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[Expletive deleted] 7 hours in and he wants another 1.5 out of me. I am running on fumes. Calgone take me away from this hell. Why. Do. We. Do. This???

@ironchef I. Can't. Even. It hurts my feelings its so good.

Just started a large thigh piece with Valerie Vargas, managed to get in with her on a cancelation while I was back in England visiting family, only the line work so far but it looks great, il upload a pic when it's healed, also I'm trying saniderm for the first time

Happy New Year LSTers!!! The rules: The tattoo picture that gets posted in this thread for January 2015 with the most 'likes' for the month wins! The contest starts on the first of the month and ends on the last day of the month. Your tattoo picture must be posted in this thread (both tattooers and tattoo customers can win) in order to qualify. Include with your photo/post...tattoo artist name & tattoo shop. You MUST be the one who has the tattoo or did the tattoo. You can 'like' as many tattoos as you want. It can be a finished or in progress tattoo. You cannot enter the same tattoo in more than one contest. Sorry for posting this a day late you guys!

Part two of my Simpsons in Space leg sleeve! Keep in mind that there will eventually be a black space background so the helmets do not look right yet. For example the circles will be stars. I posted part one here a while ago but here it is if you missed it. and here is part two on the other side. Work is being done by Rev. J.R. out of Vicious Ink in Rochester Hills MI. Next up, Mr Burns and Smithers! - - - Updated - - - whoops, those are way bigger than I intended, sorry about that.

Next session on my backpiece tomorrow, with Iain Mullen. We're doing the flames that goes on both sides of the ribbs and down the ass a bit. It's going to suck.

Was looking like a slow start to 2015 for me but things changed quickly. Coming up between now and end of March: Bryan Randolph Jeff Rassier Tim Lehi Theo Mindell We are spoiled in the Bay Area...

Well said. Tattoo script and font are two completely different subjects. The principles of flow & placement. That's the shit. I don't have any script, not my style. Not heavy enough. But there's individual reasoning behind any tattoo and its meaning. Not all script is meant to be so eligible to the non reader. Just like my back tattoo design. Its significance and meaning isn't as obvious as the design may represent. Exactly what it was designed for. That's the spirit of tattooing for me. Only the wearer knows it's true significance. That's why we should never judge another persons interpretation of their own. The meaning far out weighs reasoning.

I posted this over in "http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/general-tattoo-discussion/5952-thread-posting-while-getting-tattooed-page9.html#post107507" mid grind last night, but here's an update. Right ribs to arm pit and detailing out the right side. I'm still limited to what he puts on Instagram, so it's not close up and the lighting isn't great. But man this is getting me crazy happy! Although, of course, next session was supposed to be my last one ... but now it's not again... ;) But he can detail it out all he wants - I'm just in love. Ahhh, he just put up a detail shot. The right is finished - second pass on the blue and rays are next, and finishing the left ribs, then a final pass for whites and blacks. Stolen from Sean Zee's Instagram

Those of you who follow Lee M Knight have probably already seen this one I got from him a few weeks back but here it is anyway. Done at Cult Classic Tattoo on my trip to England. Was a ripper bloke to get tattooed by and he went out of his way to make this tattoo happen!

Chipped away a few more hours on my back. I think we're pretty much done the black shading, I think there's some greys to do in the water still, we still have to figure out the scales or patterns on the snake, but we're making progress. All work, as always, by Dave Cummings of PSC Tattoo.

You have all probably seen this all ready but here is the session on my back piece from a week ago when I was visiting Rudy Fritsch at his shop Original Classic in Trieste, Italy. Had a super good stay in the city and the shop is truly amazing, I could be there for hours just looking at all of the originals on the walls from some of the best in the culture and also from Rudy himself. We had lunch the day after the session and he sure is a very interesting and inspiring person too. Beyond happy with how this is progressing! Next session with Iain Mullen, who is the other part of this collaboration, will be in Stockholm quite soon and then the three of us converge during the Scottish Tattoo Convention in Edinburgh early next year to put the finishing touches on this project. I am a lucky guy :)

Baby shed Gosh, today the baby chameleon and I are hanging out, peeling.

