Tattoos

[cryforme1v]

I have a small tattoo on my upper back that was done by a good friend of mine who opened his shop up last year. It was the 1st tattoo the "shop" had actually sold.
I'm wanting to get a bit more of an extravagant tattoo on the rest of my back.
1 angel wing covering the right side and one devilish sort of wing on the left, hoping to cover the whole back and even get the stems of the wings on there if possible for a more 3d affect.

I'm not afraid of needles or the pain or any of that sort of thing, what i'm afraid of is getting a tattoo that isnt what i wanted. Like they tried but failed type of thing.
How do i know if an artist can do exactly what i want with no mistakes?
I've seen plenty of amazing tattoo's from different artists and plenty of really shitty ones from the same artists.
Is there a way to weed out the "wanna be artists" from the real guys/gals with real talent by just looking at their work?
I know this sounds really retarded but i cant seem to find a better way to word what i'm sayin lol

 

[Ladiesboytoy]

Never got into tatoos myself, but I think that if you're going for something that large, maybe you should get a temp tatoo of what you want, to see what kind of tallent you're likely to get from the artist. Since you're going for something so large, I don't think it would be too much to ask either.
You should also ask that tatoo artist's customers and see how they felt about the work done. You should also look at more than just tatoo artists for the look you want. You may be able to find a picture of what you want online and just have the tatoo artist copy it or something.

 

[mickwannabe]

Like you are already doing, looking at their work will be a big part. If you can, ask around town to get a face-to-face reply for what those customers thought of their ink.

I personally take years of experience highly into consideration. Also I have established a personal relationship with my artist so he feels comfortable telling me that portraits are not his thing, but he can do script extremely well for example. A good artist wants you to think you are happy with what he has done and then get paid. A great artist wants you to love what you got and tell everyone how much you love it. Someone with a bad tattoo/bad experience will tell 10x as many people about it than a person with a tattoo they love.

At the end of the day, if you truly don't feel the trust then don't get it. But that's just my humble opinion

No matter what I hope you find what you are looking for!

 

[bobsgirl]

When I got my tattoo, I asked my daughter to ask around and see if her friends who have tattoos had any recommendations.

And I looked at a lot of tattoo art from different sources.

Now mine is small, and in a spot that can be hidden by clothing. For one as big as you're considering, I think LBT had an excellent idea. Get a temporary one if you can, and see if you can live with it.

 

[fenghuang]

+1 for going on recomendations.
Remember different tattooists are good at different types of tattoo.
Ask to see a tattoists tattoos and ask who did the dificult ones.

 

[lv2rideco]

Ask around for suggestions - if you're out and see work on someone that you like, ask them who did it. I've found that most people are more than willing to recommend someone that does good work.

Once you do decide to see an artist about a tattoo, look at their portfolio to make sure you like the work in it, discuss the tattoo and specifically ask them if it fits within their style of tattooing (if it doesn't, most will be able to recommend someone to you), make sure they are tattooing in a shop and check out the shop (cleanliness, sanitary practices, etc).

 

[ms_no_one]

Definitely ask around to find someone locally. If you have a section in town that has a bunch of tattoo places in one area go for a walk one day and shop around a bit. Look through the designs, show them yours if you have a picture... talk to someone.

Or, Google tattoo parlors in your area and look at their websites. A lot of them have short bios of the artists to show what they specialize in, as well as online portfolios. You can probably even read reviews of some of the places and artists you see.

Also, remember that a good tattoo artist should be just that; an artist. Finding someone who can trace an outline is easy. Finding someone who shares your vision and can create a piece of art for you based on that is something else. If you want color, or detailed shading for your 3D effect, it's even more important

I think the best tattoo artists are the one who understand your design and who is someone to bounce ideas off of without trying to change the idea you have in mind.

 

[popcorn2721]

I have a small tattoo on my upper back that was done by a good friend of mine who opened his shop up last year. It was the 1st tattoo the "shop" had actually sold.
I'm wanting to get a bit more of an extravagant tattoo on the rest of my back.
1 angel wing covering the right side and one devilish sort of wing on the left, hoping to cover the whole back and even get the stems of the wings on there if possible for a more 3d affect.

I'm not afraid of needles or the pain or any of that sort of thing, what i'm afraid of is getting a tattoo that isnt what i wanted. Like they tried but failed type of thing.
How do i know if an artist can do exactly what i want with no mistakes?
I've seen plenty of amazing tattoo's from different artists and plenty of really shitty ones from the same artists.
Is there a way to weed out the "wanna be artists" from the real guys/gals with real talent by just looking at their work?
I know this sounds really retarded but i cant seem to find a better way to word what i'm sayin lol

It is wise to ask about how much experience your shop is offering. I would start by asking the artist about his portfolio, it should be a clear demonstration of what this person is capable of. If the portfolio is sub par, or not carrying the kind of work your looking for move on. This portfolio should carry both tattoos and creative works done by the artist. The works should also be dated.
Lastly, if your really wanting to get a feel for your guy, get a smaller piece with the prospects of developing a larger piece. Most artist do not mind developing a relationship with their customers.

 

[AliveInside]

I got a tattoo on my arm two weeks ago. For the past few days it's been really dry, which isn't freaking me out or anything because they told me that would happen. My question is: should I just let it dry up and it'll work itself out, or should I put something on it to keep it moist?

 

[cryforme1v]

I got a tattoo on my arm two weeks ago. For the past few days it's been really dry, which isn't freaking me out or anything because they told me that would happen. My question is: should I just let it dry up and it'll work itself out, or should I put something on it to keep it moist?

put nonscented lotion on it occationally.
Something with aloe and E in it.

