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I have sometimes taken a prescription anti-inflammatory in conjunction with some over the counter pain relief medication, but in my view it's not necessary except if you are really pushing the boat out: A very very long single day's tattooing (6+ hours), or if you are getting tattooed many days back-to-back, and need to get as much done as possible. I have never bothered for a 'normal' single day's tattooing, or if the place being tattooed is an arm or a leg - somewhere where the pain level is simply not comparable to the back, ribs, belly, sternum etc. My experience is that, particularly when I was doing 2 days of tattooing back to back (or in one case, 3 sessions in 2 days back to back on my back piece) taking something can allow you to go that extra 2-3 hours when otherwise you might have to stop. It can slightly blunt the edge of getting tattooed somewhere very unpleasant. It's definitely not some kind of silver bullet or ticket to a pain-free tattooing experience. I feel like the healing process has never been affected. In fact, anecdotally I would say that the dramatically reduced swelling and discomfort from the anti-inflammatories might actually help the aftercare process overall. It's certainly easier on travelling afterwards. In addition to remembering that it's not going to make the whole process a walk in the park, I'd also echo @Pugilist when she says that prescription drugs aren't something to take a gamble on if you're already stressed out about being tattooed in a tough spot. It could result in nausea, disorientation etc. I have a friend who is a doctor and I ran things by him first. The final thing is the question of whether this interferes with some 'authentic tattoo experience'. I can only say that, having been tattooed for long sessions both with and without, at the end of the day there is not such a big difference. In my book, when I travel to get big work done, I want to get as *much* done as I reasonably can during my visit. This is a way to do that.

Had an ass and back of thigh shading session yesterday. It wasn't so bad. The imperial stout helped keep my spirits up.

Got this Chrysanthemum from Alvaro Llorar at Barcelona Electric yesterday. Had a great time, very cool studio and such a gentle and funny guy. Very pleased with the result. Also very amazed that he drew this on my shoulder in like 20 minutes, masterful artist.

The length of your session depends on several factors. Others around here can add more. - The size of the tattoo. If it's small, couple hours, it's easy to sit through in one session. If you don't, you will be mocked and ridiculed. Maybe even to your face. If it's larger and your tattooer has the expectation you'll sit for the whole thing in one sitting, you do it or try your damnedest. - Your tattoo artist's scheduling methods. Some only schedule in well defined time slices, for example, 3 hours. If the tattoo takes longer than that, you sit multiple sessions. If your tattoo artist schedules open-ended sessions, then you'll go until he finishes whatever goal he set for the session. This could be time or a particular part of the tattoo. Or, he'll keep going until you absolutely can't take another second and you have to tap out. No one likes to tap out. It's a sign of moral weakness, contributes to global warming, and will cast poorly upon your family and children. Even after many hours, it's so psychologically awesome to hear, "Ok, we've reached a good stopping point" instead of crying silently into your hand and whimpering that you're sorry you just can't take it any more. The silence that follows such an abject admission is enough to curdle milk and paralyze small dogs. - The body part. Personally, I can't speak to many body parts because I'm only working on a back piece, but yes, location can play a role. (Although your back, in terms of pain, is it's own set of differing body parts.) My one and only tap out was after 5 hours on the top/middle of my back that included spine down to the bottom of my ribs and the bones of one shoulder blade. Apparently, many think the shoulder blade isn't bad. My next session is to do the second coat in that area. I'm queasy just thinking about it. - Your own preparation. How you prepare for your session has a big effect - some may argue that good preparation plays as big a role as where on the body you plan to get tattooed. If you go in tired, hung over, or on an empty stomach, body part may matter very little.

As they say, it's not the size of the dog in the fight. It's the size of the fight in the dog. "Booze, Blues & Tattoos"

@Mark Bee @sighthound Thanks people! Guy with hammer is by Simon Erl, patterned half sun is by John Sultana and Anarchist A is by two local tattooers from Stockholm Mary and Sebbe (first tattoo)

i don't think some beers hurts anything at all when i was getting one half of my chest done i'm pretty sure i had beers both times, maybe 3 or 4 in four hours or so, not wasted amount of beers coz you know, it's kinda hard to put beers down when you're lying and yr getting yr chest blasted. i always just try to go into my tattoo sessions healthy, with a good mindset and ready for some pain. get a meal prior, be hydrated and have something with some sugar to in it to eat midway through if it's going to be a longer session.

you could always find an artist you like that does nice black and grey work and have them do a custom drawn version of that eagle, more dimension and depth to the bird might deter from the nazi comments your worried about

Dang. Cant figure out how to imbed this image... sorry. Re edit: maybe that worked?

