scubaron

I think many people don't have a goal of insulting people, but it happens during their conversation. The problem is, even if it's not their goal, they know they are insulting people and they just don't care.

Tipping is a tricky subject. Different customs, different recommended %, flat $ amounts, artists home studio, artist is an employee at a shop, high profile shop in a high rent area, etc..
I don't know the specifics, but I imagine the artist does not keep the full hourly rate. Some of it is going to the shop. In NYC, hourly rates typically start at $200/hr. and go higher for many known artists. The high rate is not just because of the quality of the artist. The shop is paying high rent. 25% on $200 + /hr. is a lot.

And double penetration the following quarter!

I found the cost to be negligible. A $16 roll of it will likely last through my entire leg. I'm okay with that cost and it certainly isn't driving me to a cheaper artist because of the expense. I like it for the convenience mainly, and while I've never had scabbing issues with any aftercare, I had significantly less peeling when I used the Saniderm for this last tattoo. And not having my pants or bed sheets gunked up with A&D ointment, not having my pajamas stuck to my fresh tattoo when I wake up in the morning, not having to jump in the shower 3 times a day to wash it, and not having to touch it 3+ times a day potentially introducing bacteria was worth the cost.
I think people research the crap outta aftercare because most of us want to make sure we are doing our best to protect our investments and make sure we don't jack up our tattoos.

I'lll throw my recent experience out there. I bought a roll of Saniderm to try out on the tattoo I got last weekend. Before this I always washed 2-3x's a day/ointment 2-3 days/then lotion method. Worked fine, but was annoying as I am getting my entire leg done and having ointment all over it for days at a time was pain.
So last weekend I got a tattoo pretty high on my thigh, unwrapped and washed as soon as I got home, put a really thin layer of ointment on and went to bed. Next morning I applied the Saniderm. It was not hard for me to apply, but it was harder for me to cut a piece from the roll (I was wishing at that point I would have just purchased the pre-cut pieces). I kept it on for 4 days. I had hardly any fluid seepage I think because I waited 12 hours before applying it. After 4 days I removed it, slowly, in the shower while using soap and water. It was a tad tender while removing it from the tattoo. But my tattoo looked great!
It started peeling the next day, but it was barely any peeling (i usually peel really bad). I was impressed!
Overall, the process was so low-maintenance and easy that I was really happy! It seemed counter-intuitive to throw a bandage on and ignore the tattoo for 4 days, but this is the best heal I've had so far, and the easiest by leaps and bounds! I'm definitely glad I gave it a try and will continue to use it for future tattoos.

While Carlos is amazing at what he does, it struck me as odd to have him as a judge on a geometry episode. It would've been more suiting to have someone who specializes in that style like Nazareno Tubaro.

^Thanks, had these left to share.












Must've been holding my phone off kilter, sorry. These photos pale in comparison to what they look like in real life. The photographer, Kip Fulbeck, used a $60,ooo camera, so when you get your catalogs you'll see the true colors.

I have a collection of Tattoos from a variety of artists over the years. One thing that I have realized if some artists are visually stuck in a particular style, so it takes them some hard work to expand into other styles. If a guy does Oldschool all day long, somehow his Portraits, Biomechanical and Realism all look Oldschool. So be warned.
If you found someone who is trying to expand their Tattoo visual range, then they should probably give you special experimental rate until they prove themselves. It could work out good for both of you and if they don't nail it, well you both went in with eyes wide open, and no one will be surprised by anything.
Some artists stick to a particular style because they are good at it, and when they wander off into other styles that may not work out for them. It takes a lot of hard work to master a style so be patient and heads up.

I'm a newbie too. I like your octopus concept and choice of artist. My idea is similar, but I want the octopus outline shape to be recognizable/standard. The octopus pattern is where I want my artist to get creative. I asked him to have the octopus hold a starfish with a cool unique pattern and have the octopus mimic that pattern in it's body and legs. Kind of cool since in real life octopi mimic what they touch.
Here is an update on my whale shark tattoo. Finished this past Sunday. Tail is a little wonky in position and looks because it's covering a big old surgery scar.

It won't be finished any time soon, but I posted a pic over in the What's Your Longest Tattoo Session. It's just the first pass but you get the idea - I can't wait for more color and detail. Since this is a JELLYFISH thread, I'll add that 2 moon jellies will be around my right shoulder. That should be my next session at the end of the month.
This goes right to my post: http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/crazy-tattoo-stories/358-whats-your-longest-tattoo-session-page26.html#post88190

Okay, this is just a first pass - nothing is done except maybe the sea snake but there are no highlights or shadows for him yet either. On the right, hidden are two unfinished clownfish in an anemone. He'll keep laying things out to get the whole design before he goes back to finish each part completely. Next up will be some fish and coral on the right, and in the middle will be the deep blue with some shadowed critters in the distance. Kinda frustrating that nothing will be finished until everything is finished at the last minute!
FYI - This is a sea scene made from a number of pictures I've taken while diving. The sea snake I chased all over the bottom trying to get a close-up of him, only later to find out how poisonous he is! Oops! And I just love my eels!

