bongsau

^ one of the great things about tattoo that I think a lot of the average people getting tattoos overlook and miss out on. kudos for picking up on that. 

Thanks a lot. It really helps to hear all the positive comments. I have something in mind to complement my new Tattoo but first I'll just need to let it settle. 

super cool tattoo and you did it proper at that size/scale. It's powerful. The tattoo will smooth out a bit and feel more natural with time, once it settles in. No room for second-guessing when you get tattoo. It's great, don't over think it, just think about the next one.
 

It will never look exactly as it did immediately after tattooing. Let it heal.

That thing is bad ass.I would get another same style on the other side of the back.Just as big and dark but different bird.

I wouldn't do anything until you come to terms with your tattoo. It's very nice and I've seen a lot of people make things worse, not better when they rush to try to fix something. I've never had tattoo remorse so I can't relate, but you have a really solid piece that will stand the test of time. It's not like you got a monkey humping a football, or something stupid. Even if you don't grow to love it, it's not something you need to be embarrassed about. It's solid work, a solid design and you should wear it proudly.

I take it this is your first big piece? The mind can go weird with the first big piece lol

My advise? Quit putting anything on it. Let it dry heal. 

Last month I got engaged. It only took him 7 years to ask. 

as long as the tattooist is worthy

Awesome, @Dan - tell her we miss her here!

I have a appointment set with @cltattooing   on May 12th at her shop in Oakland, "FTW Tattoo Parlor",some of you should remember her.
anyway,I am getting a B&G death moth on my upper chest and some lettering on my fingers.
I am super excited to finally get some work from her,I have been following her for a while now.she is awesome IMO.
the bay area has a ton of great artists and it's only 90min from me.

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!
 
 

Mandala/geo tattoos aren't my style, but I think it looks fine, looks like a tattoo and gives the "sleeve" look which some people desire. 
I try to resist the urge to get extra tattoos at the end of a session. Especially to just fill space for the sake of filling it. You're endorphins are going and it can make for clouded, hasty judgement and second-guessing. I know cause I've done it before. Stick to the initial plan and if you still have gas in the tank, I'd save it for the healing. Then you get to have an extra visit and hangout at the shop for the next tattoo. My $0.02

Thanks @jac1961 and @bongsau! It wasn't planned, at all. I was checking out the shop when he walked in, then he asked me if I was getting tattooed. I was like "no" but paused and asked if he had time. He asked what I wanted, I showed him a reference photo and within 30 minutes I was getting tattooed. He said that "toad/frog" was the magic word... I'm pretty stoked. 

Mandala/geo tattoos aren't my style, but I think it looks fine, looks like a tattoo and gives the "sleeve" look which some people desire. 
I try to resist the urge to get extra tattoos at the end of a session. Especially to just fill space for the sake of filling it. You're endorphins are going and it can make for clouded, hasty judgement and second-guessing. I know cause I've done it before. Stick to the initial plan and if you still have gas in the tank, I'd save it for the healing. Then you get to have an extra visit and hangout at the shop for the next tattoo. My $0.02

Mandala/geo tattoos aren't my style, but I think it looks fine, looks like a tattoo and gives the "sleeve" look which some people desire. 
I try to resist the urge to get extra tattoos at the end of a session. Especially to just fill space for the sake of filling it. You're endorphins are going and it can make for clouded, hasty judgement and second-guessing. I know cause I've done it before. Stick to the initial plan and if you still have gas in the tank, I'd save it for the healing. Then you get to have an extra visit and hangout at the shop for the next tattoo. My $0.02

Mandala/geo tattoos aren't my style, but I think it looks fine, looks like a tattoo and gives the "sleeve" look which some people desire. 
I try to resist the urge to get extra tattoos at the end of a session. Especially to just fill space for the sake of filling it. You're endorphins are going and it can make for clouded, hasty judgement and second-guessing. I know cause I've done it before. Stick to the initial plan and if you still have gas in the tank, I'd save it for the healing. Then you get to have an extra visit and hangout at the shop for the next tattoo. My $0.02

@Gingerninja omg that buddha toad is amazing !

I suppose so. I've been tattooed by 20 guys over 240hrs now, mostly in Edmonton so I guess there is some local history to that. i've been keeping data/records of everything which I'm thankful I thought of doing early on. now to start my book...haha cheers. 

I suppose so. I've been tattooed by 20 guys over 240hrs now, mostly in Edmonton so I guess there is some local history to that. i've been keeping data/records of everything which I'm thankful I thought of doing early on. now to start my book...haha cheers. 

The ink goes UNDER the skin. Four days in, you're not going to screw it up by clothing rubbing on it. 

So far with Chad Koeplinger. Next Session in 2 weeks. :)

@SStu It was my first ditch tattoo. The healing worse than getting the tattoo. Oy vey....way tender.

Walk-in with Ami last Thursday...