JeffK

They aren't "gangs", they are CLUBS. "Gang" is a pejorative assigned to groups of motorcycling afficianados who have formed clubs by PIGS.

Wouldn't it be me more accurate to refer to yourself as "their skin canvas" since (in this case) you only go to 1 artist, but they clearly tattoo more than 1 person? So, honestly, they have ownership over you.

My wife's dad hates my tattoo's because instead of 1 big "nice" sleeve he'd feel is "cool" or even "classy" (pardon my quotes) I have a bunch of random ass kinda trashy tattoos patched all over. She digs it that way though, me too.
I'll always like that trashy kinda punk-tattoos-all-over look. I'm glad she finally started getting some. It make me think the person is more of a fun spontaneous thinker vs. an over-thinking planner, which I actually am so I guess my way of venting some spontaneity is via tattoos.

My wife's dad hates my tattoo's because instead of 1 big "nice" sleeve he'd feel is "cool" or even "classy" (pardon my quotes) I have a bunch of random ass kinda trashy tattoos patched all over. She digs it that way though, me too.
I'll always like that trashy kinda punk-tattoos-all-over look. I'm glad she finally started getting some. It make me think the person is more of a fun spontaneous thinker vs. an over-thinking planner, which I actually am so I guess my way of venting some spontaneity is via tattoos.

Yeah cheapness is another thing to blame on bad tattoos. The impatience to get something "now" without being able to afford a good artist really screws people. I understand not have the cash. I make little enough cash to be able to qualify for government aid for some things. I am not rich by any means. I just save up when it comes to the tattoos.
I'd rather wait and get something awesome from someone good, meaning aside, then be impatient and just go get something cheap.
I think the impatience some people have is a big reason for bad tattoos. BTW, when I say bad I'm not totally talking about what they're getting, but the quality of it. Will it last, will the design look good in 10 years? 20? 50?

Yeah cheapness is another thing to blame on bad tattoos. The impatience to get something "now" without being able to afford a good artist really screws people. I understand not have the cash. I make little enough cash to be able to qualify for government aid for some things. I am not rich by any means. I just save up when it comes to the tattoos.
I'd rather wait and get something awesome from someone good, meaning aside, then be impatient and just go get something cheap.
I think the impatience some people have is a big reason for bad tattoos. BTW, when I say bad I'm not totally talking about what they're getting, but the quality of it. Will it last, will the design look good in 10 years? 20? 50?

Yeah cheapness is another thing to blame on bad tattoos. The impatience to get something "now" without being able to afford a good artist really screws people. I understand not have the cash. I make little enough cash to be able to qualify for government aid for some things. I am not rich by any means. I just save up when it comes to the tattoos.
I'd rather wait and get something awesome from someone good, meaning aside, then be impatient and just go get something cheap.
I think the impatience some people have is a big reason for bad tattoos. BTW, when I say bad I'm not totally talking about what they're getting, but the quality of it. Will it last, will the design look good in 10 years? 20? 50?

Yeah cheapness is another thing to blame on bad tattoos. The impatience to get something "now" without being able to afford a good artist really screws people. I understand not have the cash. I make little enough cash to be able to qualify for government aid for some things. I am not rich by any means. I just save up when it comes to the tattoos.
I'd rather wait and get something awesome from someone good, meaning aside, then be impatient and just go get something cheap.
I think the impatience some people have is a big reason for bad tattoos. BTW, when I say bad I'm not totally talking about what they're getting, but the quality of it. Will it last, will the design look good in 10 years? 20? 50?

Yeah cheapness is another thing to blame on bad tattoos. The impatience to get something "now" without being able to afford a good artist really screws people. I understand not have the cash. I make little enough cash to be able to qualify for government aid for some things. I am not rich by any means. I just save up when it comes to the tattoos.
I'd rather wait and get something awesome from someone good, meaning aside, then be impatient and just go get something cheap.
I think the impatience some people have is a big reason for bad tattoos. BTW, when I say bad I'm not totally talking about what they're getting, but the quality of it. Will it last, will the design look good in 10 years? 20? 50?

Yeah cheapness is another thing to blame on bad tattoos. The impatience to get something "now" without being able to afford a good artist really screws people. I understand not have the cash. I make little enough cash to be able to qualify for government aid for some things. I am not rich by any means. I just save up when it comes to the tattoos.
I'd rather wait and get something awesome from someone good, meaning aside, then be impatient and just go get something cheap.
I think the impatience some people have is a big reason for bad tattoos. BTW, when I say bad I'm not totally talking about what they're getting, but the quality of it. Will it last, will the design look good in 10 years? 20? 50?

Yeah cheapness is another thing to blame on bad tattoos. The impatience to get something "now" without being able to afford a good artist really screws people. I understand not have the cash. I make little enough cash to be able to qualify for government aid for some things. I am not rich by any means. I just save up when it comes to the tattoos.
I'd rather wait and get something awesome from someone good, meaning aside, then be impatient and just go get something cheap.
I think the impatience some people have is a big reason for bad tattoos. BTW, when I say bad I'm not totally talking about what they're getting, but the quality of it. Will it last, will the design look good in 10 years? 20? 50?

