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I once had a nightmare that involved getting a blue line tattooed around my face. In the dream I ended up not getting it, but still woke up in a cold sweat... Don't get your hand tattooed until you're fully committed.

Welcome to LST! Got any pictures of your tattoos?

Damn @Gingerninja wishing you all the best. That's a badass tattoo (and story), wear it well! @suburbanxcore ...I don't know what to say other than HOLY SHIT.

Looks like a healing tattoo to me.

Just finished the Bert Krak ep - I agree that the old (longer) format was cool, but they sure pack those 22 minutes full of great stuff. Much like after finishing the Mary Joy episode, now I really really want a Bert Krak tattoo!

https://www.royaltattoo.com/

He sure knows how to make a nice girl head... Congrats @Gingerninja !!

If I may... It's really not about the blowout. It's about changing cultural norms and how lots of people these days are rushing into tattoos in highly visible places before really committing to being a 'tattooed person' (ie arm sleeves, more larger pieces). Every artist and every client will have different views on this, but I have to say I agree with the old school mentality - certain tattoo placements are 'earned' in that sense.

Yep, I agree with everyone else here. It's a fantastic tattoo, and it'll only look better after it settles into your skin. I've had my fair share of tattoo regret, and it's faded every time. Sometimes within a couple weeks, other times much longer. Give yourself time. And I know you don't want to do the other side of your back (at least not yet ), but a whole back piece built around that tattoo/style would be effin' rad IMHO...

For those interested, Scott Harrison's "Thom DeVita's Customer" podcast/story is now available on LP: https://shopreaper.com/products/thom-devitas-customer-lp-by-scott-harrisson And the NY Times published a nice obituary to Thom (although seeing the word 'inked' in the first sentence made me cringe):https://shopreaper.com/products/thom-devitas-customer-lp-by-scott-harrisson Scott is quoted in the obit, referred to as a "tattoo artist and one of Mr. DeVita's customers" which brought a smile to my face. I can only imagine that was a conscious choice by Scott, but if it's purely coincidental then we know Thom is still pulling some strings with the universe.

Your tattoo looks very well done and fits the arm just right. You should be proud of it! May I ask why you're having reservations?

Go easy on the lotion and let your body do the healing. If it persists and you're still concerned about it, reach out to your artist. I've had some funny stuff with red ink, I bet you just need to give it more time.

So sad to hear of his passing, but the man seemed to have led a great life. His Tattoo Age episodes are responsible for really hooking me into the history of tattoos and art in general. I'd love to wear a piece of his flash some day...

^^^I'm with @Hogrider on this. Maybe a tiger head?

First thing that came to mind: http://electricpen.org/ I believe the electric pen was the predecessor of the modern tattoo machine, so it might add up. Only funny thing is the lack of coils on yours. Maybe missing? Or I'm way off base...

Welcome to LST. How old is that tattoo? It looks great to me and if it's as fresh as I think it is, let it settle in before you decide to add to/tweak it. I'd be afraid that adding much else would make it too busy and hard to read.

Rain cloud, or fishing rod, or Jelly Roll Morton with a banner that reads "Oh, the Water"? But yeah, bounce this idea off your artist - something good will come from this.

Welcome to LST! Some of my favorite artists tattoo somewhat regularly in India - check out Robert Ryan and Freddy Corbin. Mr. Corbin does amazing black and grey work. And yes, remember good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good...

I don't want to sound like a dick, but this is why you go to a real, reputable tattoo shop...

Any old non-scented moisturizer will do. I use Aveeno myself, available at pretty much any drug store. Go easy with whatever lotion you choose, your tattoo needs to breathe! Too little is better than too much.

oh shit, didn't realize soundwave tattoos were real...The internet is such a weird place.

Not quite sure what to think about Everence, other than it's definitely not for me. I'd rather get a soundwave tattoo:

The one thing it seems everyone agrees on when it comes to getting an apprenticeship is to GET TATTOOED. Show your enthusiasm, be patient, and maybe you'll get lucky. In the meantime, keep drawing! It looks like you've got an eye for it. Oh, and welcome to LST!

Either a cohesive background like @SStu suggested, or just get more little filler tattoos. It looks like there's a fair amount of space for even medium-sized tattoos in there. Don't rush it, building a collection "organically" like this takes time.