MAGIC HATE BALL

Face is a no go because that's my money maker.

Ha, got my 1st tattoo 4 months ago at age 48. 2nd a month ago. 3rd scheduled in 2 months. I guess you might call it mid-life crisis. I think it's more a combination of things:
- never realized the different styles and options of tattoos. Always only pictured traditional tattoos (which I don't like)
- tattoo location. don't need to be publicly displayed unless I want to.
- 48 yrs of life's experiences. My appearance is what it is. I not "trying" to be anything. I am who I am. I can't control everything.
- tattoo has personal meaning to me and relates to specific times/places/experiences/memories.

The first thing I look for is the quality of the work. I want good lines, good colors, and good shading. After that, I look to see if they're specializing in a style, or if they cover a wide variety. I compare what they have up to they style I'm looking to have done. If they don't have an example that fits the general style I'm looking for, I move on to another artist.
For me, in this day and age, the MOST important factor is to have an online portfolio. I'm busy, and don't have the time to drive from shop to shop looking at physical portfolios, as much as I would enjoy it. When picking an artist, I browse the shop websites, looking for a portfolio that speaks to me. When I find one, I'll visit the shop to take it a step further, and then book an appointment from there. Artists without online portfolios get skipped. I may be missing out on a great tattooer or 4, but I'll never know....

Greetings my inked brothers & sisters, esteemed Artist Masters, Collectors of fine body art, Kitchen Wizards extraordinaire ...lowly fellow newbies.
I am here for ANSWERS! The questions are irrelevant. I wish to snatch the pebble from the master before he can close his hand. To hear the grasshopper at my feet. I seek the path to enlightenment, a rad Japanese sleeve, the joy of a good, full bodied cigar for under $4. And most importantly to be the first kid on my block with a Frank Frazetta like viking with a Jackson Pollock inspired ink job done by Paul Acker.
Since you asked, I would say I am a cross between (pre-cocaine) John Belushi, Chuck Norris's emotionally suspect cousin, and remember that guy on the TV show Night Court? The one that does magic tricks and dresses like he's from the 40's? Yeah, not that guy.
I want to take this opportunity to put the rumor to rest that I was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Actually, I was born in the Bronx. Many, many, many people would agree that my greatest strength is my humility. I would confess that my greatest weakness other than kryptonite; is that sometimes I can be a little bit too...awesome.
In conclusion, I am here to learn and share in the fellowship of exquisite, exciting and daring ink. I hope that you allow me to tap into that wellspring of precious insight that can only be acquired by learned experience and angry, self-righteous maturity. While we're here I hope we can share some laughs along the way and If were not careful we just might learn something.
Let the panic commence,
MAGIC HATE BALL

Greetings my inked brothers & sisters, esteemed Artist Masters, Collectors of fine body art, Kitchen Wizards extraordinaire ...lowly fellow newbies.
I am here for ANSWERS! The questions are irrelevant. I wish to snatch the pebble from the master before he can close his hand. To hear the grasshopper at my feet. I seek the path to enlightenment, a rad Japanese sleeve, the joy of a good, full bodied cigar for under $4. And most importantly to be the first kid on my block with a Frank Frazetta like viking with a Jackson Pollock inspired ink job done by Paul Acker.
Since you asked, I would say I am a cross between (pre-cocaine) John Belushi, Chuck Norris's emotionally suspect cousin, and remember that guy on the TV show Night Court? The one that does magic tricks and dresses like he's from the 40's? Yeah, not that guy.
I want to take this opportunity to put the rumor to rest that I was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Actually, I was born in the Bronx. Many, many, many people would agree that my greatest strength is my humility. I would confess that my greatest weakness other than kryptonite; is that sometimes I can be a little bit too...awesome.
In conclusion, I am here to learn and share in the fellowship of exquisite, exciting and daring ink. I hope that you allow me to tap into that wellspring of precious insight that can only be acquired by learned experience and angry, self-righteous maturity. While we're here I hope we can share some laughs along the way and If were not careful we just might learn something.
Let the panic commence,
MAGIC HATE BALL

