Kahlan

I wouldn't do my chest. I love some chest pieces on women but for some reason I cringe at the thought of covering that whole area.

yeaaa that was painful..."I hope I am around long enough to see the day when Tattoos are considered Tacky at best.They say it is to express yourself.Try doing that with your personality instead of that garbage on your body." If only I was a large man so I can go around shaking people vigorously. :P

*Big hugs* to you. I lost my best friend last month, suddenly. He was one of those people that could have change the world. In a way some of what he said was reassuring. I've spent the last month scrambling to grab onto something positive out of this....The one thing I can share is grasp everything he said and have it live through you. Something like this makes you feel like you grew up 10 years in a few days...of constant thinking and questioning... how we treat each other...what it's like to be human... At least his suffering is over... Unfortunately we carry on with tears until we meet them on the other side. Be well xoxox

I'm very early for posting this, but too excited not to! Hopefully there are other Vancouverites on here. :) Vancouver Tattoo and Culture Show | April 26-28 2013 | Vancouver BC

And yet no one hates on the companies that took advantage of a guy that is bipolar, and trying to survive in a shit economy.

Considering it's extremely personal anything one would choose to have tattooed on themselves.... But there's always that particular group that I find drains the true meaning of where these ancient symbols come from. This group I'm referring to are ones that partake in 'trends'. I mean at the very least, it's respectful to research the core of these cultures and beliefs... My favourite is seeing the Lotus flower... which is supposed to have profound meaning without explaining...but seems like no one knows anything about it anymore.

The part where he has 5 kids is disturbing.... At least he's working towards getting rid of them...

That's why I took back what I said. I don't feel driven away since well, everything is a learning experience. What can I tell you, I made a mistake... - - - Updated - - - That's why I took back what I said. I don't feel driven away since well, everything is a learning experience. What can I tell you, I made a mistake...

Yup! I get it! lol

It's not blackmail, I'm just venting. I don't think I *deserve* anything. Just really want it. I apologize once again...

Yea I definitely am! I'm here to learn more. Sorry if my opinion was juvenile. Because it is just that. Foot in the mouth moment for sure. :)

Absolutely! I totally agree. I guess I also don't understand what it's like having a bunch of kids bugging you about becoming an artist. It's great that lots of people become established without someone teaching them, but I would prefer working in a shop and learning. But whatever I just gotta keep applying and talking to them... Just knowing that they get so many requests makes me feel horribly awkward.

And that's the pompous attitude I'll never understand. Who says that the people that walk in the door haven't been struggling? Why assume? But it's ok to you that just because you happen to know an artist they'll give you a shot? I guess we're different. I believe in teaching others and educating people into doing the right thing. It just gets under my skin when professionals complain about people starting off in their basements, when it's almost a one in a million shot you'll get someone to teach you. Anyway... I guess I'm just frustrated. I have no time to socialize and hang out in shops like I did when I was 14. The *way* they want people to do things is a little unrealistic for me BECAUSE of the fact I'm working my ass off to get to where I wanna be!

So question is...why not take some random person?? What's the big deal with giving others some opportunity?

Coming from someone that would kill for an apprenticeship...it's been rough. The excuses I get is that they're worried they won't *like* the person. (Which can be easily solved!) I also apparently need to become 'buddies' with these people first... and even then they get a million idiots like me asking for an apprenticeship. Kinda tough finding artists that don't have their nose in the air. My issue is if you seriously don't want me tattooing in my home then teach me!!! But until then, I'll continue to practice on fake skin & grow my own way. Not many options... One shop OWNER told me he's not able to teach another because he's only been tattooing for 4 years....yet you own a shop..... wow... This industry feels like a cult sometimes...

Thanks Graeme! I loved how he posted his earlier works to show the difference. Very awesome article.

Here's my dumbass moment. Did it on myself. Some people seem to genuinely like it. Me not so much at all. :P

I suddenly feel like a leper after reading this thread. Traditional tattoos are wonderful and I appreciate the history. But what's wrong with evolving? These changes will happen as the industry gets bigger. Maybe it's because I'm an artist myself, but I love realism. It's definitely the kind of tattoo artist I want to be one day. Someone mentioned traditional would actually be *harder* than realism... no offense that's a little ridiculous to me. Sure I haven't had mine for 20+ years but it still looks amazing. You just have to take care of your skin...just like anything else on your body.. Even if I need touch-ups one day I would feel like it's worth it, considering the amount of skill that goes into it. Not saying the same talent doesn't go into traditional! Just kinda feels like people are hating on such an amazing style..

Wow I so never thought of that either! Brilliant. haha Seriously thanks for bringing it up. Ever since I moved to Vancouver black people don't exist here so I've been so out of touch. Damn I miss Montreal for that!

If you see the youtube video of this guy, you actually feel bad for him. Not saying it's still not creepy though. :/

Nice! I like the placement. Always loved ones that crawled over the shoulder.

My tongue piercing story is funnier. My mom & my best friend were playing 'Pictionary', so when my mom drew I got excited and yelled "Blank check! Blank check!" So she ended up seeing my tongue ring and said "You got it done...." Since I was talking about it for a while. According to my parents, you can be the most beautiful girl in the world but if you have a tongue ring it's absolutely disgusting. haha My dad never knew. I got rid of it this year. I thoroughly enjoy eating ice cream off a cone now. It just got annoying after many years... As for my first tattoo. Well, my family cringed but it was for my brother so that made them more accepting. If anything now my brother is getting a family tree sleeve and he wants the one I got for him. We actually aren't close at all. But he gave me the most thoughtful gift in the world. It was a small charm for a necklace, in it was a picture of the moon how it looked when I was born (first quarter). I wore it everyday, and slowly broke. I think it'll always be my favourite.

Ah I see, thought it maybe had to do with not liking the idea. heh It'll give their gynecologist a good laugh. :P

That's really awesome. Hope you went big. hehe