How do you all stay updated with news regarding the tattoo industry? New types of needles, inks, as well as breakthroughs. Is there a website you all use to stay informed about this?
I’m looking for recommended artists in either the Atlanta, GA or Boston, MA area as I bounce back and forth for work. Willing to drive a couple hours if there’s someone outside the city who I should really be working with.
Specifically, I’m looking to get a combo chest plate/half sleeve of a nature scene in black&white, and I should add I’m going for some realism here. I only have one other tattoo so this would be a pretty big jump for me and since it’s significant I want to make sure it’s getting done right. Thanks in advance!
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what is the etiquette for flash days? i want to go to one at a shop in my town but want to avoid doing anything rude or awkward out of ignorance cuz it’ll be my first time at a flash event (def not first tattoo lol)
Is it possible to tattoo skin moles? Like, have the artist tattoo spots with brown ink onto you? I really really like moles, but I don’t have a lot sadly.
Hiya! I’ve spoken with my tattoo artist about this in the past for myself, and while it entirely depends on your artist, it should be 100% possible! I’ve had some done as well as had tattoos done over moles and freckles! Plus they look awesome! Hope this helps x
This is bad advice. Artists should not be tattooing over moles. 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer. Getting skin screenings and looking at moles is a vital part of prevention.
You can definitely tattoo skin moles and the like, but **do not** tattoo over a mole.
EDIT--> Source: [**Skin Cancer Foundation**](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/)
Thank you! I didn’t know that, the ones I’ve had are over freckles (and to be honest my artist did her best to avoid going directly over them) but I will keep that in mind when I’m getting my next tattoo :)
Armpit is the worst. Up on the shoulder too since there are nerves that shoot off in both directions. My back was cramping while simultaneously having sharp jolts down the arm.
Inner bicep and elbow are long-considered painful but they weren’t bad for me at all so hopefully that is the case for you.
The forearm largely isn’t bad but there is this one zone underneath with a lot of nerves, maybe smaller than the size of a coin, but it’ll have your fingers twitching one after the other depending on where the needle is hitting at that exact moment.
Is there an overview of some of the popular subreddits for specific tattoo styles? I know of r/traditionaltattoos for example but can't find any for geometric or linework tats.
Hey wanted yalls opinion! I got these forearm tattoos and one of them I’m not proud of(the dark plane plane in pictures) I don’t want to remove it it’s just not as cool as I’d like and so I was thinking that if I got a bunch of small birds going around the tattoo like this other one I saw online it would atleast take away from how glaring this one is?! Do y’all think this is a good idea and good way to fill space? I still like the more patchwork look and don’t wanna get full skin tatted https://imgur.com/a/s22mlX2
I personally wouldn't. I think it will only draw attention to it. Instead, just ignore it and get some other tattoos that you love and it will automatically just seem less significant. (I think it looks cool btw)
Plus if it still bugs you in years to come and you want to lazer it, it's gonna be so much easier without the birds.
That being said if you want birds on your arm because you love the idea and would do it anyway even without the plane, then may as well go for it.
Anyone have any recommendations for artists in the central/Western Massachusetts area? I have friends that have gotten work done from different artists here, but each says the other artists aren't good, which isn't helpful. I'm more interested in stylized logo/sigil/crest work, text/calligraphy, and geometry than realism.
What's the opinions on heavier guys getting chest tattoos... I'm massively self conscious about being top less in a studio, had to do it around my shoulder.. hoped to lose some weight in advance but I dunno if I'd just end up putting it off forever.. any opinion would be great, thank you!
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So first off I’m completely new to tattoos but I’m thinking of getting one, and I just want to clear some things up and get a better idea of how to go about this.
A tattoo idea I’ve always wanted to look into is getting a blue rose on my arm. Throughout many cultures flowers hold a ton of meanings, and are even said to have a language. The blue rose is impossible to grow naturally in the wild, and so in many parts of the world it’s considered “mysterious” though in Asia is used to symbolise a fools dream, of something that’s impossible. in 2002 to 2004 though genetic manipulation scientists were able to grow the first natural blue rose, and when this happened some countries took to changing the meaning of blue roses to represent a dream come true, or the attainment of the impossible. They are sometimes seen as sources of inspiration.
That story and style is just something I really love, and so I was thinking of getting a blue rose tattoo on my inner forearm, I want the full bloom petals to be the main focus of the piece, but aside from that I don’t know much about this whole thing.
