Leaderboard

I have to respectfully disagree with most of this Bunny, I've been getting tattooed for a long time and at many shops as well, and can also speak from my experience on the other side of the counter. There has always been trash and there has always been professional courtesy. The idea that because it's a tattoo shop that it's an excuse to be a piece of trash isn't something I can condone or respectfully agree with. For longer than you and I have been doing this there have been tattooers that don't act like that. Even the HA I worked for didn't act like that and called out other tattooers and bikers that worked for him if they said shit like that, and he's a tough take no shit MF that most would assume might be that type of trash. If someone said that to my wife or gf they would definitely get punched in the face, and that would've happened 30 years ago as well as yesterday.

Battered and bruised! Had my first session on my back with Chris over at Kings Ave this past Thursday. I managed to get through 4 hours to complete the basic outline with the exception of the hair on the severed heads. Saving that for the next session along with the remaining background. I'm super excited to continue to work on this and see it progress over time as this is what I've been busting my hump at work for the past year now and it's absolutely completely worth it.

Got this sweet tengu mask done by Stewart Robson at the Scottish Tattoo convention last weekend. Sorry for the crappy phone picture. I am well chuffed with it. Edit: the picture quality is worse than I thought. I will switch it when I get a sharper one. This doesn't do it justice at all. Sorry.

And here's my progress picture of today. It doesn't seem like much has happened, but my ass thinks otherwise :) Today the shading on my leg was finished, the black 'diamonds' in the clothes, and that large patch of black on my ass :) Next time (in two weeks) we are going to start with some color :cool:

Just got back in from another session...knocked off the top section of the koi, Oniwakamaru's hair, and a few maple leaves. Next session in two weeks on the 18th. Mike

big enough box :)

I'm so excited. I felt like our cat, Aurora, needed a friend. I got @DJDeepFried to agree last night (and once I got the green light from him I acted fast) so today we adopted this little guy. They named him Cream Puff at the Humane Society but I think we are changing it to Horitomo, Tomo for short. Petfinder Adoptable | Cat | Domestic Short Hair | San Gabriel, CA | Cream Puff He's the one on the right in the photo. I can't wait to take some more photos of him once he's in our home! We have to wait until Tuesday to bring him home.

new ocelot from dmitry vision, leg sleeve is coming along! free upload pictures image upload no registration

People politely disagreeing and expressing mutual respect for one another... Is this really the internet?

not exactly ours, but one of our Grand-dogs:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]10476[/ATTACH] I figured I would throw this out there. I did this a little while back and thought it was a pretty fun one! Thanks for the opportunity! I hope I posted this picture right haha

This is our cat, Ludovic (Ludo). She will be 10 years old around August of this year. My wife found her in the ditch at a store in her hometown at only a few weeks old. We started dating a year later and the cat has been a my house ever since (even before the wife moved in). She is now having to adjust to our new puppy that we have had for a couple of days. It has been an interesting experience for the cat trying to adjust to having a dog in the house.

First thing I wanna say is that I think you're awesome and one if my favorite people here. Also that the level if respect I have for you is extremely high; this is a tough fucking job and you have to be a damn strong person to do it. That is multiplied exponentially by being a woman tattooer; in such a male/macho dominated field you have to have a backbone of steel, so you go girl. High five. Even the best of friends have differences of opinion from time to time. If someone said that experienced happened while getting tattooed by Sailor Jerry I would not be surprised; if someone said that happened while getting tattooed by Hardy I would be really surprised. Best of friends but just different people and approaches to business.

