rdinak

Cool design. keep this pics coming

Artist are unique. Some are quite talented, some have better social skills than others. It is a rare blend of personality, artistic talent, and customer base that shape one. My artist and I have a long term understanding of each other. the first time I inquired about a project he wa direct, abrupt and to the point of what would not work. I went back a week later and made an appointment.  The project exceeded my expectations. So much that I booked a large, long term piece on my other arm. So after over 25-30 hours work, I have to be very specific about I what I want on a project.

When I ask can you do this? Can you do that? The reply is I want you to get exactly what you want. 4 pieces later my artist and I are great friends. 

When you see the variety of folks that come through the door and some of the questions they ask you start to gain perspective. Its a crazy journey. 

While not a prude or expert on the subject....its laughable to me when your artist thanks you for wearing deodorant to an appointment. Really...like everyone does not get that? Oh yes these guys/ladies see it all. and that my friend is keeping it mild.

Hope this helps

very nice work. I would say stay with the same theme.

all the best

Nice work! Cool design.

I leave the shop in tegaderm. Wear it from five to seven days depending on the itch factor.  After that I have detailed ritual of cleaning the area with Tattoo Goo antibacterial soap. Then I apply hustle butter once a day for ten days. A very light coat. No petroleum based products touch my ink. I always gently pat down when coming out of the shower vs the rigorous towel sanding while in the healing process.

Hope this helps

had two pieces touched up last Wednesday.

So now its Friday...I am  still wearing the tegaderm, and it is starting to itch......I love when the skin tightens after the session. And comes then the dreaded itch comes..MUST RESIST the urge to rub or scratch..LOL

Your artist says sorry dude we are done for today....

You buy five books researching your summer project?

Please Share your thoughts

Original was my first tattoo from 20 years ago. Met with my artist to see what would work. He took several photos, did an outline tracing and committed to drawing what might work. The old dragon was 20 years old and tired.  Got it on a business trip in Chicago at the Jade Dragon Tattoo Parlor. At the time a group of young, enthusiastic managers went downtown to see the iconic tattoo shop. 6 of us left with new ink. Many years later, I wanted something new, fresh and keeping with the dragon theme. 

My artist carefully explained what colors would work, what design would work and the size of the new piece to effectively cover the old work. Little did I know this was going to be a journey, a process and commitment of many months. Once I saw the stencil and the pc screen illustrating the color choices. I decided to take the plunge.

First session was about four-five hours for outline work.

Second session was the beginning of shading. (4-5 hours)

Third Session more color. ( five hours)

Fourth Session-almost done ( Was coming down with the flu and getting cold chills and shaking thinking I was getting cold) close to 4 hours..

Have been back for two touch up sessions and have the last one scheduled this week. If you notice the yellow areas in the whiskers and scales between the horns, a little more color saturation is needed to prevent the old image from showing through. 

Comments-Cover work can be very complex. Its a blend of design, choosing the appropriate colors that will cover light and dark and going larger to find a design that will obscure the old work. It may never be completely invisible, however the focus of the new work will draw the eye away from the previous work. Detailed shading and design is never one and done. Plan on more than visit to get the deep color saturation you desire and to cover the old areas. I waited 30 days in between sessions to allow my skin to heal and allow my artist to see what really needed to be done next. Learned a lot about what after care products I prefer. When doing a lot of shading work, some products with lidocaine do make a difference. While you might not experience the same level of relief on line work. When shading and the pores get opened up..there is a difference.  At my age-(56) five hours is longest I can sit. Four hours is much easier. Having a cool artist that understands you and the end goal are very important. I wont be doing any more cover work but I plan on lots more ink. Have had a couple more new pieces since this piece was almost done. 

Hope this helps those thinking about cover work. My artist explained he would much rather work on a 20 year old piece than one done six months ago.

Just one old guys experience.

Cover work can  be done. Its most often going to be larger and only a good artist can advise you on what will and will not work as far as design, color and placement. 

In your case some color fill, highlights and little background of your choosing will make this look completely  different. 

Good luck on your journey.

PS

You are way too young to fail at life. Never be afraid to live your dreams and pursue them. Life is about choices. Our choices shape our path.

My skin never reacts to ink. However the edges of where the tegaderm were applied show a red outline for about a week after I remove the tegaderm. I am very meticulous in my cleaning ritual and aftercare. I carefully clean the area with Hush tattoo foam and then apply Richie Bulldog Hustle Butter for ten days after the tegaderm comes off. All just part of the deal for me.

Crazy beyond words. I am getting the rest of Sailor Jerry piece done tomorrow. My Ex Wife wants to come and watch my artist work. She wants her first Ink and only trust the guy who does my ink....

I work in very conservative environment. My ink is very personal. I dress in clothes that easily conceal my ink. Neck/hands are not an option. Neither is a full sleeve.

If you are in a position to do so without negative consequences....go for it.

That will be no small project. Take the time to meet with an artist who understands and does good cover work. The artist can explain which colors will work and how much larger the cover piece will need to be to allow proper blending, shading and design. Plan on multiple sessions. 

Going in Saturday to make an appointment for the rest of this vision.  I envisioned this as a two piece project for deeply personal reasons. I saw this photo on line and knew it was I wanted subject to my artist interpretation.... The first half on my back. Second half coming out of my chest above my heart. Yes my divorce comes to mind. This project brings closure on many levels.

Life is good. Ink is good!

Pardon the glare.  First half a Sailor Jerry type tattoo. The lower half of the blade is going to come out of my chest just above the heart.  A very personal spin on a classic. My artist did great this afternoon!

I am having an ink jones. Still planning on a large Japanese back piece to tie into my dragon. So I am going in Thursday to get a traditional Sailor Jerry dagger on my left shoulder.

To each his own. My ink is very personal and covered in my conservative work environment. I dont judge on extreme body modification but I think these folks may have a hard a hard time getting a job one day.

If I had the money and time I would be wearing a full body suit under my work clothes.

Failing to see the art aspect here. But hey some folks would say the same about my work.

Considering a mirror image of a flag tattoo before I start on a large summer project piece on my back. How many here have a mirror image of a tattoo on the same body part?

When my artist does touch ups. I don't pay the usual hourly fee but I enjoy tipping and presenting gifts. Concert tickets, paper towels, bactine,  & monster drinks are always cool. When working on a larger piece the idea of one and done dont apply. Waiting 30 days in between sessions allows my old skin to heal and the artist to see small details he would like to improve on.  The process and the journey are great when you know the shop staff and your artist. As with most things in life..a little courtesy goes a long way.

Big fan of hustle butter. Helps with the itch better than anything else I have tried. Nice coconut smell too.  Once I remove the Tegaderm, I use a light coat in the morning for about ten days. 

A little over six hours is the longest I have gone. Four to five hours is a lot more comfortable. 

I personally wait 30 days in between sessions. Allow your body to heal and give the artist time to see their work after a few weeks. 

At this point I am in for about 20 hours. A few bonus hours thrown in by my Artist.  

Sorry for the middle age fat man  gut profile. Working on it....LOL

Went back for another session today. Made great strides of progress. Shop was quiet on a weekday. I took the gang a box of hot wings and a chocolate cake. Artist thinks we need one more touch session after everything heals to get the final blending and shading. The areas near my armpits almost had me standing up. 

@Acedia   that is some awesome work.

thewitchhunter-awesome dragon