el twe

I can't help but think that you'll set yourself up for another disappointment by getting another "free" tattoo...

Couldn't click on this thread fast enough...

Couldn't click on this thread fast enough...

Just peeled some Tegaderm off for the first time a couple minutes ago, some initial thoughts:
1. Got tattooed Monday afternoon.  Kept the original bandage on overnight (as I like to do), then washed it well Tuesday AM and left it bare (under my jeans) until that evening (didn't order it in time to arrive before Tuesday).
2. The tattoo wept a lot of plasma into the 2 sheets of 4x4" Tegaderm I applied, so much so that I sprung a minor leak at the bottom and had to patch a new piece under it.  I should mention that most of that built up plasma worked its way out before the patch.  This tattoo is on my shin, so gravity was really working against me.  I later added another piece at the top to wrap around my knee - not a super friendly area as far as movement is concerned.  These two pieces were added on Wednesday.
3. With the Tegaderm, I hardly even noticed I had a brand new tattoo while at work.  There was no irritation from rubbing on clothing, and I could ride my bike in no problem.
4. Kept it on for 4 days (Tuesday-Saturday), so that the 2 edge pieces had been on for the minimum 3 - I was a little worried about ripping my remaining leg hairs out if the adhesive hadn't weakened some... It all peeled off fine, didn't even need water to help it off, so I just hopped in the shower after to wash it all off.  
All in all, the tattoo looks and feels great.  Time will only tell how the rest of the heal goes, but I have a feeling that I'm past the worst of it.  To me, just having the freedom to move without worrying about rubbing/irritation is worth the price of admission.  In the future, I'll definitely order larger sheets to make coverage a little simpler (tattoo is about 4.5 x 7", a little tricky to get that extra 1" border around), but I think I'm a convert!  Thanks to everyone who posted here, I definitely read through this whole thread at least once while making the choice...

Couldn't click on this thread fast enough...

Just peeled some Tegaderm off for the first time a couple minutes ago, some initial thoughts:
1. Got tattooed Monday afternoon.  Kept the original bandage on overnight (as I like to do), then washed it well Tuesday AM and left it bare (under my jeans) until that evening (didn't order it in time to arrive before Tuesday).
2. The tattoo wept a lot of plasma into the 2 sheets of 4x4" Tegaderm I applied, so much so that I sprung a minor leak at the bottom and had to patch a new piece under it.  I should mention that most of that built up plasma worked its way out before the patch.  This tattoo is on my shin, so gravity was really working against me.  I later added another piece at the top to wrap around my knee - not a super friendly area as far as movement is concerned.  These two pieces were added on Wednesday.
3. With the Tegaderm, I hardly even noticed I had a brand new tattoo while at work.  There was no irritation from rubbing on clothing, and I could ride my bike in no problem.
4. Kept it on for 4 days (Tuesday-Saturday), so that the 2 edge pieces had been on for the minimum 3 - I was a little worried about ripping my remaining leg hairs out if the adhesive hadn't weakened some... It all peeled off fine, didn't even need water to help it off, so I just hopped in the shower after to wash it all off.  
All in all, the tattoo looks and feels great.  Time will only tell how the rest of the heal goes, but I have a feeling that I'm past the worst of it.  To me, just having the freedom to move without worrying about rubbing/irritation is worth the price of admission.  In the future, I'll definitely order larger sheets to make coverage a little simpler (tattoo is about 4.5 x 7", a little tricky to get that extra 1" border around), but I think I'm a convert!  Thanks to everyone who posted here, I definitely read through this whole thread at least once while making the choice...

Couldn't click on this thread fast enough...

Couldn't click on this thread fast enough...

Just peeled some Tegaderm off for the first time a couple minutes ago, some initial thoughts:
1. Got tattooed Monday afternoon.  Kept the original bandage on overnight (as I like to do), then washed it well Tuesday AM and left it bare (under my jeans) until that evening (didn't order it in time to arrive before Tuesday).
2. The tattoo wept a lot of plasma into the 2 sheets of 4x4" Tegaderm I applied, so much so that I sprung a minor leak at the bottom and had to patch a new piece under it.  I should mention that most of that built up plasma worked its way out before the patch.  This tattoo is on my shin, so gravity was really working against me.  I later added another piece at the top to wrap around my knee - not a super friendly area as far as movement is concerned.  These two pieces were added on Wednesday.
3. With the Tegaderm, I hardly even noticed I had a brand new tattoo while at work.  There was no irritation from rubbing on clothing, and I could ride my bike in no problem.
4. Kept it on for 4 days (Tuesday-Saturday), so that the 2 edge pieces had been on for the minimum 3 - I was a little worried about ripping my remaining leg hairs out if the adhesive hadn't weakened some... It all peeled off fine, didn't even need water to help it off, so I just hopped in the shower after to wash it all off.  
All in all, the tattoo looks and feels great.  Time will only tell how the rest of the heal goes, but I have a feeling that I'm past the worst of it.  To me, just having the freedom to move without worrying about rubbing/irritation is worth the price of admission.  In the future, I'll definitely order larger sheets to make coverage a little simpler (tattoo is about 4.5 x 7", a little tricky to get that extra 1" border around), but I think I'm a convert!  Thanks to everyone who posted here, I definitely read through this whole thread at least once while making the choice...

Couldn't click on this thread fast enough...

