sighthound

Fun little Friday the 13th banger at 510 expert tattoo. Almost the whole shop was just doing walk-ins yesterday churning out cool 13 stuff.

In my opinion, the back is the one unique piece of the body that was made for one giant piece. To each their own, but I don't think it gets much better than the scale and size of a full on back piece.

^^ haha, I can totally agree on the take care of your nasty feet part. Can only imagine what the artist is goes through while tattooing.

I'll also add that it's not 100% tattoo artist. You gotta do your part, too. Realism stuff does require more maintenance and is less forgiving than traditional styles in that sense. If you go out and get baked in the sun everyday, then yea, that super detailed whatever will look like shit in no time. Whereas a super solid black panther will just shrug it off and still look like a panther.

@Patrick Bateman I wouldn't say all realism will age like crap, just most. I would suggest watching this site's newest interview with Brian Bruno and Mike Rennie: Brian Bruno & Mike Rennie Tattoo Artist Interview Video In it there is a good discussion on the craft of doing things like realism and the ethics involved in it. Bascially, it boils down to how the artist tattoos. Whether it is for instagram fame, competitions, getting that "wow" factor, or putting the client first and designing something that will age and look good in the future. In my opinion, tattoos that age well aren't restricted to traditional and I have seen very fine line black & grey stuff stand the test of time. This thread (entire site for that matter), works in realigning peoples' expectations with reality. Realistic styles can be done, with certain limitations, and still endure. Probably not the same level of realism that is so commonly attempted nowadays, but still realistic as far as tattoos go. The hard part is finding an artist who is honest AND skilled enough to pull it off. I'm no artist, nor do I know what or how these things can be achieved in different styles but I have seen it, albeit more rarely.

I love anything by Filip. Mr. Rubendall just posted this bad boy on instagram. Color scheme is pretty amazing. The different shades of blue and green are contrasted perfectly by the pink. http://instagram.com/p/wT602sGx6E/?modal=true

Outstanding! One of the best backpieces I've seen in a long time. I think Iain Mullen does some of the best black & grey around and is very underrated for it. Too many artists use too much black (heresy, I know), but Iain's pieces always has that perfect balance of greys, black, and skin so that it's very readable from a distance.

Yea the itch has died down a bit. But, like you were saying - for a few days there it was intense. I think it's interesting finding those little pockets of pain as you are getting tattooed. When I was getting my shoulders capped and finished off I figured it would be a cakewalk because, well, it's the shoulder. Until that needle went over and started hitting my collar bone. Holy hell, I dunno how it is for anyone else, but the collar bone, for me, was really bad.

Currently in week 2 of healing my very first lower body (thigh) tattoo. It is about 95% done with its first peel and it looks like it is about to start on its second peel very shortly. But, I have heard that lower body tattoos take longer to heal/peel. And OMG the itch!!! The double whammy of the peeling tattoo and my leg hair growing back is killing me! Definitely worse than the tattoo itself, aagggghhhh. Can't wait for this to be over.

Great vid, thanks for sharing. I figure it's because he is from the era where tattooing wasn't a "thing" or a "lifestyle" and the only way to get into it was to be born in, which he was. He even said that he wasn't that smart or good at anything else so he just took on his family's trade. I'd say he's truly of the old school, where he didn't have the luxury to follow his dreams or whatever, but had to make ends meet somehow.

Here we go, done by Darcy Nutt at the RVA convention this weekend. Couldn't have asked for a better experience, she is top class in every way possible! There's some weird shadows and lighting in the pics, cause they do the piece no justice at all.

Welcome. Big fan of Kim's work, and that is a nice piece you got from her. Also, sweet collection

Wow, how did i miss this? @CaitlinBurnett10 a full back in 3 freaking days?! Very nice start so far, it looks amazing. Can't wait to see the finished product - you'll make it no problem

Wow. I literally have no other words

I'd say just wait a bit. Fitness can be gained relatively quickly and you can do it any time you want. You're tattoo is forever and the period right after it is done has the biggest effect on how it will heal and age, etc. So, take it easy would be my suggestion.

Lol, didn't mean to cause anymore anxiety. It is one of the more sensitive spots though and it was unlike any other part of the body, not just the pain but the whole experience. But, I've heard some people say that it wasn't bad at all. Different tolerances, perhaps. For instance, I've gotten both ribs done and didn't think they were all they are hyped up to be even though ribs are notorious for being painful. Just be like your namesake, and....keep calm lol (so lame). It's totally worth the pain though. An awesome pair of feet tattoos is one of my favorite placements - just looks so good.

one shot?! Damn, that's hardcore - how long did it take?

For me, so far, it has been the tops of my feet and the part of the ribs near the beltline where it starts to become the stomach. Ouch, I literally could not breathe when the needle went over that part. It was just an intense clench and my body wouldn't let me take a breath.

That's right, I'll be there a while. And I do the same thing at conventions. I don't travel as much as I used to, so this is the way I get tattoos from awesome artists around the country.

also @Bunny Switchblade you've got quite the lineup that weekend. Some amazing tattoos you'll be getting, no doubt.

@Joe Shit Hate to be a tease, but you guys will have to wait till it's done :P. The suspense makes it better, right? Ok, I will say that it's a Japanese piece and that she has total control as I just gave a very general direction/idea. @Bunny Switchblade Will do. My appt is at 1pm on sat.

Getting ready for my appointment with Darcy Nutt at the Richmond convention in a few weeks, can hardly wait.

I'll def be there Saturday. I'm getting tattooed by Darcy Nutt for a nice 5-6 hour session. Then I'm gonna cruise around and check out everyone else's stuff, maybe try to snag a walk up if I can.

@9Years out of control. So good

I wouldn't touch that one, let it stand alone. To add to it, I'd just get different pieces to fill in the space around it. Maybe in a similar style so that it all flows together. Just my opinion.