JAC1961

Go read the forum rules. This is not a place to teach people how to tattoo.

Yes, it is a common phenomenon. It's a common question here. Take a breath and relax, it will pass.

I follow quite a few local shops on social media along with others that I'd some day like to travel to and in the last week I'm seeing a reoccurring theme. The lock down of tattoo shops in many states is quickly causing financial problems for the shop owners and tattooers. Many are selling merch and paintings or prints and offering to do commissioned artwork. The shop that I've gone to the most is selling gift cards to carry them thru this lean times. I realize many collectors are also laid off or facing reduced hours, but if you are in a position to help consider throwing a little something their way. It'd be a shame to lose a bunch of good shops and artists that we'll be wanting and needing when this whole nightmare is over.

And it seems to me since you questioned the artist multiple times, you must have already known that you shouldn't do it. That puts at least 50% of the responsibility on you.

Funny thing is, I'd feel safer going to any tattoo shop that I've ever been to compared to the vast majority of restaurants or stores.

A lot of shops around here have just started announcing today that they're closing. The average seems to be until April 1, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's longer.

My 2 cents. 3 koi are too much. They'd be so small they'd lose their detail and look amateurish. If you're really set on having 3, consider moving it to your leg. Most important, if you really want it to turn out well, go to an artist that has studied Japanese tattoos and understands how they are to designed. Don't just go to someone who has "done a few".

Here's a small one I got yesterday. It's a snail warrior, a symbol of the band Heilung. They play music derived from pre-viking northern tribes. Very ancestral.

Anyone have some tips or link to taking decent photos of tattoos? Taking pics on extremities with their cylindrical shape is giving me fits.

In my experience, treat a tattooer like any other business owner. Work with them, don't cop an attitude, and remember that they are the experts. Be understanding and everything will work out fine. BTW, you can't start a new thread in any other section until you have 10 posts... I think, lol.

Perfect place for a death head moth IMHO.

Yep, that's beautiful just the way it is, but if it really bothers you, it'd look great with red lips too. Just please go back to the original artist.

Wow, I can't see having any stress over that. Don't worry what others think/say, if it means something to you and/or your family, enjoy it and don't worry! I'm betting that in 95% of your interactions with others it will be covered anyway. Adopt an old man's attitude... screw 'em!

Wow, that's really a needle in a haystack. Eagles are such a common tattoo, I'm not sure how anyone's going to be able to help you with that vague of description.

Howdy and welcome. Go ahead and post your idea.