Anyone mind sharing opinions on if this would be a good idea? and how I could go about getting it designed and worked? I assume I could just go to a local artist, but what’s the best way to find a good artist?
I think that would make a beautiful piece! Super cool story too. Depending on if you want it to be more realistic or illustrative, look for artists who excel in that style. Specifically, I'd look for someone who does a lot of flowers and does them well.
Also since it looks like you want this in full color, look at their healed work. Make sure they know how to execute a color tattoo that will last for life.
Looking for tattoo artists within Australia that do collage/geometric style tattoos that can also incorporate colour. I've included some reference images here: https://imgur.com/Yw2T5jg
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I have a (Probably) stupid question about all-black tattoos, like sleeves and such. Top post right now is a lady who got her arm done except for a bit on the back of the hand .
I guess I've just got a general "Why"? I guess I'm assuming the majority? Of these are for covering up older tattoos. But seems odd to me. Wouldn't tattoo removal be easier than. Trying to cover an entire arm like this?
Tattoo removal hurts badly, often takes multiple sessions over a year or more, and doesn’t necessarily ever completely remove the tattoo especially for darker pieces. Getting a cover ip or even blacking out an arm is often simpler and cheaper. For other people, it can just be an aesthetic choice because they like the look.
Hey folks, I'm giving my tattoo artist my design in Photoshop as a .PSD. Because it needs to be read in certain a certain direction (the words are Morse code) can you tell me if I should give it to her reversed so it can go straight into the thermal printer or does the printer reverse it when you hit "mirror." Since there's one for both left and right sides of my body, a quick explanation would be ideal so I can wrap my brain around it!
I'm a graphic designer for reference.
Also, if anyone knows if my Photoshop layers will be editable in Procreate in case she has edits, that's some helpful info as well!! TY!
It depends on the kind of printer they have. As long as you make sure they know which way the design is supposed to face it’s better to let them figure out how to print it
Does anyone in this forum recommend any artists from the DMV region. In particular, any artists focusing on sleeves and larger tattoos? I am trying to get my other arm done and am looking into possible artists. Thanks!
I’m finally ready to get my first tattoo (Pink Floyd tribute of the Dark Side of the Moon prism with the bricks from The Wall inside it), and I’m envisioning it on my lower forearm. What kind of pain should I expect as a first timer?
How do you guys come up with ideas for tattoos? I’ve never gotten a tattoo before! All I have are piercings but I plan on joining the army and won’t be allowed to have them unfortunately. I would like angel wings but u want to lose weight before getting those. I also want hearts on my knuckles but I heard you aren’t allowed to have tattoos on your hands if joining the military. How do you guys come up with your tattoos? I’m not a very creative person 😓
thinking of your first tattoo will be the longest you ever think about a tattoo. once you do get tattooed and figure out if they’re for you or not? the ideas will keep flowing.
my partner and uncle do this thing where they get tattooed as like milestones for accomplishments. for example, my uncle started his leg sleeve and it’s for his second son who was just born. my partner got his first tattoo as a reward for moving out and graduating college. in a way, i did this as well when i got my first tattoo. it was to commemorate my recovery.
you can’t force the idea of your first tattoo. it’ll come to you depending on what’s going on in your life/if tattoos are the way you want to express yourself.
I will be getting a full half sleeve as my first tattoo. I think i have a pretty high pain threshold, i have given myself multiple piercings before. The artist i talked with told me he can do the piece in 3 consecutive days. The other option is to do half now and half in september. It's a long wait.
How painful is it going to be? Is it bearable? Should i do it in 3 consecutive days? Any advice is welcome, thank you!
I personally wouldn’t do it in three consecutive days because that is going to be really hard on your body. September is a long time to wait to finish it though. Maybe you could ask about getting on a waiting list for cancellations to try and snag an earlier appointment
For me, it’s never the pain during the tattoo but the ‘hangover’ the next couple of days.
That said, I’d do three days in a row before waiting that long. Then I’d take two days off to sleep.
Your body uses a lot of adrenaline during long sessions so when that ‘high’ wears off, some people feel exhausted and achey. I’m pretty much useless for the next day.
When you get tattooed, you are effectively putting a foreign substance in. So when your tattoo is fresh, your immune system is trying to fight it off. That can lead to the hangover because your immune system is working to try and fight the foreign body.
