pidjones

To the OP: It's been about 6 months now - has anything been done? Decisions made? Awesome art to share?

Well, not much greeting activity going on for you, so... Sup?

Welcome, Carol. I agree with SStu that heavy linework seems to be the primary culprit in blowouts. Artist's skill and individual skin are two big factors also, I believe.

pid - nickname (was also my grandfather's) growing up + jones - surname.

Two words: web cam

I tend to bring (or send) very detailed ideas - then tell my artist that I'm NOT an artist, and let them worry about the art part. Worked well on all but one, and I really got the impression that he didn't really care. I'm working toward a 1/2-3/4 sleeve, and plan to ask my artist to do green bean vines and leaves for the filler, and let her go from there. I still have two more medium sized pieces to get on that arm/shoulder and two small pieces then she can work on the filler.

I'd suggest incorporating it into a larger design. The PD could still show, but maybe in a flower petal or butterfly wing (or PANTHER HEAD). But, for any case let it heal first.

I believe that he is referring to the snake's head pointing toward your back. Common placement I believe, would be with it pointing toward the front. This in itself doesn't detract from the tattoo's quality, but does indicate a rookie artist unless you demanded that it be placed like this (or it is a logo that absolutely must be placed this way).

Yes, but I was having foot and keg cramps at the same time. When she let me walk off the cramps, the tattoo pain DID ease!

Congrats. You are obligated, of course, to POST PICTURES OF THE NEW ART! We like pictures.

The great part (for me) of waiting until later in life is that you are already marked by events and some you may want to display symbols of outwardly. At 62 when starting, I've had plenty of non-visible (and some visible) marks on me. Good luck, read the pre-tattoo threads, hydrate, and don't worry that you will worry. It's natural. I hope you sync with your artist well.

Call his shop (don't worry that you may end up speaking to an apprentice or receptionist). Better yet, if he is going to be near you, go by! If you invest your own time in trying to meet, you increase your chance (until you get weird, then the chances of arrest and restraining order increase).

Institute for Clinical PET?

I'd give about a month for prolonged exposure to the water, and a year or more for the sun. Heavy sunscreen can help. I've heard of folks giving a full two years of no sun, then never restricting after that and they did fine. Myself with a forearm tattoo I'm not too pleased with, let 'er burn!

Not certain, but would you be looking for "woodcut" style? I believe that most any tattooist that has strong line ability could do you a great job with that style.

Still waiting for a good photo of the oldest daughter to have my artist add a cameo of her along with her mom and sister. Working towards a 1/2 sleeve or a bit more.

At a MINIMUM the teacher should pay for all blood work and doctor visits associated. These aren't always cheap or covered by insurance. Teachers make mistakes too, but they need to learn their lessons from them. Then, the girl should pay for any future improvement out of her pocket to impress the lesson on her.

Seeing other people enjoying tattoos can be fun, too. I encourage you to attend a tattoo convention and see how much fun others have sharing their art. Statistically, a good many of the people that you meet daily have art on their skin. Some may surprise you. I've found that visible ink encourages them to discuss theirs. I have yet to have anyone say a disparaging remark about mine. So many have friends or family (or themselves secretly) with ink that even in small-town America it is usually no problem.

Amen to that!

Yes, consider asking the artist to design the koi with an eventual full sleeve in mind. Then when that rich aunt dies....

Thanks, @Tornado6 ! Just had their pulled pork sandwich and skillet fries. Good eat'n and great atmosphere!

Take it to a good, experienced artist and ask their opinion. That's what I did with one I'm not fond of. At my age, I'll let it sun-bleach and weather, then maybe a cover-up or re-do. If I were younger I would have it lazered.

Obsessed is a good place.

If you give a very good artist a very good idea of what you want, you should get a very good tattoo. Take your time! The ink will be there a lifetime, so make certain that it is something that is not just "fashionable" but something that you will always enjoy.

What is the forum for, if not mutual support in getting and owning good tattoos?