HaydenRose

First off, it's hard for us to determine if you are a quality "at home" tattooer since we have yet to see one tattoo. Also, listing a relative and a professional as tattooers you know does not answer the question of who have you been tattooed by and who you aspire to. Some people may respond negatively, but that is only because this forum is NOT a forum that teaches how to tattoo or discusses the inside of the trade. This is a forum for PROFESSIONAL tattooers and collectors to immerse themselves in the culture. And tattoo culture is in shops and conventions, not any one's home. Yes, many tattooers started tattooing in their homes at a young age, but all of them will admit that it was stupid and where they really learned how to tattoo was through an apprenticeship at a reputable shop. That was also a different time. Yes, it is 2013... Tattooing is way more accepted nowadays and there are shops everywhere. I urge you to read through the newbie guidelines and watch the interviews. I think bullying you off of this forum is the wrong approach. This forum could open your eyes to the real tattoo culture and help your artwork and ambitions. Also, I hate to play devil's advocate, but if you have an illness that prevents you from working outside of the home, then tattooing is most likely not for you. Not for the basic fact that you should be working out of a shop (since they are licensed, for one), but also because it is a grueling, fast-paced line of work.

Eep! I hope my job isn't pushing people around :(

I know I've seen flash with a devil actually holding the naked woman, not her just standing in front of him. Now it's bothering me that I can't find THAT. Ugh. It's an awesome image for a tattoo!

You're telling me! I'm hoping to once I knock off some new tattoos that I cannot wait to get :)

You have received a lot of great advice already. Keep in mind, I don't have a backpiece (yet) but I think your best bet is to talk over aftercare methods, with respect to your situation (multiple sessions and heavy travelling), with your artist. I would definitely e-mail them before leaving so you have all of the supplies you will need. Since it's only your second tattoo and a back piece (wow! go you!) I would suggest keeping the products to a minimum and focus on your health and well-being, plenty of rest, water, good food, etc. Maybe sleep without a shirt/wrapping on? I don't want to suggest too much because a) every one's body is different and b) again, I haven't gotten a back piece and c) not a tattoo artist.

This is exactly what you should do. However, I had a similar reaction when I had my inner bicep done. I stopped washing it a million times a day (only in the morning and at night) and stopped putting any creams or lotions on it. I also had to change the soap I was using to the dove white bar. I've said this a few times throughout this forum, but aquaphor does not work for me as well as it does for others. As you get more tattoos, you will find what works best for you from trial and error. With that said, I would suggest laying off the aquaphor and see if it gets any better.

I think it's probably the latter lol

I just knew that had to be on an LSTer... Nice one.

@beez I have to thank you for using the word "frak." That is all. Please continue everyone...

That's excellent.

My fiance is going to rehab for a month next week, so I have decided to spend the time he is away writing a letter to him telling the story of our relationship. I've been in a writing lull lately, but I think this will help me get through the next month with plenty of material and also will be a sort of catharsis for all the shittyness going on in our lives right now. We are en route to get married next summer or the following (should his sobriety stick this time around), so I'm hoping to give him this piece of writing as a wedding gift. Sorry for getting so heavy on this thread, but I'm stoked to start working on this and think it's an "awesome thing" :) I'm a firm believer in finding and holding onto happiness in our darkest moments.

Post away! We would love to see who you're thinking of getting work done by. Some people on here may be able to recommend some artists in your area.

I think the tattoo has merit. It's much better than most, if that helps. But IMO I would suggest a cover-up and backpiece... Definitely a backpiece :)

That just reinforces the fact that there's a difference between what is good art and what is a good tattoo. I think a lot of people think tattooing=art in some respects it does, but design and execution wise it doesn't.

http://web.stagram.com/p/583127157239957060_18727800 Emily Rose Murray just posted these. Amazing!

Very silly, but I loved this.

I'm not a tattooer, but you may want to limit your aquaphor use. I had similar problems healing tattoos with aquaphor. Now I just stick to plain old lubriderm. Sometimes those ointments can be trouble on certain people.

Maybe all the winners for 2013 should battle it out in a side competition in January or end of December?! I like this idea.

Regardless of what you hear about a tattooer and how much you love their work, if you feel uncomfortable with them, then definitely do not get a big, multiple session piece with them. Not only will the actual sessions be stressful, but if you're anything like me, you will worry every day until your first appointment and in between each subsequent session if the tattoo will be what you want or if this guy will ease up and offer any artistic input. I had a similar situation, but in the US. We finished the outline and then started talking about colors. The artist had briefly talked about what colors would work before we got started. (Also important to mention, is that when I came in for my consult I said I wanted black and white, but he was adamant about doing it in color. Looking back, I think that was the guy at the desk's fault because he recommended this artist based on what I told him and the artists is heavy into bright colorful floral tattoos). So after the outline was finished, he literally opened his cabinet with his ink bottles and asked me to choose what I wanted. I said flat out, he should use his judgement since he was the tattooer. By then, we had already narrowed it down to red roses, so it was a matter of choosing the red and a highlight color, like pink. He had all different values of red and pink and greens and wanted ME to choose each one. I kept trying to refuse, but he really wanted me to decide. It was my first tattoo and I felt extremely uncomfortable and overwhelmed. Long story short, I left without getting the color and 6 years later still have an unfinished tattoo. In my opinion, with my experience it was more bad "service" to expect a newcomer to tattooing to know how to choose inks, because we did vibe very well at the consult and leading right up to the outline finishing. But I think you're situation was a combination of bad chemistry/bad service. If you ever feel uncomfortable, just run! Tattoos are a commitment, and to me, the experience is part of the package. If you have a negative experience with a tattoo, then you will have a reminder forever. I know I do.

@JTJTJT there is a thread on here somewhere about reference material, but don't sweat it too much. Bring a few pictures that really hit home for the idea you want. If you know which artist you're going to, maybe try to draw reference from their portfolio. That's usually what I do. As long as you make clear what you want (and what you DONT want) then it's best to let them create the design and do their thing. Hope that helps. Happy tattooing!

Can you ever spend enough?! Lol

That is my least favorite word in the English language. No joke. *shudders*

I think you'll find professional tattooers are pretty stand-up people and will be more than helpful giving you the tattoo and experience you strive for. Everything you just said you should say to a prospective tattooer. Just be honest and they will work with you. If you're worried about giving off the wrong vibe while planning a tattoo, maybe reach out to them via email, so you can take the time to articulate what you want to say. As for working around your ticks and stimms, the tattooer will be able to brainstorm options better. My suggestion that comes to mind would be to request a private tattoo session to block out the sensory overload of a busy shop. Some artists that do big japanese scale works have private studios to accomodate the client's privacy and the long sessions. As for the reference material, just show them what you have and what you want. If they're into it, they will work with you to get you the best tattoo possible. Where are you located? Perhaps we can suggest some artists. Or do you already have an artist in mind?

I wouldn't say her stuff is wholly traditional, but definitely bold. I say get something from her, but that's just because I think we all want you to come to the dark side... or the force, I'm not sure which is which in this case :)

I've had this problem, but I never used any special cleaning products. After a few regular washes, it comes out. I have heard that hairspray works well, but not sure you'll have any of that kicking around haha :)