sighthound

Everyone over in the sfo thread getting some ridiculous ink, giving the rest of us tattoo envy. Yea, I did notice that Scott was coming again this year. I was going to get something from him last year, but could not make the convention unfortunately. I'm usually not a huge fan of conventions either, but the Richmond one has a special place in my heart. Looks like most of the heavy hitters from Rock of Ages are going again this year. Might try to snag a little walk-up action, we'll see.

sweet jesus, i love that @robz. I dig the masks theme, really brings it together.

http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-advice/3704-traditional-japanese-v-american-japanese-tattoos.html There's a good thread to look into on that topic @scubaron @KVipers. I think the consensus is that there really is no way of defining a "Japanese" tattoo any more. The lines have become so blurred and all different styles have kind of evolved and borrowed elements from one another. People such as Horiyoshi III and Mike Rubendall have both said that their style is not really traditional Japanese, but a modern interpretation of Japanese tattooing (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Anyways, that's a whole different can o' worms. @BrianH that sounds like an amazing arm

I have never seen an entire limb that was composed of just one shot Japanese pieces. Aesthetically, it would be no different from a limb with a bunch of one shot Americana pieces (apart from the artistic differences). But it would create the same effect in terms of silhouettes and negative spacing. I have seen plenty of one shot, no background, Japanese pieces though. I've also seen lots of pieces that are a single image or theme and take up the whole limb without any background: Which are really cool, too. The entire Japanese tattoo tradition is based off of large, consistent, form-fitting pieces. So, it would be rare to find someone with the kind of one-shots you're talking about, although I'm sure they exist out there. Then you might run into the debate on whether they really can be considered Japanese tattoos, more like Japanese inspired. If there's one thing all Japanese tattoo masters can agree on, it's that the background is the most important element of the tattoo. Either way, looks cool to me as long as it's done well. I've got Japanese one-shots and areas with background.

@mmikaoj hell yea, that looks awesome. Something about giant flower shoulder caps, man.

Nice! Got any tattoo plans? I'm currently in talks with Darcy Nutt about getting some work done.

Anyone going to the Richmond convention, in Virginia, at the end of November? I missed it last year. Planning on going this time, in the process of setting up some tattoo appointments :p

Aside from the spiritual side of things, which could take a while, getting tattooed has made me a lot more conscious of not just external, but also internal health. A lot of focus is put on moisturizing with lotions, etc. However, just as, if not more, important is how healthy your skin is from within. Doing both will keep those tattoos looking their best. I drink a lot more water and stay as hydrated as I can, as this aids in the healing process and overall epidermal health, which in-turn makes my tattoos look brighter and better :cool:. Also watch what I eat, less fried stuff more good stuff, etc. I'm also very aware of any and all sun exposure I get nowadays. I used to want the nicest tan during summers and, and now I'm the guy wearing spf 70 and UV protective shirts when I go out haha.

wow, awesome arm @chbronson

very nice. What do you have planned for the rest of the arm, if you don't mind me asking?

Most definitely this. Not just about tattoos, but about everything. Completely different cultures and mindsets. I grew up on the east coast (D.C.) and have lived on the west (Seattle/Portland), now I'm back on the east. And man, I do miss it back there. I went from pretty liberal cities to a much smaller southern city right in the middle of the bible belt. So far, I've had no problems with my tattoos but that's because everyone here is a transplant and around my age (20s - 30s). So, it's been pretty good. No negative vibes have come my way, although the tattooed "white collared professional" is pretty much non-existent here.

@pidjones that next tattoo came faster than expected, huh? Haha Nice piece, I really like the lettering

Yes it is. Of all the shops in the area, imo, they have the best vibe and the artists there all have an amazing chemistry with each other. When you're in a room getting work done by one of them, all the other artists will poke their head in and shoot the shit for a while. Luis Campos there used to work with Aaron Coleman and their styles reflect that. Ryan Fink has been on absolute fire, just killing everything. I have a dragon half sleeve from Will and he is super grounded and extremely well versed in Japanese tradition. I could go on, but I'll stop for now lol

Nothing wrong with that tattoo, it's very well done

@PackMan you won't be disappointed - Will is fantastic, and super chill.

I usually like chatting with the artist, but when my rib panel was getting done I brought an ipod, cranked some tunes and just tried to get lost in my own mind with just concentrating on breathing.

I'm also a big fan of Invisible NYC - another incredible shop.

^Agree. There's no need to tie the rest of your tattoos into the existing one if you'd rather have something else.. Do it if you want a full on asian themed arm. But, imo, I think it would look fine if you wanted to patchwork that arm, too. Good artists = good placement, flow, colors, and tattoos. They'll know how to give your arm(s) a cohesive look even if it is patchworked. So, just get what you like.

My favorite shop in the region is Empire Tattoo in Asheville, I have a lot of work from the guys there. Can't say enough good things about them, just a stellar group of guys. Hot stuff is another favorite, can't go wrong with any of the people there. Danny Reed did both of my feet and the man is a wizard. Charlotte has some really good shops and artists too - Rodney Raines at Ace Custom, anyone at 510 Expert tattoo. Highly recommend checking them out too.

Huge fan of Wendy's work @ironchef, and that peony is no exception - simply fantastic.

I think it's a cool image and a very good tattoo. It translates well from paper to skin and will have no problems holding up over time. Everything else is (art)subjective. As for your next tattoo, up to you. Not being a huge Matrix fan, I'd opt for another Batman or Star Wars tattoo - just my 0.02.

Yea, any image can represent anything you want it to - just go with something that you think is badass. If you like them all, get them all eventually.

Virginia Beach area has some good shops/artists that would excel in that type of tattooing. Can't think of them off the top of my head, at work at the moment.

Because tigers are fierce, aggressive, and lethal - lords of the jungle. And have been revered as such by pretty much every civilization which has lived alongside them. A lot of people just want their tiger tattoos to look that way; to represent those traits. Nothing wrong with having one that looks calm or poised - get it however you want it to look, no rules against that. Second answer: Doesn't matter whether it is going up or down, whichever way you think looks better. And yes, if you get just the head then the proper position would be for its chin to be facing your hand.

Very very nice. No worries on resurrecting an old thread, in fact I think it is encouraged especially when it is to update everyone on the progression of your idea. Awesome tattoo, very clean. And I love the green glow effect it gives off.