rdinak

Made an appointment for next Thursday. Going to get a Sailor Jerry Boston Terrier on my leg. Something close to this except the colors will change a little to match my dog. She is a seal brendle Boston

Made an appointment for next Thursday. Going to get a Sailor Jerry Boston Terrier on my leg. Something close to this except the colors will change a little to match my dog. She is a seal brendle Boston

Made an appointment for next Thursday. Going to get a Sailor Jerry Boston Terrier on my leg. Something close to this except the colors will change a little to match my dog. She is a seal brendle Boston

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!
 
 

Couple thoughts-The work looks good.
I have a large cover piece and understand cover work. You can see my post in the cover tattoo section.  Frequently Cover work is never going to make the first work completely invisible. What it does is draw attention to the new work. Full color saturation is seldom one and done. 

JAC1961  Cool finished project-Very nice

My tiger half sleeve was finished on Tuesday.  Super happy with it and how well it's healing.  Work by Kevin Stress at Enso Tattoo in Columbus, OH.  Great artist and shop, would recommend to anyone.  Let me know what you think!
 

An action shot with me on the near table.

<<<Photos borrowed from the artist's IG>>>

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!
 
 

I grew up as a kid that was bullied and did all I could to not stand out or be notice as to not bring down more hurtful things upon myself.  I also had a mom that as good as she was, was a child of the depression and wasn't at all accepting of things she wasn't familiar with.  Add to that, I spent my adult life working in a profession that no matter how open minded they claimed to be, didn't want any nonconformists.  I just admired tattoos and don't really consider them a possibility.  I had one coworker with tattoos and occasionally talked to him about getting one.
I was fortunate enough to retire early.  It took a month or so, but it dawned me that I no longer had any of those restraints and could do as I damn well pleased.  First I got my ears pierced and then my first tattoo.  It's been very liberating to kinda give the world the bird, lol.  I'm currently part way thru a half sleeve and spend most nights cruise the net dreaming of future work and artists.

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.
 
 

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.
 
 

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.
 
 

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.
 
 

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.
 
 

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.
 
 

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.
 
 

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.

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!
 
 

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!
 
 

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!
 
 

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!
 
 

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!
 
 

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!