Mark Bee

Welcome aboard

Haha. Yeah I thought about that too.

Its spectacular, Eilin. Congratulations.

I just discovered that Tattoo Nation is playing in Toronto this afternoon. Last day! I'm rushing off from work to catch the final screening.

Welcome!

I like them all - but if I had to pick one, I'd pick the sailor girl. The blue cheeked look is pretty sweet.

Hahaha, yeah - big time! Nothing else has come close to that for me yet. Living hell.

Hey Shaun - I know, I'm a bit of a regular. I'm in the Market almost every day of the week, so I end up walking by The Pearl all the time. How can I resist? Today there were 5 of us lined up. Many weekends there are 10-12 waiting when the door opens. Its best to go an hour to an hour and a half early to make sure you get in. Or, if you can, go on a weekday as the lines are usually smaller. Usually several more people show up at 11 (opening) too. Glennie usually works Sundays but there was a note on the door saying she was not in today, so Tim came in early. I'm not sure about Dan's usual Sunday routine, but yes, he does do Mondays and he starts earlier. I think the shop opens at 9am on Mondays, but don't quote me on that. Always good to call ahead to find out exactly what the scoop is.

I get what you are saying, but don't worry. Healing for the first time was a bit nerve-wracking for me too. After its healed its going to look great. Then you get to do the second round!

I'm sure you'll get lots of advice here. My two cents? I use the dry heal method. I wash the fresh tattoo the next morning in very hot (don't burn yourself) water then pat it dry wish a fresh ,clean cloth. Then...I do nothing. I keep it dry and clean and away from things like wool, cat/dog hair and dander. Try not to think about it too much and definitely don't pick at it. The human body is an amazing organism and does a remarkable job of healing itself. I find when I leave it to take care of business it does just that. Congrats on your first tattoo!

I popped into the Pearl Harbor Gift Shop today to get a couple little ones done. (And by popped in I mean I got to the shop an hour and a half before opening to ensure I got a sitting - sigh.) Here are my two latest, both by Dan Innes. Nothing too fancy or complicated, but both are images I've admired for quite a while. By the way, The Pearl has just hired Nathan Draper ( http://www.nathandrapertattooer.com/ ) Great tattooer and from what I've heard, a really awesome guy as well. I'm looking forward to getting something done by Nathan.

I'm really looking forward to the convention. Going to have to start saving now.

Whoa...Just been looking through his wordpress. Stunning. @Graeme You must convince your friend to see this guy. Damn, if he wont, I will! I was so close to Providence last summer.

Super nice work. Congratulations.

One sec.... - - - Updated - - - Fixed. I keep coming back to this image again and again. This is spectacular work. I'd be sticking my leg in everyone's face saying, "Have you seen this?!?!" Strangers in subways, at the grocery, at work...everyone. Such a great tattoo.

Dude. That is awesome.

For the first time in a while I have nothing booked. (Ok ok I have a touch-up session booked, but that doesn't count, right? Right?) I'm having a terrible time figuring out what I want to use for filler in a bunch of spots on my forearms. My creative well is empty. I'm at a loss.

Sounds good, all right. Glad you had a happy birthday.

Well said!

Heh heh heh Well, I learned something new today. Thanks, reverend1. I've made enough curious life choices that I am not going to criticize someone else's unique decisions. Still, I think I'll pass on getting an anus tattoo.

Are anus tattoos really a thing?

I have a history of impulsive tattoos. (Story of my life in general!) I have several that I planned out and thought about for months. I've been happier with some of the more recent, more impulsive choices I've made. Like Lori, I am getting mostly traditional tattoos, which I think (IMHO) lend themselves to more impulsive choices. I guess it depends on your personality. What works for me is certainly not going to work with everyone else. That said, I would not change any of the decisions I've made over the decades. (In relation to tattoos that is...other choices I've made? Yeah, well, can't win 'em all I guess.)

It hasn't come up for me yet, as I've been able to do all of mine in one sitting. But when I do get to large pieces I will likely tip each time. If only because life is expensive these days and if I can put a few extra bucks in the hands of whomever is tattooing me, then so much the better. That tip money might come in handy. Edit for clarity: I always tip for every tattoo i get. I'm just commenting about how I'd tip when I get around to doing multi-sitting tattoos.

This ^^^ Rescuing animals of any sort is a very awesome thing to do. I got my wee orange kitty that way. Life changing for the both of us. Thick as thieves. I don't know how awesome this is, but it sure feels pretty great. After ditching pro-sports 19 years ago (as a fan, defo not as any kind of athlete - unless rolling over on the couch occasionally counts as athleticism) I have rediscovered Major League baseball. I started with the Jay's season opener a few days ago and was amazed at how much I missed the game. I've even got my butt in gear and gone to a game and got tickets for a couple more. I missed the ballpark, the crappy hotdogs, the overpriced peanuts, and the raging drunks all around me in the nose bleed seats. More than anything though, I have rekindled my long-time love of the game. I was a die-hard fan from '77-94. It sure feels good to be back in the park again. So, maybe not high-end awesome, but it is a nice feeling and what's more, my partner Erin is totally into it as well. Another thing we enjoy doing together.

Such a good idea! I'm going to take advantage of my similar status and see what I can get brought into the uni library.