I've been in a relationship with one woman who had a single tattoo (quite big skull wearing a crown, and snake or dagger, on her lower leg) and I've been with some women who really liked my tattoos a lot (fascination, more or less of sexual nature) and wanted to talk about them and about how they percieved me because of them, that it was a turn of for them and so on. Honestly, I don't care for being some object of fetishism for a person that I care about and who knows me well (for a one night stand it can be a fun game to play though) And I don't really like talking at length about (my) tattoos with people without their own, and with little understanding, taste and knowledge of the art (usually goes hand in hand) My girlfriend as of a few months back has a really good approach to it, which makes me feel very comfortable. In the meantime I've been chipping away on my backpiece and gotten four other tattoos. It took a long time before we said anything more about my tattoos than the fact that they are all over my body. She knows that tattoos are important for me (and as with anything I'm passioned about she is encouraging) but since it's not an interest we have in common we seldom speak about it. She is mildly positive towards tattoos, but has none herself (she was going to get the logo of her punk band tattooed but it's been postponed indefinitely) She likes my tattoos and she doesn't think it's a big deal whenever I talk about the next one. I can show her tattoos on instagram and I can feel that she is starting to "get it" more and more, but she is not doing it to please me, she's honest. She is also very well rounded when it comes to taste in culture in general and appriciates different art forms, I think it helps. I don't know if this was such a good explination of how tattoos sits in our relationship, but for a plainskin I must say she has an amazing attitude. As for myself, I'm turning more and more into a snob when it comes to tattoos and I would much rather be with someone with no tattoos than someone with bad tattoos. It's not often that I come across a woman with really great tattoos and a lot of coverage, but when I do see someone like that : god damn, it's hot!

Could'nt find any knitting thread so here it goes :) I thought we could (provided there are any nerdy knitters here) share photos of ongoing and finished projects, patterns, useful tips and rant about things going wrong and frogged projects, or maybe ones severe case of SSS (single sock syndrom). It would be nice if everyone started of with a little introduction. I'll try to start. My grandmother tought me to knit and crochet when I was about ten and I've been doing it on and off for about 20-ish years. Still learning new techniques tho. My favorite material is wool and right now on my needles I have a pair of wristwarmers that have to be ready by saturday since it is a birthday present. They are done in two colours and the figure (called Hattifnattar) is from the finnish childrens story Mumin. I have redone them twice already and finally wrote my own pattern since they came out HUGE. Also, if there are any ravelers (ravelry.com) here, feel free to look me up there. :) And if you have a favorite podcast about knitting, please share! I really enjoy knit.fm. and I'm going to try out Knitmore Girls.

I've always had the hots for girls with tattoos. Even before I got a tattoo, i was always into these girls. Even more now that I have a few.

Just booked in with Franz Stefanik to start work on my stomach. Starting with a devil's head, then we'll see what happens next.

@graybones Thank you! They're based partly on Chinese depictions of lucky bats (also why there's five) which are very pretty and playful, for that very reason! I adore bats, and when I see them it makes me happy, but didn't want realism or the more angular, sharp look of a traditional Western depiction. I had also given my artist some Art Nouveau pieces in the giant file of inspiration, and she makes lovely peonies, so this is what happened. :) @DeathB4Decaf Is that Paul Freaking Bunyan? AMAZING either way.

It's very interesting reading everyone's responses. Thanks to everyone for getting involved. I was never under any pretence that a traditional eagle was a remarkable new idea and I knew full well that Bert's version comes from a long history of traditional flash. As a result of that I certainly don't begrudge anyone for getting one. I'm sure in fact that there are plenty hidden amongst these forums and galleries. On reflection, and after a bit of common sense, the similarity between the two eagles is not something that worries me that much. I really like mine and will continue to get a lot of pleasure from it. I do however think the issue of copying will be something that keeps raising it's head in this art form we all love, and that's something that it would be interesting to keep hearing people's thoughts on.

You are going to love the Carpe Vita in Maldives. My wife and I had an amazing time on that boat last January. Below is the video I made from the trip. Divers on the boat were joking the mantas got close to me because of my manta ray tattoos.

