DJDeepFried

Sounds a little shady, but if you're happy with the end result and you've already paid him the money, I think you should probably let it go. Especially if you want to use him again. If anything that would be the time to bring it up: when planning the next one. If you can do it delicately then go for it, but I can't imagine how that conversation would go. Sorry you had that experience, but think of all the time he didn't charge you for: the drawing, putting on stencil, etc. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's a moot point, because she already canceled. Which was the right thing to do. Why take a chance? Again, a reputable tattoo artist with a private studio is not the same thing as a rando dude's apartment. Why is this so hard to grasp?

Looks and works great! Thanks to everyone for all your hard work.

They could make it just as clean but that doesn't mean they will. I'd trust any major convention way more than some random guy's apartment.

My last two times getting tattooed I have used the rewrap method (per my artist's advice) and have had the best heals. The theory, I think, is that healing comes in part from your own blood plasma. After first getting the tattoo, I leave the bandage on overnight then shower the next morning with extra hot water to make sure all the plasma and junk washes out and then one last rinse with extra cold water – something about opening and closing the pores which could be complete B.S. First day, I don't put anything on it. That night, clean and rewrap. Helps keeps my tattooed skin from sticking to the sheets at least. Day two, same deal, but I might use some unscented moisturizer. Before I was slathering on the Aquaphor and it was blocking my pores and making me break out. Less is definitely more I've learned. The bottom line, however, is that if you just keep it clean, you'll be fine. But this method has led to faster, cleaner heals for me.

I would never get tattooed in someone's apartment. This guy doesn't know any tattooers who will let him work in their shop? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ouch, the pit must've been no fun. Japanese body suit: many want, few achieve.

How long have you had it? Can we see the reference pics? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just had Kim Saigh at Memoir in L.A. add on to my half sleeve to even it out with my other arm. I like symmetry. Will post pics when she does the color in June. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Reviving an oldie but a goodie. Who can tell me if Bonji is the same as Sanskrit? My Google research has turned up nothing so far. I'm wanting to cap off my sleeves with the words for "wisdom" and "compassion" and don't want to end up with "miso soup." Also how esoteric is this knowledge? If I'm going to seek out one of the real heavy-hitter Japanese-style tattooers I'm gonna want more than a little script. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Impeccable as always, @Lance. That makes three Monmon cats now, yes? Hard to tell where the pieces are on your body from the pics. Where did you still have room?

I'm 45! And I would get tattooed every six weeks if I had the dough. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sounds like you got your priorities in order! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for your thoughtful response @Ponto Tattoo! I just checked out your stuff on Instagram. Not my style but very well done. The tiny tattoo seems to be en vogue right now especially for folks who only want one or two.

I don't mean to be rude, but can you explain this style to me? I understand tebori. It's part of a longstanding tradition and tattooers say that it gives you better color saturation or something like that. But I'm not seeing anything in these tattoos that's different from what can be done with a machine except they seem a little bit sloppier (and slower to put on probably). Or is it just that handpoked tattoos are cool?

Some of you may have already seen this on Instagram, but I wanted to wait till I had some healed pics before posting here. Seth Wood @ Memoir Tattoo in L.A., Started 1/14, completed 12/15.

Thanks, @BrianH! That's beautiful work. I'm considering something similar to take my 1/2 sleeve down to 3/4.

Hey, @BrianH. Where can I see the pics?

After my last sesh I forewent the Aquaphor for the first time in years and got a much better heal. I was definitely slathering it on too thick to the point where I was getting breakouts on my arm though the tattoo healed fine in the end. This time (after doing the wrap and rewrap two nights in a row which is the subject of a different thread) I did much better washing with Dr. Bronner's liquid soap twice a day and using a thin layer of Eucerin original healing fragrance free before bed. Never going back to Aquaphor which can clog the pores and I think is petroleum based.

Let's do this: DJ DeepFried's Top Ten Albums of 2015 That Begrudgingly Includes Kendrick Lamar (In Alphabetical Order): Action Bronson – Mr. Wonderful All Them Witches – Dying Surfer Meets His Maker Blackalicious – Imani Deafheaven – New Bermuda Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment – Surf Fuzz – Fuzz II Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly Torche – Restarter Wilco – Star Wars Young Fathers – White Men Are Black Men Too

On Thanksgiving, @TrixieFaux & I recorded the first episode of our brand spankin' new podcast. It started out as a joke – as all the best things do – but now it's an actual thing that we're doing. Hope to put up a new one sometime next weekend. You can check it out at the link below. It's short and funny (I hope). And please "like" our Facebook page if you do. https://soundcloud.com/theholidayguy/the-holiday-guy-podcast-001-thanksgiving-2015 https://www.facebook.com/TheHolidayGuy/

It happens. No tattoo is perfect. It's a handmade craft. Gives it character, etc. Chances are it won't bother you so much as time goes by. But at least let it heal. Fixing it could make it worse. Up to you if you want to take that chance. But I'd do what your artist recommends if you trust him/her. The reason why "get more tattoos" is the best answer is because you'll drive yourself crazy nitpicking over every last detail so you may as well put that energy into planning the next one.

Finally booked with Seth Wood in December to finish my dragon sleeve. It's been a long time coming -- but of course I'm already fantasizing about the next one!

Get a panther. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Everyone has a specialty. His just happens to be teeny tiny tattoos. Not a bad business model if you ask me. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk