petes67bird

I'M NO EXPERT!! In my opinion that may be a bit too much to put in a half sleeve?? You have a lot of different styles of tattoos everything from a portrait to traditional etc. There a very few artist that I know of that can pull off all those styles very well.. I would definitely go to the shop and talk it over with the artist. Sometimes I feel emails aren't good enough to explain everything. Just be open to what he/she says usually makes for a better tattoo!!!

Thanks killer. I can always cutout the Mr horsepower etc. Save those for a possible full sleeve down the road. I want to start with a half and see how if it is difficult doing my line of work. Right now I plan on wearing 3/4 inch sleeves to work under my scrubs. I also had a concern about the rottweiler head and the flow of the sleeve. Only problem is that has the most meaning to me, he is like my first born. Thanks

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If you do your research and pick an excellent artist, the artist will know how to incorporate what you want and will be able to make the whole thing better than you could have imagined. If you pick an artist based on their hourly fee, they may not be able to do that and you might be disappointed.

Luckily no mention of price was made. Thanks for your help!

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Hi hog, thanks for the helpful post. Let me clarify, the tip would be for me. I am a novice and have been reading threads dating back to 2012 now. I am trying to learn as much as I can about this art. So the tips I was asking for would be along the lines of what to ask for.

I keep reading more black is better. Or the thicker and bolder the better the longevity. So I was asking you guys your opinions on my choices and what I can do to ensure that my artwork will look as sharp as possible since some pictures have a lot of color, maybe I should make it black/grey instead of red. The other fear was the realistic photo of my dog since I have read some negative posts on here. That is all, I am not gonna tell the artist what to do, but I also want to ensure the work I choose will last. Thanks again

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Hi, I am looking to get a half sleeve done this November. I am not really creating a theme, but including smaller pieces that have specific meaning to me. My concern is the ability of a couple of.these pieces to withstand the test of time. I lotion my arms daily, and don't get much Sun as I have worked 2nd shift for 14 years.

So I am getting the Chicago theatre sign to represent where I was born, the route 66 sign to represent freedom on the road, a Mr. Horsepower/v8 tattoo to represent my love for 50's and 60's autos, a polish eagle to represent my heritage and last but not least a portrait of my Rottweiler who means the whole world to me. The filler will be blue with star voids and a pic is included at the bottom.

I am most concerned about the Chicago theatre sign with the top detail and the Rottweiler portrait. Any tips to ask the artist prior to getting work done. Should I ask for thick outlines etc? Here are examples of what I am asking for.

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Check out this article if you still have any questions about what to look for in a portfolio: http://www.tattooartistmagazingblog.com/2011/08/11/guen-douglas-how-to-properly-examine-a-tattoo-portfolio/

But if everyone at the shop's work looks good to you, I guess all that's left is whose personality and style you mesh best with cause you guys are going to be spending a good chunk of time together. I'd like to check our their stuff if you'd mind posting a link.

@Graeme That is an awesome piece, props to your friend!! And sadly, not all tattooers care to learn as much about tattooing as they possibly can. I totally relate to your sentiments and it also frustrates me. As @JAllen was saying, we can never really know anyone's reason behind getting a tattoo. And truly, I think a lot of people are totally satisfied with mediocrity. Ohhh well :cool:

Tried sending a PM to you but your mailbox is full

Its fixed thanks!

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I have a question for you guys. How should I pick an artist. I found what I think is a good shop. It is extremely clean and inviting. All the guys are nice, they asked me a lot of questions and made me feel welcome. The portfolios looked good to my eyes. Other than that, I am basically a tattoo novice. I have 2, but I am looking to get a half sleeve done in November. Please help me with what to look for when picking an artist so I don't get a bad tattoo. I am in northern Illinois and can pm where I am thinking of going if you want to see the online portfolio. Thanks guys

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In most states, tattoo artists are not required to be licensed individually, nor do they have to complete a bloodborn pathogens class prior to becoming an artist. Most if not all of the examples provided above are individuals who must first be formally educated in their areas of expertise and then pass a state exam and on top of that, complete around 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years to renew said license. Even barber's/ hair stylists by me are required to undergo training and have a valid Illinois license.

Now with that said, there are employees in all fields that become complacent or lazy, which can lead to an unsterile environment. Most hospitals where I have been employed require me to wash my hands in front of my patient before interacting with my patient upon entering a room. I am also required to open all of my catheters, syringes, flushes, caps etc., within the sight of my patient. Once items have been opened, I cannot leave the room. If I leave the room and my supplies are open and unattended, I must discard everything and begin all over.

I would feel it would be in the shops best interest to make it a policy where all setups and package openings be made within the sight of the person getting the tattoo. Also hand washing should be visible and gloves should be changed anytime a non sterile object is touched.