I had a student this year who said she had a full back piece. She emailed us photos of it. I have to add that I had only seen yours on my tablet until now. Even more awesome on the bigger monitor! Wow! I imagine you could snorkel (leaving the back free in one of those very low-cut back suits - and if you don't have one you MUST get one now!) and have someone else use your camera to shoot a bunch of shots of you. Even if they aren't a good photographer, they are bound to get you in-frame a few times!

Thank you - that's the trouble with back pieces - hard to share in person! I end up pulling out my phone when people ask how it's progressing ;) It was really good to meet you and @Pugilist at the last meetup. We'll see each other again sometime I hope. (And anniversary congrats to you both!) Yes, I see it and can't help but smile giddily. :cool: Yeah, he mentions "saturation" over and over. But awesomeness prevails over pain. My jaw and my stomach dropped when I realized most everything was going to take more than one pass. Like the square footage of one back isn't good enough. O.O Yup, although finding out the "last session" gets put out again ... I'm like, wft? Really?!? ::laughs:: We'll be wetting the fins in January. @OutOfIdeas had a great suggestion to get a pic of me underwater and I want to try that, although that means free diving or having a buddy hanging out of frame to share air. Sadly, my great photographer buddy will not be joining us. I'll try to rope someone into the attempt. It would be a cool photo credit. You know, I should offer to pay someone on the dive boat if there is a good photographer willing. I will have to learn to do that effortless breath-holding mermaid pose you see in pictures! Thank you! It has been a journey. Even though I still have 2 sessions left, I can feel us pulling into the station. I am looking forward to how it settles. Some parts of it are already a year old like that little clownfish on the bottom (Session #1) and it's holding tight. The scratching has been strange - some sessions I am absolutely beside myself and rubbing against the back of a pole like a bear. Other sessions like the last two below my waist, almost no itching at all. Odd. If I could figure out how to put up that thumbs-up icon, I would here! I love that my back piece is actually a collaboration between me and my tattoo artist - my photography and his design from the references. Double awesome, indeed! Thanks, all. It's been a real journey, and I have few friends with tattoos and really no one to talk to about this journey who can relate. So having my LST family has been tremendous support. You all rock.

My super cool new filler piece from Paul O'Rourke at Love Hate in Cork, Ireland. First time at the shop and was blown away by how good it is - also helped that Paul is a seriously nice guy. I definitely will be back. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just got back to the hotel in Oslo after having Marius Meyer blast me for 4 hours or so. Shout out to @Iwar for being an awesome tour guide, host, driver... really the only way he could have made me more welcome is by offering some hand relief. Maybe on the next trip!

You're just jealous, homie. Today was okay except for when he did some extra lines around my crack. Goddamn I hate lining. There was a bunch of involuntary twerking as well, that was interesting. Thanks @Iwar!

Had a massive 20 min session today. Added some more Germanic Runes.

Photos of other items that I've knitted. Bare in mind I work without a pattern, I just knit as I go along. Pencil roll 1. I knitted this with ribbon, sewed the ribbon closure and ribbon along the bottom edge. And then sewed scrap ribbon on the inside of the roll. Pencil roll 2. Knitted with yarn. A case I knitted for a bradbury bamboo graphic tablet (commission piece) Netbook case 1. Knitted with yarn, buttons hand made with fimo (oven baked clay) Netbook case 2. Knitted with material (commission piece), buttons handmade with fimo (oven baked clay). They wanted a "rag rug" look. These bags were knitted before the charge for plastic bags. Knitted bag 1. Knitted from plastic carrier bags and this bag is knitted from roughly 300 plastic carrier bags. Knitted shopper bag. Knitted from plastic carrier bags and string. Roughly 200 plastic carrier bags were used for this one. Will have to do the rest in another post.

