AverageJer

got this ganesh yesterday thanks to robert ryan @ electric tattoo in asbury park, nj

Above is a picture of me laying like a passed out pale seal on Iain Mullens table. Today was the second to last session on my back. Can't wait to see it finished. We're doing the last bit and touch ups with Rudy Fritsch at the Scottish Convention in the end of March. Going to be fun/hell. Todays session was nice except for a few bits. I can't believe how quick this piece has been. I got the idea to start my back in April last year, asked Iain about it and then we started in mid June. It really helps that both him and Rudy work super quick and make for good company + conversations during the sessions.
Secret bit of knowledge exclusively for LST (I know people love that exclusiveness, I sure do): that ain't a dark red, but actually a light gray wash looking bloodied and irritated. Haven't got a piece of color on me, except for a few patches of gray and white.

Late start to tattoos has it's advantages. I got my first at 38 or 39 and still have a lot of space for more. Welcome.

I sort of had similar thoughts. These tattoos aren't bad and they have been with you for a long time. If you really want them covered up work with an artist and have them covered up. Roses are cool and it's great to take advice from the person doing the work but if you're not feeling roses work with them to identify other options.
That said, maybe consider sprucing them up with some bright designs around and near them that leave the original work but maybe you like the overall design/result better.
Ultimately, do what you want and have a tattoo that makes you happy but I agree with the above comments- covering them up is not the only option worth considering.

@AvrageJer
To each his own :) I also like to treat myself on tattoo days, but with other things.
I just figured that getting tattooed is such traumatic event to your body, the last thing I would want is to give it more heavy things to digest and cope with.

I'm excited to have a "new" Sailor Jerry tattoo in a few weeks for this very reason (birthday party at local shop). This took me some coming around to- the idea of getting popular flash- but now I see it as a cool traditional tattoo that will be personalized by one of several great artists. I can't wait!!

I think whatever my wife chooses to get in 2015 is going to be very cool and she's a girl.

I think whatever my wife chooses to get in 2015 is going to be very cool and she's a girl.

Tattooed versions of Ed Hardy's "Civilization?" painting are going to be huge in 2015 on men and women alike. You heard it here first. You're welcome.

I can relate, I feel ya
My parents reaction to my first tattoo was OMG why why why...it's so big...why did you do that to your body...
Then I got some bigger hidden pieces. I never disclosed because they clearly were not interested in acknowledging the big pink (well, purple, blue, battleship grey, etc) elephant in the room
Then I got both arms done. And some legs.
I wore long sleeves and pants to family dinners for years after the fact...then eventually my parents said, look, we don't really like or understand tattoos but we know they are obviously important to you. And we don't want you to feel uncomfortable when you come visit the family, you are loved and accepted. So please know you can wear a short sleeve shirt and shorts when it is summertime and be comfortable with us. You are our son and we love you, regardless.
What I'm trying to say...your parents love you. And hopefully they come around. Change in perception can take time.
And mom and dad did come around...after 10 years. I came home from a trip with a screaming eagle on my neck. They weren't that shocked which actually was super-weird! But then we finally had a conversation where they gave me an opportunity to open up briefly...about why and what tattoos give to my life, what it means in my heart, the confidence in my body Why your neck?! Well, easy mom n dad! because there is no space anywhere else!
But until they do...remember your tattoos they are about YOU and they are to worn with your CONFIDENCE. Own it! So don't waste your energy trying to convince your parents, family, whichever people that aren't genuinely interested. That's their friggin' problem, not yours.
Good luck :)
about your Mom...Moms don't like seeing their kids in pain, which is all my mom could see in my tattoos. Pain. Until I talked to her. Open from the heart. Then my mom saw them as colourful and beautiful. The pictures on our skin are a reflection of what's inside us and where we have been. So talk to your Mom openly. Tell her all the positive things the tattoos have given you. And in time, let's hope your mom/family can drop the negativity and have an open-mind, to accept you and accept the things that are important to you.
In the meantime, remember - your tattooed skin is thick and colourful now. don't let the negative vibes stick to you.
Tattoos are temporary...and so is life :)

@SeeSea just thought this one came out the best? Here's the one with the flash so you can all our lovely faces!

Tattoo experiences have got me into some cool music: Mastadon, The Dickies, Three 6 Mafia, American Me (soundtrack).
But most importantly tattoos are teaching me how to own it, how to be confident being my own god damn self !

