mhapp95

When I started dating my current partner, he was actually against tattoos, and it became the cause of a lot of friction between us. I think his perception of tattoo shops and tattooed people in general was very stereotypical. The whole dirty trashy tattoo shop, drugs, alcohol, crazy, out of control thing. As I began to collect more tattoos he was actually pretty ticked off about it. I finally convinced him to come with me to get the shading finished on one of mine. He was surprised how clean and professional the environment was, and how talented my artist and other artists were. He has one of his own now, and thinking about a second! I think the main problem is the negative perception by others most times.

I'm planning on meeting with my artist here in a couple weeks, after I finish my summer classes (kinda a reward for finishing them). Thanks for the honesty! I love all my reference material, but at the end of the day I don't want my tattoo to look like a mess of random things. I may save some components for a separate tattoo(s).

Sooo I would appreciate a little advice on my next tattoo. I plan on getting my right shoulder/back inked and the following I what I have planned for the design. Is it too busy? In the center is an hourglass, cracked at the top. A woman in the hourglass stands on bones on the bottom half and has her hands up in the top half releasing butterflies that are flying from the crack. (I will attach the image from which I got my inspiration, it's kinda hard to visualize). Anyhow, to the left of this will be a sparrow flying away that's holding a ribbon with three keys on it, one for each of my younger siblings. To the right is a compass with a chain that gently winds around the hourglass. I might throw in some more filler to bring it all together, but that's what I have so far. Too much? There are several meanings in this piece for me, I just don't want to bore you guys with the details. :p So, what do ya think?!?! http://www.dirtyimpound.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Robyn_Hourglass.jpg ^^^^ link for image! couldn't get it too upload right on my iPad, so I will just post the link

I think I've finally started to develop an idea for an (almost) full back piece. I've wanted to continue on my back for a while, but didn't wanna rush into it without having any solid ideas in mind. Right now I'm thinking of a tree predominantly on my left side (I have a tat on my right) with a locket nestled into the roots and the bottom. On the right side on my shoulder would be a bird of sorts carrying the key on a ribbon. It combines a couple ideas I've wanted for a long time, I have yet to hammer out any details! Hoping to start on it at the end of this summer when I have a little more cash handy.

Finished my first year of college, moved into my new apartment, started an awesome internship all in one week! Whew!

Just got a piece two days ago running from my lower sternum to belly button, and on my ribs right underneath my breasts. Wearing even a soft sports bra is a bitch and I'm so worried about screwing it up. It was my most painful tattoo yet and I'd really like to not touch it up right away. Besides that my rib cage feels bruised. With a sunburned back and tattooed front sleeping is a pain ! haha

If you guys wanna take a look, all my pieces except for one are uploaded now! For whatever reason it's not showing when I upload the last one, but it's just a little one I did soon after I turned 18, getting 'Bite Me' inked on the inside of my lower lip. I'll try it again later. I apologize for the crappy camera phone quality as well.

I like a wide range of things : floral, nature, music related, traditional. I don't really know if I can put it all in one category! Just whatever catches my eye. Going forward I would like to attempt a bigger piece on my upper back, as well as start out with a quarter sleeve. Not that I don't want a full sleeve, but as I am still in college, and I'm trying to wait until I have a stable job that I know won't mind my artwork before I go all out :) I also want a pair of birds on my left hip, one carrying a lock, the other with a key. The back and sleeve pieces I'm still exploring options for what to do!

My latest tattoo done yesterday, by Jason Dunavan at Church Street Tattoo in Champaign, IL. A dagger running through a heart from my lower sternum to my belly button, with wings coming off the heart wrapping on my ribs under my breasts. Banner across the heart reading "Follow Your Bliss". I was in the shop for almost 5 hours, but between the transfer and a few breaks I'd say I was only being tattooed for four of those. Longest session I've done, and as it turns out the most painful right from the start. Especially on the sternum. Had to break out a numbing solution to get me through. I had fell in love with tattoos between the breasts, and eventually settled on this design. The banner, while is may seem simple, references back to lyrics from the song "Can't Be Saved" by Senses Fail that says "Follow your bliss, it reads on my chest, I know I got it tattooed for a reason." There is no huge "personal" connection for me with this tattoo. I'm one for thinking not every tattoo has to have a huge story behind it, as long as you're sure you want it for the rest of your life. http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/gallery/heart-tattoos/16719-chest-and-ribs-piece.html

Hello, my name is Mary and I'm new to this forum! I guess you could classify me as a tattoo (and piercing) enthusiast. I currently have seven tattoos, a few rather large, that I have collected over just a year and a half. I plan on uploading pictures soon if anybody is curious :) My main goal in joining these types of forums is to read and learn from others' experiences, as well as learn about the art of tattooing in general. I am by no means looking to become an artist myself, but am very fascinated by the details of it. I hope to contribute using my personal experience as well!