tay943

Changed who I was getting my tattoo done by. So glad that I didn't wait it out, only reason I was sticking to it honestly was because it was the first shop I visited, and I felt like I owed it to them. I didn't cancel last minute, more like two weeks away, but it would have been a poor decision as the shop only had maybe five works posted by the artist, and most of those were worrying in quality. I was kidding myself thinking that it would be okay because it was such a simple design. Anyway, visited a shop on Friday because a friend knows the owner, who said he would be happy to have a look at my drawings and give some tips; and in the midst of our conversation I ended up discussing an appointment. Still waiting on conformation since I emailed that night to conform the dates, but I am very excited and actually confident now.

I agree with Cloudkicker, in that seeing varying styles of an artist's work shows that they have good drawing skills, just because someone has practiced drawing dragons over and over again does not necessarily mean that they have rendering and anatomy skills. Its comforting to know that the artist is competent in all aspects, and still get them to draw in the style they are most comfortable with

Phil, beautiful piece, I love the black and grey shading backed with colour. I've seen the three horse's heads executed not so well but your's is flawless.

I've heard that white ink can discolour or fade out in as little as a year, is this true? As far as I know white ink works best when used to highlight than as a solid colour. Kind of a shame to put that much effort, time and money into something that even fresh looks 'furry'.

Yeah, I get that pain is a part of the experience, and it definetly hasn't put me off getting it done. I always get freaked when expecting pain, but have a high tolerance once it gets down to it. This has been my experience with piercings, and I'm assuming it will be the same for a tattoo. Once I feel the initial pain I'll settle into it...hooefully. I do look forward to the experience though.

Well I guess I'm lucky that its a pretty small piece; and on the upside it could prepare me better for future work?

Growltiger I can't compare seasons, but this is meant to be one of the coldest winters in a while where I live, been 8 degrees Celsius some days with wind and mist, sometimes rain, and averaging about 10 over the past few month. I don't know if that's considered a warm day in a UK winter, as it never snows here, but my own body can't cope with being outside unless I get around with leggings over tights, and multiple tops and jumpers, with scarves, gloves etc. You confirmed what I assumed about tights being prickly, but its good to hear I could be able to wear leggings to keep the cold off, as bare legs would definitely be a trial haha :). I have some loose pants that I can wear around the house though, so I should be able to give it the space and air it needs. Thanks for your input, I feel less worried about it now.

I'd always been under the impression that thighs would be not so painful to get tattooed? Due to the muscle, fat, etc. But around this forum I seem to be hearing a lot about trouble with thigh tattoos. I'd been really relaxed about my first one until I started hearing about this. Still gonna go through with it but just a little more nervous now...

Dropped into shop doing my tattoo in August; got to see what he'd done to my original design which was awesome. Feels like it's really coming together now!

Been reading through the last few pages of this thread, and I was wondering; is anything that sits flush to a new tattoo going to irritate it? regardless of the material? I'm getting my first in August where is will still be winter in Australia, and I am required to where a skirt as part of my uniform, which I where tights or leggings under in the winter; and my tattoo is going to be right on my thigh. If I have to I will be willing to toughen up and go tightless, but I would like to hear from other people's experences. I wear leggings as pretty much my only bottom half clothing in colder weather, simply because of the comfort and soft material, and I can't wear anything loose while I'm at school anyway. Thank you in advance for any help :)

While I agree on a lot of the points the article brought up, the overall tone of assuming that every 'wannabe' tattoist wants to live the rockstar live and kids themselves about their drawing skills is harsh. Besides, in my opinion, those types of people wont be searching around the internet for what is required of the job. Articles like this, while with good intentions about bringing potential apprentices down to earth could actually be driving the more serious people away because of some articles generalizing that everyone is not worth it and to stay out of their way. Not trying to offend anyone and I do greatly respect the business and the hard work that goes with it, but this is just my thoughts.

Exune, thank you for your advice :). Since reading around this forum I has realised how good it can be to let the artist take control of tattoos; which is why I fully plan on getting one drawn completely by the artist for my next go. This is a highly personal tattoo however and I needed to make sure the essence her is captured properly, and I really know her face best. I have practice with drawing so I have the ability to capture her likeness without looking like a blob, don't worry :). The artist already suggested to add shading to my design, which I excepted because he would know best; but I believe he thinks it will work well as a design because if he mentioned that he would have mentioned other issues to. Thank you so much for going to the effort to post these pictures here :) very welcoming. The 'pugs and roses' sketch is really pretty. I love the art of tattooing, and am coming to appreciate it more since joining this forum, and fully plan on getting more free designs but this is one that's preoccupied me for some time; I feel that getting someone else to draw just this piece would be wrong. Thanks again :)

Some simple line work only about 10cm by 10cm. Its of my pug, design drawn myself. People usually cringe at the thought of a pug tattoo but I'm super excited and been thinking about it for ages :)

Thank you :)

Booked in for my first tattoo as a tentative date in late August. The shop is fairy new in my local area but my boyfriend knows the owner and he has years of experience. Walking into the shop he had lots of flash posters of his own work up on the walls making the place so colourful. My first piece is very personal and drawn by myself which he was all cool with, but I'm feeling the need to get one of the wall designs later on, the colours just drew me in. Plus it would be good to balance a personal custom piece with a prettier design. He does good work too so I'd like to get something in his style and not mine later on. I have the line art which I would like to post, but it doesn't seem like that's the done thing around here...is there any reason why I wouldn't?

Over the past couple of days I was looking into tattoo forums through google as I am getting my first in August and wanted to find a friendly and insightful community to gain knowledge and share experiences with. I came across this forum and spend maybe a few too many hours than I'd like to admit reading through discussion topics and have already learnt a lot. I am looking forward to being a member here as this community seems friendly and supportive of people who are respectful and friendly themselves - which I hope to be. Can't wait to be a part of a new community :)