CaptCanada

This summer will be a great one for me. After this Saturday I'll be quitting my job after 7 years. Finally going to be awake during the daytime. Then next week Duffa has plans to come up to Tokyo for the first LST Japan meet up. Then in July I'll be in sunny California/Arizona for vacation. Will be starting a new area of my bodysuit as well. Probably my right leg but could be arms.

This summer will be a great one for me. After this Saturday I'll be quitting my job after 7 years. Finally going to be awake during the daytime. Then next week Duffa has plans to come up to Tokyo for the first LST Japan meet up. Then in July I'll be in sunny California/Arizona for vacation. Will be starting a new area of my bodysuit as well. Probably my right leg but could be arms.

I typically suggest 2-5, but this number will vary based on the size of the original tattoo and what it is you want over it. Some people are 2, some are 8.
What I'll do during a consult is suggest they start with 2-3, again depending on what they have and what the goal is, then suggest they call and schedule a 30 minute block of time with their tattoo artist to stop in and show them progress, discuss the tattoo, and then decide if more treatments are needed or if they can book the tattoo appointment.
My business runs much differently compared to med-spas, we have working relationships with dozens of tattoo shops, so depending where you go, they may not care what you want to do, they just want to treat you and kick you out the door.
Minimum two though to really see progress.

@Cork all joking aside I hate you for your full size ass. Not only do you have space for great tattoo but you can hold up jeans with no issue.
I have flat/no ass I am wondering if I can even fit roses on each cheek
oh and great progress!

It's hard to get a good picture because of my bulbous glutes. Another session down with Dana and I am so happy.
The experience was pretty damn unique. My right side was done first, sometimes it felt light just like he was running a fine tip pen down the back of my leg, barely any pain at all. The butt crack however. Holy bejesus. It sapped my stamina big time trying so hard to not involuntarily flinch. By the time he got to the left side, I was done. Luckily he was fast as hell once we switched sides and it was done in no time at all. It was a real quick 3 hour session. Several flaming asshole jokes were made.

Please this was late 80s early 90s and from a pack of crayolas. Sorry for the thread derail.

Nice,
My sister got sent back a year cause she was color blind and couldn't tell the difference of Indian red and brown. Let's just say her 1st grade teacher was a bitch.

No re-wrapping for me - despite the tattoo artist advising to do it for best results, and knowing people who have done it and healed great. I burned myself once (as in flames) and the "burn victim treatment" did not work. I don't know the biological reasons for this.
I've browsed and lurked for a while and though I reckon lots of folk know, I've not seen it mentioned -
My lifestyle is largely intense weight training so when it comes to healing, at the forefront of my mind is nutrition. Don't worry, I'm not one of those tedious protein-shakers. In my mind my skin is the same as the rest of my body. If I hurt it, I give it what it needs to mend itself. Anyway - here's a couple of foods to munch on that'll help you heal...
Salmon - the fats are really good, also the protein for healing skin (and everything else).
Carrots - lots of vitamin A.
Chillis - Good for skin (vit E)
Olives, olive oil - fats. When I say fat, of course I mean the healthy ones!
WATER - I go through almost 5 litres a day and have done for around 15 years. Essential for life, essential for skin health. You don't need this much, but remember cells need water to do their ting.
I know enough about nutrition to know that people just don't want to hear "healthy eating nonsense", so if you want to find out all about the vitamins etc go look it up. These aren't fancy foods, I tried giving some examples of everyday foods that folk may not appreciate for the magical foods they are. Always nice to know you've long been doing something great for yourself!
Remember also that protein is very important for your immune system - been years since I've researched all this, but I think it's around the first 20g of protein you get in your tummy goes straight to work on your immune system.
Don't dweeb out on the diet plans, just reach for the stuff that isn't in smiley face format or crusted in salt and flavourings.
You'll still want your creams, ointments or whatever - my post here is to help address the wound from the INSIDE.
Have a lovely day all!
John

