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Got this Namabuki from Henning Jorgensen on Saturday.

Got this Hannya from Mike Rubendall yesterday at the London convention. I love it. [/img]

A cool, short chat with Bailey Robinson. Worth a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aJAtuRjDCY&list=WLCC989BE7DA4E81F8

In the nearly 20 years I've been going to, hanging out in and generally being around tattoo shops and artists, I've never heard a patron come in and ask what kind of machine the artist is using. In my profession, I answer it almost daily. Right behind how much does it hurt? and what is this going to cost me? one of the most frequently asked questions I get asked is what machine I use to treat people. This is mildly important and yet, people really stress about it. Why it's important? There are China-made machines available on eBay for a few thousand dollars, these are untested, generally not FDA approved in the USA and worse, most don't carry an adequate UL rating. That last one is a biggie, that means there's not been proper testing on the machine to pass fire, smoke and safety regulations. The 4 main technologies used in tattoo removal: Q-Switched Nd:YAG - the most popular across the board, commonly called the 'gold standard' Ruby - thus named because it emits a red light and is typically used on grenn pigments Alexandrite - essentially a red laser as well, but less powerful than a Ruby, again mostly used on green pigment Pico - the new kid on the block, this laser operates at a 'pico' second, or one trillionth of a second, however isn't as effective on red pgiments There are many brands, but I'm not going to go into a this is better than that. The Q-Switched Nd:Yag is the most versatile as it operates at two wavelengths and does a great job on the vast majority of pigments, however it's also possible via a swap of hand pieces to operate this laser at the two other wavelengths, making it the technology choice of most facilities. This laser is a 'Nano' laser, pulsing light at one billionth of a second. Typically speaking, Ruby lasers are much more rare because the scope of treatment is much more narrow and you're likely to only find these in the offices of dermatologists who have a very specific need for them. Alexandrite lasers are extremely rare to be seen. Pico laser is the new kid on the block - and the one with the most hype. The claims are 30-60% faster removal, due to the 'trillionth' of a second light bursts. I affectionately call this the Viagra (or Lipitor) of laser machines. Why? Well, they are mass marketed to the general public, so the public learns the name of them fast and since they are only available by prescription, they are knocking down doctor's doors to get their hands on them. Yes, the pico is effective, I've spoken at length with their sales reps and read the clinical trial reports on them. Here's the catch, it costs almost 3x as much as a new Q-Switched Nd:Yag laser, which is also why you typically see prices 2-5x higher when using this laser. The sales rep justifies it as, people don't want to wait 18 months to remove a tattoo, this machine will get it done in 8-12 and we feel people will pay a premium for that. This could be true in LA, NYC, Miami, etc., in my market, it's not. OK, once we've established the place you're going to isn't using a my first laser beam machine and you now know what 'type' of laser you will most likely be treated with, here's why the machine used really isn't that important. Lasers are just like Michael Jordan Nikes, they are awesome, are cool to have, but you won't dunk like Mike. Just because you saw someone online who showed you great before & after photos after being treated with Acme Brand Laser doesn't mean you will have the same results. There are 3 main factors that go into any given tattoo removal, provided of course the tech is capable and they are using one of the main lasers available on the market. Immune system does 95% of the work! Yes, you read this right. The laser just facilitates the process. It's medically proven non-smokers heal faster (not just for tattoo removal, in general), but if you're in shape, eat right and generally take care of yourself you'll heal faster and see better progression between each treatment. Pigment varies bottle to bottle sometimes, even from the same manufacture. Aside from the fact there is no FDA regulation in pigment, even if there was it wouldn't stop your artist from mixing it with another ink, or even tap water, which could have contaminates in it. Have two tattoos done by the same artist 6 months apart? They could have switched inks in between sittings. Application. Tattooing is an art, not just in the work they create, but actually getting pigment into your skin. The needle groupings, voltage, angle the machine is held and pressure all make differences in how well your body takes the pigment, as does your ability to follow their aftercare instructions. While this typically is a very small contributing factor, if an artist has a barbed needle (fish hooked, typically from bottoming out in an ink cap while dipping, or from not inspecting needles while assembling the grips), it can cause damage to the skin. Most commonly this is seen in the form of a raised to the touch tattoo, or sometimes known as 'braille tattoos.' As mentioned earlier, seeing before and after photos is important, I also strongly believe seeing progress photos is equally important so you can see how the tech was able to treat the entire piece, but as it fades focus on the areas containing pigment still and avoiding those without pigment, reducing the chances of hypo-pigmentation. When you're doing your research, don't get sucked into the hype of 'state of the art ACME brand machine' because one of the leading manufactures that makes one of the most popular machines on the market today hasn't changed the guts of the machine from the two previous models available, they've only made the case prettier. This isn't just from my own research, this is from my tech who services my machine and has 15 years experience in the industry.