Yeah cheapness is another thing to blame on bad tattoos. The impatience to get something "now" without being able to afford a good artist really screws people. I understand not have the cash. I make little enough cash to be able to qualify for government aid for some things. I am not rich by any means. I just save up when it comes to the tattoos.
I'd rather wait and get something awesome from someone good, meaning aside, then be impatient and just go get something cheap.
I think the impatience some people have is a big reason for bad tattoos. BTW, when I say bad I'm not totally talking about what they're getting, but the quality of it. Will it last, will the design look good in 10 years? 20? 50?

Yeah cheapness is another thing to blame on bad tattoos. The impatience to get something "now" without being able to afford a good artist really screws people. I understand not have the cash. I make little enough cash to be able to qualify for government aid for some things. I am not rich by any means. I just save up when it comes to the tattoos.
I'd rather wait and get something awesome from someone good, meaning aside, then be impatient and just go get something cheap.
I think the impatience some people have is a big reason for bad tattoos. BTW, when I say bad I'm not totally talking about what they're getting, but the quality of it. Will it last, will the design look good in 10 years? 20? 50?

Youth. I blame youth. Or rather, poorly guided youth. My "worst" tattoos exist because it was the late 90's, I was young, and no one gave me the guidance of shops/artists/designs.
I work with a 20 y/o who tells me what he's going to get and at some no-where-strip-mall shop. I try to guide him, but dude won't listen. In 5-10 years maybe he will. It's all super generic cliche' crap too, which is OK and all if you have a reason or understand what you're getting, but he just wants these things because it's what his friends have or because it's what he's seen in movies and shit.
I'm not saying all really young people are nimrods who'll do this. Just some. Then they grow up and become older nimrods. And the cycle grows. Cut this off early enough, and we'll get some progress. I've met plenty of awesome people younger then me (lol I'm 32, listen to me talking like I'm 90) who don't need the guidance or have had it.

Youth. I blame youth. Or rather, poorly guided youth. My "worst" tattoos exist because it was the late 90's, I was young, and no one gave me the guidance of shops/artists/designs.
I work with a 20 y/o who tells me what he's going to get and at some no-where-strip-mall shop. I try to guide him, but dude won't listen. In 5-10 years maybe he will. It's all super generic cliche' crap too, which is OK and all if you have a reason or understand what you're getting, but he just wants these things because it's what his friends have or because it's what he's seen in movies and shit.
I'm not saying all really young people are nimrods who'll do this. Just some. Then they grow up and become older nimrods. And the cycle grows. Cut this off early enough, and we'll get some progress. I've met plenty of awesome people younger then me (lol I'm 32, listen to me talking like I'm 90) who don't need the guidance or have had it.

I grew up lower middle class listening to metal and punk in a major urban area. I don't think either of my parents were surprised. My dad didn't like them, but he knew he couldn't do anything to stop me once I was old enough. I think that's important. Everyone I know or have heard stories from, even if the parent is doing something like paying for college or rent and they threaten to cut that if you get a tattoo, all it does is promote lying. The person still gets their tattoo. They just lie and hide it.
I'm glad my parents have always had that mindset. They knew they couldn't stop me. As long as it was my money, it was my choice. Every time I got a new one my dad kinda just made a face. My mom even got one at one point.
I have a daughter and get asked by people who, you can tell, don't like tattoos "what are you gonna do if she wants one?" Um....really? Like you think I'd be against it? I have 15 and counting. What the hell do you think? I'd rather her consult me and go somewhere good than to some crap hole and not tell me. I don't know if they're implying that as a parent my mind would change or since because she's female I'd be against it? I dunno. Weird assholes who think they can control people. They weird me out sometimes.

Nothing fancy, and like 5 year old pic. I keep meaning to add lots of stuff around it and fill the area up I just don't now with what yet.

If you're really regretting it or afraid of consequences or anything BUT you don't want to deal with removal, you can get it covered up or altered....a lot. I'd say that'd be a cheaper choice and still OK as long as the image is changed enough. Maybe keep the owl itself and have something else cover the hat and replace the crowbar with something else? Toss in some extra junk, roses, a banner, whatever.
I love those books and designs. But getting one would be like getting an American gang tattoo. I'm not a criminal first of all, and don't want anyone to think so. Secondly I don't want to disrespect those people who are by making their life some novelty (not saying you did, just speaking in general.) Finally, I've heard people who've gotten them say things like "Well I'll never go to Russia" or "I'll just not show it if I go." Still, it's not like there's not Russians here. Or others who know. Or that doesn't make it "OK" to me.
Anyway, I don't care what country or gang or whatever it's representing, to make a novelty out of it is disrespectful and the last thing I wanna do is disrespect guys like that. I may not agree with their lifestyle or choices, but shit, some didn't even choose it ESPECIALLY in Russia (and even more so the USSR where many of those originated.)
Again, not saying you did any of that, I was just saying in general.