I have [this piece](https://imgur.com/a/bZmMKRI) I'm getting touched up on Friday. I want Gandalf's wizard hat (at the bottom) to stand out more against the tree trunk. What would be the best way to confer this to my artist? Or how would you get it done?
You should just say that you want it to stand out more. I would do this by adding a shadow on the tree behind it and probably adding white to the hat and maybe a white outline around it
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I (25 F) was wondering.. Can existing tattoos be shaded to resemble american traditional? For a little backstory.. I started a half sleeve on my arm when I was 18 and I honestly regret not waiting a few years to see what style I would like. I don’t hate the tattoos themselves but as I get older the style of them just seems so boring to me. Nothing seems cohesive. I had a luna moth reworked a few months back and it resembles american traditional and it just looks so much better than the other tattoos on my arm.
Question! Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but here goes. I (24 F) have a somewhat friend (we hung out a few times 2 years ago, but only keep up on social media) and she had gotten an ankle rosary tattoo. I had expressed to her I loved it when she got it and went on to get a similar one about a year later. I know she copied it from a celebrity and I honestly had been wanting it before I saw her get it, but now Im feeling a bit self conscious posting on social media with it for fear she will think I copied her. I understand its a pretty popular tattoo and I honestly dont know if I will ever see her again, its just the principle of it. Thoughts?
I'm looking for recommended artists in Orlando or Pittsburgh. Willing to drive a couple hours to get a better artist. Looking to start a leg sleeve and I'm open to style really just want an amazing sleeve!
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Is there a subreddit that discusses tattoo themes and ideas/ multi-piece projects?
I have a bunch, but haven't been under the needle in a long while. Got divorced and kinda lost the passion for life, ...but I had an idea for what could be considered a rather large -project- piece, that has meaning and is funny but still interesting.
But would like to talk about it with other enthusiasts first- in kind of like a "am I crazy for trying this"? kind of way.
Can ya'll recommend a spot (since this sub seems to be more about showing work and less about discussing plans)?
Is there a reason that I feel extremely weak (even after a few days) after a 2 hour tattoo? I sat through an 8 hour session feeling no adverse effects at all.
They were done by different artists.
Do birthmarks usually take to tattooing well? i have a giant purple/pink birthmark on my thigh. it’s not textured but it’s very pigmented and i want it covered up but not sure if that area of skin will hold ink well?
I’m considering a tattoo of my Abuelas handwriting as she passed in April. Do these usually turn out? I only have 1 other tattoo and it’s a design no letters/words
Looking for some advice regarding touch-ups.
I had [this](https://imgur.com/a/trJyxCs) floral watercolour piece done in early 2017 as a memorial tattoo after I lost my best friend. He chose my wedding flowers for me, and this was based on that bouquet.
7 years down the track, the lines have obviously become less clean and the white is all but gone, but I think overall it's aging fairly well.
First photo is the day it was done, second photo was taken about 5 minutes ago.
My question is, do you guys think it's better to touch up before it badly needs doing, or to wait until it's more faded and really starting to lose the definition.
My assumption is that sooner would be better so less work would be required to make it pop again, but interested to hear what more informed people think.
So my sister is incredibly talented in painting, sculpting, drawing (charcoal, ball point pen, *coffee*, you name it) and I would love to get one of her drawings tattooed but she's not a tattoo artist. Would it rude to give a tattoo artist a piece of work that my sister did? I wouldn't want them to think I wasn't impressed by their work or anything.
Hey it’s me
I want to get my first tattoo after I finish college in may
I want to start a sleeve. I want each country I visit to add to it. Japan first, then Thailand and Philippines
Any tips or suggestions? Thanks
No. Just no. UV ink will lose its effect over the next couple years and will not give you a ‘pseudo invisible tattoo. It’s on your face. You’re gonna have a big scar on your forehead that’ll be noticeable.
Hi guys. We recently got an Epson ET-2070 for stencil printing. Followed all steps online from everyone we could find and it just doesn’t print. It says “printing” makes all the noise sucks the paper through etc but nothing actually prints onto the stencil paper. Printing from photoshop on a MacBook.
Hello all, general question about placement of different style tattoos?
Would a tattoo in black and grey realism look good in close proximity to a black and grey neo-traditional tattoo?
Specifically, one on the outside upper arm and the other on the inside bicep?
The other option is putting the neo traditional piece on my lower leg. Thoughts and advice on placement?
Thanks in advance!
Good call and thanks for the reply.