Creativity only goes as far as what you can make work in the skin, which is all craft. AKA- creativity means nothing without a foundation, which is what is protected in tattooing. I usually try to think of all of the art side ending on paper, while trying to think of actually tattoo as craft. There are parallels and connections between both mindsets, of course, but it helps my mindset in both to think that way. Another silly statement, when explaining how to improve a design recently... upon explaining why something being too small would cause issues down the line as it aged in the skin, I was told by the client "Well, it doesn't have to be good or anything..." I was flabbergasted.

on my Uncle-in-Law. artist unknown but done on Market St in 1955:

@TrixieFaux @DJDeepFried LST mascot in the making? :cool:

Ok, decision made. My next tattoo (oh jeez, I was ONLY going to get my back done...) I want to get a Monmon! I am infatuated with them. I don't know when, but someday. And I swear I won't get any more... I just bought three of the signed prints from SOG and SO BUMMED the cat and carp is out of print. - - - Updated - - - Um, yeah, just now experiencing that myself!

here's my new snake on my lower leg by Bailey Robinson. Taken from his insta, best photo I have at the moment.

Ah, FINALLY ! This box is just right.

I have a lady head in the ditch of my right arm, and it's really well designed so that there is minimal distress in the hot spots.

Thanks for the nice comments. Now lessee if I can post some pic's!

I tend to respect most people ideologies or opinions....even if I do not agree with them....if presented in a respectful way! I think what Irezumi said to me was done respectfully therefore I don;t mind taking his views into consideration....coupled with the fact that I know him well enough to know he has earned my respect in this craft and has paid his dues! I would expect him to......and want him to....call me out if he saw me posting something he didn't agree with....or I would learn nothing and continue down the same path! That doesn't apply to everyone here though! ;) I think if most people were a tad bit more respectful online....and on this site as well......there would be more participation! - - - Updated - - - Thank you @irezumi.....I am honored! I think you know....at least I hope you know...I have the highest level of respect for you as well which is one reason I have no problem backing up and taking a look at my views! I also think your example is spot on! I am who I am......it has gotten me far in life......BUT I won't learn if i don't listen and digest what others have to say to me! ;) Again.....Thank you!

Which is why something should have been said! I totally get what you are saying BUT we do know this type of thing did and still does go on and in some places....not all....especially anymore....this kind of banter is the norm! I don't know....maybe because I was schooled early and grew up with trash I pretty much am oblivious to it all and learned to get up and walk out of anywhere if I didn't like the way I've been treated! This is mild compared to some of the things I guess I have been through in life....so i apologize if I take it nonchalant or insensitively but I would have personally stood up and punched him myself or at least gotten up for a break....grabbed my shit...and gotten the fuck out of there! If I am that intimidated by someone I find a way to get out of the situation and leave my money in the register! Again....sorry if I seem insensitive but I guess I am different than most! I have only felt uncomfortable one time in a shop and spoke up immediately and it stopped right there....no fucked up tattoo....and no apology to me! I respect you @irezumi and will revisit my views for that reason....or maybe not speak on this in the future....but some my experiences in a lot of shops would leave most soccer moms feeling very uncomfortable to say the least! ("soccer mom" is not directed in anyone in general) Would I say this to a client and would it be tolerate in the shop i am in....I think you know I wouldn't nor would it be the type of thing my mentor would allow.....but it still happens as it did in the past....and i am not shocked by it! And if you feel i need to revisit this ideology Irezumi....I will take your opinion into consideration.....thank you for saying something! - - - Updated - - - I understand the need for this function (like if someone is harassing you or something) BUT it just seems using it as a way to weed out any ones opinion who doesn't match your own is just close minded! You may absolutely....totally...disagree with someones view on something BUT you may miss out on some tiny important piece of information that might help you with something in the future by using the feature in a close minded way! I have never thought about using this function here.....just seems silly....differing opinions is what makes this place interesting!

Ok , so this post could have gone in the metal music thread too. However, since I'm more into cats than I am metal, I thought I'd post it here. Not usually one to post from Buzzfeed, but this was quite cute:Just Some Pictures Of Metal Dudes – And Their Cats

I think i am on instagram now @panthersandeagles

DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! Yeah, I think it's a good idea. Don't you just love this place for all the encouragement? I know I do!

Well, OF COURSE! LOL! Congrats! Lucky kitty!

I puffy heart this thread.

