Fala

For me, the contrast between the line-work, background, open/negative space and color ratios are off. I hope that doesn't come off as too vague, but that's all I'm able to articulate right now.

Everyone is going to have a slightly different method as we're all different, and you'll figure out what works best for you over time. Me, I take the wrap off as soon as possible (usually after 3-4 hours, when I max out with having plasticwrap on my body suffocating me), then wash really well with a super mild soap, then I apply salve and let it be exposed to the air. For the next 3 days (or until peeling begins) I keep up with washing 2x/day and applying salve as often as needed, then will switch to lotion (or another salve, depending on what's going on with my skin) once peeling has begun. Continue for as long as needed. I'll ice and use homeopathic arnica (internal) as needed for the first 48 hours too (thanks to LST, I picked up those to handy tips and now use them). I had a lot of ink loss with A&D ointment (I'm certain it's because I couldn't get it to spread thinly enough because of the consistency of it), and don't like Aquaphor's stickiness but I will use it if my skin seems extra dry. So... it depends :) Never have had a scabbing issue, nor do I re-wrap.

Grapefruit Seed Extract should not be taken internally as it is often adulterated with all sorts of nasty chemicals that should not be ingested. Since you are at the end of your cold, perhaps upping the vitamin C will help you a bit (I like the Effer-C packets, they taste infinitely better than Emergen-C or Airborne) - it also helps with the bleeding and swelling. I'd give your tattoo artist a heads up about the cold (before getting to the shop) and if they don't want you coming in, at least they've had enough notice. I'd keep taking that Dayquil, and make sure I ate extra well and drank plenty of fluids (avoiding juices and raw foods as they can make mucous worse).

Go to a tattoo artist that does nice lettering and let them figure it out - that's what you are paying them for anyway.

@SeeSea - I love sleeveless dresses too and plan to have this taken into consideration with my backpiece (whenever that starts happening)! Macy's has some cute elbow length lightweight boleros right now, might be something to consider. Or, you can have frilly laces or cap-sleeves added by your tailor onto all of your work dresses ;)

One thing I've learned at LST, if you aren't sure whether you should ask a question about the industry insofar as how to break into it, buying inks/machines/etc, or any other hair-brained questions that can be thunk up: just don't. Think before you ask, if it revolves around the industry, if you wouldn't ask your tattooer and be met with a reasonable response, you don't ask it here. Period. Don't be a smart ass, or think you're trying to shake things up and break the mold, or turn into a lawyer who minces words and parries with semantics. I am here because I want to share with others my love of getting tattooed, and talk about the history and culture of it. I'm NOT here because I want to talk about how to acquire the tools of the trade without actually being in the trade. It isn't my business to do so, nor do I think it is anyone's who is not a tattooer.

I haven't been getting tattooed for very long, but after my first one was completed I was all gung-ho to start working on my back. Then I realized that instead of rushing into it I should let everything marinate until the right idea came along. I've turned over several ideas in the intervening years, and am now (I think, yay!) settled upon something that feels right and true for me. Great advice @bongsau!!!!

Congratulations @CultExciter!!!! Great steps forward! @gougetheeyes - we miss you, and are so happy that you've decided to do what's best for you and move on. Living here is not necessarily easy, it's so expensive, and not always worth it.

Apart from technically sound tattoos, who cares??? I certainly could care less what people get, it's on their body not mine. We're all, presumably, adults and capably of making our own choices without caring what the general (tattooed or not) public thinks about what we've chosen to put on our bodies for the rest of our lives.

The NYT has a small writeup about it: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/26/world/asia/nepal-earthquake-katmandu.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=span-ab-top-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news#

Okay, sorry that I misunderstood you :)

Suiren - my suggestion earlier was to go to a different artist to get NEW work then after the working relationship is established, and IF you still are wanting your hands fixed, ask him/her about possible remedies to your situation. See: http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/general-tattoo-discussion/2396-what-makes-good-tattoo-page7.html#post39485 , especially Tim Hendricks' response.

