Another victim from New Jersey

[ManSkirtBrew 2]

Greetings, all. Been a browser here for a while. I finally got my first tattoo (age 37) a few days ago, so I thought I'd introduce myself and share some pictures (I'm guessing the Latest Lowdown thread is the place to do it).

A little more about me? Sure. I grew up in NYC (Staten Island, to be precise) and now I live out in the woods here in Long Valley, NJ. I'm a computer programmer by trade, beer brewer by passion. I'm hoping this year to make that passion a job, which was one reason I finally got the tattoo I've always wanted.

Cheers!

-Joe

[Brock Varty 6]

Welcome! You will fit right in. There are a bunch of beer fanatics on here. You can load your pictures up in this thread I think. There may be some kind of post limit or approval needed though.

[ManSkirtBrew 2]

All right, let me try to get the pictures right in here then.

The work was done by Dutch Cooke, over at Immortal Ink in Clinton, NJ.

As I said, I've always wanted tattoos, but could never decide on what I wanted. Getting the brewery started, along with a shift in the way I look at tattoos, finally got me decided on hop vines.

These pictures are about 4 hours after the work was completed. I spent 2 1/2 hours in the chair to get this far, and have another session in a few weeks for color and shading.

I'm really pleased with how it came out, and how he made my vision fit my body. I can't wait to see it done, but I'm really, really not looking forward to shading that collarbone! Freakin' ouch. It's still a little bruised up. But it seems to be healing well--no blood, and very little ink loss on the inside of my clothes.

Comments are welcome. As it's my first, I'm still learning what to expect.

-Joe

[tatB 904]

nice clean bold outline.

[Kahlan 2]

Nice! I like the placement. Always loved ones that crawled over the shoulder.

[SStu 2,266]

Solid lines and HOPS!

Can't get better than that . . .

[YawkeyWay 3]

Nice lines, home brewer here. Thumbs up on the hops and placement.

[Graeme 2,588]

Nice looking tattoo and welcome. You're starting up a brewery? Good luck, it's a tough business. Been a pro brewer for around five years myself.

[ManSkirtBrew 2]

Thanks everyone. I'm really happy with it. 2 weeks to color, can't wait!

Nice looking tattoo and welcome. You're starting up a brewery? Good luck, it's a tough business. Been a pro brewer for around five years myself.

Yep, I'm trying to go pro with my Man Skirt Brewing Co. here in NJ. I've been working my way up to 20 gallon AG batches over the years, so I've got the process down. Now I'm trying to learn the business end of things. I'm planning to do a 3bbl nano and make my wife support us with her job :)

-Joe

[slayer9019 57]

Hello Joe, from a fellow programmer, tattooed guy and New Jersey resident. Good start!

[Jack 8]

As a beer drinker and tattooed fellow from NJ as well, howdy.

[Joe Shit 74]

Welcome Joe..The tattoo is looking good.Immortal is one of the best shops in Jersey.They have a very good crew at both shops.Rich tattooed me when he was at the Flemington shop.And Chris is one of the most talented tattooers around.

[ManSkirtBrew 2]

Thanks! I did a ton of asking around, internet searching, and portfolio-browsing before deciding on Immortal. I'm really glad I did. I'm already thinking about my next tattoo, even as this one is just reaching the OH MY GOD IT ITCHES SO MUCH stage.

Where in NJ are you guys from?

[gougetheeyes 234]

@ManSkirtBrew welcome! You're gonna have everyone on LST buying your beer in no time. My only thought about the new tattoo is to get another one on the other side so it's like Hops/Beer Epaulettes.

[slayer9019 57]

Essex county myself

I should state as of recent news probably not for long

Edited March 14, 2013 by slayer9019

[ManSkirtBrew 2]

Nine days later, looks to be healing nicely. Scabbed up a few days ago, it's still itching on and off.

-Joe

[ManSkirtBrew 2]

Color and shading last night! Another 3 hours, but I think it was totally worth it. A little more orangey than I was expecting, but I'm guessing that will calm down a little as it heals. Either way, I love it. The shading really gave the image depth and made those leaves and cones pop off my skin.

The second pic is the day after (this morning) right after washing and Aquaphor.

-Joe

[gougetheeyes 234]

@ManSkirtBrew looks good!!

[ManSkirtBrew 2]

Thanks! We've reached the peeling-like-sunburn part of the healing. Thought I'd keep up with the progress shots.

-Joe

[tatB 904]

@ManSkirtBrew looks like it is healing beautifully. have any plans for the next tattoo yet?

[sketchcornwell 5]

Lookin Good!

I like the heavy use of yellow. It has a nice form to it.

I really like the placement. Fits the body well.

[ManSkirtBrew 2]

@ManSkirtBrew looks like it is healing beautifully. have any plans for the next tattoo yet?

Of course :) I'm considering two directions, both more traditional style. I love straight razors, pin-ups, and WWII nose art. I'm trying to come up with a concept, but may just tell my artist that and let him go nuts.

The other possibility is an Alice in Wonderland piece. Something really dark, like the original. Not the happy, dopey Alice from Disney.

I love the over-the-shoulder placement, so I'll probably do the other side.

[ManSkirtBrew 2]

Here it is all healed up! Images are huge, so click for bigness.

-Joe