rdinak

Once my Artist completes my dragon half sleeve, I am thinking this will be my next project. I want it large , on my right leg, to cover a scar from a motorcycle wreck from a long time ago. All black and white except the moon. Want the moon to be a natural color. No text just the scene because it has deep meaning.

One thing I like about my artist. He is very down to earth and real. On my first visit I explained what I wanted. He politely told me there was no way and why. Based on his recommendation I adjusted course and booked an appointment. First tattoo exceeded expectations. Booked a second visit and we came up with a plan for a cover piece. Dude took a lot of photos and time drawing exactly what he thought would work in the theme I wanted covering a 20 year old tattoo. After three sessions we really hit it off and enjoy working together. My artist prefers large pieces, detailed planning, and commits to excellence. He is very careful about accepting cover work. What does this have to do with tipping? A couple nice tips let my artist know I appreciated his work. These days the appointment list is getting longer. Its nice to be able to plan ahead and know exactly what to expect. When I booked my next session for next Saturday, my artist declined a deposit because he knows I will show up a few minutes early and be relaxed. So I handed him a few Cuban cigars instead. Building relationships with the staff of a nice shop and your favorite artist are always good things. Excellent work, fun visits after the work is done to see how it is healing and referrals keep the best businesses going. I want my local shop to do well. If most of us are honest... Dont you want a raise where you work? Then put some good will out there and watch what happens.

My next session is going to be at least five hours. Just met a cool lady who wants to come with to watch and meet my artist.

Nice work. Visited Duluth a few times when I used to live in the Dakotas. The midwest is an awesome place. Best of luck to you.

Awesome work

Having an old tried dragon cover by a much larger dragon. Whatever makes you happy. After my half sleeve project is complete I will going for second flag theme tattoo. My ink is for me and no one else. Get whatever you like in as many styles as you like.

Went and made my appointment for the next phase of my dragon half sleeve. Have to until Nov 11th because my artist is booked on large pieces for the next three weekends.

Looks good. Keep it clean and use a quality aftercare product for the next few weeks to keep the area moisturized. Always good to protect your new work of art from the sun.

Check out Jade Dragon. They have been there a long time and have some first class talent. If I were visiting Chicago again...I would absolutely go there and get another tattoo, My last experience there was excellent. http://www.jadedragontattoo.com/

I am a fossil and just getting back into ink after many years. A lot has changed in the past 20 years. These days my artist cleans you up and sends you home in a tegaderm patch with detailed instructions for aftercare. I leave the tegaderm on for 5-7 days depending on the size of the work. Then I carefully remove the tegaderm in a steamy shower. I carefully clean the area with an anti bacterial soap and then apply one of the following products. 1. Hustle Butter-Nice coconut smell and very good on large pieces. 2. Griffins Tattoo Salve- Sold at my local shop. A very fine wax like product. Non Greasy and will not stick to your clothing 20 minutes after application. 3. Ora's tattoo salve-Best I have tried to stop the itch... Stay out of the sun and dont go in the water. Dont even think about cutting the grass in the heat while wearing a tegaderm patch.... Call me OCD. I keep my fresh ink well moisturized and clean for 30 days Very Nice work. Take care of it and enjoy.

Awesome thread-My parents are in their 80's. Father is a very conservative Baptist minister. My mom was always cool. When I got my first ink a long time ago, it was never an issue. I respect my parents even though I am 56. At my age its cool if my ink peaks out from under my short sleeve shirt. LOL You know it's good when your mom knows you wear a confederate flag and she smiles. My Niece thinks I am crazy..just a generational thing I guess

I am a history buff and a bit of a rebel from way back. Went against the current tide and got a Confederate flag. It does not show it under a short sleeve shirt. Some of my ink is for me and no one else. On the other hand...if my dragon half sleeve peaks out from my shirt I have great pride and will give you my artist card.

tomorrow the tegaderm comes off the touch up on my flag. small amount of work has only caused a mild itch. Hustle butter standing by...