Haha, nice one. My leg, wallet and team all took a bit of a battering this weekend. It was a real pleasure meeting you as well, Gareth. The tattoo from Jack took the best part of 5 hours. I watched for a big part of that. It was amazing seeing it come to life. @Jade1959 has got quite a fat arm at the moment, but I'm sure she will post a picture when it's nicely healed.

Take a hot shower and then do nothing.

No tattoos for me this year (not for the want of trying!) but i did manage to get to the convention on Sunday and have a good look around. Also had the pleasure of meeting @jade1955 who despite his choice in football team is a thoroughly nice bloke :P. Thanks for taking the time to have a chat with me, Roger, it was a real pleasure to meet you and a privilege to watch a master at work on your wife!

That moth's rad man! I just got one myself 3 weeks ago as well. It's kind of a 2 part piece because it wraps around. I don't think I posted a pic of my moth yet either so i'll include it as well lol.

wasn't planning on getting anything at the convention this weekend but had to jump at the opportunity when marina inoue had some free time on my inner wrist

Robert Ryan. Outlines started. The head of John the Baptist as an oracle of divine prophecy.

Did I already mention Jacob Des? His flash- which he creates in prolific volume- is always super weird and surreal. He's a really funny dude, too. I don't know what most people make of his stuff, but I think he's one of the most interesting tattooers out there.

Hey, just made an account earlier today and I guess I have to post an intro lol. I've only recently got my first tattoo, after having the idea of it for about 3 years. From 2008-2010 I went through Leukemia treatments, so that is why I got the Orange ribbon in this tattoo. The heads still need to be shaded, this was just after my first sitting.

welcome! and by the way, my now 27 year old daughter is a 10 year Leukemia survivor - and that after 5 years of treatment. Cheers to your path!!

Find an artist that is good at black and grey. Tell them what you like and don't like, then give them room to be creative and give you a solid tattoo.

Very much looking forward to seeing the finished article, it looked beautiful from what i could see - not that you would expect any less from a man of such talent! I can safely say i'll be spending a good amount of time with my nose in the books looking for backpiece inspiration this evening, the urge is very strong after being around all those incredible tattoos yesterday.

I just got turned on to David Parker in (of all places) Pflugerville, Texas. Instagram His work is so damn good. I have always hated skin rips, but his make me want one.

http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/crazy-tattoo-stories/1270-race-get-covered-vs-desire-still-able-get-tattooed.html This was my opinion in 2011, not sure how i feel about it now, still as confused and as torn as ever, just a bit more tattooed.

That's a good question, and it depends on what you want out of the tattoo. Here's a picture that was posted some time ago on another thread on this forum: Getting tattoos that go together more or less like that...a sort of classic Americana look...shouldn't be too hard as long as you get tattoos that go together in broad stylistic terms. In this case that means black outlines, strong silhouettes, black shading, and bold colour. I think an advantage to getting tattooed like that is that if you want to have a representation of travel on your body, there are a lot of great tattoo shops all over the world and you can get tattooed at them. It's better than getting a stamp in your passport. If you want something more like a single coherent design incorporating various elements, that would have to be worked out with an artist. In my opinion, what you wrote in your initial post is far too much to put into a tattoo and have it look good, and since your artist would probably try to give you a resolved design, adding to it later could be difficult. If you look at these beautiful coherent Japanese sleeves you'll notice that they're often fairly simple: they'll have an animal or a creature, a plant or flower, and a background (wind, water, etc). Regardless of what you want out of your tattoo, I think you should look at as many good tattoos as you can...look at the thread here about what makes a good tattoo, look at the latest tattoo lowdown and monthly contests, follow tattooers on Instagram...and figure out what makes tattoos work as tattoos and go from there.