Just peeled some Tegaderm off for the first time a couple minutes ago, some initial thoughts:
1. Got tattooed Monday afternoon.  Kept the original bandage on overnight (as I like to do), then washed it well Tuesday AM and left it bare (under my jeans) until that evening (didn't order it in time to arrive before Tuesday).
2. The tattoo wept a lot of plasma into the 2 sheets of 4x4" Tegaderm I applied, so much so that I sprung a minor leak at the bottom and had to patch a new piece under it.  I should mention that most of that built up plasma worked its way out before the patch.  This tattoo is on my shin, so gravity was really working against me.  I later added another piece at the top to wrap around my knee - not a super friendly area as far as movement is concerned.  These two pieces were added on Wednesday.
3. With the Tegaderm, I hardly even noticed I had a brand new tattoo while at work.  There was no irritation from rubbing on clothing, and I could ride my bike in no problem.
4. Kept it on for 4 days (Tuesday-Saturday), so that the 2 edge pieces had been on for the minimum 3 - I was a little worried about ripping my remaining leg hairs out if the adhesive hadn't weakened some... It all peeled off fine, didn't even need water to help it off, so I just hopped in the shower after to wash it all off.  
All in all, the tattoo looks and feels great.  Time will only tell how the rest of the heal goes, but I have a feeling that I'm past the worst of it.  To me, just having the freedom to move without worrying about rubbing/irritation is worth the price of admission.  In the future, I'll definitely order larger sheets to make coverage a little simpler (tattoo is about 4.5 x 7", a little tricky to get that extra 1" border around), but I think I'm a convert!  Thanks to everyone who posted here, I definitely read through this whole thread at least once while making the choice...

Damn, two killer tattoos.  You're off to a great start.  And it took me a second to see the skulls in the panther head, but holy shit...
Got any plans for what's next?

Yes, pictures please!

Damn, two killer tattoos.  You're off to a great start.  And it took me a second to see the skulls in the panther head, but holy shit...
Got any plans for what's next?

Super dig that shark, @jnin!
I was going to post in here this morning that I was off to see Jeff P. at Art Work Rebels about filling some space on my leg, but I didn't and got tattooed anyway!  Forgot to snap a pic before he wrapped it all up, but keep your eyes peeled in the Lowdown tomorrow...

Surprised to find that there isn't a thread for this yet, so here goes...
We all know about "healed 'n hairy" tattoos, but how many of you have tattoos that you've only really come to appreciate after they've settled into the skin?  It's taken a couple years for me to fully enjoy having this wolf on my leg.  The tattoo was done by Ron Wells and I was ecstatic to get it, but before too long I didn't quite know what to think of it.  Not that I didn't like the image, the artist, or the experience - it just felt a little out of line with my own demeanor.  As time passed, more tattoos were added around it but it wasn't until the last couple of months that I realized I really liked this tattoo again!  Even though the tattoo was mine, it took a while before I felt like I really 'owned' it, if that makes any sense.
Here's a picture of it the day I got it, and one taken this afternoon (about 2.5 years later):


So post your old, but better tattoos!  I'd be interested to hear others' experiences in the matter.

Yes, pictures please!

Super dig that shark, @jnin!
I was going to post in here this morning that I was off to see Jeff P. at Art Work Rebels about filling some space on my leg, but I didn't and got tattooed anyway!  Forgot to snap a pic before he wrapped it all up, but keep your eyes peeled in the Lowdown tomorrow...

I dunno, I felt like a massive pussy taking the cream but I needed to finish up, my next one i'll still go in for with no cream. Um, generally pussies are one of the toughest things I the world. They squeeze out giant, living beings. Just sayin. @Freddie (And yes, ribs suck but you did it!)
 

My big rib tattoo was one of my first. I will never forget that single tear that rolled down my cheek. And I felt like a god damn warrior when it was over. 
I've tried other non-traditional numbing methods like drinking half a bottle of nyquil, weed, tylenol. The best tried and true method is a good rest, a good meal and a strong mindset. You got it champ, good luck!

Welcome to LST!  We don't talk about money here, that will be best answered by whomever you choose to do the tattoo.

Super dig that shark, @jnin!
I was going to post in here this morning that I was off to see Jeff P. at Art Work Rebels about filling some space on my leg, but I didn't and got tattooed anyway!  Forgot to snap a pic before he wrapped it all up, but keep your eyes peeled in the Lowdown tomorrow...

@Gingerninja Here you go! Hard area of my arm to photograph, but I hope this is good enough. 

On the countdown for Pagoda. Getting my mermaid finished by Theo, a Dobleman lady head and a skull bead by Kiku.

Surprised to find that there isn't a thread for this yet, so here goes...
We all know about "healed 'n hairy" tattoos, but how many of you have tattoos that you've only really come to appreciate after they've settled into the skin?  It's taken a couple years for me to fully enjoy having this wolf on my leg.  The tattoo was done by Ron Wells and I was ecstatic to get it, but before too long I didn't quite know what to think of it.  Not that I didn't like the image, the artist, or the experience - it just felt a little out of line with my own demeanor.  As time passed, more tattoos were added around it but it wasn't until the last couple of months that I realized I really liked this tattoo again!  Even though the tattoo was mine, it took a while before I felt like I really 'owned' it, if that makes any sense.
Here's a picture of it the day I got it, and one taken this afternoon (about 2.5 years later):


So post your old, but better tattoos!  I'd be interested to hear others' experiences in the matter.