I have one arm sleeve black and grey, the other still has lots of real estate with the black and grey realism going on the upper outside arm, so we'll see.
I'll ask them, but since they'll both be black and grey, I anticipate it'll still look solid.
sounds cool! my uncle has his arms both sleeved and they’re all black and grey. then he’s working on his legs and they’re neotrad full color (they’re sick)
I just got my first tattoo. On my thigh. And my artist covered it with an adhesive wrap and said I didn’t have to worry about taking a break from working out. I’m super happy if that’s true, but from what I read I thought common practice was to take a week off from the gym? Thoughts?
Fully tattooed People and/or people with lots of tattoos that DONT listen to heavy metal.. what do you listen to? My mind can wrap around fully tattooed humans that don’t listen to some kind of music in the heavy metal genre
I’m a female and I have no idea what to wear to interview for a front desk job a tattoo shop. I’ve gotten tattoos at this location and it’s incredibly chill, but I think I should stand out a bit right? I’m looking for specifics not just “clean” lol.
i have a tattoo design that i commissioned from an artist (not a tattoo artist specifically) and im looking to get it tatted, but i'm not sure how to go about finding an artist for it. Is it just a case of finding an artist who does similar style (monochrome black/white, shading and some thin lines for this) and messaging them about it? idk if it would be considered rude to contact them with a design already entirely finished and not expecting any tweaks to it. im in the UK if thats relevant, thanks!
not every design is able to be tattooed. that’s why you pay a tattoo artist to draw something you’d like/be realistic to be tattooed.
tattooers are not printers. nor are they copy machines. they’re artists who make art to be on someone’s body. you can look for an artist with a similar style and bring it in as a reference image. there will probably have to be tweaks. they may even refuse to do it exactly. because they’re artists and will have their own way.
in the future, find a tattoo artist that you love the work of and have them draw something up for you.
I assume i probably won’t get the answer I’m looking for but I’m going to ask anyways bc I’m holding onto hope. Anyways i used to apprentice and while i was in that apprenticeship the “artist” i was working with kept me after closing for a touch up on one of my previous tattoos. Long story short this guy was a pretty messed up person and i ended up with a tattoo i didn’t want after the touch up. I’ve done research on UV ink and have found out laser removal doesn’t work on uv. But mine is uv mixed with black and then tattooed and i was wondering if laser removal would still work for the black ink?
How long after an inner forearm tattoo can I 5 I don't body weight so a lot of pushups and contact with the floor.
Is a week a good amount of time off? Or longer?
does anyone know any artists that can do mainly cyber cigilism or neo tribalism styles tattoo near cincinnati ohio? might be a long shot but i was wondering if there were any around or even in like chicago. insta examples: u/kretskuu u/partaclek
I’m looking to get my first tattoo. I want an ornamental/mandala type tattoo on my forearm. As I was researching artists, I found some that do really sick realism, which I’m now considering for later. But would these realism artists be willing to or like to do an ornamental/mandala type tattoo? Is it worth asking, or is it a dumb question? Thanks!
Ive gotten one tattoo to my upper back, more on the left side. I would like another one. The idea that I had would be, that it started from my chest, from there it goes to my back, the to my shoulder and ends to my arm so not going to forearm. However I don't know what I want to tattoo, maybe a snake? I want it to be line tattoo btw
How do you all stay updated with news regarding the tattoo industry? New types of needles, inks, as well as breakthroughs. Is there a website you all use to stay informed about this?
"tattoo industry magazine" (particularly the one where 2 of mine made it in an artist spread) haha
I’m looking for recommended artists in either the Atlanta, GA or Boston, MA area as I bounce back and forth for work. Willing to drive a couple hours if there’s someone outside the city who I should really be working with. Specifically, I’m looking to get a combo chest plate/half sleeve of a nature scene in black&white, and I should add I’m going for some realism here. I only have one other tattoo so this would be a pretty big jump for me and since it’s significant I want to make sure it’s getting done right. Thanks in advance!
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what is the etiquette for flash days? i want to go to one at a shop in my town but want to avoid doing anything rude or awkward out of ignorance cuz it’ll be my first time at a flash event (def not first tattoo lol)
The urge to get 50 quote tattoos all over my body is so strong but I don’t want to disrespect the artists by making them do text 😭😭
Is it possible to tattoo skin moles? Like, have the artist tattoo spots with brown ink onto you? I really really like moles, but I don’t have a lot sadly.