Researching local NYC artists and found this Lady head by Jessica Mascitti. I like the details, the clear red band over the eyes and think the girl looks great.

Whale shark is in progress. 2nd session in 2 weeks. Artist is using dot shading. It's creating a nice depth and shade transition.
Yeah Galapagos was incredible. I was face to face inches away. The experience is why I chose a whale shark.
Which artist is doing your work ?

Finally finished up with Seth wood the other night. Here she is, the gator!

Nipple is gone, 14 hours planned for today:)

A nurse said tegaderm is the same thing as saran wrap ?
Is saran wrap:
sterile and sealed
water proof
adheres and seals to skin
breathable
designed to stay on wound continuous for up to 7 days
Telfa is a bandage that absorbs blood and other fluids.
Kind of surprised a nurse would say this.

I'm a newbie too. I like your octopus concept and choice of artist. My idea is similar, but I want the octopus outline shape to be recognizable/standard. The octopus pattern is where I want my artist to get creative. I asked him to have the octopus hold a starfish with a cool unique pattern and have the octopus mimic that pattern in it's body and legs. Kind of cool since in real life octopi mimic what they touch.
Here is an update on my whale shark tattoo. Finished this past Sunday. Tail is a little wonky in position and looks because it's covering a big old surgery scar.

I'm a newbie too. I like your octopus concept and choice of artist. My idea is similar, but I want the octopus outline shape to be recognizable/standard. The octopus pattern is where I want my artist to get creative. I asked him to have the octopus hold a starfish with a cool unique pattern and have the octopus mimic that pattern in it's body and legs. Kind of cool since in real life octopi mimic what they touch.
Here is an update on my whale shark tattoo. Finished this past Sunday. Tail is a little wonky in position and looks because it's covering a big old surgery scar.

I'm a newbie too. I like your octopus concept and choice of artist. My idea is similar, but I want the octopus outline shape to be recognizable/standard. The octopus pattern is where I want my artist to get creative. I asked him to have the octopus hold a starfish with a cool unique pattern and have the octopus mimic that pattern in it's body and legs. Kind of cool since in real life octopi mimic what they touch.
Here is an update on my whale shark tattoo. Finished this past Sunday. Tail is a little wonky in position and looks because it's covering a big old surgery scar.

I'm a newbie too. I like your octopus concept and choice of artist. My idea is similar, but I want the octopus outline shape to be recognizable/standard. The octopus pattern is where I want my artist to get creative. I asked him to have the octopus hold a starfish with a cool unique pattern and have the octopus mimic that pattern in it's body and legs. Kind of cool since in real life octopi mimic what they touch.
Here is an update on my whale shark tattoo. Finished this past Sunday. Tail is a little wonky in position and looks because it's covering a big old surgery scar.

I'm a newbie too. I like your octopus concept and choice of artist. My idea is similar, but I want the octopus outline shape to be recognizable/standard. The octopus pattern is where I want my artist to get creative. I asked him to have the octopus hold a starfish with a cool unique pattern and have the octopus mimic that pattern in it's body and legs. Kind of cool since in real life octopi mimic what they touch.
Here is an update on my whale shark tattoo. Finished this past Sunday. Tail is a little wonky in position and looks because it's covering a big old surgery scar.

I'm a newbie too. I like your octopus concept and choice of artist. My idea is similar, but I want the octopus outline shape to be recognizable/standard. The octopus pattern is where I want my artist to get creative. I asked him to have the octopus hold a starfish with a cool unique pattern and have the octopus mimic that pattern in it's body and legs. Kind of cool since in real life octopi mimic what they touch.
Here is an update on my whale shark tattoo. Finished this past Sunday. Tail is a little wonky in position and looks because it's covering a big old surgery scar.

Isn't that the theory behind the derm products ? Let your body do the healing by keeping out dirt, water, germs, letting air circulate, leaving the derm on for 4-6 days straight ?

Watch enough reality TV competition shows and you can see how they select contestants. A few that really have a chance to win, a bunch of middle of the pack people and a few that have no chance at all, but create drama and interest. They typically keep the no chance people around for a while to up ratings.
At least with Ink Master, the artists skills and experience are typically much better than on Best Ink. Are there any other decent tattoo shows out there ? Can't stand the 2 shows about bad tattoos and cover ups.

You're getting an octopus in April in NY too ? Funny, small world. Who is your artist ?
I've seen 4 different octopus tattoos by Yoni. Not sure which one was on China Mieville. But they all looked great.