AverageJer

If you plan to go to the same artist and want to continue with the theme another iconic North American animal like a bear or a wolf could be cool.

Yeah, I think you are right.

My wife is getting a tattoo on Monday when Chad Koeplinger is in town. The tattoo I got last week opened up some new spots that need tattoos. I have several styles from several artists in different cities. I appreciate the history. I guess you have convinced me, I'm a collector.

You said this better than I could have. I think the reason I'm reluctant to call myself a collector is because I don't have some kind of specific goal in mind. I like to get tattoos. It's fun to travel an get tattoos but I also have a local shop I really like. I prefer good tattoos and have some opinions on what that means but that's about it. A hardcore collector would always be looking to upgrade. Frankly that's not possible with tattoos, right? Same thing for me and the records I buy. I love vinyl record but only buy ones I will listen too. I don't care how vintage some random record is_ if I know I won't listen too it I won't buy it. The term tattoo collector seems awkward to me- although I suppose I have come to meet the definition.

Thanks. It was a lot of fun and we are happy with them.

Here are the end results of my trip to Denver. My wife got some balloons and I got a praying mantis. Both by Destroy Troy at Til Death. Great shop and fun artist. Also, The Cure was fantastic, the beer was cold and I used Saniderm for the first time.

Beer, sex, tattoos and food... throw in music and basketball and I'm honestly not sure there is anything else worth thinking about anyway.

Dragon by Nick Coella, guitar by Mario Desa- both at Great Lakes in Chicago.

Love that Octopus!

Here's the lowdown: this weekend my wife and I are heading to Denver to see The Cure, a band I haven't seen since 1987, and then we are each getting tattoos from Destroy Troy at Til Death. Any advice on how to survive the next three work days is appreciated.

I think you were right to walk away simply because you weren't sure you would be happy and the process didn't feel comfortable. I also think that since you had been browsing portfolios and had an idea that there were some artists you trusted more than others it would have been fine to ask to be on a waiting list from one or more of these artists in particular. Plenty of reputable shops do walk in flash and even then you should get a tattoo you feel good about.

Does anyone have a tattoo of a skyscape they can share so we can show @marley mission what the sky looks like?

I think season/weather makes a difference as well. I might be making this up but it seems like my tattoos heal better in the cold dry winter than in the heat and humidity of summer.

Wow, these are both great. Congrats. Also, sorry but you're wife wins this round. That red against the black is spectacular.

Interesting thread. I probably qualify as collector but don't really think of it that way. Tattoos are fun to get- great experiences combined with great art and self pride. I don't want to get tattoos from specific artists just because they are who they are but I do want to get good tattoos and have a good time doing so. I also know how to look things up on the internet so I guess, call me what you will.

http://www.katanatattoo.com I know some people who always go to this shop and their tattoos look pretty damn good.

Personally, I would be very weary of this but I guess I can see why some artists might like this kind of set up. I think cancelling was the right thing. Getting tattoos is a fun experience so setting yourself up in advance to be uncomfortable with the process is cheating yourself out of a potentially great experience. There are plenty of talented tattoo artists around so there is no reason to risk a bad experience in my opinion.

The tribal blue waves are my favorite part to be honest- so at the very least I think you can assume others will not view your tattoo the same way you do. Where are you from?

I think it's fine. I'd get more tattoos around it and, if you want, let an artists flush it out some to build it into the surrounding work. You could have a much worse tattoo in my opinion. I also agree you should let it heal and let yourself get used to it. A little tattoo remorse is common.

Couldn't we argue that in a way tattoos are a commitment to not changing our appearance? I can cut my hair or shave my beard without giving it two thoughts. I can but different clothing and decorative glasses on my lunch break today- no big deal, right? But these tattoos, these damn tattoo, those are staring to seem kind of permanent.

Anyone going to the event this weekend at Great Lakes Tattoo in Chicago? I sure wish I was.

As a customer I would be willing to go to a shop like this if the work was quality but I have no doubt some artists and consumers would frown on it. If you are serious then talk to artists who you might go into business with. Offer up an ownership stake maybe. Not everyone has the disposition to sort out the details and grind of being a business owner but I think you would want to be careful here around issues of exploiting someone else's skill. My point boiled down: if you are serious the people to talk to are tattoo artists who live and work in your community. My instinct tells me you may get some push back for obvious reasons.

Do you expect to get a lot of other tattoos in the future? The shoulder is a good place for this kind of tattoo but it can be a valuable space if you end up wanting a full sleeve later on. Not that this couldn't be worked around. Also the calf can be a good place for a hideable tattoo. The back works but you won't be able to see it which may or may not matter to you. Talk to the artist. An owl wearing headphones could be cool? You might want to consider going slightly larger given the kind of detail you seem to be wanting. Good luck and don't worry, it doesn't hurt at all.

Not sure where to put this, and maybe it's already been posted- but check out this event at Great Lakes Tattoo coming up in March. Please go and make it a success so they keep doing it every year because- fuck yeah!! https://instagram.com/p/BBvVDnKymK4/

If you're not sure what tattoo to get, get a dragon tattoo while you think about it... Honestly, I think all of these ideas will go fine subject wise so it depends on what your artist think will work best in the space available.