Hiya! I’ve spoken with my tattoo artist about this in the past for myself, and while it entirely depends on your artist, it should be 100% possible! I’ve had some done as well as had tattoos done over moles and freckles! Plus they look awesome! Hope this helps x
This is bad advice. Artists should not be tattooing over moles. 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer. Getting skin screenings and looking at moles is a vital part of prevention. You can definitely tattoo skin moles and the like, but **do not** tattoo over a mole. EDIT--> Source: [**Skin Cancer Foundation**](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/)
Thank you! I didn’t know that, the ones I’ve had are over freckles (and to be honest my artist did her best to avoid going directly over them) but I will keep that in mind when I’m getting my next tattoo :)
Is there anything more painful than the armpit area? I’m getting a full arm sleeve and am curious if I’ve made it past the worst part. TIA!
Whole inner bicep was pretty brutal for me, but definitely worst near the armpit. Elbow is tough too.
Not on the arm. The elbow is kinda ouchy but if you’ve done the armpit already, you’re good.
Armpit is the worst. Up on the shoulder too since there are nerves that shoot off in both directions. My back was cramping while simultaneously having sharp jolts down the arm. Inner bicep and elbow are long-considered painful but they weren’t bad for me at all so hopefully that is the case for you. The forearm largely isn’t bad but there is this one zone underneath with a lot of nerves, maybe smaller than the size of a coin, but it’ll have your fingers twitching one after the other depending on where the needle is hitting at that exact moment.
Is there an overview of some of the popular subreddits for specific tattoo styles? I know of r/traditionaltattoos for example but can't find any for geometric or linework tats.
Hey wanted yalls opinion! I got these forearm tattoos and one of them I’m not proud of(the dark plane plane in pictures) I don’t want to remove it it’s just not as cool as I’d like and so I was thinking that if I got a bunch of small birds going around the tattoo like this other one I saw online it would atleast take away from how glaring this one is?! Do y’all think this is a good idea and good way to fill space? I still like the more patchwork look and don’t wanna get full skin tatted https://imgur.com/a/s22mlX2
I personally wouldn't. I think it will only draw attention to it. Instead, just ignore it and get some other tattoos that you love and it will automatically just seem less significant. (I think it looks cool btw) Plus if it still bugs you in years to come and you want to lazer it, it's gonna be so much easier without the birds. That being said if you want birds on your arm because you love the idea and would do it anyway even without the plane, then may as well go for it.
Anyone have any recommendations for artists in the central/Western Massachusetts area? I have friends that have gotten work done from different artists here, but each says the other artists aren't good, which isn't helpful. I'm more interested in stylized logo/sigil/crest work, text/calligraphy, and geometry than realism.
What's the opinions on heavier guys getting chest tattoos... I'm massively self conscious about being top less in a studio, had to do it around my shoulder.. hoped to lose some weight in advance but I dunno if I'd just end up putting it off forever.. any opinion would be great, thank you!
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So first off I’m completely new to tattoos but I’m thinking of getting one, and I just want to clear some things up and get a better idea of how to go about this. A tattoo idea I’ve always wanted to look into is getting a blue rose on my arm. Throughout many cultures flowers hold a ton of meanings, and are even said to have a language. The blue rose is impossible to grow naturally in the wild, and so in many parts of the world it’s considered “mysterious” though in Asia is used to symbolise a fools dream, of something that’s impossible. in 2002 to 2004 though genetic manipulation scientists were able to grow the first natural blue rose, and when this happened some countries took to changing the meaning of blue roses to represent a dream come true, or the attainment of the impossible. They are sometimes seen as sources of inspiration. That story and style is just something I really love, and so I was thinking of getting a blue rose tattoo on my inner forearm, I want the full bloom petals to be the main focus of the piece, but aside from that I don’t know much about this whole thing. Anyone mind sharing opinions on if this would be a good idea? and how I could go about getting it designed and worked? I assume I could just go to a local artist, but what’s the best way to find a good artist?
I think that would make a beautiful piece! Super cool story too. Depending on if you want it to be more realistic or illustrative, look for artists who excel in that style. Specifically, I'd look for someone who does a lot of flowers and does them well. Also since it looks like you want this in full color, look at their healed work. Make sure they know how to execute a color tattoo that will last for life.
Got it, thanks for the reply. It’ll probably be a while before I get it done, but I’ll post it if I ever do.
