Lance

I totally get that. I hate waiting in between sessions too but the delay builds up anticipation and I'm really excited by the time the session comes. I don't enjoy the pain but adding on pieces just makes me happy because I appreciate the art. Not to mention being tattooed you're just sitting there so mentally for me, I can put myself in a quasi-zen state depending on where I'm being tattooed. Even though I hate those periods in between, I'm not necessarily in a rush to get them done either. Unless it means I get to start the next addition I suppose.

That Roper backpiece is amazing! Thanks for posting and sharing your photographs too. Much appreciated.

I had the chance to go to the Bay Area Convention of the Tattoo Arts today and I now consider myself spoiled silly. Backpieces and bodysuits! Not only was I able to purchase a copy of the impressive 2 vol. Bloodwork: Bodies collection, which documents some outstanding pieces, but I was also able to attend Horitomo's presentation on backpieces. I don't know about others who may have attended today but I found it very enlightening. Essentially addressing a variety of Horitomo's own beliefs on how a traditional backpiece evolved to it's current state since the Edo Period, his belief on traditional composition, what makes up a "completed" backpiece, the differences between pieces for men vs. women, even the traditional belief that the bacpiece should be the bearer's first tattoo prior to adding sleeves. In my own account this was the exact opposite of my own planning, where I'd started with my arms. Jill, had mentioned this to me, and there are many examples of this in Japanese tattoo magazines, but I always assumed it had to do with the traditional idea of hiding the tattoo behind clothing. It was then interesting to hear Horitomo giving examples of how adding sleeves first was potentially detrimental to the composition of background in an artistic composite. Even an artist's signature added to the tattoo, which was debated in another post was discussed.

It was a great opportunity for me to look into the traditional Japanese tattoo mindset without having to question the authenticity of the source as there's so much "exoticism" sometimes applied. There's another seminar tomorrow and I'd recommend it. Besides it also comes with Horitomo's new book too. Bonus! Anyone else's thoughts about it today?

Now I've never had an interest to be a Tattoo Artist. I like art and used to draw a lot but was never interested in tattooing. I have a lot of non-tattooed friends though and one night over dinner they asked why I never became a Tattooist. Rather than get into a long winded discussion I didn't really care to get into my response was, "Asses!!! I don't want to spend time hovering over and poking a smelly naked guy in the ass! No smelly asses! Can't do it!".

That photo starting the post is the epitome of that idea. Ha ha!

Paying for a tattoo with a credit card?! That's just weird to me. I don't know why, but it just feels odd. Paying with cash has just part of the process for me. You suck it up, cut down on spending elsewhere to save some cash, and after finally saving enough I get an awesome tattoo. Afterwards as I hand over the cash thinking, "hmm I could have vacationed in Hawaii with that. Eh, whatevs.".

Seriously though, I'm so used to paying cash, I was actually surprised when I realized some shops actually do accept credit cards.

Skirts, kilts, robes, loin cloths, gotcha! Ha ha, perhaps I can ask a nurse friend of mine to grab me one of those patient gowns that tie down the back :p

Thanks all, It does make sense to call the actual shop to make sure what they prefer but they've been busy with the SF Convention coming up so thought I'd do some homework on the side.

In all seriousness, what I did was bring a bathrobe to State of Grace and change into it in the bathroom. But I put it on backwards and tied it so that Jill could just untie it when she was ready to work.

Be sure to ask her how Bill and Junii handle the upper thigh portion of backpieces. :)

Bill and Junii huh? Is her backpiece by one of them? Is this the reason why she hasn't finished hers? Ha ha.

Did I mention that the robe in question was fairly Lebowski-esque?

And anyone that decides to tattoo his or her entire ass is already looney bin material. :)

Looney bin material? What are you saying? You mean it's not going to make me more appealing to SF FiDi women in power suits? C'mon I'm their dream date. The whole money and claws bit. Ha ha ;)

I know how awkward it is for some artists to ask a client to undress, so I avoid that awkwardness by undressing completely before all tattoos, regardless of placement. Common courtesy, really.