Ok, I tried. @Mick Weder maybe you can gather us all around the campfire and sing a few songs? I'll feeling awfully down and attacked when all I tried to do is help. ::sniff sniff:: But she's amended it to only "SOME" people on this board. ;) Chalk up another one.
I think I got some of the same "love" from you immature and inconsiderates when I freaked out about blow-out early in my LST days. I suppose the LST welcome rules should include a clause and understanding that at some point, someone will break your balls.
But hey, those were some of the most exciting "lurker 10 thread minimum" amusing posts in a while.
- - - Updated - - -
If a mod stops by, leave up this thread as an example of how a newbie expect the world to stop when they ask a question and then ignore the answers they don't like. Answers from excellent tattoo artists and those with a boatload of experience and those sporting tattoos with blowouts. Answers that complete strangers spent time writing and holding her hand.
Yeah, we are a completely terrible rude bunch. We should all (ok, mostly) be banned. I mean, really. :: rolls eyes ::
(And yes, I know the thread won't be deleted.)

I'd spend less energy trying to decide who's fault this is and more energy on how to have a tattoo on your arm that makes you happy. If you are unsatisfied with the artist and/or shop go to a different one and figure out what your options are.
Wait a while for the healing to be complete and keep an open mind. Tattoos are permanent and often come with some amount of initial remorse.
Your arm is far from ruined.

@flowergirl - I know that it can be hard to convey tone on the internet, so I just wanted to let you know that your responses on this thread come across as really snotty and rude. People are trying to give you good advice about how one deals with these things as both a tattooer and a client. Don't be a jerk about it.

Tattoos are imperfect b/c they are done by a human, which in and of themselves are imperfect. I have some blown out lines from really rad and reputable tattooers. Skin is a weird and funny thing. Lots of different depths, lots of variables. Don't sweat it too much. If you continue to dwell on every imperfection you'll go crazy.
There really isn't anything you can do to fix this sans lasering or getting it covered. I would consider that if you wanted to, but the tattoo isn't ruined by any means. It's just an imperfection done by an imperfect person.

Go Leviticus Tattoo and tell the person at the desk you want a Zombie Buffalo. You will end up with a great tattoo. Afterwards, go the Blue Door pub and have a burger and a couple of beers. Best day ever.

I’d like to take this time to express my thoughts on the current misconception about lower back tattoos. 10 years ago if a woman entered a shop inquiring about getting her first tattoo, there was a 80% chance it was going on her lower back. It’s a great place for a decent size tattoo and the location affords the owner the ability to choose whether or not it’s seen based on their wardrobe selection. The advent of the term “tramp stamp” has discouraged so many ladies from getting tattooed there that I can’t even recall the last time tattooed one. The derogatory word “tramp” in the title spawned from the fact a girl had a tattoo in the first place as if to indicate the tattoo alone made her low class. Being as though the lower back was the most common area for one to appear it became associated uniquely to that body part. So in turn, if someone avoids having that area inked to evade accusations of a slutty stigma all they are doing is sacrificing prime real estate for a contemporary taboo. Moral of the story, get your fuckin’ back tattooed:}

Interesting thread. I've been drinking a bit and now the wife is blasting some Nick Cave so take anything I write from that starting point.
I'm not as deep into tattoo culture as some of you. That means nothing one way or the other but seems worth pointing out here. I started later in life but do like my tattoos. I have limited space, even less if I decide to stick to not having visible tattoos work wise (undecided but still an option).
For me it's important that I have a good experience and get a good tattoo. Please note that I did not say great tattoo. Perfection, for me at least, is overrated in most things. Of course I don't want a bad tattoo but I also don't want a great tattoo with a story of frustration and disappointment to match it. It's a balance right?
The thing I think about is how much space do I want to save for new artists and how much do I want to "give" to the artist who has already put most of my tattoos on me? With that artist I know I am going to have fun and I know I am going to get a quality tattoo but will it be unique? Maybe not for me since I already have many by him. It's a balance like I said.
Anyway, something is next right. What ever it is I promise I will consider these factors- will I have fun and do I trust that the artist is capable of putting down something I can feel good about. There are many artists out there who can meet these two simple requirements.
The biggest question is who will I eventually trust with my left shoulder/arm which is still blank? The plan at this point is to wait until I have the time and money to go for an all encompassing plan but what that will end up being is wide open. It could be a few years. In the mean time I have an idea for a few filler roses and something original that I think my usual artist would enjoy drawing up.
There are so many good ways to do everything. That's what makes this whole life thing fun.

