Mick Weder

Yes. It's people's personal choice what they do, who are we to judge right? But, let's say not too long ago, when I started getting tattooed in the 80's, ya never heard of anyone seeking anything to manage the pain of getting tattooed. It would never have been a deciding factor. Times were so much more simpler...one either got tattooed, or one didn't, and if one didn't it was because of one of two reasons. They didn't like tattoos or they were too scared of the pain. Simple.
My personal belief is, seeking to mask the pain is kinda cheating. It's like the phrase, no pain no gain. It's like going on a diet of ice cream and cookies, it's like becoming fit by going for a stroll. We all do it at some level, seek the easy way out...every single one of us in some kind of format, it seems to be human nature. There's too many options out there. Slowly wins the race. Take the time, tough it out, the hard experiences in life earns us insight and adds to our knowledge.
Yeah, I've used opiates in the past while under the machine, but not to try mask the pain...a lot more simpler than that, just because I liked to get loaded on drugs and alcohol. That's it. On top of that, I can assure you, it does nothing for pain management. All it does is fucks you up and the local pain is the same...at times even worse because of how fucked up you are, ya can't shift the pain.
By far, I find the best way to pain manage is focus, straight with the good prep we talk about.

Yes. It's people's personal choice what they do, who are we to judge right? But, let's say not too long ago, when I started getting tattooed in the 80's, ya never heard of anyone seeking anything to manage the pain of getting tattooed. It would never have been a deciding factor. Times were so much more simpler...one either got tattooed, or one didn't, and if one didn't it was because of one of two reasons. They didn't like tattoos or they were too scared of the pain. Simple.
My personal belief is, seeking to mask the pain is kinda cheating. It's like the phrase, no pain no gain. It's like going on a diet of ice cream and cookies, it's like becoming fit by going for a stroll. We all do it at some level, seek the easy way out...every single one of us in some kind of format, it seems to be human nature. There's too many options out there. Slowly wins the race. Take the time, tough it out, the hard experiences in life earns us insight and adds to our knowledge.
Yeah, I've used opiates in the past while under the machine, but not to try mask the pain...a lot more simpler than that, just because I liked to get loaded on drugs and alcohol. That's it. On top of that, I can assure you, it does nothing for pain management. All it does is fucks you up and the local pain is the same...at times even worse because of how fucked up you are, ya can't shift the pain.
By far, I find the best way to pain manage is focus, straight with the good prep we talk about.

Yes. It's people's personal choice what they do, who are we to judge right? But, let's say not too long ago, when I started getting tattooed in the 80's, ya never heard of anyone seeking anything to manage the pain of getting tattooed. It would never have been a deciding factor. Times were so much more simpler...one either got tattooed, or one didn't, and if one didn't it was because of one of two reasons. They didn't like tattoos or they were too scared of the pain. Simple.
My personal belief is, seeking to mask the pain is kinda cheating. It's like the phrase, no pain no gain. It's like going on a diet of ice cream and cookies, it's like becoming fit by going for a stroll. We all do it at some level, seek the easy way out...every single one of us in some kind of format, it seems to be human nature. There's too many options out there. Slowly wins the race. Take the time, tough it out, the hard experiences in life earns us insight and adds to our knowledge.
Yeah, I've used opiates in the past while under the machine, but not to try mask the pain...a lot more simpler than that, just because I liked to get loaded on drugs and alcohol. That's it. On top of that, I can assure you, it does nothing for pain management. All it does is fucks you up and the local pain is the same...at times even worse because of how fucked up you are, ya can't shift the pain.
By far, I find the best way to pain manage is focus, straight with the good prep we talk about.

Yes. It's people's personal choice what they do, who are we to judge right? But, let's say not too long ago, when I started getting tattooed in the 80's, ya never heard of anyone seeking anything to manage the pain of getting tattooed. It would never have been a deciding factor. Times were so much more simpler...one either got tattooed, or one didn't, and if one didn't it was because of one of two reasons. They didn't like tattoos or they were too scared of the pain. Simple.
My personal belief is, seeking to mask the pain is kinda cheating. It's like the phrase, no pain no gain. It's like going on a diet of ice cream and cookies, it's like becoming fit by going for a stroll. We all do it at some level, seek the easy way out...every single one of us in some kind of format, it seems to be human nature. There's too many options out there. Slowly wins the race. Take the time, tough it out, the hard experiences in life earns us insight and adds to our knowledge.
Yeah, I've used opiates in the past while under the machine, but not to try mask the pain...a lot more simpler than that, just because I liked to get loaded on drugs and alcohol. That's it. On top of that, I can assure you, it does nothing for pain management. All it does is fucks you up and the local pain is the same...at times even worse because of how fucked up you are, ya can't shift the pain.
By far, I find the best way to pain manage is focus, straight with the good prep we talk about.

