s3rndpt

So I'm going to be the dork at the beach wearing this next week since my new tattoo pretty much runs the length of my left arm, and I don't want to risk irritating it with sunscreen while it heals. And no, I won't be getting in the water, at least not from the waist up.

After a few more sessions....it's nothing compared to what everyone here has!

I have slapped the heck out of my arm over the past few days...I forgot how much tattoos itch when they are healing! It'll be healed just in time for my next session next week, and I can start all over again. Gotta say, I LOVE the start my artist made last week though. It could probably stand on its own.

If you mean me, we briefly talked about it back in Feb...I start a new piece with Amy Black in 3 weeks, and I have an appt. with Briana Sargent in San Diego early next year. If you mean the OP, I'm sure she'll be back soon ;)

If anyone was into the more hardcore stuff from the late 80s/early 90s, my friend is one of the guitarists for Up Front. They played in NY and the Anthrax Club in CT in the late 80s a lot. Haven't really done much since the mid-90s, but that's because they're all married with careers now. Funny how that happens. "

Damn. My intro wasn't half as interesting. I guess I better get some kick-ass tattoos to make up for my lack of entertaining posts.

Wow, lots of Va people recently :) I'm in the Richmond area. Still just kind of soaking everything in here on the forum.

I had some crazy girl flip out on one of my Pinterest tattoo pins (yes, I know how much this forum hates Pinterest, but whatever, I guess---I always credit the source, and post the artist and the shop when I can find them) and go off about how tattoos are stupid, tattoos are trendy, her husband, who is a 300lb former NFL linebacker (because apparently I care) hates his tattoos and wishes he had never gotten them, blah blah blah. This was completely out of the blue, and not someone I know. Even after being gently reminded that just because she doesn't like them, it does't mean others don't, she wouldn't shut up, or stop posting random things about how much tattoos suck. I finally gave up, called her a bitch (not proud of that, but I was pretty hot at that point) reported her, and blocked her from my page. Checked the next day, and her account was completely deleted, so I'm guessing I'm not the only one she went after. I don't get it---if it doesn't affect you, SHUT UP ABOUT IT. @growltiger I'm guessing the whole getting tattooed during pregnancy is like the recommendations about sushi and pregnancy. All the numbered reasons you posted are valid, but probably very, very unlikely. Chances are very, very slim it could cause an issue, but no professional is going to take the chance and tell you it's okay (or agree to tattoo you).

It's not exactly upcoming in the near future, but I just finalized a date with Briana Sargent at Buju Tattoo for some work next year (not her doing, I had to find a time I could get out to San Diego). Now I just have to sit tight for another 12 months! My work with Amy Black starts in a month, and I am also really excited about that. I put this stuff off wayyyyyyyy too long, so I need to make up for lost time!

After following this entire thread, and not knowing exactly how to articulate my feelings, I find I am in total agreement with graybones here. I don't have a problem with using the symbols of a different culture, as long as it is done respectfully and with an understanding of what those symbols actually symbolize. And I would never, ever presume to judge someone else's choices--I can only apply my own morals to myself, not everyone else around me. I choose to assume the best of everyone, including their choices of body decoration.

Those armery things are exactly the kind of "interesting" I meant :) thanks for the link!

What a great idea for a thread! I have a feeling I'll be looking for some interesting ways to cover my arms, as I am about to embark on what I hope will eventually be 2 full sleeves. While I don't *have* to cover anything up at work since I work in a creative job, I'd rather avoid all the nosy questions I'll be bound to get, as I'll be the only woman with openly visible tattoos.

Definitely...there are some amazing shops and artists here--that's why I had such a hard time with it. She just seemed to fit with what I was looking for this time around.

Yeah, she's learned from one of the best, and now she's one of the best (IMHO) :) It says a lot that she took over his shop when he went to NY. I spent a lot of time considering various shops here because RVA has so many good ones, but her tattooing style and personality seemed to match mine the best. We had a consult a couple weeks ago, and it went well. Unfortunately, I do have to wait a bit because she books up fast, but I figure it's been in the works for 20 years, what's a couple of months more.

Hi everyone...I've been lurking for a while, so I thought it best to sign myself up and say hi. It's been 20 years since I got my first (and currently only) tattoo, and 1 husband, 2 kids, a career, and a lot of closed piercings later I'm finally getting ready to jump back in with a partial sleeve (with plans for more over the next few years). My artist will be the wonderful Amy Black of Amy Black Tattoos here in Richmond, VA, and I am very excited to finally be getting some work done on this tattoo, which I've been mulling for at least the last 5 years. I'll do my best not to ask any terribly silly questions, but it's been a long time since I've done this, so bear with me!