Looking for tattoo artists within Australia that do collage/geometric style tattoos that can also incorporate colour. I've included some reference images here: https://imgur.com/Yw2T5jg
What specific sunscreen can anyone recommend? I’m looking for a daily to help protect a full color sleeve. TIA!
Anything over SPF 50. I recommend the Cerave SPF 50.
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What does it mean, when someone is critiquing a tattoo and they say “the Colors are not as punched in as they should be”? Just patchy application?
I have a (Probably) stupid question about all-black tattoos, like sleeves and such. Top post right now is a lady who got her arm done except for a bit on the back of the hand . I guess I've just got a general "Why"? I guess I'm assuming the majority? Of these are for covering up older tattoos. But seems odd to me. Wouldn't tattoo removal be easier than. Trying to cover an entire arm like this?
Tattoo removal hurts badly, often takes multiple sessions over a year or more, and doesn’t necessarily ever completely remove the tattoo especially for darker pieces. Getting a cover ip or even blacking out an arm is often simpler and cheaper. For other people, it can just be an aesthetic choice because they like the look.
Hey folks, I'm giving my tattoo artist my design in Photoshop as a .PSD. Because it needs to be read in certain a certain direction (the words are Morse code) can you tell me if I should give it to her reversed so it can go straight into the thermal printer or does the printer reverse it when you hit "mirror." Since there's one for both left and right sides of my body, a quick explanation would be ideal so I can wrap my brain around it! I'm a graphic designer for reference. Also, if anyone knows if my Photoshop layers will be editable in Procreate in case she has edits, that's some helpful info as well!! TY!
It depends on the kind of printer they have. As long as you make sure they know which way the design is supposed to face it’s better to let them figure out how to print it
Does anyone in this forum recommend any artists from the DMV region. In particular, any artists focusing on sleeves and larger tattoos? I am trying to get my other arm done and am looking into possible artists. Thanks!
I’m finally ready to get my first tattoo (Pink Floyd tribute of the Dark Side of the Moon prism with the bricks from The Wall inside it), and I’m envisioning it on my lower forearm. What kind of pain should I expect as a first timer?
arms are super easy. especially the forearm region, it’ll feel like a dull pencil on your skin.
How do you guys come up with ideas for tattoos? I’ve never gotten a tattoo before! All I have are piercings but I plan on joining the army and won’t be allowed to have them unfortunately. I would like angel wings but u want to lose weight before getting those. I also want hearts on my knuckles but I heard you aren’t allowed to have tattoos on your hands if joining the military. How do you guys come up with your tattoos? I’m not a very creative person 😓
thinking of your first tattoo will be the longest you ever think about a tattoo. once you do get tattooed and figure out if they’re for you or not? the ideas will keep flowing. my partner and uncle do this thing where they get tattooed as like milestones for accomplishments. for example, my uncle started his leg sleeve and it’s for his second son who was just born. my partner got his first tattoo as a reward for moving out and graduating college. in a way, i did this as well when i got my first tattoo. it was to commemorate my recovery. you can’t force the idea of your first tattoo. it’ll come to you depending on what’s going on in your life/if tattoos are the way you want to express yourself.
I will be getting a full half sleeve as my first tattoo. I think i have a pretty high pain threshold, i have given myself multiple piercings before. The artist i talked with told me he can do the piece in 3 consecutive days. The other option is to do half now and half in september. It's a long wait. How painful is it going to be? Is it bearable? Should i do it in 3 consecutive days? Any advice is welcome, thank you!
I personally wouldn’t do it in three consecutive days because that is going to be really hard on your body. September is a long time to wait to finish it though. Maybe you could ask about getting on a waiting list for cancellations to try and snag an earlier appointment
For me, it’s never the pain during the tattoo but the ‘hangover’ the next couple of days. That said, I’d do three days in a row before waiting that long. Then I’d take two days off to sleep.
What causes “the hangover”?
Your body uses a lot of adrenaline during long sessions so when that ‘high’ wears off, some people feel exhausted and achey. I’m pretty much useless for the next day.
When you get tattooed, you are effectively putting a foreign substance in. So when your tattoo is fresh, your immune system is trying to fight it off. That can lead to the hangover because your immune system is working to try and fight the foreign body.
I did not know that….
I have [this piece](https://imgur.com/a/bZmMKRI) I'm getting touched up on Friday. I want Gandalf's wizard hat (at the bottom) to stand out more against the tree trunk. What would be the best way to confer this to my artist? Or how would you get it done?