Interesting thread. I've been drinking a bit and now the wife is blasting some Nick Cave so take anything I write from that starting point.
I'm not as deep into tattoo culture as some of you. That means nothing one way or the other but seems worth pointing out here. I started later in life but do like my tattoos. I have limited space, even less if I decide to stick to not having visible tattoos work wise (undecided but still an option).
For me it's important that I have a good experience and get a good tattoo. Please note that I did not say great tattoo. Perfection, for me at least, is overrated in most things. Of course I don't want a bad tattoo but I also don't want a great tattoo with a story of frustration and disappointment to match it. It's a balance right?
The thing I think about is how much space do I want to save for new artists and how much do I want to "give" to the artist who has already put most of my tattoos on me? With that artist I know I am going to have fun and I know I am going to get a quality tattoo but will it be unique? Maybe not for me since I already have many by him. It's a balance like I said.
Anyway, something is next right. What ever it is I promise I will consider these factors- will I have fun and do I trust that the artist is capable of putting down something I can feel good about. There are many artists out there who can meet these two simple requirements.
The biggest question is who will I eventually trust with my left shoulder/arm which is still blank? The plan at this point is to wait until I have the time and money to go for an all encompassing plan but what that will end up being is wide open. It could be a few years. In the mean time I have an idea for a few filler roses and something original that I think my usual artist would enjoy drawing up.
There are so many good ways to do everything. That's what makes this whole life thing fun.

Interesting thread. I've been drinking a bit and now the wife is blasting some Nick Cave so take anything I write from that starting point.
I'm not as deep into tattoo culture as some of you. That means nothing one way or the other but seems worth pointing out here. I started later in life but do like my tattoos. I have limited space, even less if I decide to stick to not having visible tattoos work wise (undecided but still an option).
For me it's important that I have a good experience and get a good tattoo. Please note that I did not say great tattoo. Perfection, for me at least, is overrated in most things. Of course I don't want a bad tattoo but I also don't want a great tattoo with a story of frustration and disappointment to match it. It's a balance right?
The thing I think about is how much space do I want to save for new artists and how much do I want to "give" to the artist who has already put most of my tattoos on me? With that artist I know I am going to have fun and I know I am going to get a quality tattoo but will it be unique? Maybe not for me since I already have many by him. It's a balance like I said.
Anyway, something is next right. What ever it is I promise I will consider these factors- will I have fun and do I trust that the artist is capable of putting down something I can feel good about. There are many artists out there who can meet these two simple requirements.
The biggest question is who will I eventually trust with my left shoulder/arm which is still blank? The plan at this point is to wait until I have the time and money to go for an all encompassing plan but what that will end up being is wide open. It could be a few years. In the mean time I have an idea for a few filler roses and something original that I think my usual artist would enjoy drawing up.
There are so many good ways to do everything. That's what makes this whole life thing fun.

I've really enjoyed reading this thread so far.
I think a few things are happening here:
- If we're talking about people who take a collector's approach to getting tattooed (and I don't necessarily mean that in a negative way), maybe interest in big names could be seen as roughly similar to getting books or music that are fairly "correct" but express little about a person. I know I own a lot of music like this, but I don't regret having it because it's helped me seperate what I like from what I'm supposed to like (and may still appreciate somewhat, but that doesn't viscerally excite me like a favorite album or novel). I think this is a phase that many folks need to go through when they discover a new interest but haven't really begun to inhabit it yet.
-Most of us who aren't tattooers always need to spend money on this hobby (or whatever word you want to use). We're not trading art. Maybe there's an anxiety that this isn't any different from purchasing other things, even though it's a lot more intimate. Are my tattoos ultimately just an expensive suit? Am I just buying my way into something?
I think there's also a point at which "good taste" becomes suffocating.
I hope this makes sense and that it isn't just rambling. A lot of this is overthinking and I try not to worry about it and to just get what excites me. I can't control how it comes across to others, and you can tie yourself in knots thinking about your own motivations.

I want to get tattooed by people who do tattoos that I can feel in my gut, which is to say that when I see an artist's tattoos, or look through their portfolio or on their instagram or whatever (though more and more for me I want to see the tattoos, and not just pictures of them) I want to have a deeper reaction than just thinking that it's a good looking tattoo, and I want to have a good time getting those tattoos. I've been tattooed by some "big names" and I've travelled a fair bit to get tattooed, and to be honest, I feel a little self-conscious about it because--and maybe this is only in my head--I fear coming across as somebody who buys into that kind of almost celebrity culture that sometimes goes along with tattoo collecting that I think @Pugilist articulated very well. Because for me it's not about that and it was never about that. I just want to get rad tattoos.

Liked for any Hold Steady reference. I got to see them open up for The Replacements earlier this month. It was amazing.

Liked for any Hold Steady reference. I got to see them open up for The Replacements earlier this month. It was amazing.