Kahlan

My 'ritual' isn't as interesting as some of you. heh I usually just eat something, then smoke a pretty decent joint and head on over to the shop. I bring a bottle of water. Then after its all over I just smoke another one and head off to drink and show off my new piece to my buddies.

No I won't. :( We are visiting mid October (11-15), something like that. Yea that's definitely one of the shops on my list. Idle Hand is another I would love to get tattooed by. You guys are so lucky to have such a variety of amazing artists.

Thanks everyone! xox Really appreciate the help! We decided on a road trip, so we'll have a car to get around. Making my options that much better. I just wanted to get a little traditional piece, something that looks 'vintage'. Loving the list of shops, that's so amazing! Kinda wanted something representing California, but I can't think of anything. Maybe I'll find inspiration during the trip. :) It's so exciting, haven't been outta this country pushing 10 years. 0_0

Found this old thread, so I'll use this one instead of starting something new. I'm visiting SF in October for 3-4 days. Definitely wanted to get just a few hours of work, nothing that will take up an entire day..obviously because of the limited time. I want to see this amazing city for the most part.(my first time there) I noticed the suggestions were mostly for Japanese style. I'm not too crazy about that but definitely wrote down all the shops people mentioned. Not sure if we're renting cars or whatever so I just need some advice on locations that are close and not an hour away..that we can just stay in the downtown core if possible. Unless the ones mentioned are easy to get to? Im not sure if I'll have a planned idea for a tattoo beforehand, think I can wing it and just walk in? I guess its a chance you take at any shop.. Anyway any info would be great. I'm so stoked!

"They Live" tattoo is such an amazing idea. It's one of my favourites by far! Would love to see a pic if you feel like posting!

The only downer is that it's an extra 10$ for every pull. But overall they have some awesome stencils in that box.

Thursday is my consultation with Rainfiretattoo... Getting some sacred geometry with dotwork. Just really love what she does on people. Pretty much leaving it up to her, the whole design. I've been trying to research different symbols and meanings, but sorta gave up on that since I'm not the most spiritual person. Didn't really come across much, but I'\m sure we can come up with something together. Been also really wanting to get a piece done at Raincity Tattoo also. They have a mystery box full of traditional flash (on Wednesdays), and you just pick out a random one. Being one this forum sure influences me to wanna get more of this style.

Oh I see. When you remove the plastic wrap or pad, you have to clean that area. So I basically find it's less messy when you have a pad instead of the plastic wrap. With the plastic wrap it's just collecting blood and all that shit in their. All that stuff ends up drying on your skin/tattoo over that few hours it's bandaged... I don't know I just don't like. :P Hope that clears it. lol

Ok? Which part didn't you understand...I guess I didn't explain it properly.

I totally cringe when I see the plastic wrap. Just feel like it doesn't look professional, and there's no proper barrier for a fresh tattoo. Not only is it keeping your tattoo clean, and absorbing the bacteria that goes with it...when you take it off, the cleaning is that much easier than saran wrap cause everything dries and sticks to your skin/tattoo.. I find it absolutely gross.

Yea so true. There's no diversity when it comes to their styles. Aren't portrait artists quite rare to come across? Either way I completely agree with a comment I saw here the other day, where the whole show is scripted. And the fuckin editing. Holy ADD. My buddy said something brilliant, that Dave Navarro looks like a wizard. haha yup.

@Delicious - Don't ever say you're 'too fat' for something. That's what yoga or anything physical is for, is to bring you balance physically and mentally. Never give yourself limitations. Pains me to read that. Yoga lets you be more in touch with yourself, and I'll even bring it a step further and suggest meditation. It's hard to get into at first but the best time to try is after a work-out since you're exhausted afterwards anyway. :) I miss doing splits too. :P Working on it but I wanna die everytime haha

Everything and anything around me in nature. Being in BC is absolutely inspiring the amount of wild life compared to back home in Montreal. I find inspiration in almost whatever I see, and I take tons of pictures to incorporate it in my drawings. Been really into prehistoric creatures also... I love buildings, streets, bricks, spray paint, etc.. Let's just say I don't limit myself at all, which is why art is a great reflection of life.

I think generally most people don't come back for touch-ups. The shop I work in, I don't see that very often. Only if people clearly haven't been taking care of it. Or those assholes that are addicted to tanning................

Maybe if you like the design, you can always see if the artist can fix it up to look nicer instead of a cover-up..

I preferred shirtless, or a tank top when I got mine. It's a little harsh the first few days, since its such a sensitive area. I couldn't stand wearing anything that covered it, or brushed against it. Everyone's different. :)

I remember reading a comment once on here, someone stated 'Tattoos are too good for some people'. Fits perfectly for this guy.

Is this your first time speaking to people or something??? @Nagua

Really glad they don't anymore. I'm highly allergic to most metals. :/

There was quite a few people that asked me if the needles go through seven layers of skin...... and another is my own family claiming the ink enters your blood stream. :/

I guess that's how people learn from each other right?

I had no idea what it was either until I ended up here. Doesn't really appeal to me anyway. :/

Books are great for basics. I would suggest taking a drop-in art class of something. So you have someone guiding you instead of wondering if you're on the right path. Try tracing, or just sketch as much as you can!

I don't think it's disrespectful if you don't have many options in a city. Especially since tattooing is growing, and it's not like there's a decline with people wanting them. Seems as though even the crappy shops get tons of business. It's not easy opening a shop if rent is high in a particular area. I mean don't get me wrong, I won't be opening my own right next the my mentor....but then again I live in a city where there's still potential spots... I can't imagine would be easy in places like Vegas or NYC where competition there is intense for anything really.

Sometimes I wonder if it's far-fetched to think certain artists should be paying for the laser treatments....