New INK...thoughts?

[tootallshorty]

Hey guys this is the plan for my next ink. This will be a full back piece. Take the blue away thats just part of the artist rendering. The ink will be all black and gray except the lions eye will be blue. It wont be quite as dark around the edges either. There will be more emphasis on the cross and the faces rather than the outline. The star of Bethlehem will be negative space which I think looks really cool. You get the premise anyway with this photo. Thoughts? Share your ink!

[< <Samson> >]

Looks excellent, but not dark enough for my taste - I only have real odd shit tattooed on me < which of course I would not post. . . . This will be my next one on my left calf, since the right one is already taken

[tootallshorty]

Tetragrammaton, the Hebrew name for God. I dig it!

[kelkel]

I don't have any tattoo's yet. But I do always wonder why some guys get the ink that they do? What's their logic and reasoning behind it? Is it just a picture that they like or is there more to it? I've always thought getting one would be like putting a picture on the wall and saying I'm going to like it forever and never want to change it. That's the part that troubles me, being stuck with something I cannot really change.

That said, I think I found one I would be happy with forever. It's verbiage only. If I get it, I'll post it up.

[kelkel]

Tetragrammaton, the Hebrew name for God. I dig it!

It is cool looking.

[Cuz]

Looks amazing but its gonna take a hell of an artist to pull off. I just got 3 hours worth today going back in a month to get another 4!

[tootallshorty]

Looks amazing but its gonna take a hell of an artist to pull off. I just got 3 hours worth today going back in a month to get another 4!

Yea the longest session I have ever been able to take is 5 hours and that was too much. 3 hours is my sweet spot.

I've got a guy that specializes in realism and placed 4th on a season of Ink Master. I have confidence in his skills. I researched for months before landing on him.

[tootallshorty]

I don't have any tattoo's yet. But I do always wonder why some guys get the ink that they do? What's their logic and reasoning behind it? Is it just a picture that they like or is there more to it? I've always thought getting one would be like putting a picture on the wall and saying I'm going to like it forever and never want to change it. That's the part that troubles me, being stuck with something I cannot really change.

That said, I think I found one I would be happy with forever. It's verbiage only. If I get it, I'll post it up.

Lol, this is just how some people see it. I loved ink before I loved art. The older I get the more I enjoy art as a whole. I would have never thought it as a kid. I guess the way I look at it is it has to mean something to be worthwhile. When I was 22 I got my first piece which was just tribal. I did it because it looked cool. Now, I go for meaning. This tattoo to me means, strength in the face of fear, and of course the literal meaning as well which is Jesus is the lion. It also doesn't hurt when Jesus has your back

[Cuz]

Yea the longest session I have ever been able to take is 5 hours and that was too much. 3 hours is my sweet spot.

I've got a guy that specializes in realism and placed 4th on a season of Ink Master. I have confidence in his skills. I researched for months before landing on him.

Oh yeah im sure that will be good to go then id go for it.

After that 3rd hour i no longer feel anything

[wango]

I don't have any tattoo's yet. But I do always wonder why some guys get the ink that they do? What's their logic and reasoning behind it? Is it just a picture that they like or is there more to it? I've always thought getting one would be like putting a picture on the wall and saying I'm going to like it forever and never want to change it. That's the part that troubles me, being stuck with something I cannot really change.

That said, I think I found one I would be happy with forever. It's verbiage only. If I get it, I'll post it up.

I’m not really talkative or social, so I wear my emotions on my sleeve, I think that was my motive. If you truly believe in something, time will not change it.

[tootallshorty]

I’m not really talkative or social, so I wear my emotions on my sleeve, I think that was my motive. If you truly believe in something, time will not change it.

Same. I find it easier to talk in this setting and if I get to know you I'm a good person to talk to but I don't usually volunteer words lol.

I love our country and that tat is awesome! Love it!

[Honkey_Kong]

Hey guys this is the plan for my next ink. This will be a full back piece. Take the blue away thats just part of the artist rendering. The ink will be all black and gray except the lions eye will be blue. It wont be quite as dark around the edges either. There will be more emphasis on the cross and the faces rather than the outline. The star of Bethlehem will be negative space which I think looks really cool. You get the premise anyway with this photo. Thoughts? Share your ink!

This will either look amazing or really bad. You're going to need one hell of an artist to pull it off.

[Test Monsterone]

I’m not gonna say I love it for the sake of being polite. I think it’s too busy. From up close it looks cool, but from afar it will look like you have a black blotch covering your whole back. I honestly don’t find tattoos that interesting anymore. Everyone has one. I also am not into the whole “hey look at me, I’m bad ass” culture. But if it makes you happy, go for it.

[wango]

Same. I find it easier to talk in this setting and if I get to know you I'm a good person to talk to but I don't usually volunteer words lol.

I love our country and that tat is awesome! Love it!

Thank you. Same here, greatest country in the world!

Looking forward to seeing your finished product!

[wango]

I’m not gonna say I love it for the sake of being polite. I think it’s too busy. From up close it looks cool, but from afar it will look like you have a black blotch covering your whole back. I honestly don’t find tattoos that interesting anymore. Everyone has one. I also am not into the whole “hey look at me, I’m bad ass” culture. But if it makes you happy, go for it.