It got me travelling across the motherflipping US of A!!! And meeting good people along the way..but seriously I'm drunk again and pretty much everything @Mark Bee said.

Tattoo number two today! With Greg Whitehead again, photo from his instagram...not a great shot but it's good enough! Sounds like I'm coming back in a week to put a rose on my elbow, too. I'm guessing that one's gonna be fun.* *not fun

This came across my newsfeed today. Poked around and didn't immediately find it, so posting here! Pic captions are taken directly from the article. THE VISUAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RUSSIAN PRISON TATTOOS A snake around the neck is a sign of drug addiction. This inmate is not an authoritative thief, but has tried to imitate them with his tattoos to increase his standing within the prison. The lighthouse on his right arm denotes a pursuit of freedom. Each wrist manacle indicates a sentence of more than five years. The eight-pointed stars on this inmate’s shoulders indicate that he's a criminal. This prisoner is one of many who contracted syphilis, AIDS, or tetanus while being tattooed in unsanitary conditions. (GNARLY!) The devils on this inmate's shoulders symbolize a hatred of authority and the prison structure. This type of tattoo is known as an oskal (grin), a baring of teeth towards the system. A dagger through the neck indicates that a criminal has murdered someone in prison and is available to hire for further hits. The drops of blood can signify the number of murders committed. The skull and crossbones on the prisoner's shoulders indicate that he's serving a life sentence, and the girl "catching" her dress with a fishing line on his left forearm is a tattoo commonly linked to rapists.

For fun, my peony by Wendy Pham done as guest spot at Red Rocket Tattoo in NYC

The first time I travelled to Asia was in 2008. I was very privileged to have my Sifu (Master, RIP) take me along with his family to Foshan, China to learn about the roots of Wing Chun kung fu and experience Chinese culture. Then we would spend time in Hong Kong to train Ving Tsun with his Master (my Sigung, grandfather teacher). We had some free time and went to explore the street markets one evening. We had been in the area the day before and I noticed the big blue “TATTOO” sign on the busy street. My curiousity had me drawn to it and I wanted to see what it was all about. I would say I was still inexperienced at this time, 5 years after my first piece (maybe 50hrs in?) however tattoo culture was becoming something I had become very fascinated by. If you wanted to see pictures of tattoos you would muster some courage, suffer through the intimidation of ~actually going into~ a tattoo shop; you could see what your punker friends had scratched on each other; you would sneak a peak at the BME website (the internet! Oh my!). I went off on my own at night time to find this mysterious tattoo shop. I had split off on my own, away from my group. My time was limited to explore. I found the building underneath the big blue sign, went up several flights of a dark dingy stairwell. And there it was “JIMMY HO TATTOO”. Just an apartment door framed with classic tattoo flash pasted to the wall. So I rang the buzzer… I thought maybe it would be cool to get a tattoo in China…but I was also very hesitant. Did I have enough time? My group didn't know where I took off too and I had to meet back pretty soon. I was uncertain about the safety of the needles and ink. Healthwise it seemed risky. China isn't exactly the cleanest place in the world. How was I going to heal a new tattoo being in the hot sun all day and then training (contact) the evening? Afterall, my focus in Hong Kong was Ving Tsun. ...I remember being so nervous when I rang the buzzer. Shaky. There was no answer. So I waited for a bit, my curiousity had brought me this far. But what the hell was I doing here? Sketchy. And then a head suddenly appeared through a gap in the flash covered window. This older gentleman opened the door, poked his head into the stairwell to see who else was around and waved me in. I was pretty mesmerized. Here I am a younger, naïve kid, swept up in the energy of Hong Kong at night. Here I was in a sketchy, dimly lit building in an old man’s apartment studio. Old timey flash, certificates, photos, a lot of tattoo history covering every square inch of the 300 sqft apartment. What in the hell was I doing here? “Tattoo?” He said. That was about the only English he knew and would speak to me. He motioned at my long sleeve shirt, I didn’t have any of my tattoos showing. So I took off my shirt and showed him the work I had amassed at that point. Both my arms fully covered. Some leg tattoos. A big dragon on my ribs. He gave an approving half smile and motioned for me to sit down. I think this man knew that I wasn’t there to get a tattoo from him that night. However he made my curiosity feel welcomed in his studio. Looking around the studio it felt like a risky place to get tattooed and I felt I wasn't experienced enough to think otherwise. Not very sanitary by North American standards (but probably cleaner than some of those tattoo conventions haha). The bench pillow was covered in ink and blood stains. I couldn’t see an autoclave. The ink bottles in the corner looked a little crusty. The older tattooer gentleman didn’t have any visible tattoos and there was a serious language barrier. He gave me some his photo albums to flip through. It wasn’t a portfolio. It was more like family photo albums. Very old pictures of some American-classic tattoo designs he had made on people - eagles, panthers, daggers, hearts. There were pictures of him with groups of shirtless Chinese men, dragon and tiger backpieces and sleeves on display. Photos of this older Chinese gentleman with who I would assume to be elder American and European tattooers (I would be to naïve to have named at that time in my tattoo journey…I’m pretty sure there was a pic of him with Hardy, I think Pinky too? I really can’t remember). The whole experience was very surreal, I was nervous and awe-struck. I was going to have an amazing story about meeting Jimmy Ho, but would anybody really believe me? Or care? Afterwards, I did a bit of research (in which there was and still is limited info online). It turns out Jimmy Ho was the son of the late James Ho, who opened up Rose Tattoo, one of the first tattoo shop in Hong Kong back in the 1940s. My mind was blown that I had just had an exchange with a man from tattoo royalty. The next day I was exploring and ended up checking out another tattoo studio “Star Crossed Tattoo”. It was run by two friendly UK ex-pats Ross and Julia. I spent the afternoon talking with them about HK life, punk rock, tattoos, watched Julia tattoo and confirmed a few things. Yes, I had just met Jimmy Ho. He was tattoo royalty in Hong Kong. Hygiene standards were very questionable in Hong Kong/China at that time. Very risky, healthwise. The HK tattoo scene wasn’t regulated by the health board. Later on in the trip I would venture back to the area of Jimmy Ho’s tattoo shop. I didn’t take any pictures inside his shop, I was too distracted by the reality of the interaction - a human exchange about tattoos that happened in spite of a language and cultural barrier - and I didn’t want to be disrespectful towards a man that had let a stranger into his studio apartment. But I wanted to get a picture of the big blue TATTOO sign from the street during daylight. At that time I realized that I must have been a batshit crazy kid (even if I did know some kung fu!) to take a back alley into this area at night time, as there were a bunch of strip clubs, bath houses, massage parlours and gambling going on in the area with Triad looking Chinese (dragon/tiger halfsleeves) working the doors on the block. Not a place a young white tourist would want to find himself alone at night time. No guts, no glory I guess haha. I didn’t get a tattoo on the trip. And I have no regrets about that. But what Jimmy Ho did give me was an incredible memory and experience. Another story to go along with all the pictures I wear on my body. Thank you for reading :) PS If anybody has any further info about Jimmy Ho, James Ho, Hong Kong tattoo history please do share, love to learn more about it. - - - Updated - - - I did find this https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.ho.7127/media_set?set=a.292623604111543.71717.100000917175393&type=3