 

[mistressmaxine]

I used savlon, it works fine

 

[cryforme1v]

I used savlon, it works fine

hmm never heard of Savlon in the states. Definately something i'm going to look into tho.

 

[mistressmaxine]

OK so there's another one of those America versus UK things!!
It's just an antiseptic cream the kind that all first aid kits have. You are bound to have an equivelent that's the American household "all cure" cream.....

 

[Somehowyou]

I have a small tattoo on my upper back that was done by a good friend of mine who opened his shop up last year. It was the 1st tattoo the "shop" had actually sold.
I'm wanting to get a bit more of an extravagant tattoo on the rest of my back.
1 angel wing covering the right side and one devilish sort of wing on the left, hoping to cover the whole back and even get the stems of the wings on there if possible for a more 3d affect.

I'm not afraid of needles or the pain or any of that sort of thing, what i'm afraid of is getting a tattoo that isnt what i wanted. Like they tried but failed type of thing.
How do i know if an artist can do exactly what i want with no mistakes?
I've seen plenty of amazing tattoo's from different artists and plenty of really shitty ones from the same artists.
Is there a way to weed out the "wanna be artists" from the real guys/gals with real talent by just looking at their work?
I know this sounds really retarded but i cant seem to find a better way to word what i'm sayin lol

To me there is nothing uglier than ink on skin. My biggest problem with american women is too much ink. This is one man's opinion. If you like ink knock yourself out. They look like shit and the only way you can remove them is by painful laser surgery. You can dye your hair like a peacock, pierce everything, augment your breasts, put Restylane in your lips and if you don't like it you can change this. But once you put a tattoo on your body it is there.
the lower back tattoo or the "tramp stamp" is the least unattractive. Why don't you consider getting one there?

 

[Chuck_Anderson]

I got a tattoo on my arm two weeks ago. For the past few days it's been really dry, which isn't freaking me out or anything because they told me that would happen. My question is: should I just let it dry up and it'll work itself out, or should I put something on it to keep it moist?

Oh My GAWD, what kind of shop did you go to? Quick go out and buy some " Bag Balm " you can get it at some drug stores or the best place would be a Feed Store. The use bag balm on cows udders to keep them soft and not dry out. I have had my Tats done by a fellow known as " Dutch Hollander " He owns Dutch Touch here in El Cajon, San Diego County. He will give all his clients a cup, a small one, of bag balm to put on the new Tat. Bag balm is better then any other softner around. GET SOME and use it often. Take care of your Tat. In fact you can check on his work at " dutchtouch.com ". He is a real artist.

Chuck

 

[Chuck_Anderson]

To me there is nothing uglier than ink on skin. My biggest problem with american women is too much ink. This is one man's opinion. If you like ink knock yourself out. They look like shit and the only way you can remove them is by painful laser surgery. You can dye your hair like a peacock, pierce everything, augment your breasts, put Restylane in your lips and if you don't like it you can change this. But once you put a tattoo on your body it is there.
the lower back tattoo or the "tramp stamp" is the least unattractive. Why don't you consider getting one there?

Well Sir;
I must disagree with you on your feelings of Tat's. Some are just Sexy as Hell, and look great. And yes some are garbage. But to call a Tat on a woman a tramp stamp is just too much. Look at some of the gorgeous women wearing them. Anjolena Jolie (spelling) is one of them. And She ain't no Tramp. Many women look good wearing them. All a person must realize is that you must get one that you like and are comfortable with. Open your eyes, take a look around, and smell the roses while you walk about. Its later then you think, today may be your last one.
Chuck

 

[cryforme1v]

To me there is nothing uglier than ink on skin. My biggest problem with american women is too much ink. This is one man's opinion. If you like ink knock yourself out. They look like shit and the only way you can remove them is by painful laser surgery. You can dye your hair like a peacock, pierce everything, augment your breasts, put Restylane in your lips and if you don't like it you can change this. But once you put a tattoo on your body it is there.
the lower back tattoo or the "tramp stamp" is the least unattractive. Why don't you consider getting one there?

umm first off, i have 0 peircings accept for my ears and none of my tats are visible unless i'm naked, and trust me - you wont be seeing me naked.

The tat i have on my back already is a Lilly with lady bugs, representing my mom because she absolutally loves lilly's. I have never stepped foot into her house without smelling nothing but lilly's. And the lady bugs for the nickname she gave me as a child and to this day still calls me. which is of course Lady Bug.

I want the good and evil wings on my back representing my life. There have been ups and downs and i've made huge mistakes and i've had great triumphs. I've hurt people but i've also helped them. It shows that no matter what i do, i'm still human and the wings will always be there no matter where i go.

So you disrespecting peoples ideas of art and self motivation and imagination is just plain pathetic. You do the same damn thing on a daily basis in your life, just in different contexts and views. If you dont like something, you do not have to do it but that does not give you the right to be downright disrespectful.

 

[Somehowyou]

Sorry Cryforme1V but I just don't like them. Go ahead and tat away. I meant no disrespect. My one piece of advice is to make sure that some un-dyed skin is still visible. Oh and when you age your tats will age with you and look like crap. But I understand this is the craze. Go for it and have fun!

 

[LZB]

I agree with all the advice people have given. When I got my tat the artist drew it on paper and had me ok it before transfering it onto my skin. So after you've researched an artist, make sure you OK the drawing before you put it on your body.
Also, if you aren't sure about the actual drawing, get a print of it and put it somewhere you'll see it every day. I did that and decided against a second tat.
Hope it turns out wonderfully!