Yes. It's people's personal choice what they do, who are we to judge right? But, let's say not too long ago, when I started getting tattooed in the 80's, ya never heard of anyone seeking anything to manage the pain of getting tattooed. It would never have been a deciding factor. Times were so much more simpler...one either got tattooed, or one didn't, and if one didn't it was because of one of two reasons. They didn't like tattoos or they were too scared of the pain. Simple.
My personal belief is, seeking to mask the pain is kinda cheating. It's like the phrase, no pain no gain. It's like going on a diet of ice cream and cookies, it's like becoming fit by going for a stroll. We all do it at some level, seek the easy way out...every single one of us in some kind of format, it seems to be human nature. There's too many options out there. Slowly wins the race. Take the time, tough it out, the hard experiences in life earns us insight and adds to our knowledge.
Yeah, I've used opiates in the past while under the machine, but not to try mask the pain...a lot more simpler than that, just because I liked to get loaded on drugs and alcohol. That's it. On top of that, I can assure you, it does nothing for pain management. All it does is fucks you up and the local pain is the same...at times even worse because of how fucked up you are, ya can't shift the pain.
By far, I find the best way to pain manage is focus, straight with the good prep we talk about.

Yes. It's people's personal choice what they do, who are we to judge right? But, let's say not too long ago, when I started getting tattooed in the 80's, ya never heard of anyone seeking anything to manage the pain of getting tattooed. It would never have been a deciding factor. Times were so much more simpler...one either got tattooed, or one didn't, and if one didn't it was because of one of two reasons. They didn't like tattoos or they were too scared of the pain. Simple.
My personal belief is, seeking to mask the pain is kinda cheating. It's like the phrase, no pain no gain. It's like going on a diet of ice cream and cookies, it's like becoming fit by going for a stroll. We all do it at some level, seek the easy way out...every single one of us in some kind of format, it seems to be human nature. There's too many options out there. Slowly wins the race. Take the time, tough it out, the hard experiences in life earns us insight and adds to our knowledge.
Yeah, I've used opiates in the past while under the machine, but not to try mask the pain...a lot more simpler than that, just because I liked to get loaded on drugs and alcohol. That's it. On top of that, I can assure you, it does nothing for pain management. All it does is fucks you up and the local pain is the same...at times even worse because of how fucked up you are, ya can't shift the pain.
By far, I find the best way to pain manage is focus, straight with the good prep we talk about.

That's pretty much on the money @Cork.
Slammed my rear 11", went back to 16" bars instead of drag bars, wrapped my pipe today.
Then ripped her through the hills.
Good

That's pretty much on the money @Cork.
Slammed my rear 11", went back to 16" bars instead of drag bars, wrapped my pipe today.
Then ripped her through the hills.
Good

Thanks, @Mick Weder - I got up late but when we we went for lunch, I tried 4 different ciders. You've probably already commented on my editorial in the Cider Snob thread :-)

Hence why there are so many unfinished back projects walking around to be forever covered by cloth, never to be revealed.
Nice work @SeeSea. If the only tattoo we ever wear is a full scale back tattoo, that within itself holds significance on every level.
I reckon you've earned breakfast ciders forever

its already on the site so i guess i'll throw this in
from jeff rassier last week

THANKS! @Lance, @SeeSea, @Cork, @hogg, @Mick Weder, @Fala, @Mush, @MrToby, @DeathB4Decaf, @misterJ
I was very excited to see Henning again and get more work done on my back but it was tough couple of sessions. Long hours and in very tender spots made me question my sanity and whether I will ever consider starting another tattoo project, hahaha. Henning consulted several old woodblock print references for inspiration on colors and added his own unique take on them. He felt combination of muted colors on the body and bright tail feathers would not only make the phoenix "pop" but also simultaneously compliment and contrast off of Rubendall's dragon colors. Needless to say I'm very happy with how it turned out. Happy everyone is enjoying the progress with me. Cheers!

