2bacanvas

Or maybe a few skulls around the shark.

So we decided on a shark. But need to combine it with something or include something else so it's not just a shark. Any ideas fellas?

Yes I won't go that route. I'm really liking some of the shark ideas. Got my appointment tomorrow.

Your point being?

Someone mentioned a shark. That would be awesome as well. Too many choices. [emoji16]

So I got an consultation next week to extend this tattoo to the shoulder. I was thinking another octopus from a different angle. Or 2 nd option would be a tiger. But not sure if that goes with an octopus color. Can't make up my mind at the moment.

I was born in Ghent in Belgium. It's a great city. Try the trollenkelder in Ghent. About 300 different beers I think. As far as your tattoo place. I didn't have tattoos when I lived there so no help here.

Thanks for the link to the thread. Il look at it. This part made me laugh pretty hard. ( I doubt my wife likes Kongo Yasha's faces, and who can blame her, he's an ugly bastard, but that's what he looks like and she has to deal with his ugly mug along with mine.)

Yes I won't go to another tattoo artist to touch this tattoo. I'm not even sure any reputable tattoo shop would do that out of respect for a fellow artist. I do think it will take a while for me to get used to this tattoo and accept it. It doesn't help the wife keeps reminding me how much she hates this tattoo and what's wrong with it in her eyes.

When I start talking fish my wife just rolls her eyes and leaves to do something else. She knows it's a conversation that might take a while. Can't help it. Just like tattoos, fishkeeping start with something small and you always want more and bigger.

I'm having a African cichlid tank, a small 10 gallon fresh water, a big goldfish tank and a 125 gallon salt water reef setup. I used to keep oscars and Arowanas in a 300 gallon. But they were messy guys. I converted it to a lionfish and eel tank but couldn't keep up with the maintenance. My current 125 salt takes up enough time. The lionfish and eels where awesome tho.

Wow. That's amazing. Now that's a tattooed body. Your tattoo hours must be thru the roof. Admiring your dedication to your tattoos. Must have hurt like hell to get that frog on there. Painful spot.

This is definitely a topic for the thread "what plainskins say". I have tons of stories about my sleeve tattoo. It's a koi and goldfish mix. I've had people ask me how many ponds I have, if I have a japanese background ( I'm a redhead with a full red beard, looking real japanese) and even some ask if I own a fish store. No but I do own 4 fish tanks at home I guess.

No did not get my name from ink master. Lol. I understand not every part of a tattoo has to be perfect (in my eyes) I do like to point out this is not my first tattoo. This same artist did my left arm which is a complete sleeve wrist to shoulder. I am very happy with it and that is why I went back to him. I guess I just didn't expect some extra free hand stuff. And the tentacles didn't go as I imagined it. But I know he gets into a zone and adds stuff. Which I didn't mind on my left arm. But a bit on this piece. Maybe it has to grow on me. I'm a perfectionist in life and at work so maybe I'm uncomfortable when things don't go my way. But I didn't want a photo like octopus as many people have . Japanese style is a awesome style and I love my japanese left arm. My initial response was to see conformation from others regarding my issues and have it fixed asap. But that's in my personality. This tattoo is executed professionally and I would like to appreciate it more over time. I do appreciate the input of you all. It is a great forum to be part of and get some insight in my tattoo. And perhaps adjust my wrong attitude towards what I expect.

I won't go to another artist as I do respect this artist. Maybe we need to sit down and have a chat about some of my issues. I do understand what you guys are saying. Maybe I have to let it heal and see what it looks like healed. Maybe I'm going thru a bit of a shock. I will talk to my artist to see if we can extend it a bit. The reason why I was asking opinions is because many guys on here are very experienced on all kinds of tattoos and tattoo styles. I'm just a guy with not much background knowledge in tattoos. So again I apologize if I offended anyone.

Yes the tentacle configuration bothers me allot as well. The tentacles should be a tattooists dream. So many options. And I'm not fond of the huge mouth. It wasn't so pronounced on the drawing. Problem is I liked the initial drawing but during tattooing he did a bunch of freehand stuff which I don't appreciate. I'm having a appointment with another artist in if there is nothing to do about it il have part of the octopus lasered of. Sad cause it wasn't cheap.

Sorry if my questions annoy you. Just asking people's opinions on this.

Just not sure about the tentacles in the forearm. I feel it's missing something. Or am I overthinking again?

So here are some finished pics from yesterday.

I agree that controlled breathing is key. Actually focusing on your breathing is closely related to meditation.

His name is Jamie MacPherson. He works for Dutch man tattoo in burnaby bc. Tons of experience. He did my other sleeve as well

Kinda reminds me of the "silence of the lambs" cover image

I try not to talk too much to my tattoo artist as I want him to focus on his work. I bring Advil and I just let the pain zone me out. The sound of the machine is kinda relaxing. Usually getting a tattoo is a exhausting day and during the session I do get a bit tired and it helps me close my eyes. But I was never able to really sleep. Maybe a needle puncturing my skin ruthlessly has something to do with it.

Sorry man. Didn't know there was a thread like that. Il keep it in mind for my next posts.

Thanks for the link. Many prints show the mouth. There is one that really looks like mine but it's got a naked diver chick in it so I won't post it. Lol