Got this off Chad K at the London convention yeasterday, back of forearm, swollen and sore :D

Hello and welcome. I'd focus more on strong, tattooable images rather than trying to cram multiple interests into one tattoo. The best way to get good tattoos is by finding a good artist--either in your area or somewhere you're willing to travel to--and talk to him or her about your ideas.

After a little time off from getting tattooed, I've got two coming up in October. I'm starting on my chest with Tim Pausinger at The Pearl, then I'm getting some work done on my leg by Franz Stefanik at the Okey Doke. Good times ahead!

I wasn't sure if I should post this or not but I think my friend wouldn't mind. My other fave interpretation following the Hardy one. Any biters that steal this idea can get the gasface. Freddy Corbin. Summer of 2000 done in the back of an RV transformed into a tat shack. Lousy photo. It happens.

Over the summer, my coworkers and I attended a staff appreciation BBQ, so the cats out of the bag. No one seemed to mind though. I was surprised to find out one of my coworkers has a ton of sweet Japanese tattoos. Needless to say, we are best buds now haha

Horitomo posted the piece he's doing on me to instagram so I think I'm safe posting it here!

I love her work, definitely has a defined style. Met her at the Montreal show a few years ago, really fun person. Super talented. - - - Updated - - - Zack makes some amazing tattoos; super smooth. Works at Anonymous Tattoo in Savannah. Super nice guy too. He has a lot of stuff on his IG, follow him at zackspurlock some stuff here too: Zack Spurlock | tattoos

I have 9 tattoos from Phil I got in the 80s. I lived around the corner from his studio in Hayward California. Actually he did my first one, and I had to go back for more! he colored my left arm and chest, but my favorites are the blackwork on my right arm. Hes a master of blackwork. I also have work from several of his protégés.

It's not one or the other. That's a bogus argument. I'd rather get a GREAT tattoo AND aftercare instructions. I'm not asking anyone to hold my hand, kiss my ass or bend over on the way out. I've been to the same artist more than a dozen times. EVERY time, while he's cleaning and wrapping the tattoo, he gives me after care instructions. It's a habit. I'm not sure why you are getting so riled up about this. I'm not calling you an ass-hole for your opinion and it wouldn't hurt you to disagree without the name calling. We are offering OPINIONS, not commandments from God carved on stone tablets. You don't care if you get after care instructions? No problem.

After finishing up with Grez on Saturday I immediately booked again since his list is so long. I've got some half-baked ideas that I have to work through, but I have until July...

i disagree .. the responsibility of aftercare goes solely on the client!! If you are unsure about aftercare then ask..... Maybe being your first tattoo then i guess he should explain these things but not necessarily..

NO GUTS NO GLORY Tamara Santibanez does some great stuff.

That's as good as it gets, @robz

This weekend I learnt that 3 sessions in 2 days is a bit too much for me, I was absolutely wiped out. Regret nothing though, I got (surprise) tattooed by one of my absolute favourite artists, Dan Sinnes. I was sitting next to Eilin too - didnt realise till afterwards though, I'm not smart. Also got a piece from Chriss Dettmer, which is swollen beyond picture capabilities right now, and Jess Yen, which is wrapped in Saniderm and looks mental right now. Pictures later, I promise. Great to see Youthcrewalex too, hope you had a great weekend buddy!

Finished this last week, already posted it on instagram, but you can't really see the whole thing. Lots of fun. I do love reapers.

No worries, I just had to think back to how much I had to drink, to not remember saying that.

Welcome dude! @Graeme gives some good insight. Instead of taking your interests and trying to make them tattooable, try approaching from the opposite angle; find strong tattoo imagery or an artist you identify with and then see what kind of connection you might have with those things. Very well could get some traditional style tattoos of a coffee cup with roses (definitely seen this one before, can be a great, fun tattoo!), an airplane, etc.. or you might feel like a full on neck-to-thighs Japanese-style back piece would make more sense. Or both!