I prepare my skin by applying hustle butter for about a week prior to my next session. Wear comfortable clothes and hydrate. Not with alcohol...LOL. Eat a good healthy meal and rest well.

My half sleeve is going to be 12-15 hours minimum. I am good for 4-5 hours and then my artist ask for minimum 30 days in between sessions. Quality is always worth the wait. Go slow. Listen to your body.

I mention three products I have used and like. 1. Griffin Tattoo Salve-sold at my local shop. Works great, not greasy and almost like a wax. I can put it on in the morning and my work shirts dont stick to it during the day. 2. Hustle Butter-works great at night when I get home and need to cover a large area. Nice coconut smell...Just dont go accidentally bumping into the wall with a fresh coat on your new half sleeve. Its a job to clean...ask me how I know this? 3. Ora's Amazing herbal tattoo salve-Best product I have tried to stop the itch. I keep my fresh ink moist for 30 days with products designed to protect my ink. Moisturizing a week before your next week makes the artist job easier.

Have been going through a surprise divorce after 34 years. Learning how to live and be at peace again. New Ink helps.

Going in Monday to have the flag on my left arm finished. I am excited. Bumped the wall last night with my right arm covered in hustle butter after the tegaderm came off the dragon. Saying that left a mark is an understatement. Been wearing Google out trying to find out how to clean that greasy spot off the wall without having to repaint. LOL

My artist has me wait 30 days in between sessions on one tattoo. Going in Monday to finish the work my flag. That was done about five weeks ago. In the process of having a half sleeve dragon done to cover a 20 year dragon that had grown tired over the years. Having to wait 30 days before the next session on the dragon.

My shop uses tegaderm film after your work is done. My artist suggested leaving it on five to seven days. After Two tattoo's my experience is leave the film on and follow directions and leave the film on. After five-seven days I took the film off in a hot steamy shower. Cleaned the area with Tattoo goo cleaning soap. Gently patted the area down. Tried three different products. 1. Griffin Salve-Works great, does not stick to my work shirts if allowed to dry for 30 minutes in the morning. Does not stick to sheets at night after a shower....A+ 2. Ora's Tattoo Salve-Smells good, a little more greasy but it stops the itch. Takes longer to dry in the morning but works great. Reapply at night and you are good 3. Hustle butter-smells like coconut oil. great on the skins and last for hours/ May stick to you work clothes but the effects on your skin tell the story I am 6 and have no illusions of youth . Do your research and see whose work last the best in your area. Names and fsces may worry some

All of my ink is covered by a short sleeve shirt..My artist recommends using a daily moisturiser to keep the skin fresh like some high maintenance woman's face...LOL. Take care of the canvas and the artwork will be fine. Keep you ink out of the sun and avoid sunburn at all cost. Sun block is your friend. Old tattoos are the easiest to cover or rework. After 20 years some new ink may be in order. My first tattoo is 20 years old. I am in the process of having it covered with a cool half sleeve.

Four days later I can feel the dragon working its was into my skin..Still wearing the clear bandage for a couple more days. But the itch is starting...

cool

I generously tip my artist because his work will be with me for a while. The first session I tipped over 50% the cost of the work. On my next visit, I tipped just under 50% but included a couple small gifts on the front end. I dont mind when my artist needs a smoke break or to have a quick break for lunch. He doesn't mind when I say I need to stretch. At my age I am only good for about 4 or 5 hours and then I am exhausted. Quality is always worth the price and the wait. Showing a little gratitude and respect will have most artist doing some really extraordinary work. The waitress that served me a nice meal is nowhere near the same level as the guy whose ink I wear with pride for the next 20 years. Just one old guy's perspective...

Ok I sat in the chair for a little over 5 hours today. Off to a great start. Will go back in about three weeks for color. My artist was excited when I presented him the Cuban cigar. The afternoon passed quickly with lots of great conversation. Little did my artist know the old guy had attended Tool concerts... Before 20 year old Dragon showing a little age. Work in progress Life is good