My first tattoo was a rose and dagger design on the very top of my right arm bicep/shoulder. It was done shortly after my 16th birthday in 1983. I had to show proof that I was 16 to get the creepy old tattooer to even let me into his dingy downtown basement shop. I had figured because of the placement, I could easily hide it from Mom just wearing a t-shirt. I was mostly right. I knew that it would have to be revealed someday but, I was in no hurry. Much to my chagrin, it happened sooner rather than later.
My folks vacationed in Jamaica and had brought me back this shirt, much like a karate jacket, made out of a large cotton/linen sugar bag. I figured it was a good choice to wear over a fresh tattoo, loose fitting and all. As it turned out, the old guy was not only a creep (insisted I have my hand on his knee the entire time....didn't get it then...makes me shudder now...) but also a bit of a butcher. I oozed blood and ink for a day at least and of course, permantly stained the souvenir from Jamaica. Moms caught me coming out of the bathroom, saw the mess on my sleeve and asked what the hell happened there. I've never been able to lie to my mom (even at times that I really should have lol), so I smiled sheepishly and took my shirt off. She stood dumb founded for a minute, asked me if it was real and then smiled, shook her head and called me an idiot, in the most loving way of course. Lucky. Cool as hell mom.
Last year I posted a pic of my most recent piece on Facebook with an apology to my mom and stating that she had likely not quite forgiven me for the first one hahaha. She's cool about it in her resignation :)

I have significantly less money now that I have begun getting tattooed.

I'll answer a few questions in no specific order RE: Penis Dragon.
That customer came to the shop after searching for someone who would be willing to do the tattoo.
I agreed to do it because he was clear about what he did and didn't want from the tattoo and unlike others who inquire about similar work, he didn't seem to be 'getting off' talking about it. Also he wanted a tattoo that looked good, rather than just a tattoo that obliterated his genitals.
It's his only tattoo.
He's not what I would call a 'tattoo person' he doesn't really care about tattoos, he just knows what he wants and expects a high quality outcome.
He has a profession where you would never know or see his tattoo. I'm told the only person who will see it is his long term wife.
He handled the pain exceptionally well. He applied Emla cream before I tattooed the head of his penis but it seemed to wear off fairly quickly.
He tells me the most painful part was his scrotum. That was also the most difficult part to design, draw and tattoo. I didn't need to see his penis erect to design or tattoo it. Tattooing involves stretching skin and it's possible to predict how skin will distort. He assures me it looks great at all times and all angles.
That tattoo is by far the most technically challenging, stressful and difficult work I've ever produced.

Got questions about your tattoo with regards to aftercare or possible issues? If so, this is the thread for you! Questions surrounding your new tattoo are common, and we have covered several questions you might have. Think of this thread as your one-stop-shop for all the questions you're dying to ask.
In other words, before you start a thread, please read the following. These topics have come up several times in the past, and this will probably answer any questions you might have.
FAQ
Q: Is my tattoo infected?
A: While tattoo infections are fairly rare, strangers on the internet are not the people to ask. If you're wondering if it is infected, it would be best to ask the tattooer who applied the tattoo. They have all types of knowledge about the various stages of a healing tattoo and would be glad to help you. You are their customer. If it looks really terrible or is very painful, consult a physician.
Q: What is the best aftercare for my new tattoo?
A: There are a variety of effective aftercare methods. There is no "one size fits all" approach, but there are some good guidelines that have been discussed in previous threads here on LST. The best person to get aftercare advice from is from the artist who did the tattoo. (Are you starting to see a pattern here?)
Q: Can I go swimming (or engage in other activities) with my new tattoo?
A: While everyone has their own opinion about this topic, the way to think about it is this: you have a large, fresh wound that you really, really want to take very good care of. (Hell, you paid for it!) It would be in your best interest to keep it free from water, sweat or contact with not-so-clean areas (like gym equipment).
Q: Is my tattoo healed yet? How long does it take to heal?
A: This comes back to what was said before: everyone's body reacts differently. There is no "one size fits all" description for what a healing tattoo looks like or how long it takes. Even on the same person, the area of the body can effect how long it takes to heal. For example, tattoos on the lower leg often take longer to heal than tattoos on the upper arm, but even this varies from person to person. That being said, there are some loose guidelines to follow to understand how the healing process is going. Generally, it goes like this: after leaving the shop, your tattoo might be swollen, red, and oozing plasma/lymph/ink. After this phase, you'll transition into the peeling/scabbing phase. The area can become very itchy and it might look like you have sunburn on your tattoo. After this, the tattoo can look faded or glazed over. It may even have a "waxy" look to it. This is normal. Eventually, the tattoo will settle and look pretty good. The length of time from "fresh" to "looking good" can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months. Again, this depends on several factors, including diet, lifestyle, area of application, and too many others to list here.
Q: Can I and/or should I put sunscreen on my tattoo?
A: After a few days, it should be OK to put sunscreen on your tattoo. During the healing period, you should really try your hardest to keep it covered and out of the sun. Afterward, try and apply high SPF sunscreen to your tattoo as sun can quickly fade the original image.
Q: Am I having an allergic reaction to the ink?
A: If you have any allergies, it would be in your interest before you get tattooed to tell your artist. Having said that, most people are not going to have a reaction. As I've seen here on LST and in my travels, people sometimes attribute a rough session/swelling on their first or second tattoo with an allergic reaction. Repeat: when in doubt, see your tattoo artist or your doctor.
Helpful Links
http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/558-tattoo-outline-raised.html
http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/32-best-post-tattoo-care.html
http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/2567-beach-pools.html
http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/1022-itchy-tattoo.html
http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/4262-does-your-skin-break-out-after-being-tattooed.html
http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/2887-tattoo-scars.html
http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-after-care/715-little-bumps-under-6month-old-tattoo.html
If anyone has suggestions to be added to this thread please feel free to either PM me or tag me in a post and I will add it.
Edited by @hogg