Yeah welcome and uhm, pretty much what Graeme said. make sure you check out this forum...alot of cool and interresting stuff to find!

No need to rush to cover yourself.....at least that is my way of thinking! I never had a plan about which areas to cover in any order although for many years I covered areas first I could hide because I didn't really want a lot of visible tattoos at the time! (work, family, society, etc....all played into the decision) When I started getting tattooed most tattoo artists would not tattoo someones hands or neck until you had "earned" the right to have such tattoos and they would also ask to make sure you were set in your career! At least most of the tattoo artists I was around....I am sure there was someone who would have done it though! Coincidentally my first tattoo (non-professional) was on my hand/index finger......lol I never put off intentionally getting tattooed to wait for emerging artists 20 years later BUT I am glad it has all worked out this way! I have an eclectic mix of styles and of work from older and newer tattoo artists who do excellent work! I mean why would you rush it??? Who knows what will be available to us 20 years from now....take your time and leave a little room for what's to come! ;) - - - Updated - - - If a respected artist tell you this.....then you are doing the right thing by listening!

Ended up finishing on 19 hours on ribs, Jet lag got to Carlos Torres, here are some pics :) free uploader how to print screen on pc how to take a screen shot windows 7 screen shot

Got this namakubi from Caio Pineiro today: Horrible horrible times but worth every second. He is a super nice guy too. On his first euro-trip now, normally works in his own shop in Sao Paolo, Brasil.

I think part of the appeal of a back piece is the required patience, discipline, and sacrifice.

Thanks to @steve1461686340 for putting this dinner together, I want to apologize to the group for being so obliterated at the dinner. I very regretfully ate too many brain smashers through out the day and was just a mess by dinner time. Fortunately I got my shit together and the rest of the trip was a great time :D How fucking embarrassing, I look like a moron in those photos. Though I did get 4 hours of tattooing done on my butt cheeks and was super taxed, that's no excuse for being such a fucked up asshole so again, thanks for having me and my apologies for being such a zombie. All that aside, @Iwar and I had the most INSANE time in SF and I know he has some killer shit lined up in LA but since it's his trip, I'll let him share our agenda :D

My latest is only a few hours old. Is this the first LST-themed tattoo? If it is, I also know who got the second (only moments after me): Courtesy of Mr. @Scott Sylvia himself. PS Like this or feel the ban hammer.

Jeopardy trivia right there.

"Conan Fights a Wizard" "Oates" "Really Hot Taco" "Mark Twain Fights a Mummy" "Superheroes at the Pool" "Old Viking Fights an Octopus" "Think About This In Your Mind" "Eating Food" "Sweet Relief"

I hope there are no haters .. but I'm going to post this tattoo again this month!! Haha Done by Tim Hendricks at Gold Rush in Costa Mesa , CA

1974, just days after I turned 18. Skinny, long-haired rock-n-roller. In some name-unknown parlor on Chippewa Street in Buffalo, NY (which at the time was skid row = Junkies, Prostitutes, rank bars and tattoo parlors). Flash from the wall. As with the times, I don't remember much if any of the experience. Here's what's left of it:

On Instagram a little while ago Doug Hardy posted a picture of a Phil Sims reaper from the 80s that he managed to get a picture of and it looked great. Same thing with these. I hope my tattoos look as good after that long. Guess this proves, yet again, the importance of getting good tattoos.

it was on Mission Shannon. About a quarter mile North of downtown Hayward. - - - Updated - - - This is a recent picture of Phil. He is working in Tucson.

First tattoo was "RISE ABOVE" on my ankles. It was done by a Sureño who worked in the Applebee's kitchen while I was a host. Its obviously a Black Flag tattoo. I was also wearing a Black Flag shirt. I was 17 and stupid. Oh, it was in his studio apartment and he smoked the biggest fucking joint I have ever seen outside of the Pantera Videos before he started as well. I mean, if you are going to get a Black Flag tattoo... thats how it should be done.