Now I am sure most of you do this already and are extremely professional. But for every 10 that are awesome there is 1 person where the person getting tattooed should of asked to see it beforehand. Most of the artists here live to tattoo, but for some, it's just a job and they try to skirt by on the minimum. Unfortunately many people don't know this until it's too late. It isn't something to be taken lightly and can dramatically alter your quality of life forever. So if you run into someone who asks to see packages opened, it isn't because they don't trust you, its because we only live once and You can never be too careful.Hope this helps some people see the other side. Keep up the great work!

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Thanks pleadco. Appreciate your explanation.

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Thanks for your opinion hogrider. Although I feel price has no bearing on quality at all, I appreciate you taking time to respond to my thread.

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Will do deadspot.

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How much does a small car cost?

Do you buy the first car you see no matter the price? If so I have a few to sell you that are expensive. I am not looking for just cheap. I am looking for reasonably priced while still maintaining a high quality. I don't understand some of you, You guys make it sound like high cost equals high quality. I am sure there are people who paid a lot that are trying to cover up shoddy work. I never knew that price alone was the ultimate factor that affects quality. 100 an hour is high. I directly save people's lives, I have helped save at least 50 people directly through CPR and injury care at my job, wonder why I don't get 100 an hour since what I do actually affects if you breathe an hour from now. We barely get a fraction of that. My mechanic charges 60 an hour and I trust his work over the local mechanics that charge 115 an hour. And I am entrusting my life to him as I go 70mph plus in the car he repairs.

Once again, my first concern is an artist's portfolio. As long as lines are straight, no blow outs, and they get good reviews, I don't think there is an issue to shop around. Some of you are making it sound like the guy I went to is a nationally known artist and I should be ready to pay him at any cost. What if this guy is the so called back yard tattooer and just charges a lot? But don't worry this isn't the only forum that thinks price is what dictates quality. I am on an auto forum and when I was looking for painters, everyone kept saying, 8-12 thousand for my show car. Well I shopped around, looked at work, talked with people, and found a great shop. I paid 3500, and won dozens of titles across the country. It was the best paint I have ever had, and I have paid 14k for a paint job on a 69 roadrunner before.

I am guessing some of these responses are from artists themselves which of course, will feel it necessary to defend pricing. Not every good artist will charge high prices, some will stay reasonably priced as to allow more clientele the chance to afford it. I didn't come here to start a price war. We won't ever agree on pricing it appears. I think this thread has run its course.

Mods you can delete this thread as there has been no useful advice given other than bashing someone who thinks that quality doesn't equate to solely price.

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Thanks. All my work has always been exact price quoted prior to starting, which is why I didn't know why he wasn't able to say. Especially for a small tattoo that only says 26.2

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Thanks for all the help, I am going on Wednesday to another shop to speak to an artist.

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I understand what your trying to say Harry but my wife's second quote was 150 for both tattoos from an artist at Rising Phoenix in Addison where she went last time. The other artist for comparable work was over 3x more expensive. You can get better prices without affecting quality.

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I am located in Mchenry illinois

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So my wife and I went to Black Ink tattoo in Crystal lake and weren't happy. He wouldn't give us any concrete pricing. My wife wanted 26.2 tattooed between here shoulders and our Rottweiler actual paw print. They said 100-150 for the numbers and 300-500 for paw print, my jaw dropped. I then asked about a half sleeve. He said each piece is its own tattoo and are highly detailed. For a half sleeve it would take at least 5 sessions of 4 hours each at around 400-500 each. So 2000 for a half sleeve. That's a bit high in my eyes.

Upon talking with my wife, we decided that even with a half sleeve I will need to wear long sleeves at work so I might as well go full sleeve. But with that shop it would be 4k, way too much.

Please help with recommendations of reasonably priced good artists. Thanks

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Would like a mixture of these

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I agree that it's not horrible. I was thinking if doing a half sleeve on the arm. I am a medical professional so they do not like visible ink. I have been looking at various sleeves but I cannot envision one with this tattoo in it

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Hi everyone. This is my first thread and sorry about posting another possible cover up topic. I got a tattoo about 10 years ago and I am either looking for ideas to add to it or cover it up. On its own, it looks out if sorts. It also has lost some meaning since I had to sell my car in order to keep my home. I am not too artistic nor am I imaginative, so I am having a hell of a time trying to decide what to do with this. The original tattoo was done by an amateur starting out that was part of my car club. Let me know what you would do in my position. Thanjs

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Wow some real great work, I will post some up once I am allowed

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I normally wait about a week before any sweaty physical activities

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I normally hydrate well and ensure I didn't drink alcohol the night before. I used t take smoke breaks during the tattoo, but have recently quit.

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Wow. All of my tattoos have been short in comparison. Longest was 5 hours or so.

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Does anyone know why I cannot add pictures yet to existing threads.

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