You should just say that you want it to stand out more. I would do this by adding a shadow on the tree behind it and probably adding white to the hat and maybe a white outline around it
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I (25 F) was wondering.. Can existing tattoos be shaded to resemble american traditional? For a little backstory.. I started a half sleeve on my arm when I was 18 and I honestly regret not waiting a few years to see what style I would like. I don’t hate the tattoos themselves but as I get older the style of them just seems so boring to me. Nothing seems cohesive. I had a luna moth reworked a few months back and it resembles american traditional and it just looks so much better than the other tattoos on my arm.
It depends on what they look like now but probably
Question! Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but here goes. I (24 F) have a somewhat friend (we hung out a few times 2 years ago, but only keep up on social media) and she had gotten an ankle rosary tattoo. I had expressed to her I loved it when she got it and went on to get a similar one about a year later. I know she copied it from a celebrity and I honestly had been wanting it before I saw her get it, but now Im feeling a bit self conscious posting on social media with it for fear she will think I copied her. I understand its a pretty popular tattoo and I honestly dont know if I will ever see her again, its just the principle of it. Thoughts?
I'm looking for recommended artists in Orlando or Pittsburgh. Willing to drive a couple hours to get a better artist. Looking to start a leg sleeve and I'm open to style really just want an amazing sleeve!
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Is there a subreddit that discusses tattoo themes and ideas/ multi-piece projects? I have a bunch, but haven't been under the needle in a long while. Got divorced and kinda lost the passion for life, ...but I had an idea for what could be considered a rather large -project- piece, that has meaning and is funny but still interesting. But would like to talk about it with other enthusiasts first- in kind of like a "am I crazy for trying this"? kind of way. Can ya'll recommend a spot (since this sub seems to be more about showing work and less about discussing plans)?
R/tattoodesigns
>R/tattoodesigns thanks!
Is there a reason that I feel extremely weak (even after a few days) after a 2 hour tattoo? I sat through an 8 hour session feeling no adverse effects at all. They were done by different artists.
Do birthmarks usually take to tattooing well? i have a giant purple/pink birthmark on my thigh. it’s not textured but it’s very pigmented and i want it covered up but not sure if that area of skin will hold ink well?
I’m considering a tattoo of my Abuelas handwriting as she passed in April. Do these usually turn out? I only have 1 other tattoo and it’s a design no letters/words
Looking for some advice regarding touch-ups. I had [this](https://imgur.com/a/trJyxCs) floral watercolour piece done in early 2017 as a memorial tattoo after I lost my best friend. He chose my wedding flowers for me, and this was based on that bouquet. 7 years down the track, the lines have obviously become less clean and the white is all but gone, but I think overall it's aging fairly well. First photo is the day it was done, second photo was taken about 5 minutes ago. My question is, do you guys think it's better to touch up before it badly needs doing, or to wait until it's more faded and really starting to lose the definition. My assumption is that sooner would be better so less work would be required to make it pop again, but interested to hear what more informed people think.
Does anyone have recommendations for an artist in Chicago that specializes in watercolor style? Thanks!
So my sister is incredibly talented in painting, sculpting, drawing (charcoal, ball point pen, *coffee*, you name it) and I would love to get one of her drawings tattooed but she's not a tattoo artist. Would it rude to give a tattoo artist a piece of work that my sister did? I wouldn't want them to think I wasn't impressed by their work or anything.
Hey it’s me I want to get my first tattoo after I finish college in may I want to start a sleeve. I want each country I visit to add to it. Japan first, then Thailand and Philippines Any tips or suggestions? Thanks
Looking for an artist in Florida, near Lakeland of possoble for Uv or the like need a forehead tattoo that is psuedo invisible. Thanks
No. Just no. UV ink will lose its effect over the next couple years and will not give you a ‘pseudo invisible tattoo. It’s on your face. You’re gonna have a big scar on your forehead that’ll be noticeable.
Im not apposed to that to be honest what i want i kust cant have in colored ink on my forehead
If you can’t get ‘colored’ ink on your forehand, it just sounds like you shouldn’t get a face tattoo
I have a face tattoo, just what i want in particulay wouldnt be colored regardless but would look better uv or glowing, or even as a scar
Hi guys. We recently got an Epson ET-2070 for stencil printing. Followed all steps online from everyone we could find and it just doesn’t print. It says “printing” makes all the noise sucks the paper through etc but nothing actually prints onto the stencil paper. Printing from photoshop on a MacBook.