It's a big step no doubt, I would say getting a chest piece is almost like getting a neck tattoo for a girl, in the sense that it's going to be visible the majority of time. I don't know if drawing stuff on you will give you the full effect of what it will be like.
I would say if you do do it. (Yes I know I said do do) push it out a little bit, maybe make it a next year goal to get started. I know I don't really know you that well, but I can tell you have been on a terror to get tattooed because of personal things in your life, and you have been getting some really nice ones. I am not one to talk about getting tattoos on a whim, but visible spots deserve some consideration. If time passes and it still seems like a good idea, then it was probably a good idea all along. Regardless you seem to do good picking tattoos and tattooers so I think the piece will look good.
I have been struggling similarly with getting my hands done. I toy with the idea of doing my knuckles and then I was convinced I should do the spots above my thumbs and then I was like well I might as well just dive in and not half ass it, but as of right now I am not doing anything cause I am not 100 convinced. Plus most of the people who tattoo me, either have no hand tattoos or have had them lasered off, maybe I lack balls to ask them to tattoo my hands.

so your saying you want to have more one night stands as a memorial to your dead pets?

I was skimming the activity stream and read "How big is your ass?" LOL!!!
What a weird question (for a tattoo forum)!!!

My elbow, all nice and swollen. :)
Tony Nilsson
Blue Arms Tattoo
Oslo, Norway
Photo ripped from Tony's Instagram

Well... This marks 6 months since I took my daughters and left an angry wee man who had a hold over me for 10 years of my life. I guess leaving an abusive relationship is pretty awesome. I think a couple of drinks tonight, whilst packing up the house to move tomorrow ,is in order !

Recently all I have been doing is working, a lot. However, it has all been a means to and end... and that end is returning to Japan and getting my back started now in under 6 weeks! Will also be catching up with friends, checking out the place which will mean another travel blog and working out the details with @CaptCanada about the first Japan Lst meet up! Good times good times... seriously though I'm really friggin tired lol.

@Delicious also if you smoke, quit for the time being... I found that when healing tattoos on the lower leg feel a lot better when you quit smoking. More blood circulation I guess.

There is a tebori artist here in Japan that tattooed his own member. He had to do it in 30 minute intervals cause of the pain. But the end result is a snake where the head is where the tip his penis is.... imagine that coming at ya'.

There is a tebori artist here in Japan that tattooed his own member. He had to do it in 30 minute intervals cause of the pain. But the end result is a snake where the head is where the tip his penis is.... imagine that coming at ya'.

For the most part I don't want to get a discount on tattoos that I get. My tattooed knows some problems that I've had lately and he wants to finish some things, so he lets some time slide. But I don't like it, but he will use my tattoos as book and magazine pieces so he feels even.
It's just not in my blood to accept a deal unless everyone understands the conditions. Say for Friday the 13th or flash sheet page deal.... The tattooer understands that this is what he will do for this price, I'm okay with... Sadly. But he knows what he is getting into.

There's a shop in South Beloit, not far from here, that has a big sign out front, "Tattoos from $40, piercings from $10".
You just know it's a high-class operation...I was thinking of blowing off Nick and going to them exclusively.
Not.

Shannon, if I understand you correctly which be honest your past few posts is a little bit difficult. We are not judging other people by the places that they have gotten tattooed. We're saying places that we don't want to get tattooed or to get tattooed yet. Not everyone on this board has jobs that take kindly to visable tattoos, or not everyone wants tattoos that are out in the open all the time (neck/face). A cock and balls on the top of the head, yeah it's an odd tattoo, but if that's what the guy wanted alright. If I misunderstood your post forgive me, but it just seems like rantings when your drunk. So take care and have fun.