JAC1961

😂

I agree, I think you've got a great looking collection. No reason to worry about placement at this point. You've plenty of room for others that will pull the look together and spots for little jammers.

Relax and enjoy them.

Hand tattoos are notorious for not lasting well. The skin is thicker making application more difficult and hands see so much use and movement making the ink fade quicker.

As fine as those lines are I'm betting it will be in bad shape in just a couple years.

Sounds to me like it's time to visit your doctor.

Everyone has told you that it looks nice and it really does. Look thru some of the other threads, people here will tell you when they think your artist didn't do a good job. You just have to relax and stop second guessing everything.  It's as realistic as a tattoo of a rose can get.  Chill out and try to enjoy it.

I just use a couple paper towels to gently pat, not rub, it dry after washing. Keeping it as germ free as possible is the goal. It's an open wound and should be as clean as possible.

You've got this, piece of cake.

I was taught several years ago the technique of "belly breathing". On the inhale you push your stomach outward fully. The idea being that your diaphragm drops further, pulling air more deeply into your lungs. It seems odd at first, but is easy to get the hang of. It really helps relieve stress. Do it slowly, concentrating on each breathe.

Good luck! 👍

Not quite sure what you're asking about, it looks like it's healing fine to me. Using scented soap at 4 weeks shouldn't be a problem. I stop worrying about that at 2 weeks or even slightly less.

Ummm... nope and nope.  Your eyes are just way too precious to take any chance with something like that.  Besides, the appearance just creeps me the hell out.  To me, some of the main reasons for getting tattoos is the the art, beauty and the individualism and blackout tattoos has none of that.  I of course don't care if others get them, but just find no appeal in them.

You can't let others run your life. If you like it and/or want others, do what makes you happy and ignore the people that try to bring you down.

My getting tattooed was my statement that after way too many years I'm no longer let others make me feel bad for my choices. It can be tough, but it's well worth it.

1 hour ago, 13.Onesock said:

Would it be better to have a duck scene at the time and flag on the forearm?!?

That kind of thing that I'd work out with your artist. I'm in no way artistic and besides, my tastes may be drastically different than yours.

Never any comments, just disapproving looks. Some family members have commented, but generally just busting my chops or telling me how little my mom would have liked them.

I'd take no crap from a stranger and promptly tell them to get bent.

10 hours ago, scottyg said:

Everything's down to finding the right artist though.

Definitely! And it won't be cheap to get it done well either.  Take your time and do lots of research on possible artists.  Make sure that they have examples in their portfolios of similar work.  Done right it could be outstanding, or done poorly a disaster.

Good old Farmer's Almanac

1 hour ago, PinkUnicorn said:

Well, it certainly is the day before!

Good! Glad someone else said it so I didn't have to! 🤣

Had a colonoscopy this morning (TMI?). Not a lot of fun, but cleared for future tattoos! 😆

I think that it looks very nice and you should be proud to wear it.

As long as it's not red and warm to the touch, I'd just keep it clean and let it heal. If it gets worse, then see your doctor.

The artist that did my half sleeve Asian tiger used grey ink. It does have a different look compared to thinned black. Artists at another shop noticed right away and asked about it. To me it looks more opaque than dilute black.

1 hour ago, VenomX said:

Getting another tattoo soon, however on my forearm I have two tiny moles which I want to avoid.

My question is, will my artist be able to see them under the stencil he puts on before he starts inking, or will the stencil have to go around it ?

I'd just point them out to your artist and tell them you want them avoided. I'm sure they probably see thousands and know perfectly well what to do.

I believe that mostly has to do with the artist, being "heavy handed" or not. My last tattoo never itched or peeled to speak of. Neither have the other two they did. My other tattoos, done by other artists, have itched and the skin pealed.

The just wonder if the ones that are more "heavy handed" will last better because the ink is deeper.

I started using A&D then switched to Aquaphor because it's easier to get a thin layer, and we'll, I don't smell like a baby's butt either. lol

Use it the first 3 days then go to Aveeno or Lubriderm.

Welcome and enjoy!

Howdy and welcome. Looking forward to pics of your new work.

Welcome Justin.  I agree with everyone else, please go about it the right way.