I think tattoos have really moved on from the bad-ass, rebel thing for most, but don’t like it when it’s done so someone can simply say that now they have one.

I have a complex tat on my other forearm that is very detailed and mostly done with a single needle. You have to look at it for more than a few seconds to appreciate it, which is cool.

[tootallshorty]

I’m not gonna say I love it for the sake of being polite. I think it’s too busy. From up close it looks cool, but from afar it will look like you have a black blotch covering your whole back. I honestly don’t find tattoos that interesting anymore. Everyone has one. I also am not into the whole “hey look at me, I’m bad ass” culture. But if it makes you happy, go for it.

You're absolutely correct. I intend on having the tattoo artist trim out all of the business and scale it down to focus on the cross and faces without all the darkness. Thanks for your input.

[GirlyGymRat]

I don't have any tattoo's yet. But I do always wonder why some guys get the ink that they do? What's their logic and reasoning behind it? Is it just a picture that they like or is there more to it? I've always thought getting one would be like putting a picture on the wall and saying I'm going to like it forever and never want to change it. That's the part that troubles me, being stuck with something I cannot really change.

That said, I think I found one I would be happy with forever. It's verbiage only. If I get it, I'll post it up.

Mine is words only. Placement is important!

[< <Samson> >]

My 1st & so far the only tattoo took 4 hours.

Now, I get the whole “ink therapy thing” - but, I’m taking easy before I look like my tattoo guy(he has his face, head & neck almost fully covered)

[tootallshorty]

My 1st & so far the only tattoo took 4 hours.

Now, I get the whole “ink therapy thing” - but, I’m taking easy before I look like my tattoo guy(he has his face, head & neck almost fully covered)

Lol yea....no

[wango]

My 1st & so far the only tattoo took 4 hours.

Now, I get the whole “ink therapy thing” - but, I’m taking easy before I look like my tattoo guy(he has his face, head & neck almost fully covered)

My artist and the other older guy in the shop have a select amount (that is, not a lot) very old school. Any neck ink is not prominent. No one in the shop has face tattoos (I think it’s an unwritten thing there; that it’s not done).

I think this trend of getting sleeves for sleeves sake really got folks thinking quantity and maximal coverage over choosing particular images that you really feel strong about.

Our gang members out here, well that’s a totally different story. That trickles down into the kids & schools.

[wango]

Looks excellent, but not dark enough for my taste - I only have real odd shit tattooed on me < which of course I would not post. . . . This will be my next one on my left calf, since the right one is already taken

Samson, that is a GREAT looking piece! I mean, those are clean lines and insane artistry. Can you share its meaning?

Out here we have this artist, Dr. Woo who does detail like that.

Your current ink, is it like something from the movie Eastern Promises, which is why it’s not meant for public?

[kelkel]

Placement is important!

Yep..

[kelkel]

If you truly believe in something, time will not change it.

Very true. If I choose to get mine it would be verbiage on the back of my forearm. So, can they do this over a bunch of veinage?

[almostgone]

I'm not as vascular as you are Kel, but I had no issue with mine.

[kelkel]

I'm not as vascular as you are Kel, but I had no issue with mine.

I just have no clue about it but they'd be going over a couple pretty good size ones.
As long as I don't die I'll survive.......

[wango]

Very true. If I choose to get mine it would be verbiage on the back of my forearm. So, can they do this over a bunch of veinage?

Think it depends on the artist Kel. Also, if it’s a more “decorative font” or the text is smaller, I’m thinking the veins will be more noticeable & might distort the words. It’s got to be like taking a sheet of thin paper, lying it over pasta (angel hair, spaghetti and in your case penne or rigatoni) and trying to write a letter neatly. Damn challenging to say the least.

[GirlyGymRat]

Think it depends on the artist Kel. Also, if it’s a more “decorative font” or the text is smaller, I’m thinking the veins will be more noticeable & might distort the words. It’s got to be like taking a sheet of thin paper, lying it over pasta (angel hair, spaghetti and in your case penne or rigatoni) and trying to write a letter neatly. Damn challenging to say the least.

Gosh I never thought about distortion!

I know there’s different talent and everyone swear by their artist! Ask 20 ppl, get 20 recommendations.

I trust Google reviews NOT!

[wango]

Gosh I never thought about distortion!

I know there’s different talent and everyone swear by their artist! Ask 20 ppl, get 20 recommendations.

I trust Google reviews NOT!

Google review for tattoo artists, yikes!

I would say to go through their portfolio and see if it matches exactly what you’re looking for, for the particular piece that you want done.

I’m lucky in that I know whatever image I ask my artist to do, he can duplicate it as good as a copy machine. But I still check with him well in advance to determine the exact size (for detail) and exact placement. I’ll even adjust the shading on the image that he’ll work from if he thinks it will work better for his style & makes the piece even better.