Ahhh, I should really learn from Hogg, otherwise I wouldn't have my own question about stripping down for a backpiece. I just started adding the background to my backpiece. The 1st session, we outlined my upper back and sides. But my next 2 sessions will be to outline my waist to the back of knees, so I'm going to have to get nekkid. Taking a bath, obviously avoiding food that will give me the backside burps, and tipping double aside (cuz really, who wants to stare at bloody swollen ass for hours?), what do Artists prefer their clients do? Do you just expect your clients to strip down, cup 'em and cough? Or should I go about looking for a fundoshi (sp?)? I only had to strip down completely once for outlining when I got the main subject done, but now that I'll have to strip down more often what's other people's experience? Also it's been said in earlier posts to avoid shaving yourself, but in this situation, really? As I said, my artist is already going to be hovering over my butt, the least I can do is shave the back of my legs, no? Any other advice? Any and all are welcome. Thanks in advance.

@Lance beat me to it. We both pretty much said the same thing.

Yeah, but it's always good to have confirmation on tattoo subjects and meanings. Especially when it comes from an actual artist's perspective.

Okay that might have sounded sarcasic and dismissive, that wan't the intention. Sometimes tradition matters and sometimes it's what looks good. For me tradition matters somewhat, but for someone else they don't have to go 100%. 75% will do.

As I look through examples of what I might want, a question came to my mind.

What is the general feeling in the tattooing world about poetic license with regard to specific styles of tattoos? In other words, is it frowned upon for someone to take a traditional Japanese design and make it ................... less Japonese?

I am looking at a Phoenix which isnt just a Japonese design but there are some done in a Japonese style. I like the ones I see that have more of an eagle or falcon type head as opposed to the chicken or peakock looking head. I am assuming there is no real big issue with the phoenix but chime in if you feel differently.

I do wonder about more traditional designs that are more specifically Japonese though. What is the general feeling with breaking tradition?

I think that's a decision you will need to make as it will be on you. How much do you care about remaining traditional and respecting cultures? I'm sure you can work with your chosen artist to create a badass chicken head if you wanted. My memory is fuzzy and could be wrong so someone correct me, but I think a Japanese/Chinese phoenix is a mixture of several specific creatures like a chimera. So if you change what's supposed to be cocks comb/pheasants head to an eagle then that might seem odd to some people. I'm sure most people wouldn't even notice though. That being said I want to add that you should remember there is actually a difference in meaning between an asian style phoenix (ho-o) and the phoenix in the western world. If it's the image you like sans KFC head, cool, but if you are trying to represent a certain mentality, meaning, blah, blah, blah to it, then make sure you get the right type of phoenix tattooed. I've heard/seen plenty of people with a Japanese style ho-o and their LA Ink sob story is actually refering to the Greek or Egyptian Phoenix not the east asian meaning. At that point I sigh, and imagine smacking them in the back of their head for not researching and reading up on mythology.

Also to be honest I do favor traditional japanese work and cringed a lot during the 90's and early 2000's when I saw horible faux Japanese work walking around everywhere.

Welcome, Lance! I also have a tattoo from Jill. Love the work she's done on you. When you get your background, you're gonna look suited!

Thanks, this piece is going to be insane. Jill was telling me, all pieces combined, it's turning out very traditional so she's taking great care about how we approach the background and possible future work. Yeah your backpiece is pretty amazing itself. Actually, were you at State of Grace the tail end of May or beginning of June maybe? For a photo shoot for a book Taki is working on? I'd just finished being shot a few minutes earlier when someone came in with his wife (or gf) and their little one. When he took off his shirt in front of Jill and Taki, I saw a good portion of his snake piece. My jaw literally dropped to the floor.

beautiful tattoos! I'd love to make it down to State of Grace or their convention soon. Hi!

Hey! Yeah, I can't wait for the Convention too! They always have great Artists there and last year's show drove me to rags after all the books I was able to add to my library. This year it's all about the Bloodwork: Bodies book and there's no way I'm missing out on the Horitomo lecture.

The attending Artists excite me as is but I can't wait for the Horitomo lecture! That and the Bloodwork: Bodies book have me counting down the days.

I bought this on iTunes last week. I think it was really cool and loved seeing all the work and learning more about the man and his experiences. I can't believe for years, before being tattooed, I was so anal and hung up on the purity of traditional Japanese tattoos, that when I learned about him, I lumped him into the same category as the random guy who worked at the random corner shop who did a really awful bastardized version of what they thought Japanese was supposed to be. Talk about being uneducated. Luckily I learned the error of my ways fast, and can see his work for what it is, so I can enjoy things like this documentary and try to educate my friends who only know him in regards to Christian Audigier (sp?).

On that note his show at Fort Mason in SF was an eye opener too.

