MrBruce

I won't comment on your decision to go with the facial tattoo.....but, As far as your arms...congrats on turning something negative into a positive......I have a young relative who suffers from the same response to life's strains....... Stay focused. The bird fleeing the cage was a good choice....

There are a lot for folks today doing realism...color especially.... Guys like Mr. Cook are passionate about the sea life, but I don't think you need to find a diver to do the tattoo. I'd say look for folks who specialize in color REALISM, the rest is just layout and symmetry ... Sea life makes KILLER tattoo subject..... To me it's how the background is handled that makes the difference...nothing worse than a big ole muted blue arm...... Good luck

Tips have never been an issue for me. What I mean is, I don't have a pre set thought on what is the best "percentage" , or even whether or not I get them. Usually, people just do what they can...... If I price a walk in well below the assumed price, I often get a larger tip............but on loyal repeat customers, with ongoing work I usually get the same amount each time. I tip as I see fit when I get tattooed....and I base it on exactly what I hope people base mine on... The experience... The level of professionalism... The attitude of the Tattooer.... The work itself ..of course.... I give as much as I can when the experience is all around good......and I've had the pleasure of getting tattooed by some super KOOL folks. The kinda tattooers that make you return later and give them something for a tip that goes beyond the money.... A gift of sorts.... I've also been tattooed by some...well.... Less than KOOL folks. I won't ever in my life spend another cent of my money on them. I don't pay people I can't stand. Whether the work is the best in the world or not, if your an ass.....you aren't getting my money. That's just me..... There's FAR too many great folks to get work from on jerk...... They are the minority... Find someone who has solid work AND is a gent...or lady.....

I sit in an unassuming street shop ....... My home town of Fall River, Massachusetts .... Not exactly Beverly Hills.... The shop is called Up In Flames Tattoo. We are a small group of friends, all from the area..... Nobody specializes, but we all enjoy both Traditional & Asian styles..... Like Good Time Charlie said "give em the haircut they want" .... I'll do classic Bowery designs or baby momma names......... Eagles to infinity loops.... We take the street shop attitude pretty seriously...... I haven't got an online album of sorts with my work ......but please feel free to check my INSTAGRAM out....I keep it current...and entertaining..... @followmrbruce I don't think you'll be overwhelmed, but I try and do good stuff..... Thanks for looking .....

I'm not sure why I've lurked this site for so long and not joined.... It's possible that I didn't feel the need..... It's possible I just got plenty from just lurking... Either way, this is one of very few good website resources for tattooers.... hopefully I can contribute something. The spec sheet...of sorts.... Mr. Bruce ......currently (2013) 43yrs old........that's all you need to know...I won't bore you with my last name, it's long and too often mispronounced and my grandfather wouldn't appreciate that. Self Made tattooer...nothing made up or romantic. From hand poke in Junior high to my Spaulding Super Saver kit Senior year of high school circa 1988 ......those Pumas changed my life, tape deck rotaries lost their appeal. Trained by the best convicts my family tree could provide. Got my first "tattoo" at age 11 , and the ONLY cover up I've ever gotten.....regret it every day since. "Professionally" licensed since 1998 .... Unable to tattoo in my own state of MASS since it was illegal for 38yrs, once ban lifted I began work same week at a great street shop opened by a friend with more money than me ..... Greatfully tattooing in the same chair since.......... in my hometown, born and raised.....Pushing 13yrs ...... Hopefully beyond. Travel.... Friends....acquaintances....along the way....... I keep my head down, respect the hard working people who give up their pay to get tattooed by me....and enjoy good conversation. I don't innovate, that's for innovators..........I just work, I'm that................ It's more than fine to me. Hopefully I can participate here...avoid the negativity...and meet like minded folks.