[kelkel]

Think it depends on the artist Kel. Also, if it’s a more “decorative font” or the text is smaller, I’m thinking the veins will be more noticeable & might distort the words. It’s got to be like taking a sheet of thin paper, lying it over pasta (angel hair, spaghetti and in your case penne or rigatoni) and trying to write a letter neatly. Damn challenging to say the least.

Been doing some reading and I kinda think I'm screwed. We'll see. When life calms down a bit I'll stop in the local shop. Guys allegedly great and won one of those Nationwide TV Contests several years ago.

[David LoPan]

I don't have any tattoo's yet. But I do always wonder why some guys get the ink that they do? What's their logic and reasoning behind it? Is it just a picture that they like or is there more to it? I've always thought getting one would be like putting a picture on the wall and saying I'm going to like it forever and never want to change it. That's the part that troubles me, being stuck with something I cannot really change.

That said, I think I found one I would be happy with forever. It's verbiage only. If I get it, I'll post it up.

I got one when I got orders to go to the first gulf war. Over time and size, the tattoo just started to look like crap and you could not tell what it was. Took me years to find the right artist and the right design, and I was in a lot of states and different shops. Mine is about my military service. Guy did an amazing job. I love it 2 years later, more than I did my original ink.

I would and always tell younger guys to wait until they are over 30 to get it. If you have a design or verbiage you want, put it on your mirror and if after a year worth of time looking at it and you want it, then get it no matter what age. People forget that think might look amazing on a 20-year-old body but they fade and your body changes with the years.

My cover took 3 hours and it was nothing to me. Could have gone longer without an issue. While when I the original one, that fucker hurt like shit. Tattoos have come a long way.

[wango]

Been doing some reading and I kinda think I'm screwed. We'll see. When life calms down a bit I'll stop in the local shop. Guys allegedly great and won one of those Nationwide TV Contests several years ago.

Good luck with the search Kel!

[wango]

I got one when I got orders to go to the first gulf war. Over time and size, the tattoo just started to look like crap and you could not tell what it was. Took me years to find the right artist and the right design, and I was in a lot of states and different shops. Mine is about my military service. Guy did an amazing job. I love it 2 years later, more than I did my original ink.

I would and always tell younger guys to wait until they are over 30 to get it. If you have a design or verbiage you want, put it on your mirror and if after a year worth of time looking at it and you want it, then get it no matter what age. People forget that think might look amazing on a 20-year-old body but they fade and your body changes with the years.

My cover took 3 hours and it was nothing to me. Could have gone longer without an issue. While when I the original one, that fucker hurt like shit. Tattoos have come a long way.

First off, my sincere respect and thanks for serving!

Agreed with everything you just said. Wait till you are older (I started at 40 myself) and think about your tattoo for a year. The only ink that I rushed, I got lasered off. It was a great tattoo, but it just wasn’t the perfect place and wanted something better there.

[kelkel]

I got one when I got orders to go to the first gulf war. Over time and size, the tattoo just started to look like crap and you could not tell what it was. Took me years to find the right artist and the right design, and I was in a lot of states and different shops. Mine is about my military service. Guy did an amazing job. I love it 2 years later, more than I did my original ink.

I would and always tell younger guys to wait until they are over 30 to get it. If you have a design or verbiage you want, put it on your mirror and if after a year worth of time looking at it and you want it, then get it no matter what age. People forget that think might look amazing on a 20-year-old body but they fade and your body changes with the years.

My cover took 3 hours and it was nothing to me. Could have gone longer without an issue. While when I the original one, that fucker hurt like shit. Tattoos have come a long way.

Thanks Dave! And for your service as well!

[tootallshorty]

The only ink that I rushed, I got lasered off. It was a great tattoo, but it just wasn’t the perfect place and wanted something better there.

Never spoke with someone that had this done. Did it completely remove it? Was it pricey? Painful?

[wango]

Took about 18 months, cost around $4-5K.

Burn it with laser, heal for 6 weeks, repeat.

The more pain/the greater the burn, the better it comes off. Went to ER after my last one because I wanted the damn thing gone completely.

The ink my artist uses is more grey than black so that helped immensely. And yes, completely gone, but if you don’t like/tolerate the pain of the ink going on, you won’t be able to handle it coming off.

[GirlyGymRat]

Took about 18 months, cost around $4-5K.

Burn it with laser, heal for 6 weeks, repeat.

The more pain/the greater the burn, the better it comes off. Went to ER after my last one because I wanted the damn thing gone completely.

The ink my artist uses is more grey than black so that helped immensely. And yes, completely gone, but if you don’t like/tolerate the pain of the ink going on, you won’t be able to handle it coming off.

That sounds really painful!

[tootallshorty]

And yes, completely gone, but if you don’t like/tolerate the pain of the ink going on, you won’t be able to handle it coming off.

Wow...well its pretty cool they have that technology but sounds like quite the process!

[tootallshorty]

Here's the first session. 17 hours to go!

[wango]

Here's the first session. 17 hours to go!

Damn, that looks great man! The finished product is going to be insane!

[tootallshorty]

Damn, that looks great man! The finished product is going to be insane!

Thanks wango! I go back April 23rd for my next session. I'll post updates here.