HaydenRose

I felt this way when I got my inner arm done. It was like whoa I truly am a tattooed person now. But I think getting over that initial shock and plunge into big tattoos makes the rest much more exciting. I also find I don't worry so much when they show because I feel like this is the person I am now. The transition from a person with tattoos to a tattooed person kind of makes you more confident with them. My example being an upcoming charity event. My first one I've attended with tattoos I can't hide. The last one was before I got my arm and shoulders done, so it will be a big shock. I struggled with trying to find a shawl or something, but realized my tattoos are my accessories and I shouldn't hide them even if it means ill get stares and comments all night. I also completely understand thinking more about tattoos before you get them. While I can't wait to have my arms completely done, I'm finding I'm being more cautious as I think of ideas for how to fill them in. I'm fine with waiting, I don't want to rush and get something then years later wish I did something else. It's important and definitely requires time to do it right.

Trust me, I'm dying over here but I've got to save moneyyyyy :(

Maria Sena is coming to NY in June. Was super close to emailing her and calling the shop, but decided it would be best to save every penny for my appt with Rose Hardy in July since my tattoos always seem to grow in size and price the day of. I'm real bummed ill miss getting something from Ms. Sena, so some one on here better get something from her while she's in NY!!! You know who you are ^_^ Anyway, I absolutely cannot wait for my appointments in July!! Ive been waiting for over 6 months to get tattooed and i know it will be worth it!

Can these men just stop being assholes? Is that too much to ask? On the side I work as an advocate for rape victims and at my day job work with homeless DV victims. Seeing this shit all the time gets old. Men need to start teaching other men to CUT IT OUT! Seriously.

Scratch that. I'm halfway through A Storm of Swords. Can't keep these titles straight...

GRRM is the best! I'm currently halfway through A Clash of Kings (started the series like 187276375338 months ago... Lol) and the writing is breathtaking.

Craziness! This sounds like a must-stop post-tattoo. Actually I think I convinced my fiancé to come with me to Kings Ave this summer solely based on the promise of hitting up Top Hops afterwards. Win!

Great place for a first tattoo! Good luck!

I'm down! I can't go Saturday, but I'd like to go maybe Sunday. Snag some merch and maybe a small tattoo ^_^

Nice! You'll be taken care of @ Kings Ave thats for sure. Grez is the nicest guy. Cant say i have a tattoo by him, but he did do a touch up for me. I'll be there the 16th.

I saw those too! So killin. I hope that was an LSTer... :) When is your apt in July? I'll be in there about 3x that month with Rose Hardy.

I'd like to go, but I'm lacking in tattoo-enthusiast friends... I might drag along my significant other, but I don't think he'd be into it, being a "plain skin" and all :)

Find an artist or style that you like and see what they suggest. I'm sure designs could be added to it, you just want to make sure that first it's something you like, and then work on how to incorporate it into your existing tattoo. Hope that helps!

Just finished Bioshock Infinite- so good! The plot twists seemed to be like neverending though, to the point where it became a little expected... However, the ending was "interesting" and enjoyed some ties to the previous games. Not sure if any one mentioned it, but the new Tomb Raider (origins) game is unreal. Definitely worth a go if you're on the fence. Also, has any one tried out Defiance (syfy tv show companion)? I waited until the pilot to see if it would be worth getting into the game for the extra content and related missions. However, the pilot on Monday sucked ass IMO so I'm not bothering with it. Wanted to see if any one else checked it out--it's a promising concept for the future, but would be better with a better, more developed TV show (like BSG).

Never meant to judge or disrespect. That was the vibe I got from your post and wanted to plant a new perspective on your dilemma about cost and travel, that's all. And since I can't afford to travel, like you said you can't either... I'm fortunate enough to live somewhere that attracts quality tattoos. This thread has made me realize the importance of waiting and traveling for tattoos, if need be. I got really lucky that Scott came to NYC. Other wise I would have traveled to SF. No need to judge my choice. NOW I'm done this rant. Wow. I have way too much respect for this board to keep up this convo. Back to tattoos :)

This thread is starting to veer from what it should be, but I want to address a few things: 1. If you can't afford Shige or good artists not copying a style, then don't get a tattoo by a second rate tattooer. Save your money. Wait. And travel if need be. I would be covered by now if I didn't do this. My next appt isn't until July so I have time to save for a quality tattoo from one of the best. Another example: I always wanted roses on my shoulder, so I waited until one of the top rose tattooers came to town (Scott Sylvia). I spent almost a year saving money so I could proudly wear "the best roses". 2. If you don't live near top artists, then you need to travel for tattoos if its something you're serious about. There are way too many young people settling for what's convenient because they want to be a part of the community. 3. All artists paint and draw and do creative things in between tattoos. I agree it shows integrity and hard work, but it doesn't mean they're developing their own style or pushing the boundaries of tattooing. There is taking idea from masters, but having a unique style is different (and possible) than staying true to one artist's style. This guy is obviously a decent artist, but its clear he's copying Shige. Just like so many artist are copying Hooper and Jondix right now. If I'm right, then lets be done with this and get back to getting and sharing awesome tattoos!

Top Hops is also close to Kings Ave and NY Adorned. Been wanting to check it out for awhile. Thanks for the reminder!

I would love to dry heal. And I usually do this and let it air out with nothing on it the first day, but then I find it starts to crack and get extra dry (and I get scared!!! lol) so I put aquaphor on once a day in the morning after showering. Then lotion very sparingly for comfort--IF it gets itchy once it starts peeling..

During my travels today I realized North Arlington is different from Mount Arlington, so I apologize! You actually live really close to me haha

I really need to delete mine. It serves absolutely no purpose, except allowing my mom to stalk me from afar...

I think (well, I hope) everyone on this forum will not get anus, eyeball, tongue, and lip tattoos. Every one has their own preferences with hand, neck, head... Mainly highly visible/immediate termination of employment tattoos... But I hope we all agree to never be THAT girl (mentioned above) :)

I've never been called a snob, but I reeeeally feel like one when people ask me vague questions like "how much did that hurt?" Or the always annoying "how much did that cost?" (Which FYI is like asking some one how much money they make). My fiancé thinks I'm the biggest snob and rolls his eyes when I get all judgmental and pissy when I see Facebook "friends" get the shittiest tattoos. He gives me the willpower to not ruin their day :)

If North Arlington is near NYC, then I live in the ocean. :) just kidding. Welcome! We need more Jersey people on here, then maybe some good shops will open up outside of NYC! Looks like you have a good friend to direct you to good shops, so best of luck with your future tattoo endeavors.

Really?? I think it's cute! Love the octopus head tats haha

I can't speak for tattooing black people. However, in regards to your concern about your tattoos, most tattoos raise up after time. I doubt it's your skin since every one of all skin types experiences this. I find some of my tattoos in specific spots will raise up when it's extremely warm out. No rhyme or reason to it, just happens.