I am hoping for the best. Its very interesting how times have changed. While in the USMC around '86 I was at school at Bethesda Hospital, MD for field medical and preparing to deploy for Embassy duty, there were many men in for tattoo removal so that they could qualify also. The only technique was coarse salt groud in circles to remove tattoo until the bleeding got to bad thhen let it heal a bit and keep coming back until gone. Hence the reason I cant even eat much less look at salt now. Fuck that. Thank you all for sharing your exp..

I would not hesitate to see a physician for your own sake if possible. Even if the appointment it's with one of those "doc in the boxes"(quick care). It may be the best money spent and will make you and your new tattoo feel better. I wish you luck and hope it heals nicely whatever you decide.

This show is still airing? That's a shame.

Heading to prison again. J/K. I am in no rush. I just have some time and have an opportunity with a very talanted professional artist/friend. I also recently left the USMC for a number of years and feel free again but, was in a recent near fatal accident and should not be here typing this. I guess I want to live and dont want to miss it. The schedule is only for 3 months - 6-7 sessions for now to finish work that never was complete.

Thanks, I think it will be and they all will be all shaded a different color with a sun above casting a yellow orange ray through the top and everything in its path will be yellow/orange but I am a dissapoint. For 9 hours we decided to finish my lower left pheonix color and white outline then, we moved to my forearm and retouched and refreshed my favorite(looks new again!) and finished my lower left arm sleeve with a totem/tiki pole with 4 faces . In 2 weeks I will launch operation skull portrait... My schedule has been every 2 weeks 12 hours.

Refer to my last post, this show is a shitstorm of embarrassing work and drama queens (hope I didn't offend Navarro). I would not watch another 10 minutes of it. I love O. Peck and his work but why would he be party to this reality romper room? Embarrassing. And Navarro, wtf dude? I smell selling out. Just another reason for peeps on the outside to turn their nose up at us and give ink a bad name. Kill this shit.

I am looking forward to the morning. I am starting off in the am finishing the color on the pheonix on my left, then starting my left leg sleeve with a portrait of skulls that I designed reminding me of my mortality as I consider myself to have been very lucky in bad situations and the luck at some point it will run out.

There are to many unanswered questions to reply with an educated answer. I agree with Lochlans first question. I will also tell you that regardless of the answer, the tattoo does not look good. IMO I would watch for infection, see a doctor if you fear infection, let it heal, and see a professional artist to cover it up. Good Luck to you.

I think so as well, Thanks! She is a master in potraits and animal art although, I have been considering a very colorful solar system themed backpiece. With the planets, firey asteroids, stars etc.. I am excited.

I am lucky enough to get in with Darcy Nutt by March or so for a full back piece. She is an incredible artist and one of the top in the industry. Her waiting list is 3+ years out and only taking on full back pieces to boot. Her work is not short of incredible and well worth looking up on Google or checking her work out on You Tube. On another note I am starting on my right leg sleeve thursday. I am in the process of sleeving both legs from the toes up. I have some pics of my left leg and the start of it. Thursday I am finishing the color on my left an starting a huge skull portrait on the right shin/calf. The idea on each leg is to display both good on one and evil on another, which describes my personality.

So have you made a decision yet? I'd be interested what you are planning to do. Hell, if you decide to black out, it may be cheaper to by the gun, some needles, ink and do it yourself. I suppose if you did screw something up you could just get it covered?

I also am heavily inked. I always found it funny that in my Marine Corps career that I was rarely judged because people realized that I was a respected Marine first. Now in the civilian life, I dont see much "to my face judging", maybe because I am not a little guy. I also live in Mormon alley and in my town it is obvious who drives the minivans and who doesnt. I guess I just dont care if any one does judge me. Married for 26 years, 3 kids graduated from college already, Chamber Prez, Rotary Prez, with quite a resume and still getting a bunch of classy body art. Although, I know that I have changed a few opinions and have done my job as shaking the "he must of been in prison" stigma. I am guilty of judging myself, but i feel we all go through life judging as it is instinctual. We judge clothes, shoes, bosses, cars, etc. and even people. The difference is that I treat all people with respect until I have a reason not too. I also think those of us that take tattooing seriously as an art form are a very special breed. We have each other and we need to remember that. There are very few people that don't know someone with a tattoo, whether its a hidden Hello Kitty or an entire sleeve, don't let them fool you or pretend they are better than any of us.. One more thing, there is also an entire camp out there that is just jealous but have that wife, husband, father, mother, job, etc. that just will not allow it. Good luck everyone. It takes money to join a country club, but it takes commitment to join our club.

It's def not a problem. The only problem I see is anyone with a problem with it. Enjoy your work in any fucking order you choose to display it. Good Luck! Oh...I dont think it was as bad as my inner thigh next to the boys!