Healed whispering devil and fresh heel tattoos (and dirty feet). All by my pal Iain Mullen, Imperial Tattoo Stockholm. I am happy I finally decided to get this devil done, had been looking at the sketch in Iains box for a year all ready. It's actually facing inwards, against common tattoo-logic. If you follow around the leg you can see that it's point towards another tattoo of a sleeping lady head, by Jaclyn Réhe. edit: about the heels, the mouth with yin yang was my idea but made to fit by Iain. The other thing, whatever, was drawn on by him. We think it might be a satellite and/or one of those things alchemist brew their stuff in. Either way I think it's just right.

Just got a cool little bat from Austin Maples. Idle Hand, SF.

My Kannon inspired, forearm cattoooo from Horitomo - State of Grace, San Jeeezzy, California (January 2014). Yaaaaaay for Horitomo! Yaaaay cattoooos! Yaaaay tattooooos!!:D:o

This is Chloe. My son came home with her almost 2 years ago and now she's almost 6. We celebrate her birthday on 5/5 (cinco de mayo) since we have no idea what it really is. This is the best cat ever and I've had scores of cats through the years. Rob

Just googled those cats, they are brilliant. Is is a particular one you fancy getting? Well, I'm all peonied up :D The whole not too visible placement thing didn't really work out. He showed me how the design wouldn't work where I wanted it (I'm quite small so the design would have taken up 1/4 of my back and either always looked distorted or had a bra strap right over the kitsune thus ruining his good looks). I had to make a snap decision... so it's on my arm! I've had a few days of wavering between "what have I done" to "oh my it's awesome" and now I'm into "well now I've started..." Anyway thanks again for all the advice and suggestions. I'll post a pic when it's healed. :D

After years of trying my To persuade my wife to get a dog. I finnally got a dog it's a French bulldog if just 12 weeks old and it's just awesome he is so damn cute I am in love. Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met behulp van Tapatalk

I've never personally had an uncomfortable experience with anyone who has tattooed me, thankfully. I don't know if that's because I've only been tattooed by good folks or if it's just been professional courtesy. I definitely have overheard old coworkers make highly sexually inappropriate comments to customers and it's never been ok in my book. I really can't even imagine thinking it's ok to do anything less than having your clients leave totally stoked on their tattoo. It's really in everyone's best interests because your client will always remember the experience well and you build a loyal clientele through doing right by the people who support you. I do believe that that factor is one of the most important in building a successful career as a tattooer. I can't say that I'm shocked or even surprised that this nonsense happens, but to abuse your upper hand in a power dynamic is straight up predatory.

I hate to pile on @deadsp0t, but I do want to make a couple points. I've heard you say "silence is consent" on this and other threads, and I don't think you realize what a loaded term this is. Google "silence" "consent" and "rape," and you'll see what I mean. Just in case you're wondering what all this outrage is about. All that stuff about Rosa Parks/MLK I'll chalk up to a bad analogy and leave it at that. Except to say that when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. @Zillah, I'm a big burly guy and I probably would've done the exact same thing in that situation: bit my tongue, get my tattoo, and got the f*ck out of there (but no tip). So many ways that situation could have ended badly for you, sometimes it's smart to keep your mouth shut. @Bunny Switchblade, not to get off-topic or pick a fight here, but I'm getting a little sick of hearing this particular sentiment. I hear what you're saying, but put it this way: there are dives and fancy wine bars, and the existence of the latter shouldn't ruin your enjoyment of the former. Grungy old-school street shops are awesome -- and I hope they never go away -- but the private/custom/boutique-type ones exist because there's a market for it. Speaking as a non-tattooer, it seems to me that everyone who wants a tattoo should be able to get one, how and where they want it. And that people from all walks of life getting tattoos is good for business – even if it's the dreaded "soccer mom" getting a butterfly on her ankle. It's like with bands when people say, "I was into so-and-so before they were cool." Why should I give a f*ck if what I like is popular or not? Bands want to sell records and make money so they can keep making art. Tattooers do too.