Yep - just focus on getting tattooed elsewhere and let this go for a bit. Focus on finding a great artist for your next tattoo, then if (say 1 or 2 years goes by, after getting a couple or more tattoos done) you decide you must get the existing ones fixed, you'll already have a relationship established with a great artist. Perhaps you could go to Belgium? It is closer than Amsterdam. Calypso Tattoo is there, and is a start for you to begin your search.

If I may... hand tattoos require someone who is skilled with this area of the body. I can think of a small number of tattoo artists who I'd trust with tattooing my hands. In other words, don't let just anyone tattoo you - doesn't matter what people say. If I listened to what people (non-trusted LSTers) said to me about "great artists", whooeee, I'd be a mess. This forum has a preference for Traditional and Japanese tattooing, be mindful of this whilst here. Take your time to learn to identify what good linework and tattooing is - there is a huge difference between a fresh tattoo and a healed tattoo. You should be looking at a tattoo artist's portfolio and checking out what the healed tattoos look like. Healed tattoos, to me, indicate repeat business or that the person who got the tattoo wanted to show the tattoo artist how much they loved it. Big tattoos can be girly too. Tattoos don't have to be small and with fine lines in order to be feminine. The smaller and more delicate the work, the more skilled the person doing it should be in my opinion. You (and others here) may feel differently, and that's fine. Squirming while getting tattooed can also result in messed up lines. Even so, no matter the tattoo, go to the best of the best. Is going to Amsterdam an option for you? There are lots of great tattooers in Amsterdam.

Check out the "what makes a good tattoo" thread here on LST, and spend time on this forum. Edit: spend some time on this forum soaking up as much as you can...

Sweet!!!

Even here in the area, I'll have an appointment, then do a super long walk and return to work that afternoon. Next day, no biggie to do lots of walking and things for the thigh. You'll be fine :) Loose pants/dresses/skirts, super comfy clothes are key along with using ice packs whenever possible to bring any swelling down. Have fun!!!!!!

I'm going to be in the DC area in July - maybe we can pop down to Richmond to see the show. @Graeme, @Pugilist @CultExciter - would be cool if we all could be there at the same time.

@beez - This is shitty on so many levels, I am so sorry. My husband is currently plainskin, but by August he no longer will be but... I've been getting tattooed for a few years now, and when I started I was partly concerned that this would be an issue with my husband. Thankfully, he respected that this is my body and he loves me for me - no matter what my body looks like. He's also very pragmatic in that he knows we'll all look like we're 80 regardless of tattoos or not - something like this is not an issue. For me, it would sting so much more because it is a choice to get tattooed. You love the you with tattoos, so he's rejecting your choices, your body, your life. It's much more hurtful than saying, "I just don't like you" because it is so specific. It's also saying, to me, that he wants someone who would be willing to change (or deny) their essence in order to be with him, that he wants his partner to be who he wants them to be (in order to love them) and not who they are (wrinkles, tattoos and all). Big hug for you.

@SeeSea - my tebori peonies and bird took 5 hours, not including the lining, stencil application, etc. I actually liked hearing the "fwick, fwick, fwick" sound of the needles going into my skin - it put me to sleep!

@Mick Weder - my favorite time for getting tattooed is in the colder months!!! Gives me more of an excuse to take it easy and hibernate.

Agree with @cltattooing. You can also consider taking straight up drawing and painting classes to then apply to your flash painting. I know several tattoo artists who are currently doing this - and it makes a huge impact on their work in general, not just within their flash. The good thing about drawing and painting is that it is a skill that can be learned, so commit to the time and effort it takes and you will be rewarded.

Have fun @SeeSea!!! Every date that I'd be available to head out to CA to get my tattoo, is not going to work for Horitomo, so I'm going to let the idea of getting a monmon cat go for the time being. I'm taking it as a sign that I'm not meant to have one right now, between getting horribly ill right before my session last year, and this year being unable to book a date at all, I'm throwing my hands up in resignation. Need to focus on other things right now. C'est la vie.

Do you have any tattoos? Which artists are you currently looking at?

I overheard Nunez say something about a cop and outside, that musta been it! Too bad. No worries about the photos! :) Sorry we never made it over to the post-event party - we were wiped out. (On another note, like @CultExciter, I learned something too: I can't hang the way I used to :( ) Was nice to meet Matt from Three Kings, super nice dude.