Had a planning session this morning, & the usual cold cider stubbies while mapping out the right foot we'll start drilling into in 4 weeks.
An idea I've had for some time and some inspiration from a certain design by @daveborjes
Thanks man, it's gonna fill the foot nicely.
It's funny, doesn't matter how many tough sessions you sit through, that nervousness about embarking on new territory is always there. Love that shit.

You had to sign a disclaimer for your tattoos? Man...this world is changing in a direction I just don't understand.
I grew up on the streets hanging out in biker run shops. It was the old time culture that attracted me to the lifestyle. I couldn't even fathom such a request. If a fella said to me but, Mick, do us a fave will ya mate & don't plaster our work all over FB until such and such, I'de say, no worries mate! That's the only disclaimer I'm used to...a mans word. Not having a shot mate, it's just foreign policy to me that's all. I suppose this is what we call the generation gap, but I'm fuckin' glad I grew up in the generation I did man.
Face tattoos. Never for me either. It took me 28 years to hit my hands solid, and that was only working on the old time aspect of the no hands/ face rule unless already suited.
Cliffe Clayton, my original Tattooer back in The Valley @ High Energy Tattoo in the mid 80's said to me one night when I walked in drunk on my 19th birthday asking him to tattoo my left hand..
"Son, ya might not understand this now, but there's gonna be at least one time in your life, just once that ya wished you were never tattooed, and for that one reason, I don't wanna be the man who made you regret that moment"
Now, I was 19, drunk and replied with the usual "she'll be farrrkin right Cliffe" attitude. But that statement stuck with me all my life, and then there came that day which I understood exactly what he meant to which I silently thanked him for it.
His next words to me went along the lines of, "ya got fuckin' 3 seconds to now get out of my shop c*unt before I punch you out the door"
The second wise bit of advice he gave me that night. :)
But ya know. We're all big boys playing in a big boys arena, and if your decision is to tattoo your face Oz, that's your journey. I'de be interested to see & hear what ya got planned mate.

An oldie. While getting drilled in the arm pit. Good times.

Just gotta get that little bit right..in..there.

"Booze, Blues & Tattoos"

Had a planning session this morning, & the usual cold cider stubbies while mapping out the right foot we'll start drilling into in 4 weeks.
An idea I've had for some time and some inspiration from a certain design by @daveborjes
Thanks man, it's gonna fill the foot nicely.
It's funny, doesn't matter how many tough sessions you sit through, that nervousness about embarking on new territory is always there. Love that shit.

Back to back full day sittings @ironchef?
Respect

Had a planning session this morning, & the usual cold cider stubbies while mapping out the right foot we'll start drilling into in 4 weeks.
An idea I've had for some time and some inspiration from a certain design by @daveborjes
Thanks man, it's gonna fill the foot nicely.
It's funny, doesn't matter how many tough sessions you sit through, that nervousness about embarking on new territory is always there. Love that shit.

This is true. My mate, it's now been 6 years. We have become such close friends that we have acknowledged it will never end.
I only have a little fill to complete back of neck (this w end), some colour fill on the butt cheek & upper thigh. Now only the feet to design and fill.
Our regular visits will continue, our Sunday morning cider and beer tasting sessions, the presence of like minded people going through the same experience of suiting out...and by going on your advice @SeeSea, we can still enjoy doing some relining, punching some more black over black for good times.
For me, it's not the end, just a new chapter in a lifelong friendship.

Had a planning session this morning, & the usual cold cider stubbies while mapping out the right foot we'll start drilling into in 4 weeks.
An idea I've had for some time and some inspiration from a certain design by @daveborjes
Thanks man, it's gonna fill the foot nicely.
It's funny, doesn't matter how many tough sessions you sit through, that nervousness about embarking on new territory is always there. Love that shit.

An oldie. While getting drilled in the arm pit. Good times.

An oldie. While getting drilled in the arm pit. Good times.

Back to kinda where it all started for us hey KBee.
I think when we all make that decision we're going heavy, we think we must put a lot of energy into it, over thinking, complicating it, when the only complicated part is really being steered in the right direction, then it all just falls in place.
I love that. Just doing it easy, enjoying the experience again, the vibe, the smell, the sound.
On that, how could one sit in a shop with all rotary machines working? The silence wouldn't seem right.

Lasered off 2 bodysuits?
Un-fuckin-believable.
"Booze, Blues & Tattoos"