Greetings my inked brothers & sisters, esteemed Artist Masters, Collectors of fine body art, Kitchen Wizards extraordinaire ...lowly fellow newbies.
I am here for ANSWERS! The questions are irrelevant. I wish to snatch the pebble from the master before he can close his hand. To hear the grasshopper at my feet. I seek the path to enlightenment, a rad Japanese sleeve, the joy of a good, full bodied cigar for under $4. And most importantly to be the first kid on my block with a Frank Frazetta like viking with a Jackson Pollock inspired ink job done by Paul Acker.
Since you asked, I would say I am a cross between (pre-cocaine) John Belushi, Chuck Norris's emotionally suspect cousin, and remember that guy on the TV show Night Court? The one that does magic tricks and dresses like he's from the 40's? Yeah, not that guy.
I want to take this opportunity to put the rumor to rest that I was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Actually, I was born in the Bronx. Many, many, many people would agree that my greatest strength is my humility. I would confess that my greatest weakness other than kryptonite; is that sometimes I can be a little bit too...awesome.
In conclusion, I am here to learn and share in the fellowship of exquisite, exciting and daring ink. I hope that you allow me to tap into that wellspring of precious insight that can only be acquired by learned experience and angry, self-righteous maturity. While we're here I hope we can share some laughs along the way and If were not careful we just might learn something.
Let the panic commence,
MAGIC HATE BALL

Greetings my inked brothers & sisters, esteemed Artist Masters, Collectors of fine body art, Kitchen Wizards extraordinaire ...lowly fellow newbies.
I am here for ANSWERS! The questions are irrelevant. I wish to snatch the pebble from the master before he can close his hand. To hear the grasshopper at my feet. I seek the path to enlightenment, a rad Japanese sleeve, the joy of a good, full bodied cigar for under $4. And most importantly to be the first kid on my block with a Frank Frazetta like viking with a Jackson Pollock inspired ink job done by Paul Acker.
Since you asked, I would say I am a cross between (pre-cocaine) John Belushi, Chuck Norris's emotionally suspect cousin, and remember that guy on the TV show Night Court? The one that does magic tricks and dresses like he's from the 40's? Yeah, not that guy.
I want to take this opportunity to put the rumor to rest that I was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Actually, I was born in the Bronx. Many, many, many people would agree that my greatest strength is my humility. I would confess that my greatest weakness other than kryptonite; is that sometimes I can be a little bit too...awesome.
In conclusion, I am here to learn and share in the fellowship of exquisite, exciting and daring ink. I hope that you allow me to tap into that wellspring of precious insight that can only be acquired by learned experience and angry, self-righteous maturity. While we're here I hope we can share some laughs along the way and If were not careful we just might learn something.
Let the panic commence,
MAGIC HATE BALL

Greetings my inked brothers & sisters, esteemed Artist Masters, Collectors of fine body art, Kitchen Wizards extraordinaire ...lowly fellow newbies.
I am here for ANSWERS! The questions are irrelevant. I wish to snatch the pebble from the master before he can close his hand. To hear the grasshopper at my feet. I seek the path to enlightenment, a rad Japanese sleeve, the joy of a good, full bodied cigar for under $4. And most importantly to be the first kid on my block with a Frank Frazetta like viking with a Jackson Pollock inspired ink job done by Paul Acker.
Since you asked, I would say I am a cross between (pre-cocaine) John Belushi, Chuck Norris's emotionally suspect cousin, and remember that guy on the TV show Night Court? The one that does magic tricks and dresses like he's from the 40's? Yeah, not that guy.
I want to take this opportunity to put the rumor to rest that I was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Actually, I was born in the Bronx. Many, many, many people would agree that my greatest strength is my humility. I would confess that my greatest weakness other than kryptonite; is that sometimes I can be a little bit too...awesome.
In conclusion, I am here to learn and share in the fellowship of exquisite, exciting and daring ink. I hope that you allow me to tap into that wellspring of precious insight that can only be acquired by learned experience and angry, self-righteous maturity. While we're here I hope we can share some laughs along the way and If were not careful we just might learn something.
Let the panic commence,
MAGIC HATE BALL