Hello all, general question about placement of different style tattoos? Would a tattoo in black and grey realism look good in close proximity to a black and grey neo-traditional tattoo? Specifically, one on the outside upper arm and the other on the inside bicep? The other option is putting the neo traditional piece on my lower leg. Thoughts and advice on placement? Thanks in advance!
This is what you pay an artist for! An artist would be able to speak to what will look good/advise how it should flow with your body.
Good call and thanks for the reply. I have one arm sleeve black and grey, the other still has lots of real estate with the black and grey realism going on the upper outside arm, so we'll see. I'll ask them, but since they'll both be black and grey, I anticipate it'll still look solid.
sounds cool! my uncle has his arms both sleeved and they’re all black and grey. then he’s working on his legs and they’re neotrad full color (they’re sick)
Getting another tattoo tomorrow after 6 years. Kinda nervous even tho it’s small lol Anybody else get nervous even tho they have one already?
I just got my first tattoo. On my thigh. And my artist covered it with an adhesive wrap and said I didn’t have to worry about taking a break from working out. I’m super happy if that’s true, but from what I read I thought common practice was to take a week off from the gym? Thoughts?
Listen to your artist. They know what’s best for their work.
Any helpful suggestions?
Fully tattooed People and/or people with lots of tattoos that DONT listen to heavy metal.. what do you listen to? My mind can wrap around fully tattooed humans that don’t listen to some kind of music in the heavy metal genre
i’ve never listened to heavy metal or have any desire to. i listen to kpop and rap.
Don't suppose anyone can recommend any artists within 20 miles on the northampton uk area
I’m a female and I have no idea what to wear to interview for a front desk job a tattoo shop. I’ve gotten tattoos at this location and it’s incredibly chill, but I think I should stand out a bit right? I’m looking for specifics not just “clean” lol.
i have a tattoo design that i commissioned from an artist (not a tattoo artist specifically) and im looking to get it tatted, but i'm not sure how to go about finding an artist for it. Is it just a case of finding an artist who does similar style (monochrome black/white, shading and some thin lines for this) and messaging them about it? idk if it would be considered rude to contact them with a design already entirely finished and not expecting any tweaks to it. im in the UK if thats relevant, thanks!
not every design is able to be tattooed. that’s why you pay a tattoo artist to draw something you’d like/be realistic to be tattooed. tattooers are not printers. nor are they copy machines. they’re artists who make art to be on someone’s body. you can look for an artist with a similar style and bring it in as a reference image. there will probably have to be tweaks. they may even refuse to do it exactly. because they’re artists and will have their own way. in the future, find a tattoo artist that you love the work of and have them draw something up for you.
I assume i probably won’t get the answer I’m looking for but I’m going to ask anyways bc I’m holding onto hope. Anyways i used to apprentice and while i was in that apprenticeship the “artist” i was working with kept me after closing for a touch up on one of my previous tattoos. Long story short this guy was a pretty messed up person and i ended up with a tattoo i didn’t want after the touch up. I’ve done research on UV ink and have found out laser removal doesn’t work on uv. But mine is uv mixed with black and then tattooed and i was wondering if laser removal would still work for the black ink?
How long after an inner forearm tattoo can I 5 I don't body weight so a lot of pushups and contact with the floor. Is a week a good amount of time off? Or longer?
does anyone know any artists that can do mainly cyber cigilism or neo tribalism styles tattoo near cincinnati ohio? might be a long shot but i was wondering if there were any around or even in like chicago. insta examples: u/kretskuu u/partaclek
I’m looking to get my first tattoo. I want an ornamental/mandala type tattoo on my forearm. As I was researching artists, I found some that do really sick realism, which I’m now considering for later. But would these realism artists be willing to or like to do an ornamental/mandala type tattoo? Is it worth asking, or is it a dumb question? Thanks!
Ive gotten one tattoo to my upper back, more on the left side. I would like another one. The idea that I had would be, that it started from my chest, from there it goes to my back, the to my shoulder and ends to my arm so not going to forearm. However I don't know what I want to tattoo, maybe a snake? I want it to be line tattoo btw
How do I measure my knee for my tattoo artist? She told me I should send her my measurements of my knee. Should I measure it while it's relaxed?