Gingerninja

Hahaha...no. Not at all.

Waiting is the norm.If you want something from an artist, then you wait. Let them know if you are flexible if a cancellation comes up, so they can add you to the cancellations list. No, this isn't a Birkin bag...it's your body. Make good, informed decisions and if you have to wait, you wait.

Great call out @jaimilyn

@Devious6 I had no idea about Bidding for Good. I LOVE the idea. @SStu I think NOT being where the cruise ships are is EXACTLY where I'd want to be!

@SStu Wow, that is so amazing. I've always wanted to go to St. Lucia. How was it (besides gorgeous)? Would you go back?

What @Dan said. It looks exactly normal. Do not pick at it or try to rush the healing process! It can take 6 weeks for it heal completely. You may get itchy but resist to urge to scratch at it. Follow your artists aftercare process, keep it clean and lightly moisturized.

For me, the thighs (outer and front) were pretty light in terms of pain. Not as painless as the shoulder or outer bicep but very, very manageable. Now, if you are doing the BACK of the thigh, that sucks. Where on your thigh? Outer thigh or in the middle? How long is your appointment?

Look for Pagoda City Tattoo Festival.

Here's an idea for you. There's a cool little tattoo convention in two weeks in Reading, PA. There will be some great artists there from all over in attendance. You may not be able to get in with anyone BUT it may be an idea to go to the show just to get inspiration, explore options/styles and talk to people.

Hey @pphilly, Welcome! I know that you are unhappy at the moment but is there a chance that you can live with your tattoo for a while? Let it settle and get used to it? I love the sentiment. Are those your pups actual prints?

@Boiled Dove When I talked to Grez in June he was booked BUT still reach out because people do cancel. That's how I got in with him a couple of years ago!

You are going to be a fun one to follow as you build out your collection. Fantastic start! (Oh, and welcome!). Happy healing.

That.is.awesome! I love seeing super cool and fun tattoos like this. Shark week!!!!

Thou shalt not give advice on tattoos when ye have none.

@jnin Okay, I need to see the shark. It is shark week after all! If I lived anywhere near Scott, I'd had more than just the swallows from him.

@oiocha - All I'm getting is a wee little skull bead but still excited! What's the latest on your monmon cat? @jnin - Scott is crazy fast! I swear that I had just sat down and he was like "you are done". What did you get from him? Is it your profile picture?

Hey there and welcome! You have so many creative options. My two cents - first, start researching artists and figure out what style you may like. So many artists would love to do a custom piece based on some general ideas that you already have (just the names alone spark ideas). Instagram will be your friend. Look at tons of photos and styles. Then contact an artist for a consult. Where in MD do you live?

On the countdown for Pagoda. Getting my mermaid finished by Theo, a Dobleman lady head and a skull bead by Kiku.

Okay then...I was only trying to be nice and find out more about you based on exactly what you said - what you put out in the forum! That's it. Good luck to you.

@Inkyboots Find a stretchy loose skirt and a bikini bottom that also stretches. You can wrap the extra material of the skirt around the other leg to keep it covered. Bring a pashmina that you can use, too. Oh, and don't forget your socks. You'll most likely be in a few positions - side, on your back and maybe on your stomach...it depends. You'll be standing for the stencil. If the shop has a large window, check to see if they have a privacy screen. For aftercare, try to go without anything that will rub on the area for at least 14 days. Definitely nothing tight! I'm a Tegaderm girl and have used it for all of my work in the hip/thigh area. Check out the Tegaderm/Saniderm thread in the Aftercare section of the forum. Oh, and plan on not sleeping on that side for a couple of weeks. Good luck!

Good for you. Glad that you found an artist! My question wasn't cheeky at all. I am very curious to know if you have other tattoos. I am by no means an expert (which by all accounts takes 10,000 of practice before your become an expert in anything). I often pass on giving any type of advice because while I am informed, I still don't necessarily feel qualified to give an opinion. I have about 60 hours of needle time, both sets of ribs, a full spine and other work that has shaped my perspective to date but I am always open to learn more. This is a tattoo forum where we celebrate our tattoos whether it's the first or the 100th. You've been posting a bit over the last three weeks and I simply wanted to know more about your work. I celebrate diversity of opinions - that's what makes the world tick. I do think that when you celebrate your tattoos, artists and experiences it earns you respect in the community. I am unsure what you mean by not being surprised that your artist wasn't found on this site? There are so many amazing artists. Why not share someone amazing so other's can see their work?

So, being a bone marrow donor does have certain requirements but the mad cow thing isn't one of them! Basically, the goal is to find a cancer patients identical genetic twin through a process called Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing. HLA is a DNA-based tissue test used to match patients and donors for bone marrow transplants. HLA are proteins — or markers — found on most cells in your body. Your immune system uses these markers to recognize which cells belong in your body and which do not. The closer the match the better the chances the patient’s body will accept the donated cells and allow them to grow and make new healthy cells. It's completely different and separate from giving blood! :) @devious @jaimilyn And you go! @oboogie

Hey @Devious6 Nope - the travel isn't an issue (and neither are tattoos). Their are separate bone marrow registries for each country, though. Here's one for you: the vast majority of military members are already on the list as they (and maybe you) were swabbed during your indoctrination. I don't know when they started swabbing though but it's an active policy now. We always ask if someone is military because we don't want them on the list twice. You can get on the list until you are 55 then stay on it until your are 61. The age requirement is for the safety of the donor and doesn't have anything to do with the quality of your bone marrow. Since in 10% of the time, the donation may require a traditional marrow donation done under a general anesthesia, the concern is for the safety of the donor. The good news is that if you ever want to run a swab event at your school, you know who to ask. :) Check out this video of a amazing young man named Haden who started swabbing at his school after he was diagnosed....he earned his angel wings last year. He was a tremendous young man. Watch this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4irLwoiQr

On Friday, I had one of those "positive affirmation" moments that don't come along too often. I was volunteering at Warped with my charity, Love Hope Strength. At the end of the night, I had the deep honor of meeting the man who started the charity, Mike Peters of The Alarm. He was so incredibly genuine and sincere in his thanks to me for helping with his charity. And his wife was so amazing in her own right. Thet say that you should never meet your hero's but in this case, I am thrilled that I did! They both inspired me on a deep level....

Who is/are your artists?