Wedge

I was watching it. I've done martial arts myself and watch a good amount of MMA and I've never seen anything like that. That was a good fight.

Here's mine, although not one of my favorites. If I did it over again, I'd definitely do some things differently now that I know more. I still have thoughts about adding to it to make it more complete.

For me, money is a key factor in traveling for a tattoo or I know I'd do more of it. The furthest I've gone is from CT to PA, about 4 1/2 hours which isn't really that bad. But when you add the cost of gas, food and hotel to the cost of the tattoo it gets pretty damn expensive. I think it was a great time, though, and really made for a good story and a memorable tattoo. For me, getting a tattoo is more than just needle and skin, it's going to different artists and shops and enjoying the different people and atmospheres. If I could afford it, I'd definitely be going to CA for a couple of artists, instead I have to hope they come to my area for a convention or guest spot.

Spam is a major reason I don't frequent another tattoo forum as much anymore, it's really annoying...obviously.

Thanks for the feedback, folks. I appreciate you looking throuth the portfolios. I figure I really can't go wrong with either artist and it may even come down to if I want to get it done at a convention (never done this before) or at a shop. I tend to think Bez's style is more suited but I'm sure Oleg could kill this, also. Anybody have much experience getting work at a convention?

And Jake, interesting comment about the "brush stroke quality". I agree but just wasn't sure how to describe it. All I could think of was "exaggerated realsim with color" in my not so technical terms.

Hey All,

I've been considering going "out of town" for a Tattoo that would cover my upper arm (roughly shoulder to elbow). Approx. 1 1/2 hr. drive from my hood.

I'm curious as to what experiences any of you have with doing this? Mainly in working out the design, having the artist see the size/shape of the area to be tattooed...etc. since it is a little far to drop by the shop for multiple visits.

It's not an ideal situation although honestly 1 1/2 hrs from your "hood" isn't that far. If you've located a shop and an artist who you feel would accomplish what you want, hopefully you and the artist can wotk together by phone and email. You should be able to email size and design expectations and reference pictures to the artist and then maybe set up time for a consultation if needed. You can even email pictures of where on your body you're getting the piece if the artist thinks it would help.

I posted this on another site but thought I'd ask here, also.

I'm looking for opinions on which artist (or both) would be better suited to do an owl tattoo for me in a similar style to the tattoo picture I've attached below. I'm including the tattoo pic mainly for style reference and also including links to the two artist's (Oleg, Bez) galleries. Thanks for your time.

( I really love this style of exaggerated realism with color)

Oleg's portfolio:

Oleg Turyanskiy : Tattoos : Page 1

Bez's portfolio:

Tattoos - Bez - Heart Tattoo

So, I want a realistic owl similar in style and color to the tattoo picture above and wondering if either Oleg or Bez would be better suited or if it really matters. They are obviously both amazing artists but with different styles and I'm not sure if it would really matter which one I should pursue. Both artists have expressed interest in doing the piece next fall, one at a convention and the other at a shop guest spot. Thoughts, please?

Revid, it's up to you to do the "legwork", that's half the fun of getting a tattoo. If you think you need more images, use the internet and search for them and bring them all to an artist and let the artist put your ideas together into one drawing, assuming you're not trying to cram in too much. Like I said though, if you just bring the Rock of Ages pic to an artist and describe what else you have in mind they will draw something for you and then the two of you can work together. If the artist isn't able to do a drawing then you're either trying to put too much into one piece or you need to find another artist. That's why they're called "artists", it's part of their job and part of the collaboration between client and artist.

Yes it's very doable. You have enough ideas and information to bring to a good tattoo artist and let them do the drawing and tattoo for you. You should begin researching artists in your area or wherever you're willing to go. You can even post artist links and we can help point you in the right direction. Then you bring your reference picture and ideas for modification to an artist and go from there. This is how the process should go as opposed to having an internet stranger draw something for you which you would then take to an artist and say, "here, do this." I hope this helps.

A bear standing could fit there probably with the scenery continued in the background??? I've commented elsewhere on this tattoo but will say it again, i like it! Who did this?

It was done by "Angel" at Hartford County Tattoo, CT.

Hartford County Tattoo LLC - Tattoo and Body Piercing Specialists

Thanks dcostello. That picture is a few years old so unfortunately due to sun the bold whites in the head have turned a little greyish as expected but it still looks good. I love birds of prey and this concept is supposed to be the dominant eagle in the foreground standing guard over his territory in the backgorund. I've been thinking of adding to it but not sure how or what. I could add something to the front or inside of my arm if I want. I've had people tell me to just leave it alone so I don't distract from the eagle and others have said to add a soaring eagle to it and others say add bears or an owl or something else nature related. Here's a picture of my arm from a different angle. Opinions?

Tough choice but I'll go with my Elvgren pinup tattoo done by Shane O'Neill. Sorry, the pics were taken while top half still unhealed.

But I also love my eagle:

For me it was my second session with Shane O'Neill. I drove from CT to PA on a Thurs. afternoon and stayed overnight at a hotel. The next day we did the 8 hour session to finish the tattoo which ended around 7pm. Obviously it was a long day with few breaks and little to eat and my back was throbbing from being tattooed and leaning over a chair all day. Unfortunately I had to get home that night so immediately after the session he wrapped me tight and I had to drive the 4 1/2 hours back home with a fresh tattoo and sore back. I think it was worth it though and it just adds to the whole tattoo experience.

I just joined this site, I love lady heads and after browsing the member pictures I'd like to add Stefan Johnson's name to this conversation. I really love his style of girls and not even sure how it would be categorized (help?). I plan on getting a gypsy head in the near future but I prefer the more neo-trad, softer designs like this rather than the pure traditional styles which most artists seem to do. Here's a few examples of Stefan's style which I like and if anyone can suggest a traveling artist or one in the northeastern US who does similar work I'd greatly appreciate it. If I was closer to Stefan's shop in CA I'd be booking an appt. tomorrow. Thanks.

Generally speaking I think most artists recommend at LEAST a month before swimming or sun exposure, maybe it's a little shorter with just the linework. I would talk to your artist about the swimming and potential repercussions, but personally I would err on the side of caution and not do it. Touch ups are always an option but if you go against recommended aftercare you may really piss off the artist, and that's never a good thing.

Hi, I'm a new member here but not new to tattoos or forums so I hope I can contribute a little. I'm a tattoo collector from CT and I look forward to seeing what's happening around this place. When I get a chance I'll create a gallery of my tattoos and then I think a couple of people might recognize them from another forum although under a different name. I actually got curious about this place from someone posting links on another board.

Wedge