KRod

Session 2 on Monday with Philip Szlosek at Kings Avenue Tattoo for my Gustave Dore inspired sleeve. Loving the way it's coming out so far!

Finally started my sleeve based off Gustave Dore's Crowned Virgin. Got most of the outline done, still have to add the dragon with the rocks/water. Can't wait to go back in two weeks!

Thanks everyone. First session was yesterday. Tipping each session!

I know that tipping varies around the world, and even state to state in the US. I'm in NY and starting my sleeve tomorrow. I'm definitely going to tip, the question is whether to tip after each session or to wait until the end. I looked at some old threads, but couldn't find an answer. Sorry if it's been asked before and I just couldn't find it. Thanks!

Matt "Skinny" Bagwell - also working out of Kings Avenue. His instagram name is xskinnyx

Welcome! Check out some of Mike Rubendall's work. Unfortunately he books around 2 years out, and he just opened his scheduling a few weeks back for 2016-2017, but all the work I've seen from the guys in his shop is great. King's Avenue Tattoo (they have a shop on the Bowery, and one on LI)

Looks great!

Sleeve based off Gustave Dore's Crowned Virgin Vision of John at King's Avenue Tattoo in NY. Not with Rubendall, but love the work of the guy that's doing my sleeve! Can't wait!!!

Great advice. I like your plan, but maybe wait a little before such a big commitment. I look at the tattoos I got when I was 19 and they don't necessarily mean much and I'm pretty glad they're on my back where they're not visible every day. I'm 38 now and I'm getting my sleeve done next month. I had an idea a couple years ago, sat on it, and made sure it was what I wanted prior to committing to a larger scale piece. I can relate to the desire to wanting to get tattooed, but I think the idea of some smaller ones first is a great idea!

I like the skull - I can defiinitely relate to "You know the whole, I want a tattoo, Im young, that picture on the wall looks ok type lol." I don't see why the others couldn't be covered with the St. Michael theme that you want. I'm in the same boat with wanting to cover up old tattoos, so let me know how it goes!

I think it looks nice as well, but like people have said previously, your opinion is the only one that matters. Did you like the look when it was stenciled and just didn't like how it transferred to your skin? I'm sure you could go to an artist and explain what you were looking for and they could draw up some addition to the piece that would hopefully make you happy!

Just put the lotion on the skin!

Thanks everyone. I know that some artists don't like doing cover-ups. In your experience, would an artist be honest and tell me that they aren't comfortable doing cover-ups or that the tattoos would be better off being removed with laser? The place I'm going for my arm has a great reputation and great artists, so I don't think I would have to worry about someone just telling me "yes," and taking my money and leaving me with a bad tattoo. Again, just like to have some idea before going and asking.

Seems a little creepy to me. I think I'd rather have an artist's rendition of the tattoos as opposed to the actual skin.

Yep - I have my artist chosen, but I was just trying to get a basic idea before going to see him. Thanks!

Hi guys, came here looking for advice on removal/cover up. I have a couple tattoos on my back that I got when I was 19/20 (I'm now 38). I'm getting new work on my arm next month, and I'd eventually like to incorporate the new arm piece with my back. The back tattoos don't really have any meaning, they were just something I picked off the wall when I was in college. So I'm wondering if the back tattoos are ok to cover, or if I'll need to look at partial or full laser removal before getting new work. - - - Updated - - - I guess attaching the photos would help.