The Tattoo Thread • Page 78

I have lyrics from chia-like I shall grow from say anything

 

I don’t have any lyrics.

 

I have a couple lyrics from a band that can’t be named and I’ve been deciphering how to get them covered up in a non-shitty looking way for years

 

Is there anyone here with any experience getting a cover up? I’ve got an older color tattoo on my forearm about the same circumference as the bottom of your average drinking glass, i’m looking to get that covered in black ink and turned into what would be the head of a traditional style octopus that would cover most of the forearm.

 

I think that would look really good just with just black work and shading.

 

Got this guy on Tuesday

 

Excuse the shitty pictures and dirty mirror but just got this today.

 

doooooooppe

 

is that your blood or part of the coloring?

 

That’s the blood pooling in the tagederm.

 

metal af

 

yeah that's hard as fuck, looks great!

I'm getting the itch for more ink. I'm torn between doing my upper torso with a big trad deaths head moth (which I know is going to be torturous based on how my chest went) or filling in one of my forearms with a fox in the style of a trad full body wolf.

 

I finally got my first tattoo after years of almost getting one (still a little bloody and scratchy under the bandage)

 

Two of my three post-lockdown pieces (didn’t get a fresh photo of the third which is currently healing under tegaderm)

 

Finally going to be getting some new ink. Booked an appointment to get a frog smoking a pipe on a mushroom with a dude I found in Tucson for when I'm there in October. Also attempted to book with Nick Lambert for early next year. I've gotten a bunch of work done by him, but dude has blown the fuck up over the last few years and only books maybe 4 times a year due to high demand. Hopefully it'll be easier for me to get in since I'd be a returning client.

 

Made an appointment with this dude. I’m pumped.

https://instagram.com/dextertattooer

 

Okay I hate to be that guy but I have a few questions...

I'm 31 and I've had many ideas for tattoos but never committed to anything. My mom is sick and not doing so well, and I really want to honor her and I think I want to do that with my first tattoo. I have questions before I do so though because I want to make sure I plan it the right way...

1. I expect pain and I'm not someone who is squeamish so I don't think this will be an issue but what should I expect from a feeling standpoint for a first tattoo that would go just above my wrist on my lower forearm?

2. I know picking an artist is a big thing, but I'm thinking of doing something traditional (her name is Valerie Rose, I was thinking a simple rose)... but I also may want to transcribe her handwriting as the text. I assume I need to look for an artist who can do both of those things, right? Or are these fairly common things for artists to be able to do?

3. I don't necessarily care about the money because it's a commitment but I want to make sure I get the right pricing... what would a tattoo roughly cost of a traditional rose with transcribed handwriting in that area of the arm? (Estimates are okay I know I have to price things out)

4. Do artists prefer to be emailed with specific instructions or do artists typically like to come up with their own designs and suggest? I am very aware that tattoo artists are just that and I want to respect their process while still making sure I pick something I'm going to love. What is the give and take like for suggesting something vs. not?

Sorry for the novice questions but I want to be prepared before I make any decisions on any of this stuff.

PS - I've lurked this thread for years and some of you have unbelievable art on you. I'm jealous, hahaha.

 

1. Can’t comment on the wrist but if the forearm feels like the upper arm I think it’s one of the more tolerable areas. I think the most pain is on long lines near sensitive areas. It feels like a hot bee sting.

2. Most should be able to do that but you’ll be happiest and most excited if you find an artist in the ~style~ you want more than the subject matter, especially if you want them to add some personal flair (and a larger, more desired artist might demand this, or at least be limited in availability). Similarly, a bigger artist will be both more selective in what they take on and when they can do it. All that said, one can glean a lot of info from an artist’s Instagram. There’s no shortage of good artists. There are shortages however in crazy unique styles or super technical art.

3. Cost will vary widely by artist tier, design size, and geographic location. Most charge an hourly or session rate and they can probably give you an estimate. Some might base on size and detail and eyeball it. I’m in western/upstate New York and 120-250+ per hour is common. My current artist however is arguably the best of the 3 and charges 250 per 3 hours, which is really good. Here, really crude range is high 10s to low-mid 100s for a small-medium, several hundred to thousands for medium to large. Also, tip well. It pays dividends later if you get more.

4. Also gonna depend. some will set aside certain days for consultations, some open up a window where they accept proposals online for the coming months. Many let you walk in and at least have a quick chat about what can happen when. Popular ones will be less responsive on social media. Never hurts to call or stop at a shop and simply ask what their protocol is. It’s also probably on their website.
The big artists will probably demand a lot more artistic freedom. They’ll likely ask for reference images and ask what kind of vibe or details you want and then they’ll go to town. That’s why finding someone in a style you like is the highest priority. Find a good idea of what you want, decide how strict it’s gotta be, and the artist will take over from there.

 

This was so helpful. Thank you so much.

 

I’ve been considering a memorial tattoo for my grandfather. he was a postmaster for many years, so I’m thinking of getting a post office drop-box, which he gave me a mini, piggy-bank version of last year.

 

Okay so I have an appointment this coming Wednesday afternoon. Any tips on prep or aftercare that I should know about?

 

Your artist should explain everything for you, but general principles of aftercare are keep it dry, keep it clean, moisturise. This your first one?

 

I've been considering getting a wedding ring tattoo for my next one but I'm struggling to settle on a design. Has anyone itt got one? I dont want anything too corny, just something simple. Perhaps roman numerals of our wedding date or her initial.

 

Yessir!

 

Use sandiderm for aftercare. It’s so easy.