OutOfIdeas

Sorry to hear that Rob, I wish you both the best. Personally, I've been struggling for a bit. I left a lame job in my hometown which I had grown to hate, and it's been an uphill battle. Encountered more than my share of setbacks; shady people, shady jobs, being straight lied to about jobs. Being broke constantly while somehow keeping the bills paid, but living in my car for a month or so (not any more luckily) Now I've taken a bit of a chance. Im going to a 4 week trade school to get my CDL. Always wanted to drive, but never had a means to get the CDL. Now I'm shit broke, have a student loan to pay off, and the next month will be interesting (no idea how im gonna pay these bills; anyone wanna buy some crack?? Joke, joke!) Might sound like I made a dumb decision, but if I just survive this next month, I'll have a skill set that will land me a good paying job. No more unskilled labor, and being treated accordingly. After a year of over the road, I should be able to find a good local job, just about wherever I want, and make a good wage. Here's to hoping the second part of this belongs in the positive things thread, and not this one, cause this month will be stressful enough...

If I could get tattoed by anyone in Texas it'd be Oliver Peck, but thats more for the experience than just talent (although he has plenty of that as well)

My ears were stretched to 5/8", I've taken them out at various times for long periods, but I've been stretching back up and should get back to 5/8" tommorrow. That's where I stop, cause they still close up fairly well (cant see any gap through them once i take them out and take a warm shower) up to that. I tried one size above and they wouldn't fully close up, so I went back down right away. I had one nipple pierced with a needle while drunk in high school, kept it for a while, and then someone partially ripped it out, and that was the end of that. I definitely prefer the ease of tattoos, more initial pain but then much less hassle.

I have some tattoos, that were done by a friend who is NOW apprenticing. We were both young and stupid (maybe still are??) But I like them, for the simple fact that I like the guy that did them. I might cover the worst one, just cause I don't like subject matter, but I intend to either let him touch the rest up after his apprenticeship or leave them as is. One is the first "custom" tattoo he ever drew and tattooed. That could be some serious bragging points one day! So I agree, if you're saying what I think you are; in some cases I would happily get a tattoo that isn't world class, from the right person, in the right spot. I am going for really high quality for almost all of the rest of my tattoos though.

I try not to judge other people's work, but am guilty of doing so occasionally. I make a point to never dog someones work unless I know them well enough to know how they'll take it though. The part i struggle with, is when people I don't know very well see my tattoos, and discuss theirs, and future plans. When they show me the artist they plan on going to, or tell me they plan on going to the same artist who did their other bad work, I always find it hard to steer them away from those artists without coming across as a dick, or "tattoo snob". Could just be because I'm still a bit awkward though, and not used to being in a place where people (other than a few friends) actually have tattoos...

There's a slim chance I may be in the SF area at some point during those dates, I'd be stoked to meet some of you as well, if it isn't douchey to possibly invite myself?

I watched a YouTube video on her (not sure whether or not its the one mentioned above) and it was really really cool. So awesome to see her working; so vital still at that age. It would be so cool to get a tattoo from her!

Panther/snow leopard fight by Tim Lehi?

I can't like stuff on my phone, so ill just have to tell you how cool that snake is. It's really cool.

Fairly drunk. Surrounded by people that love rap, and wanna think they're "gangsta" (nothing wrong with being a thug, but these people are certainly not thugs) and all I want is punk rock. Fuck. But 500 channels (lefotver crack) and some Pennywise tunes just happened on my spotify. I have no idea what the purpose of this post was, but fuck Busch and fuck yea punk rock.

I agree completely. I find it interesting in a way; I worked with CNC machines and 3D printers in machine shop in class, and loved it. So its interesting to me. On the other hand, I would never get tattooed by a robot. I think the human creativity, and actual human error that makes it a "hand made" product is a hugely important part of a tattoo.

I posted something similar a very long time ago, about a CNC tattoo machine. Similar concept.

I had a 9 or so hour flight, the day after getting my elbow ditch done (had the dates wrong in my head, thought I'd have a week and a day ha) and it healed fine. The flight was definitely uncomfortably, but I hear the ditch sucks no matter what. And I hate screaming children, and their parents that give up on trying to calm them down after ten minutes. Anyway, I just covered it up with long sleeves and kept it as clean as possible, and all went well.

I am mostly, but it tends to be a pain in the ass for the first week or so. The last few tattoos have been at busier points in my life, so I've noticed the inconvenience a lot more. I also tend to have dry skin, which means I usually baby them a bit more than im guessing the average person does. So I guess im satisfied with the results, but not the process, if that makes sense. That's what appealed to me most about the -derm, the easyness of it.

So, forgive me if im wrong here, but im a little slow. The leaky blood and plasma actually helps with the -derm? In small amounts at least? I ask because I normally hot press (press a really hot damp towel to the fresh tattoo when I get home from the appointment, which pulls out a lot of the excess plasma and gunk) so if I try the -derm, should i still hot press first, or would I be better off with a normal wash the first day, and then derm the next? And will I need to rewrap? I normally dont rewrap after a hot press

Ive had some fairly heavily scabbed work, from before I changed my routine, that healed well. I didnt change due to loss of ink or anything, just didn't like the scabs

Im sure you're joking, but on the very small chance you take it seriously, this is a disclaimer that I take no responsibility whatsoever if they amputate your leg due to gangrene or similar.

Just let him lick it better! I mean, him cleaning it has to help, right? Otherwise dog's wouldn't naturally lick their own wounds. Logic.

@Tesseracts im not saying he doesn't do great work, but i dont like that the article makes it sound like he's the one and only tattoer that works in that style and manner. Amd I agree Graeme

I can help! Get a big tiger on your ribs, or a huge snake there, or a tiger/snake combo. Or just a big ol' eagle on your chest. In all seriousness, welcome! Who's the artist that you've picked?

I love how fuckin big it is as well. Not just a little 3x3 on the bum cheek or something; the whole fuckin inner forearm. Having such an obvious mark of stupidity can't be helping his love life much...

I agree, roses go with literally anything, and almost anywhere. Aaaaaaand if you get lucky and pick up a rose from either Valerie (saw one she did with a reaper a few weeks ago that floored me) or Oliver at Frith Street (or anyone there actually) you will make me incredibly jealous.

I was in this exact dilemma for about 6 months, had too much to cover with a tee but was wary of going for the lower arm. I say, just do it! You'll ve glad you did

The best advice, if the guy doing the work is very talented, is to go tell him exactly what you just said, and then add "however you think would work best" at the end. Then go with what he comes up with! Chances are it will turn out better than if we give you advice over the internet, and you go in with very specific requests. Mind if I ask, who's doing the work by the way?

Im gonna say this much more politely than a lot of members here might, but this isn't the place for "resources and tips" and scratchers aren't looked upon in a friendly way here. There's a right way and wrong way to do things, and that's quite specific here. Just a heads up.