hgiles

I am in a similar state. Wondering where the backpiece ends and the thigh tattoo begins or how to work the two together....

Ben, you're me hero.

I thought this was gonna be a thread about the Monaco GP in Monte Carlo. THIS is the greatest spectacle in motor racing! Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix

I hate you!

Sounds like a good city to get a nice tattoo for a fair price!

When I got tattooed by Brian Bruno he mentioned Mike Wilson and rated him highly -- as in the top two or three tattooers working today.

I was in a shop one time and there was a guy in the tattooing area looking at a Playboy magazine. I had to do a double-take to make sure I was seeing what I thought I was seeing. Once confirmed, I thought "Cool". Most shops I've been in though are more boutique-like, like a hair salon I guess, or an art gallery. I understand people like to uphold 'tradition', 'edginess', and 'mystique', but if I owned a shop I'd make sure to appeal to as many people as possible. I don't think having pornography lying around would do that. And trust me, I like women as much as the next guy. More even. ;-)

Wow Cu_Bu! Mad props!

Here's my Koeplinger rib piece for those who missed it. ;-)

I don't think he owns Tattoo Paradise unless he's some kind of silent partner. The reason I say so is because we were all joking around about him getting fired when he went to shake/mix his orange ink and ink went all over the shop floor because the cap was broken. Chad said, "I guess he can fire me if he wants to." And he really appeared to be just another artist working in the shop that day. But yeah, Chad is all over the place travel-wise. I thought he told me he was going to New England area to have lobster macaroni and cheese and do some tattooing and I hear now that he's in California at State of Grace. He said he's gonna settle in in DC saying traveling is wearing him out lately. I guess I don't know where he is tattooing...I just call the shop and ask them to call me next time he's in town -- that's how I work it.

Hunter, get what you want. Find an artist that tattoos with the 'vibe' you like then you pick the subject matter. I've got an octopus tattoo and plenty of flowers and I really don't care what people think of them.

Yeah, thanks! I was hurting for sure. I couldn't do it in one take. Two sessions - 3 hours and 4 hours.

Thanks! I was trying to post the picture from my iPad. Here is the pic:

Most painful spot to get tattooed? This one:

Here is my Chad Koeplinger Tibetan Skull:

Photos by chadkoeplinger on Instagram

I dig it! Black and grey heals so much faster and cleaner by itself. It's when you have color on top of it when the scabby parts can happen. Color has always been tougher to heal for me. Lookin' good! Looks like you're getting ready for the fun part!

Tomorrow is the day!! Stoked. Can't wait to show you guys some pics!

Would love to see pics. With Jesse, you really know you're being tattooed! But I am sure it's worth it!! Pics!

Agreed. I was never into conventions, I only went a few times to see people I would never get to see otherwise. I enjoy art and tattoos best with one like-minded individual at a time. The convention scene is not far dissimilar to the stereotypical biker scene, which I am also not into even though I love riding my Harley by myself or with one or two really close friends.

CultExciter, thanks for the suggestions! I knew you'd have some ideas. Leaning heavily toward Tony Morrell...

I am into Neo Japanese style and wondering if there are any great Japanese artists in Virginia that I need to look at. I particular like my Japanese with a Realistic twist, but mostly open to ideas and unique, creative twists on Eastern imagery. FWIW, I have work by Jesse Tseronis at Sakura tattoo, Dana Helmuth, Chad Koeplinger, and Brian Bruno. Is there anyone I am missing?

You mean you like the way it feels? Or the way it looks? ;-) He's finishing my Tibetan Skull (ribs) this weekend unless I tap out (again).

CultExciter, you were in my neck of the woods! Nice get -- on both the babe and the Honda! I drive a Honda too.

I learned a long time ago that doing something for a long time does not make anyone an automatic authority or expert. I've seen a lot worse tattoos than this though.