Thanks for the info. My Buddhist & Shinto Diety knowledge sucks so this provides an interesting read today. Not that I regret my choice, cuz I totally dig mine, but in hind sight it would have been cool knowing more about Dieties and related imagery before doing my own back. I'm currently fascinated by Tobatsu Bishmonten, Repeller of foreign invaders and Protector of Capitol cities. Imagine a 3 faced Diety clad in armor with 10 arms each bearing mostly swords and other knick knacks, all the while astride a lion. A very strong image for a back piece. Hokusai did a crazy 4 faced, 12 armed version that I've been drooling over.

In my neighborhood, having a money tree is called "robbing drug dealers" but somehow @Pugilist thinks this is a really bad idea. I don't get it, it's not like they're going to go to the cops to report being robbed.

was in sf last week got this from jeff rassier. super happy about it reaper1 reaper2

Was lucky to get this dragon head from Horinao (IG: @horinao1) at the Bay Area Convention. Not sure if I want to add background to it later or leave it in that American piecewise style as I really like the negative space.

@Graeme and @Pugilist We need to up the LST ante and make a west coast trip, get monmon cats from Horitomo and peonies from Kaneko! What say youz???

This board is so heavy on the bromance.

I kinda hope you get tattooed only by Greg. A Greg bodysuit! The elbow sucks so hard. But the second elbow isn't as bad. True story.

got this little herbert hoffmann-design as a tribute for my omma - which is a colloquial expression for grandmother (oma) in my area of germany///@alexwildtattoo

Finally got some color in yesterday :)

Really nice @ThatGuy! What better way to start off your squidpants than with a Quinters tattoo!?! Congrats!!

Hands down, one of the best backsides I've ever seen. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree on the NY experience. Was thinking of getting both Boltz and Santoro on the same trip. But I highly doubt I'll buy a plane ticket. Like you said, prob just gonna spend that plane money on more tattoos. Lately it's been Bert and Eli at SOG for the past couple years. Boltz will make the Bay Area trip, but it's like on the super low low, and the moment I find out, it's too late. And if I fly out to NY, I would definitely want a Regino tattoo as well. And an Albrigo tattoo. Fuck.

Duuuude. That looks like shit. I can cover that with a panther when you're ready. You got scammed hahaha

i dont personally think its my job or any other tattooed females to change people's preconceived ideas of tattooed women/people. i dont particularly want to educate them either, these beliefs of theirs tend to be pretty ingrained anyway. its no lost cause but i take each case by case, if they seem genuinely interested, i will take a minute to be polite, they want some freakshow ill tell them where to go.

For me, the thing that is the most frustrating is the notion that when a woman chooses to become heavily tattooed the majority of the public seems to think it is no longer necessary to approach heavily tattooed women with proper manners. I actually had a man tell me I had lost my right to privacy because of my tattoos. Honestly, if you're a stranger, what's going on underneath my clothes is none of your business and you're being rude. If you don't know me, why on earth would it be proper to grab, stroke or touch my tattoos? Again, you are a stranger and this is sheer rudeness, and inappropriate. What if someone approached your daughter/sister/wife in this way? Would that be okay? Highly unlikely. When approached in this manner, it is challenging to be nice to people. Although I do believe it's incredibly important to be as kind and patient with folks when asked about the tattoos. I truly believe anytime you can undermine someone's preconceived notions of what tattooed people are about it's a win.

It doesn't happen that much in San Francisco and Oakland, and I'm pretty good at blocking it out when it happens to me, but it seems to bug me more when it happens to my girlfriends. Once while hiking in Bryce Canyon in Utah, my friend Liz was accosted so many times, including complete strangers grabbing at her arms, that we almost turned back. Another time, at a restaurant in Vegas, an entire table full of men had turned their chairs and were not trying to hide, at all, the fact that they were staring at my friend's tattoos. I was talked out of going over to speak with them. In both situations, I believe it was their mostly covered arms that were what were drawing them in. Another time, I was eating at the bar in a restaurant with a girlfriend who has a strong chest piece of irises. An older man came by and Asked "Can I ask you a question?" She freaked, "No you can't, I'm trying to eat my meal, get the fuck away from us..." I though her reaction was a little strong at the time, now I understand where she was coming from. He sure as hell wasn't going to ask any men about their chest pieces.