scubaron

I believe Tegaderm has been around a long time and is used in the medical and hospital industry. Saniderm and Tatuderm are relatively new and marketed directly towards the tattoo industry, but is basically the same thing as Tegaderm but a different brand. Just finished my 2nd time using Tegaderm. Worked great just like the 1st time. 3 hours after tattoo finished, wash, dry, apply Tegaderm, leave it there for 4-5 days, remove. No scabbing at all, very little peeling. For me, it's not just the good healing, it's not having to do anything but wait. I bought 4"x4" sheets at a medical supply store. $30 for a pack of 50. I believe tegaderm, saniderm, tatuderm, all fall into the category of "transparent film dressings." Here is an article by a registered nurse worth reading. It doesn't mention any brand names. http://woundeducators.com/transparent-film-dressings/

I feel stupid. What is the difference between traditional black & grey vs single needle ?

Sounds like the same theory of the "derm" products. Whole separate thread on that topic. Take a look.

I am new, but in my research of artist portfolio's, I am seeing exactly what you're saying. Not sure I would use the term "stuck" though. Maybe the artist has a preference and enough client demand so they can stay in their preferred style. I am lucky to live in NYC with so many good artists. Seems like specialty is the way to go here for both artists and customers choosing an artist ?

These look pretty good to me. Not sure if it's standalone or background is being added.

Looks awesome ! Will be great to see this progressing. Where did you dive with a sea snake ?

That sucks your artist cancelled. At least it was a month in advance. Guess it's time to start your artist search again. I'm sure there are a lot of artists on the west coast that will do a great job. Although it can be tricky when you want an original, unique, abstract piece. Maybe go to a few conventions ?

Wow, line down the block just to get in ? Is Friday less crowded ?

Thanks. I also really like how he did the ridges on the back/side of the shark. It's realistic and gives the tattoo depth.

A nurse said tegaderm is the same thing as saran wrap ? Is saran wrap: sterile and sealed water proof adheres and seals to skin breathable designed to stay on wound continuous for up to 7 days Telfa is a bandage that absorbs blood and other fluids. Kind of surprised a nurse would say this.

I'm a newbie too. I like your octopus concept and choice of artist. My idea is similar, but I want the octopus outline shape to be recognizable/standard. The octopus pattern is where I want my artist to get creative. I asked him to have the octopus hold a starfish with a cool unique pattern and have the octopus mimic that pattern in it's body and legs. Kind of cool since in real life octopi mimic what they touch. Here is an update on my whale shark tattoo. Finished this past Sunday. Tail is a little wonky in position and looks because it's covering a big old surgery scar.

Isn't that the theory behind the derm products ? Let your body do the healing by keeping out dirt, water, germs, letting air circulate, leaving the derm on for 4-6 days straight ?

I think Tegaderm has already been standardized in the medical/hospital industry for several years. I bought a 50 pack of 4x4's for $30 from a medical supply store. I believe Saniderm and Tatuderm are specifically marketed for the tattoo market and offer bulk qty discounts intended for shop use or shop sale to the public with a profit.

Watch enough reality TV competition shows and you can see how they select contestants. A few that really have a chance to win, a bunch of middle of the pack people and a few that have no chance at all, but create drama and interest. They typically keep the no chance people around for a while to up ratings. At least with Ink Master, the artists skills and experience are typically much better than on Best Ink. Are there any other decent tattoo shows out there ? Can't stand the 2 shows about bad tattoos and cover ups.

I checked some of Peter Walrus Madsen's work online. Nice stuff. Totally off my radar because he's listed as a guest artist at Sacred. Didn't realize he is a regular at Sacred and takes on new clients. Curious, how did you choose him ? You live in pacific north west ?

You're getting an octopus in April in NY too ? Funny, small world. Who is your artist ? I've seen 4 different octopus tattoos by Yoni. Not sure which one was on China Mieville. But they all looked great.

I totally agree. I have a good job/career. It does not define me as a person, but I make a comfortable living. Tattoos are a luxury. If I didn't have a good paying job, I would not be able afford tattoos.

I am new to tattoos, in management and sales of a professional company. My tattoos are on my legs and upper arms. I wear long sleeve shirts for work. Debating whether or not to tattoo my forearms since I frequently roll up my sleeves in the summer because it is hot. Workplace concerns are different for everyone. Being in sales, I meet all kinds. I have to be aware that many people still have a negative view on tattoos.

Saw a pic online of a underwater theme sleeve by Sean with humpback whales and seals. Looks awesome. Does he have a website or instagram page ? I'd like to see more of his work. Yoni Zilber at NY Adorned is doing my octopus in April. My whale shark is being done by Cheo Park at East Side Ink. Yoni is more known but I like both of their portfolios and style. Looked like they fit what I am looking for, were easy to get in touch with and wait time was not too long.

Whale shark is in progress. 2nd session in 2 weeks. Artist is using dot shading. It's creating a nice depth and shade transition. Yeah Galapagos was incredible. I was face to face inches away. The experience is why I chose a whale shark. Which artist is doing your work ?

So true and exactly what I did. What was surprising for me was even with good artists there were some tattoos in their portfolio that really did not look good to me. It was usually a certain subject. Women's faces for example. Some artists seem to have a knack for it while others struggle.

Cool. Would be cool to see when it is finished it you don't mind showing. I have a tribal manta ray on my calf and just finished the 1st session for a whale shark on my shoulder. Both black and grey since my skin is tan. Scheduled with Yoni Zilber for an octopus on my other shoulder in April.

Long wait. Do you mind if I ask what you are getting and by which artist ?

"If you look at it from their point of view, they can more or less pick and choose their clients so it helps if you have a connection and/or some good tattoos from well-known artists, which shows you're serious and committed, i.e. can pay, know how to sit, are not a crazy, a flake, or a pain in the ass. This can also be communicated in an email -- as opposed to those people on Instagram who write stuff like: "ur rad how can i get a tatu from u how much do u cost homy" That's funny. I visited the shops in person and they said the process is to email the artist. I was a little surprised. I thought email would be for out of town people. As a local, I was expecting them to check their artist schedule and ask me to come back when they had a gap and do a initial consult. But it's probably like you say. They are popular, booked for a little while, and use email as a way to filter.

I totally agree. I don't mind putting in a little effort. We all have a different breaking point when we will seek out a different artist. The lack of response to email is understandable but it does affect how persistent I will be before giving up. I am lucky to live in an area with a lot of good artists. However, there are certain subjects that really narrow down the field of which artist I would choose. It is interesting to read about people's experiences in how they booked their artist.