Hello, hello! Yes, so, I'm new at this...obviously. A little bit about me: I'm 33 years old, female, born and raised and living in Oslo, half norwegian and half japanese american, french speaking. I've been surrounded by art my entire life, I now work in a cemetery, and I love tattoos. I first wanted a tattoo when I was 16, waited 16 years to get started, so I got my first one in 2013. I'm fascinated by this culture, I hope to contribute constructively to the forum at some point, but first and foremost I'm here to learn. Was that to much information? ...I don't know how this works. :) Malika

Hahahahahahaha

Welcome and great intro!

Heh, You'll figure it out. One of the Rites of Passage at LST seems to be learning how to post pics. I still manage to post about half of mine sideways or upside down!

@Graeme - yes, having the day dedicated to the session is nice. I generally work a half day and try to lay down for an hour or so before I head to the shop. Even more important IMO is not having to work the next day. Have a good session - sit strong!

That's a good design, I hope you do neck to waist! Seriously though, a friend of mine who actually IS German got the German eagle on her shoulder and was surprised how many idiots actually DID ask (most jokingly, I'm sure) something like, "What're you, a Nazi?" It was her second tattoo and first larger piece... Unfortunately she ended up getting it covered, which was a bummer because I liked the tattoo and fuck everyone. There's a good chance it'll happen but sometimes you gotta have a thick skin. I was surprised anyone made that connection but there are a lot of dummies out there. I say go for it, it's a great design and if you want it, get it.

nice design i like it , and agree with the others i dont think it looks like the nazi eagle. where are you planning on getting the piece done?

The importance of breakfast aftercare. Johnny Appleseed cider. A little sweet but good for a post tattoo morning meal.

