Oiocha

I've heard not filling the eyes in until the end is a way to motivate flaky clients into returning for future appointments.

My artist finished the eyes of my dragon last. He said once the eyes where done the dragon is alive and to continue tattooing it would cause the dragon pain.

Hello! I hope that this is the right place to ask these questions - I've already read through the entire thread and found lots of excellent information, so thank you all for that! 
I'm getting my left upper thigh and half of my back tattooed in December/January, and I was wondering, if I'm not very hairy (I'm Asian so really just a tiny bit of peach fuzz), will they shave me anyway before my tattoo?
I'm also wondering if anyone meditates to help deal with the pain?  This is my first large tattoo (I have 2 fairly small ones already) and after reading through the back tattoo thread, I'm a little worried.  I already meditate now and practice breathing techniques, but I want to be as prepared as possible.  
I have to travel for my tattoo (1.5 hour flight each way) and for my first session for the outline (6 hours scheduled), I have booked my flight in and out on the same day - was this a silly move?  
Last question that might seem really dumb - if the majority of my tattoo will be on my back, I imagine I'll be lying down on my front a lot so I was wondering if I should get a straw to drink water from?  

1) You can shave or they can...I always shave myself. 🙂
2) Yes (kinda). Bring your music and earbuds. Eat. Drink. Rest up the night before. Bring snacks. Lots of sugary snacks. Six hours is a long appointment. Bring a pashima or hoodie to make yourself extra comfy. Don't forget your phone charger!
3) You are going to be stressed about your flight but you will be fine. You will be all wrapped up!
4) There will be plenty options to drink you water, coconut water, Gatorade, etc. It's not like you are pinned down. 
You got this!
@naturalbornchiller

I'm a month shy of 25y/o.  I'm just not a movie guy; I'm a comic book and punk guy.  I also like the Mohawk Hot stuff, very 80's-90's NYHC. Wonderful tattoo though, lets not take away from that.

I’m incredibly bruised and tight but here is the progress!

I didn't know what Gorilla Biscuits was. Had to look it up. I'd guess I'm quite a bit older than @Oiocha?

I like the wee fella with the mohawk to the left of mine, too. But I've been obsessed with the Clockwork Orange one for yonks—probably because this bit of flash is hung on the wall beside the bench in the waiting area. There are so many great ones on that sheet. I've stared at it lots of times. Also, I love Hot Stuff, and I already have a little editor one with glasses and spectacles that Josh drew up to represent me (I'm a proofreader/copyeditor.).  🙂

Well this will be something to experience, I was really hoping to hold onto ignorance.  I'm decidedly only getting something palm sized anyways, nothing too long or arduous.  I get my fill of long sessions with Tomo
 

With Hellboy and Gorilla Biscuits being there, my heart is elsewhere. They are all killers.

With Hellboy and Gorilla Biscuits being there, my heart is elsewhere. They are all killers.

Love your lil Hot Stuff! @oboogie
And to add - Robert is exactly as nice as everyone says he is!!

Oh, of course!  You keep adding more and more amazing tattoos to your collection!  

I’m incredibly bruised and tight but here is the progress!

Side profile Lord Ganesha, made to fit by Robert. Another awesome tattoo located in a place that I will never see it.... 🙂

Well this will be something to experience, I was really hoping to hold onto ignorance.  I'm decidedly only getting something palm sized anyways, nothing too long or arduous.  I get my fill of long sessions with Tomo
 

tebori is just a different kind of pain haha

My modus operandi is "questionable planning". Like almost all of my prior appointments it will be two days ~4 hours each then drive straight from SoG to the airport. Freshly wrapped but hopefully not leaking ink around the TSA scanners!

Tebori supposedly hurts less, also if you jump on the plane the morning/day after its still a dull throb and didn't really bother me and I flew from Cali to FL, you will do great.  

Tebori supposedly hurts less, also if you jump on the plane the morning/day after its still a dull throb and didn't really bother me and I flew from Cali to FL, you will do great.  

Tebori supposedly hurts less, also if you jump on the plane the morning/day after its still a dull throb and didn't really bother me and I flew from Cali to FL, you will do great.  

The inevitable continuation of my self-flagellation tattoo coverage towards an accidental bodysuit is continuing. I have the appointment set for less than two months from now for Horifuji at State of Grace to put a tennyo on my back/arse/rear of my upper thighs. Bringing it up again as I am seeing more posts from people with their back work and it is suddenly becoming real to me that it is happening awfully soon. I am only somewhat terrified, at this point. Sitting in a plane with a freshly tattooed arse is not something I ever imagined I would have to be concerned with, frankly. Tebori needles near my tailbone. What could possibly go wrong
 😧

My sleeve is almost finished, and I love it.  I thought the panda would be my first and only tattoo.  Hahahaha!

Emailed Siebert.... hoping he will be back in SF and I can save a flight to Austin. Fingers crossed. I won't be able to make to Bay Area Convention this year.

He is doing machine shading because I'm coming from so far away, we're trying to get it done as efficiently as possible for all parties involved.  It hurts like any tattoo does, the back definitely has some sensitive stuff going on.  I only have my right leg done otherwise and the jump in pain scale was pretty tremendous for me but I made the 8 hour appointment and I got through it.  You'll survive your appointment if out of stubborn-ness alone like I have.
 
@Gingerninja thanks!  I toughed it out thanks in part to your app you sent me!  Mike Saurez and Molly complimented me for being TUFF and it made it a little easier and made me feel a little better.   The numbing cream was the silent hero for my ribs though.
 
 
I'm also booked in with Monji while he is at Inksmith and Rogers in October!