Thanks! Is this the Black Widow spider on SOG's Facebook page? That's pretty sweet! All the pictures they were uploading while he was guesting there were impressive. Ben Grillo is awesome.

I work at a corporate architecture firm. There are a couple of people with tattoos but nothing more than an arm band or small piece on a calf. Who knows there could be others like me though who choose to cover their tattoos. I figure appearing and acting professional is the best policy. I don't need my career affected by someone else's judgement on outdated ideas. Also, sometimes a potential client will want to come in to the office for meetings and to tour our work environment. When a multi-million dollar project comes walking through the door, that may not be the best time to show off your tattoos. Sides, being in SF, it's not the warmest of climates so I tend to be wearing long sleeves out of necessity.

The funny thing is, a couple weeks ago, I was hanging out with a few co-workers for happy hour. A few of the women, noticed one of my sleeves peeking from my shirt cuff. They were really excited someone in the Office had "tats". It was actually really funny how their eyes bugged out and jaws dropped. Ever since then they've been egging me on to roll up my shirt sleeves or wear t-shirts to work just to expose my tattoos. I'm supposed to be the new catalyst to inject some kind of social energy into the office and liven things up. Most people in the office are very family oriented or just lacking in engaging conversation skills outside of work topics. I just find this idea funny, but can see their mentality as they're all relatively young. I'm the tattooed novelty. The inadvertant new purse dog.

It has got me thinking however if I really should cover up all the time. I should let my work experience speak for itself and if there are problems, do I really want to be at a place like that? The workplace environment will never change afterall unless someone steps up and becomes a good representation for others to see.

BTW, I'd previously timed out of my login before being able to post this, so sorry if this is a re-hash.

I work at a corporate architecture firm. There are a couple of people with tattoos but nothing more than an arm band or small piece on a calf. Who knows there could be others like me though who choose to cover their tattoos. I figure appearing and acting professional is the best policy. I don't need my career affected by someone else's judgement on outdated ideas. Also, sometimes a potential client will want to come in to the office for meetings and to tour our work environment. When a multi-million dollar project comes walking through the door, that may not be the best time to show off your tattoos. Sides, being in SF, it's not the warmest of climates so I tend to be wearing long sleeves out of necessity.

The funny thing is, a couple weeks ago, I was hanging out with a few co-workers for happy hour. A few of the women, noticed one of my sleeves peeking from my shirt cuff. They were really excited someone in the Office had "tats". It was actually really funny how their eyes bugged out and jaws dropped. Ever since then they've been egging me on to roll up my shirt sleeves or wear t-shirts to work just to expose my tattoos. I'm supposed to be the new catalyst to inject some kind of social energy into the office and liven things up. Most people in the office are very family oriented or just lacking in engaging conversation skills outside of work topics. I just find this idea funny, but can see their mentality as they're all relatively young. I'm the tattooed novelty. The inadvertant new purse dog.

It has got me thinking however if I really should cover up all the time. I should let my work experience speak for itself and if there are problems, do I really want to be at a place like that? The workplace environment will never change afterall unless someone steps up and becomes a good representation for others to see.

BTW, I'd previously timed out of my login before being able to post this, so sorry if this is a re-hash.

Thanks All, glad to be here.

This post has been my favorite so far. It's a large reason why I joind and I think it needs some fresh love. Here's my backpiece, fresh after the final session a few months ago. Jill Bonny (Horiyuki) at State of Grace Tattoo in San Jose has done all my work to date.

After a few months off, I decided to add background. We start again this weekend.

I have to agree with everyone else in regards to Jill Bonny. She creates the BEST phoenix/ho-o tattoos. She's just damn good, period! If you're looking for a phoenix tattoo, I recommed travelling over to SF/SJ. Make an experience of it, and enjoy the ride.

BTW, she did my sleeve about...eh, 3 years ago:

Hi Tammy,

Thanks for stopping by. I'm an architect and work on Hospital projects. If the government asked, I live in LA, but my project is in SF, so for the past 3 years I've been living 85-90% of my time in SF. I go to State of Grace in SJ for all my tattoo work. Feel free to take a look at my profile gallery to see the work Jill's been able to grace me with.

See you around the Forum!

Lance

Hi!

I'm Lance, nice to finally be a part of this. I swap time between Los Angeles and San Francisco for work. San Jose for tattoo work. I've been following this site for a while now and figured I'd might as well step up. Hope to be a useful contributer and learn some history and about the art/artists in the process.

Cheers!

Lance