If you're really regretting it or afraid of consequences or anything BUT you don't want to deal with removal, you can get it covered up or altered....a lot. I'd say that'd be a cheaper choice and still OK as long as the image is changed enough. Maybe keep the owl itself and have something else cover the hat and replace the crowbar with something else? Toss in some extra junk, roses, a banner, whatever.
I love those books and designs. But getting one would be like getting an American gang tattoo. I'm not a criminal first of all, and don't want anyone to think so. Secondly I don't want to disrespect those people who are by making their life some novelty (not saying you did, just speaking in general.) Finally, I've heard people who've gotten them say things like "Well I'll never go to Russia" or "I'll just not show it if I go." Still, it's not like there's not Russians here. Or others who know. Or that doesn't make it "OK" to me.
Anyway, I don't care what country or gang or whatever it's representing, to make a novelty out of it is disrespectful and the last thing I wanna do is disrespect guys like that. I may not agree with their lifestyle or choices, but shit, some didn't even choose it ESPECIALLY in Russia (and even more so the USSR where many of those originated.)
Again, not saying you did any of that, I was just saying in general.

If you're really regretting it or afraid of consequences or anything BUT you don't want to deal with removal, you can get it covered up or altered....a lot. I'd say that'd be a cheaper choice and still OK as long as the image is changed enough. Maybe keep the owl itself and have something else cover the hat and replace the crowbar with something else? Toss in some extra junk, roses, a banner, whatever.
I love those books and designs. But getting one would be like getting an American gang tattoo. I'm not a criminal first of all, and don't want anyone to think so. Secondly I don't want to disrespect those people who are by making their life some novelty (not saying you did, just speaking in general.) Finally, I've heard people who've gotten them say things like "Well I'll never go to Russia" or "I'll just not show it if I go." Still, it's not like there's not Russians here. Or others who know. Or that doesn't make it "OK" to me.
Anyway, I don't care what country or gang or whatever it's representing, to make a novelty out of it is disrespectful and the last thing I wanna do is disrespect guys like that. I may not agree with their lifestyle or choices, but shit, some didn't even choose it ESPECIALLY in Russia (and even more so the USSR where many of those originated.)
Again, not saying you did any of that, I was just saying in general.

If you're really regretting it or afraid of consequences or anything BUT you don't want to deal with removal, you can get it covered up or altered....a lot. I'd say that'd be a cheaper choice and still OK as long as the image is changed enough. Maybe keep the owl itself and have something else cover the hat and replace the crowbar with something else? Toss in some extra junk, roses, a banner, whatever.
I love those books and designs. But getting one would be like getting an American gang tattoo. I'm not a criminal first of all, and don't want anyone to think so. Secondly I don't want to disrespect those people who are by making their life some novelty (not saying you did, just speaking in general.) Finally, I've heard people who've gotten them say things like "Well I'll never go to Russia" or "I'll just not show it if I go." Still, it's not like there's not Russians here. Or others who know. Or that doesn't make it "OK" to me.
Anyway, I don't care what country or gang or whatever it's representing, to make a novelty out of it is disrespectful and the last thing I wanna do is disrespect guys like that. I may not agree with their lifestyle or choices, but shit, some didn't even choose it ESPECIALLY in Russia (and even more so the USSR where many of those originated.)
Again, not saying you did any of that, I was just saying in general.

I think it's weird that any shop advertises price PERIOD! I mean "discount" could mean "full price" in reality.
I think shop specials are fun. Sailor Jerry day, or Halloween or Friday the 13th. Usually things like that, now a days, aren't on the radio or tv and only popped up on Instagram a few days earlier. The only people who'd know are those following anyway.
But I've seen "Get $100 of tattoo work for $60!" banners. It turns me off. I'm already like "what would you consider '$100 worth' of tattoo work?" The best artists I know don't go around advertising their prices, they're always fair and awesome and have no need for that crap.
I've gotten a few "specials" at shops that I've gotten full pricers from too. Which reminds me, today's Rollo's birthday (RIP) and there's a special going on....I need a baby sitter.

I think it's weird that any shop advertises price PERIOD! I mean "discount" could mean "full price" in reality.
I think shop specials are fun. Sailor Jerry day, or Halloween or Friday the 13th. Usually things like that, now a days, aren't on the radio or tv and only popped up on Instagram a few days earlier. The only people who'd know are those following anyway.
But I've seen "Get $100 of tattoo work for $60!" banners. It turns me off. I'm already like "what would you consider '$100 worth' of tattoo work?" The best artists I know don't go around advertising their prices, they're always fair and awesome and have no need for that crap.
I've gotten a few "specials" at shops that I've gotten full pricers from too. Which reminds me, today's Rollo's birthday (RIP) and there's a special going on....I need a baby sitter.

I always feel a little weird running to the computer to upload a pic of a new tattoo, I don't know why. I like to savor it for a little. Then I rush to Instagram to pop it up hahaha.
But anyway here's what I got on Sunday from Chris Smith at Deluxe Tattoo in Chicago. He took the picture. I stole it because I couldn't get a better shot, it's tough to get a really good photo. You get the idea.

I'm a patchwork quit when it comes to tattoos....all different styles and none of it planned out!
Just get tattooed by the people whose work you like.....and don't worry as long as you like it!