The way I phrased it to a business associate recently. Don't "pick" on tattoos because they are so easy. It is like picking on smokers, we stand out and "are bad". Think about it like this. I group tattoos with religion, politics, pro-choice, etc. They are non-value adds to work, so just skip them. What can be gained at work by showing up with all your tattoos showing or similarly wearing your "Obama 2012" shirt, or similarly your choice of faith pendant prominently displayed. Nothing. Yes, you may find like minded individuals, but realistically it causes fractures in the workplace. I've seen the topics I've mentioned tear up relationships in the office and paint various persons with a "bad" image. People at work should keep their opinions to themselves and not bring in their views unless related to work.
Example:
I overheard a crazy conversation based in religious beliefs that mentioned that gay people aren't real people. Seriously this happened in corporate America right out in the open. I also happened to know a person, who I know is gay happened to be sitting very very much in earshot of this whole discussion. Let's just say it didn't end well for the parties involved.
Example 2:
I was in a social conversation at work with coworkers and some directors that somehow creeped into politics. I removed myself quickly from the conversation but let them continue until it broke down pretty bad. Even though it was on a hot topic for me (guns), I didn't see how that could help my job or career at all. Again from what I saw as an outcome the director had opposing views from the employees and they were on the "shit list" well into when I left the job.
Tattoos are great, they are awesome, but as Brian said, "I dont want to be known as the tattooed guy from Finance", just the same as I don't want to be known as the "Gun nut from Pro Services" or the "Atheist from Sales".
I don't go to work to "express myself", I go there to get a paycheck....and of course spend that paycheck on new tattoos!

Over 8 years ago, a nurse at my facility got multiple warnings about covering up her sleeves. Middle aged I'd say for sure. She kept getting bitter & more and more belligerent about being put upon. She either quit or got fired but back then "they" were having none of it.
Now I'm at another facility and we got a guy with even more ink but he's not a professional. However, he's a very good worker, keeps himself in good shape and carries himself with a LOT of positive energy. Meaning once you spend a little time dealing with him, your preconceived notions go out the window. Plus he's just a rad looking individual overall. You got to see all the girls "suddenly" coming out of their offices whenever he's up and about.
So it's either that things are improving for the inked or it pays to be pretty.

I don't give a shit whether or not any person is tattooed. Doesn't make me trust/like them any more or less. HOWEVER, if I see a person covered with some bullshit tattoos, that might make me feel less of them.

Wife was against ink for the longest time. Then I lost a lot of weight, hit the gym and got all metro with dressing better, nice colognes, etc. Then I started showing a strong interest in ink again. Now that I'm all pretty she's really curious as to what kinds of pieces I'm considering. No negativity at all. She's even DVR shows like Inkmaster for me.
I think I broke the code for getting the wife to come around to the idea.

Wife was against ink for the longest time. Then I lost a lot of weight, hit the gym and got all metro with dressing better, nice colognes, etc. Then I started showing a strong interest in ink again. Now that I'm all pretty she's really curious as to what kinds of pieces I'm considering. No negativity at all. She's even DVR shows like Inkmaster for me.
I think I broke the code for getting the wife to come around to the idea.

Over 8 years ago, a nurse at my facility got multiple warnings about covering up her sleeves. Middle aged I'd say for sure. She kept getting bitter & more and more belligerent about being put upon. She either quit or got fired but back then "they" were having none of it.
Now I'm at another facility and we got a guy with even more ink but he's not a professional. However, he's a very good worker, keeps himself in good shape and carries himself with a LOT of positive energy. Meaning once you spend a little time dealing with him, your preconceived notions go out the window. Plus he's just a rad looking individual overall. You got to see all the girls "suddenly" coming out of their offices whenever he's up and about.
So it's either that things are improving for the inked or it pays to be pretty.

I only get asked about my tattoos from drunk chicks that I don't know. Don't ask me why that is, but having been a "tattooed person" for a year now (not that it's a long time or anything), that's my experience.
Now I am one of those persons that gets tattooed cause tattoos are cool, and I like the art and the looks of them. I don't have a fancy story about any of my tattoos, and some people seriously get angry because of it. They have obviously been watching too much TV if you ask me :rolleyes:
One time, a drunk chick simply walked up to me, and asked about my tattoos. I told her that I just liked the look, and she started saying things like "Wow thats really dumb" and "Why would you want something permanently on your body, if it doesn't mean anything to you", and I just stood there looking baffled, instead of saying something back to her. I obviously should have told her how rude she was, but I never managed too do so.
Now when chicks come asking me things, I make up some seriously lame story, and watch their reaction. So far not a single one has called me on it. E.g. I have a swallow, and it was my first tattoo, so one of my favorites are "Yeah, the swallow represents me moving to another city, away from home and starting my adult life, spreading my wings and becoming a man". They eat it up, and think I'm sooooo deep and amazing. Then I laugh my ass off, and walk away. It's kind of a fun hobby! :D

Ask her what her mother thinks of Matthew 7:1-2 - 1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.

With their history of turning a blind eye to sex offenders, I wouldn't visit there to begin with nor would I or do I give a rats ass about their culture.