Gingerninja

I always tip 20%, owner or not.

I dunno, I felt like a massive pussy taking the cream but I needed to finish up, my next one i'll still go in for with no cream. Um, generally pussies are one of the toughest things I the world. They squeeze out giant, living beings. Just sayin. @Freddie (And yes, ribs suck but you did it!)

The smell concerns me. When was this done?

Hey there...go get some antibiotics. Better safe that sorry if it's infected.

10 days out from a trip to Helsingor.... I may be a little excited. *squee*

I guess that I'm super lucky as aftercare, for me, isn't an issue (knock on wood). I'm fanatical about wound care, so it's just about managing the area for cleanliness and no rubbing. Maybe I haven't had the 'rough spots' tattooed like hands, feet or any ditches but to date I've never had any real issues with any part of my back, ribs, spine, butt or thighs. For me, it's all about the Tegaderm. :) Great tattoo and welcome!

Hey.

Hey @Boiled Dove...sorry that you're not in a good place. Sounds like change is in your future! What do you hate about your job? At some level, you have to decide whether your job is a means to an end or an end to the means. Is there something else that you'd rather be doing? If so, figure out how to do it, right? I'm always in a sea of MEN in khaki pants and button downs. It doesn't bother me anymore because I know a bunch of them are misfits and freaks like me. LOL.

I kinda dig the idea of some green leaves. I think it would balance it out. :)

I think that the big issue is your job. Figure that out first before you get the tattoo! You can manage around healing and keeping it covered but is it really worth it? For me, forearms in the South would be a PITA to keep covered for work. :|

There are a surprising number of well known, world class artists that either don't know about Tegaderm type products or never used them. For me, it's the best heal experience that I get with any tattoo. I've only dry healed a couple and the rest were healed with Tegaderm. Plus, since I travel for almost every tattoo, using it is a blessing since I don't have to worry about hotels and nasty airplanes. You find what works best for you! I leave it in for 72 hours then remove it. There's a method to getting it off with less pulling (remember that it's used in hospitals!), so if it took your skin off, hospitals most certainly wouldn't use it. @Freddie

@UNCOUTHYOUTH Your torso is insane. Love it.

I think the incense thing may be a holdover from the counter culture days. Plus, there are a lot of men using one bathroom.

Cool idea and welcome! Sorry for your loss... Where are you located?

Moron for the win. @Rikhall

Hummm...I have no expertise to offer but what a conundrum. I'd talk to your artist...

I know a guy that did 17 hours over two days. He used numbing cream for the last four hours on the second day. I'm totally okay with that situation...

Sounds like a perfect birthday, Mark! @Devious6

I think it would be interesting to explore design options that have an organic shape, like twin panthers, snakes, mermaids or something cool to wrap around your existing piece. I'd find an artist who's work that you like and explore the options with them. Good luck!

@tertia I love it! Congratulations!

We are a pretty friendly bunch here that are passionate about tattooing and we're generally very collaborative.You're first two posts were a bit harsh, IMO. You want to add a Gemini symbolism, correct? Do you want color or stick with black and gray?

There is also a new book called Cor Mysterium put out by Neversleep Publishing. It's all about tattoo symbolism with original works and descriptions for each piece. Excellent quality, too. Good luck!

Sounds like a GREAT vacation to me. Good stories, too. You earned this one, right? @Synesthesia

Details? @SStu You don't have your ribs done? I'll admit that I'm shocked! Oh, and you will be fine. I bet that you won't even notice. <evil grin> Seriously, I bet that you'll get through it better than most. Have a great session!!

I use Aquaphor very lightly that first week. Works like a charm for me... @Boiled Dove Lord, @Synesthesia, you sound like you are having a good time healing! Hang in there!