I'm super impressed by this shot that Bert Krak "recently" put on instagram. All tattoos in this photo from Tony Polito, Mike Perfetto & Bert. This is what I would like to achieve at some point. Full coverage, but each tattoo being readable on its own.

Flirtatious innuendo? Haha

@mmikaoj Looks great! I also really like the one with the guy holding the hammer. Rad.

I agree. It doesn't look Nazi-like. I'm not an expert, but I think that probably won't be a problem.

I think it's a cool design,and it doesn't look like the Nazi eagle,especially because there's no SS symbol on it.Although I would get it as is,with the gold and some red in the crown.The most important thing is do you have a good tattooer to do this for you.

Maybe we need a thread for places we'd all like to visit, and who on LST is along the way. Come on over! :)

Just got this from Eli yesterday. I think I have Smith Street fever!!

I cosign this. Getting tattooed led me down the path to go to art school, mostly b/c I was so encouraged by my friend (who is my tattoo hero) to draw. And well, yeah, here we are. It's never too late to do something you want to do.

I think getting tattooed gave me a really intense appreciation for craft, and dedication and hard work. It was a tattooer that convinced me that I could still learn to draw at 25, and that obsession with craft eventually drew me to printmaking and has kept me there. Now I'm thinking of training to become a master printmaker.

I didn't find the elbow too bad as a spot, though it's a hard heal. For sure discuss aftercare with Greg, but I strongly recommend icing it over the bandage before you wash the tattoo because they don't call it the swellbow for nothing. Great tattoo, as well! You've gotten some great ones from him.

@rads, Glad to offer the advice. :) If nothing else take from my advice, if you plan to have your current work removed. Get it started before you start your back. I wont bore you with the time frame of my backpiece but once or twice my ongoing removal of old pieces on my back got in the way of new work. Plus tattooing over relatively new lasered works hurts just that little bit more. My suggestion is if you want your old work removed, get it done now. Give your skin a few months to recover and then start that backpiece. :) Cheers Jason.

!!!

Spent some hours on the shin last week. Finish this up and a couple of small pieces to complete the leg sleeve hopefully next month.

My arm by Joel Madberg, Salvation Tattoo Stockholm:

Man, the all black and grey looks amazing! Stick with that theme for sure!

Nekomata Monmon Cat - By Horitomo, State Of Grace. Done at the London tattoo convention 2014!

I was on Horitomo's wait list so long I forgot about it.

That Cripwell suit is beautiful and so perfectly executed, but I find it a little too perfect for my tastes. Looking at those tattoos, I don't know if I get much of a sense of the person who has them. I guess aesthetically I prefer a more organic mish mash of tattoos where you get tattoos of different ages complimenting and clashing with each other and you get a whole that transcends any individual tattoo.

I got tattooed by Eli back in January. I dont think I ever posted it here.

I think the people getting tattooed know she is 7 years old and looks to be doing a tattoo that most apprentices would be doing! So they know what tattoo they are getting....it's an apprentice tattoo....and without people willing to let apprentices tattoo them then none of the artist any of us go too would be where they are now! There are a lot of tattoo artists that started very young who came from tattooing families and as was said.....if no laws are being broken then there is no real harm! Filip Leu.....Frank Lee....and I am sure there are others who started younger in this same manner! It doesn't matter if her dad is a Leu or of some other famous tattooing name.....as long as he is teaching her proper technique and is bringing her along properly like any apprentice! My first tattoo was on "Tattoo" George Benjamin at Hobo's in NH.....I had never picked up a machine to tattoo before and at his insistence that we "trade" tattoos I tattooed him! I bet her tattoos are better than the little flower I did on George! LMFAO There is nothing wrong with this as long as it is within the law!

Didn't Filip Leu start tattooing at some ridiculously young age, 11 or something? If she did the "Daddy's Little Girl" tattoo in the article, fucking power to her, that thing looks better than most of the tattoos I did during my first two years.

I don't have an issue with passing down a craft or trade, I worked for my folks at that age but nothing too major.. That said, anyone who sits in the chair and knows a 7 year old is about to tattoo them gets what they deserve.. If there's no labor laws being broken and clients are cool with it, who gives a rats ass, lots of generational tradesman and craftsmen start this early.. I guess if you're a tattooer that had to work their ass of to get an apprenticeship it could/would be frustrating, but we're all dealt the hands we are dealt, this kids hand happens to be with a tattooer in the deck. At the end of the day, it really doesn't affect anyone but the people who let a kid tattoo them. I find it ridiculous that we have let price and explanation of price become a taboo and dare not discuss it but we are all up in arms about someone teaching their child to tattoo..