The problem is that when you are in a vulnerable position, it is pretty difficult to speak up. Calling misogynistic behaviour out rarely ends with the perpetrator apologising and reflecting on what they've said/done. At best, you might get a patronising 'lighten up' type response, at worst an aggressive response. "Silence is consent" is victim-blaming bullshit. This is far more offensive than I think you realise, and is scarily close to blaming her for what clothes she was wearing.

Definitely went a little excessive with framing a $20 print, but these were our honeymoon purchase and Horitomo was gracious enough to sign them. The wife and I are very happy with how they turned out.

I just spent two hours reading this thread and looking at the amazing stuff in it. It just reinforces how little I actually know about the recent(ish) history of tattooing. So fascinating. I'd contribute my stepdad's tattoos, but I'm not sure he'd let me take pictures of them -- I think he's self-conscious about them. He was placed in an orphanage in Chicago along with several of his siblings in what had to be the early 40s...and at some point got his hands on a bottle of ink and decided to tattoo not only himself but most of his siblings, too. The Sisters at the orphanage finally caught him, though, so some of them escaped, heh. I was always amazed he didn't have any from his time in the Army, since he lied about his age to get in (maybe he does, and just didn't tell me about them). Just crazy stories about backing a tank into an officer's car, and playing drums in Chicago with all-black jazz bands before that was a comfortable thing for a young Italian guy to do.

Just finished my first session on this piece this afternoon. Finishing up in May. Work done by Chris Chisholm at Halo Tattoo in Syracuse, NY

So I'm waiting for my booked tattoo at one place, when I come across another local tattoo shop that actually has an artist recommended to me by @beez (Capilli Tupou) Capilli Tupou | Sacred Tattoo Shop I really like this guy's stuff too: Dean Sacred | Sacred Tattoo Shop Dammit. Now I want to go there. Oh well, have to get more tattoos then.

I'm not gonna win but just throwing these in here for the fun of it. Bonji bosatsu characters by Horimitsu (Horitoshi Family) doing a guest spot at Invisible NYC.

Love the new intro. April fools joke or can we look forward to it each month? ;)

Spent about 6 1/2 hours at Memoir with Kim yesterday and I think we finished this arm. She did a little more outlining and shading all over, and added a little misty shading background. I love it. Will post healed pics in a couple weeks.

I promise you that you are not on the side of Rosa Parks and MLK in this conversation, and that it's genuinely one of the most offensive things I have ever read on this message board to see you make this comparison. Rosa Parks and MLK were tireless in their articulation of the power imbalances that exist in our society, and the ways in which dominant groups silence marginalized ones. Pretending that their resistance is equated with "always speak up" with no analysis of power asymmetry, structural misogyny, and the fact that women HAVE SCARY FUCKING EXPERIENCES TALKING BACK TO CREEPY MEN is both painfully stupid and morally appalling. And that is the last thing I will say here, because I gave up internet arguments as a new year's resolution two years ago. But I just could not let this go. PS it gives me faith in this board to see so many like-minded folks calling this out, and not just women. <3 you guys.

And here we are again :) Today/tonight was the 4th session, this time 3 hours, I could have gone longer but my artist needed to pick up a guest artist from the airport. Anyway we still made good progress, my other side is now completely shaded as is my right left. Next session we are going to do the rest of the shading on my left leg, and on my ass (ouch! : ) ) and put some black in the clothing, and then we're done with the black and its onto color!

Last session for a while now. Drove on as long as we could before shop closing time. Fire, robe designs, more hair, details on the faces.... lots of little thin lines for fun! Dana Helmuth Read Street Tattoo From his Instagram @danahelmuth

Horitomo Horiken, Horitomo, Bob Roberts Tattooed hipsters watch Shige at work Miyazo tattoos Yebis Shige Back pieces by Shige Yellowblaze Crew Horitomo Shige Smoking teal-haired woman in kimono - - - Updated - - -

I do not know the source, but I thought this was awesome.

It certainly could! I have a butterfly girl in my right ditch (by Chris Brand).