MGblues

Thanks Graeme. I kind of feel the same way, and am glad you were able to explain it as I struggle without sounding like a snob. Tattooer or not, I think everyone wants a forum that they can both contribute and learn from. The 17th thread about where to go get tattooed in San Diego does neither at this point. Maybe there is a little resentment towards some new people who feel like this forum is some sort of tattoo coincerige service, obligated to hold their hand every step of the way or maybe it's just too much like a real tattoo shop in some ways.

I came to this forum as a fluke, stayed here because there are so few people that actually understand or appreciate, tattooing. The people who do have that appreciation are some of the most amazing people I have ever internet met in my life and I am truly lucky to have found this forum. I don't see myself leaving if for just that reason alone, and I am willing to do what ever I can to keep this forum relevant.

@David Flores @Graeme @Stewart Robson Nailed it! I came here as a fluke back in July 2011 and just stuck around. I don't really post anything unless I think I have something relevant to say (I a'int looking to up my post numbers,) but this is the only forum I check daily. It's a nice little community and I hope it stays that way (I bought a T-shirt for God's sake!)

If you wanna know what true internet snobbery is like get on any Gibson guitar forum or any kind of guitar amp forum. Jesus, those tonechasing corksniffers will spend every dollar they ever made and still can't play guitar for shit.

Remembered I'd posted in here way back in October right after I got the collar rocker about how much I wanted the chest eagle.

I was worried if I could sit through it...

I could and I did!

It hurt just about as much as I thought it would!

Is it anything like pulling a nipple hair out? I think I got this..

More like pulling your entire nipple out with pliers. Sternum sucks too.

I saw this on his IG and now I know. It's you!

Funny thing @CultExciter I've totally back pedaled and going for just a classic Bert Grimm style roa.....fuck it why mess with the classics most original ideas either aren't or suck. Looking forward to getting it.

But I'm still not a Christian.

@eisen777 I went with the the Bert Grim Style I got as much for the patriotic elements that were in the original as the power of the rest of the imagery (just with prettier girls, guitars instead of harps, and SHARKS!)

As a non-believer with a ROA backpiece, my stock explanation is "I just like the picture".

I've already had to say this on several occasions.

(I really do just like the picture.)

Man, do I ever need to quit. I get free smoking cessation stuff from work and just haven't done it yet.

Finished the eagle today. It's gonna stay black & grey for now.

Some of my friends told me that chest tattoos are one of the most painful ones. Anyone can confirm this ?

I can. Yes they are.

Cheers for sittin' thru that!

Thanks @SStu, It was still more fun than going to work today!

After today the chest gets my vote!

Started the chest eagle today and I'm stoked with the results, and by how far we got with it today. Tattoo by Paul Pearson.

Does anyone else have Tom Waites stuck on loop in their head, too?

"....He gave her a dime store watch, and a ring made from a spoon...."

I had to download that song from iTunes right after the show.

Taking the day off from work tomorrow. Burning gift certificaces from Christmas and Birthday.

Getting a chest eagle w/ "AIRBORNE" banner (1st session, at least outline and shading) to make up for the one and only military tattoo i had that was on my back that's been covered with the ROA

Good call @Lori Todd and @steve1461686340 for adding this. The IG sidebar is like one-stop shopping for cool tattoos!

What was in the pocket?!?! I'm dying of curiosity!!

It wasn't much, really, a tiny safety pin, and a deposit slip from the Sterling Savings Association (We Appreciate Your Business!!!)

dated Dec 14, 1989, in the amount of $107.50. (brought this persons balance up to a whopping $163.20!!!)

I put it back in the pocket, and there it shall stay. I like having the former owner's mojo/karma, whatever you want to call it, traveling around with me.

Besides, the jacket is comfy.

Thanks to @David Flores for the tip. I scored this on eBay for $29.95. It fits, I like it and it had some cool stuff left in the pocket.

I've been holding off on dropping the bag on this, but you guys are one of the first groups of people I have wanted to tell. Keeping it quiet for the last few months has been tough. I've started apprenticing with my good friend Jason Setchel in Roanoke, Virginia. It's been a while coming. It's been a while convincing myself this is something I could even do. But tattoos and tattoo art are the biggest joy I have in life, and I'm stoked that I have someone who I trust who thinks I have what it takes to be a solid tattooer. My only goal is to keep the soul of tattooing alive and well. Luckily, you fine folks do a damn good job at it. It's amazing that you all are here.

Congrats man! That's awesome to do that. I think you've got the enthusiasm and appreciation of the art to do it right.

How's it going everyone, my name is James and I'm originally from Southern California and recently moved the the Bay Area to work as a teacher.

I had only gotten one tattoo prior to moving up here, and am excited to be around so many great shops. However, I think I might have been a little too excited.

I just got my second tattoo yesterday and now feeling some remorse because it's on the same arm as my first, and right now they don't really flow together. In addition, they're both black and grey, but styles are different as my orchids are pretty soft. There's tons of empty arm space left (which also looks pretty awkward) so I'm thinking it'll be something that fixes itself as the arm gets filled up?

Any reassurance/advice on how to think about filling the rest of the arm? I want to proceed with caution as I continue to get work done.

Abridged Version:

Pics show what I have so far

Like both separately, but want advice on how to proceed with caution to make sure everything looks kosher as I continue to get more work done.

I never set out to get a complete cohesive "sleeve" on either arm. They (the arm tattoos) just sorta happened. I'd get a piece here, a piece there, because I wanted it and it'd fit that part of the arms, then I've gone back and had filler stuff added. I just look like the taller scrawny version of Mike Ness now.

you could probably even do a pretty sick at home job. im all about doing this, and im nowhere near a seamster. i also think it adds character to the clothing, just as long as the rip/tear/hole isnt too massive.

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damn, whats the workwear/western scene looking like out there at the 2nd hand spots? seems like it would be pretty spot-on with not a lot of competition. when i moved to new mexico it was on point, and nobody was really thrifting, but i think too many hipsters moved in.

Carrhartt is the flavor where I live, and I've got one that I wear when it's cold enough...Maybe I should check the thrift stores more!

Not quite sure where to post this, but I'll stick it here.

My non-biological daughter gave me this awesome piece of art for my birthday. Some of you saw it on IG. Now I have to go get it framed.

I think that at some point I'll end up wearing it.

I got plenty of new books to look at. New glasses to look at 'em thru. And a mini keg o' Newcastle to drink.

I think my weekend is gonna be good!

I love these shirts. I have 2 other ones (the board shirts that double as light jackets) that I've had for at least 10 years. I finally broke down and ordered a new one. $100.00 shipped?!?

I don't remember them costing THAT much way back when, but, i guess any article of clothing that lasts 10 years or more is probably worth it.