Bmore

I speak from no position of expertise or authority, but I definitely have a preference for traditional. There's something about the boldness and staying power in not only the imagery, but also the application. That being said, I feel like there's also a versatility where even the most familiar of designs can be reimagined and transformed into something unique that still holds up over time. I guess what it really comes down to for me can be summed up by a sentiment I've seen regularly repeated on this forum: I like tattoos that look like tattoos.

@LizBee now that's true love!! @UglyButProud I feel like your username is a perfect summary of your story. I can't speak for anyone else here, but I certainly don't have the experience in life or relationships to really speak on your relationship with your wife. But I will say this: 18 years is a long fucking time, and I hope you're able to settle this subject with the woman you've spent such a significant amount of time with.

This! But in all seriousness, this^^^ It's your life and do what makes you happy and all that shit, but man, don't buy into the 'break'. Seriously. Move on.

I would 'like' this, but...

I've never been able to like things on LST with tapatalk, though I have no problem on other forums.

Have tattoos become trendy in a way? Eh, I guess, though I think it's more accurate to say they've become more widely accepted. Whether it's "trendy" also depends on who you are and what you're in it for. It depends a lot on the individual and their intention/mindset. But that's just my .02.

I like both, but that sounds like an aesthetics thing, akin to asking someone why they like one color as opposed to another. It could also have to do with how you approach getting tattooed. I really like the aesthetics of artfully using negative space, as well as the versatility afforded by this method. I also currently have my entire right arm preserved for the possibility of a Japanese traditional sleeve. I think American traditional tends to lend itself to the aforementioned style, and that happens to be what I prefer. I'm also drunk and typing with my left hand because my right hand is greasy and garlicky from eating pizza. Good day to you sir.

Can I borrow your arm, and possibly not return it? Between the thread you posted before and seeing the backside now, man, lookin' good.

I'd also second the frog/toad suggestions and throw out there the thought of a scorpion or moth.

This is a point I'd like to get to with my arm in the next year or so. Looks awesome!

Got my biggest tattoo yet over the weekend, way heavier than the others I've gotten. I'm only three days in (got it Saturday night), and I can already tell the difference in how this one's healing. The scary thing is I think I can see some patches of psoriasis showing up around the tattoo, and I really, REALLY hope that it doesn't become an issue. The psoriasis never attacked any of my other tattoos, but this one involved much more puncturing of my skin. Gonna continue with the healing and lubriderm and see how it progresses, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit concerned.

I feel for you Isotope. Hope you're able to get everything straightened out, no pun intended. I had a similar issue with my neck about a year ago. Tweaked my neck one day at work and didn't think much of it. A few days later I wake up and can't even move my head to the side, let alone get out of bed. Severe muscle spasms had straightened out my cervical spine like a board. Best of luck to you, and it looks like you've already gotten some pretty good advice from ppl here with similar experiences. I may have to look into some of this, because I still regularly feel stiffness in my neck, and my biggest fear is that I'm going to have issues for the rest of my life.

Just got this one from Mike Fite at the Baltimore Tattoo Convention. Picture lifted from his instagram.

Thank you @Bunny Switchblade for the best advice I've ever received on the internet. Got an eagle and skull from Mike Fite just a little while ago.

Thanks, I'll try to find him. I didn't make it there yesterday after drinking all day through the O's terrible home opener loss. I should be heading downtown pretty soon though. If anybody's there and sees me, feel free to say hi, I'll be the guy with long hair and tattoos ?

Excellent choice with the Dogfish head 90 minute.

Season finale of Better Call Saul tonight. Been a great first season. We've seen the very sympathetic side of Jimmy and found out he actually has redeemable qualities, and I think the season finale will mark the slow spiral into "Saul". Also, love any scenes involving Mike. Total badass. Baseball season has officially started (Go O's), Stanley Cup playoffs will begin in a couple weeks (Go Caps), and season 5 premier of Game of Thrones is this Sunday!!! The weather's getting really nice around here too, so I'm gonna have to balance the want to be outside with the want to be a worthless couch potato.

I'll definitely check it out.

Yeah, I recall you posting a thread about that. Still thinking of getting tattooed there? I'll definitely jump at the chance to get a one-off or something while I'm there. I should definitely be there Friday. Gonna go out around Camden Yards for the O's home opener, and the convention center is right around the corner.

If you're an Xbox one owner, dish is coming out with a streaming service called sling tv for $20/month. Channels include ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, AMC, IFC among quite a few others. You can pay an extra $5 a month for some packages with additional movie channels, sports, etc. It's something I'll be interested in looking into, though I'm a sports junkie and I know I wouldn't be able to get everything I wanted. Plus, would need to get HBO still. But interesting nonetheless.

Was gonna say this as well, but didn't want to come off as a dick(not that misterJ has), plus I'm a relatively new member still, and I know there are many others here who can provide much better advice than I. I will say, Koi fish and dragons are the first thing that came to mind for me. Maybe wind, water, fire.

http://www.villainarts.com/home/baltimore-tattoo-arts-convention/ April 10-12 Anybody going? Obviously a long list of artists, anybody have some favorites that are going to be there? I plan on checking out the first day on Friday April 10th, and probably Saturday as well.

Thanks for the replies. I'm definitely hopeful that I can get it cleared up, but in the meantime I'll stick with covering my arms!

Well, for anyone who may be interested, according to what I've read it sounds like tattooing over psoriasis is not an option. Maybe it depends on the artist, but the general consensus seems to be that it's a no. On a personal level, it's extremely disappointing. I'll probably never be able to achieve the coverage I truly want due to the inflammation on my ribs and abdomen, but I guess I should be thankful that I still have a lot of good space to work with. If I'm lucky, I may even be able to clear up the area on my ribs long enough that I could get a tattoo. I did so years ago, so I guess anything is possible.

Just saw this one on Instagram moments before reading your post. So awesome.