Wedge

Depending on the style you're looking to get, I think Litos is still in New Port Richey and he's good. Forbidden Images Custom Tattoo :

That looks beautiful. I'm more into modern handguns but I love history and all firearms in general so I appreciate the restoration. Last year I went on a tour of the Smith & Wesson factory and museum in Mass. and it was amazing! Thanks for posting that, Jade.

No, it's cool but thanks. It's obviously been a long day didn't mean to sound so defensive. Actually you were right and technically by the time it hit up here it was "just" a tropical storm so it definitely could have been worse. Still an amazing amount of damage was done and almost 800,000 people are without power.

Here in CT there was more damage from flooding than from the wind. Parts of CT got 10" of rain in less than 24 hrs. and many people lost their homes and posessions due to flooding. I live inland and got almost 8" and many streets were closed due to rivers overflowing, a few homes and cars were destroyed and there was at least one known fatality. So if it was less than advertised it sure still caused a hell of a lot of damage.

I'm in CT and I'm just now getting some heavy rain from one of the outer bands. Tonight and tomorrow should be interesting. I hope everyone is safe!

We felt it all the way up here in CT, it was just a little shaking for a few seconds but the news would have you believe the world was coming to an end. My buddy and I had just gotten on our Harleys when we felt it and we said "oh well, it's over now let's ride."

Here's mine. It's from a Gil Elvgren painting and tattooed by Shane O'Neill in two LONG sessions. It wasn't fully healed when these pics were taken, and no the front tire isn't flat it just looks off in the picture.

In another tattoo forum someone was looking for opinions of a place called BluGod in Toronto. Apparently they require clients to purchase and use a line of aftercare products they sell or they won't stand behind their work (if I understood the other post correctly). Yovany Cabanas - BluGod Tattoos & Piercings

I'll take a stab at answering these: 1. For me, after the first cleaning or day I usually switch to a milder bar soap like Dove or Dial which typically won't be as harsh or drying as the antibacterial soaps. 2. Unless I'm doing something that I think may have caused the tattoo to get dirtier than normal I usually just wash it once in the morning and once at night (sometimes 3x) with mild soap but keeping a new tattoo clean is important. 3. I'm not positive on this one but I'd say not until after it's pretty well healed. I know my artist told me not to use sunblock until healed or about a month and definitely avoid the sun.

I think it depends on the person getting tattooed and their lifestyle and location of tattoo. For me, my next will be on my arm which gets a lot of sun in the summer so I'm waiting until fall due to sun exposure and better healing. I've got one on my back in the summer and didn't worry about the healing and sun since I'm not a beach/swimming person.

I like using 100% pure shea butter mixed with a little lavender oil ( I buy it that way), it was recommended due to it's healing properties and overall goodness for the skin. I start using it after the first couple of days and use it well after the tattoo is fully healed ot keep the tattoo looking fresh. It's not always easy to find but I usually buy it online and I've had good results.

It wasn't much but I had a nice experience with Joe Capobianco at Hope Gallery in CT. I was getting tattooed by one of his co workers and it was getting late and Joe was watching a little. He was finished for the day but stuck around and brought me a drink and just kept asking if there was anything I needed or anything he could get me. Just having the great Joe C. hanging around and complimenting the tattoo and bringing me juice, etc. was real cool. I admit I was a little uncomfortable and starstruck but he was so humble and such a cool guy. Speaking of starstruck I was also getting tattooed by Shane O'Neill while he was doing a guest spot in Mass. and Bob Tyrell was there, also, ending his guest spot. Bob wasn't tattoing but sat and watched Shane (I guess they're good friends) and those two were talking about tattoing, various shops, Kid Rock possibly buying into Bob's place, etc. Having Bob compliment my tattoo and shake my hand and just have a normal, friendly converstion was pretty cool to me. It may not mean much to some people here but for me it was a special experience.

:). Nice to see you made it.

Just looked at your site Andy, love your tattoos also. Great stuff.

I've got to admit, I never realized the reputation that Murray Sell has within such a huge tattoo community. Reading all of these amazing comments has surprised me a little. Trust me, I do alot of reading, I look at tons of artist portfolios and even have a piece by Shane O'Neill and it wasn't until recently I started hearing about this guy who basically works 10 minutes from me. But that's why I posted this questions on this particular forum so I really appreciate the feedback. I think I'm finally sold, at least I know I've done my research. Thanks again everyone, I sure hope Muray likes doing tribal armbands!

I also noticed Myke Chambers is doing a guest spot near me in the fall. Does he compare favorably or negatively with Murray (slightly different style I think) and since I've already talked to Murray should I even bother inquiring about Chambers? Off the Map Tattoo : Myke Chambers : Tattoos : Page 1

I don't know if he's still there or not but the only artist I can think of in NC is Taylor Cort.

For what it's worth I love your work, too. Like I said, my first impression of Murray was impressive as he took the time to talk to me for quite a while about his tattoos and shop, my current tattoos, other tattoo artists and shops, our mutual love of shooting, etc. It felt like I 'd known him forever and we just met. I will definitely be a client of his before too long.

Thanks for the replies. Obvioulsy you guys aren't sure so I'll keep looking :D , maybe I'll get lucky and find a "tattoo school" graduate :rolleyes:. Since this tattoo will be going on my upper arm I will probably wait until end of summer since I ride a motorcycle and my arms get a LOT of sun. Even with sunblock, I still think I should wait so it will have months to heal before next riding season. I still can't believe his shop is so close to me and I really wasn't aware of him and his talents. I'm not new to tattoos and pretty much can tell a good artist but I am new to this style so I just wanted to make sure. Thanks again.

I had heard of him and I'm only 10 minutes from his shop. Stopped in today for the hell of it and was there almost an hour talking to him and the other artists and admiring all his flash and artwork. A real cool guy and a beautiful little shop. I'm just not as familiar with the traditional style artists and noone in CT does that style so I wanted others' opinions. We talked about doing a wolf head and roses on my upper arm, he was really into it so I said I'd get back to him.

Just wondering if anyone is familiar with the artist Murray Sell from CT or opinions on his portfolio please? Thanks. Flying Tiger Tattoo - MURRAY SELL

I've been tattooed over a good size scar and the artist said the key is how old it is and that it's turned white I believe. You said yours was 12 years old so it will be no problem.

Trust me, I look at a lot of various pictures, artists, etc. I've definitely seen things I'd like to have tattooed on me but my issue is placement and making sure whatever I put on that arm (if anything) won't look too out of place. I've also been told just to leave the arm as is and tattoo somewhere else. I'm thinking about this too much probably and need to relax a little but that's the way I get when I'm thinking of new tattoos! Thanks again for all the feedback.

Thanks a lot bigjoe. Flying Tiger is 10 minutes from me and I am somewhat familiar with the others you mentioned but Mohawk John really stands out to me. Once I can at least get more settled on a style and general concept I can actively find the right artist and discuss details. Unfortunately I'm still undecided as to what I want to do with this.

I've repeatedly heard a few weeks to a month to be safe.