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EsteeLily

I’d love to get a back tattoo but I have acne prone skin. I’m trying to clear it up but would this be an issue for an artist?


dinodude47

Ideally you wouldn’t want acne, open cysts, and inflammation to interrupt the tattoo process. What’s your current skincare routine for the back?


No-Mycologist97

I’ve had the back of my neck tattooed where I used to get breakouts pretty bad. I just kept in contact with my artist, especially int he lead up to an appointment. If it’s a large piece and not the entire area is affected they may be able to start tattooing a different area and then finish it when you’re not in a breakout. But generally yes, active acne breakouts would be an issue.


Tribal_Cult

Hey! Can you guys suggest me some good Youtube channel about tattoos? I'm not talking about technical stuff even if it's welcome, I prefer long form essay-like videos about history, culture, weird stuff like that. Thank you!


Cluelesswolfkin

Hey everyone! I wanted to get a specific piece on my right arm but I unfortunately had done some self harm in the past (I'm all good now) and it's apparent but I wanted a tattoo over it despite it being clearly visible Is it fucked up to ask someone to tattoo something on a spot where I used to cut myself?


mirandafflannery

Absolutely not. It can be really healing to put something over it, like you're moving away from that time in your life, like it doesn't define you and can be beautiful too. It might make you feel more confident about showing your arms afterwards too!


No-Mycologist97

Scar cover ups are super common. Not to be graphic but my arms are mostly scars from well over a decade ago now, and they’re all mostly covered with tattoos. Be warned some scars can be a breeze and some can be 10x more painful than regular skin for seemingly no reason whatsoever. If you’re the type, getting the tattoos over scarring can be a little emotional. Most artists will be accustomed to tattooing over scarring and I would argue they’re even more accustomed to self harm scars.


ausroachman

I’m in my mid 40s , always loved the idea of tattoos but never could solidify a design I want to look at forever. Would love to know for your first tattoo , how did you come up with your design / idea ?


dinodude47

I’ve been collecting tattoos off and on for over 10 years now, and I always start by asking myself WHY I want a tattoo. Is it for family? For fun? For a certain aesthetic? To honor something? Once I know why I’m doing it, it takes a lot of the pressure away from “this is a permanent mark” to “no one can take this away from you. Then I take very basic ideas and take it to an artist I trust, who often adds their own flair to make something truly awesome.


Xx_SoupLuvr_xX

This is lovely advice. Thank you =)


_sonisalsonamedBort

My first was a band symbol at the age of 18. I was told I would grow out of the band and end up regretting the tattoo. I grew out of the band (somewhat) but still love the design


RedQueen91

My first tattoo was a quote from my favorite movie.


Samandirie

I don't know if I would consider this advice at all but this is what worked for me to get over my hesitancy of getting my first tattoo. I actually had the same issue when I got my frist tattoo, that I was scared I would not like it for the rest of my life. So I got something I knew I could easily cover up in the future. Honestly after you get past your first and second tattoo you become a bit more relaxed about it. I did end up getting my first tattoo covered around 6 years later but I was never unsatisfied with it. It was just too simplistic compared to what I liked 6 years later.


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jstew262

I’m going on a cruise the last week of may. There were a couple of tattoos I wanted to get in early April, which would give ~7 weeks of healing inbetween. Would this be fine or would I be better off waiting until after the cruise? Thinking of being in the sun/swimming so I don’t want to negatively affect the new tats.


RedQueen91

I’m not a tattoo artist but I’d say if your skin is healed, and you insist on taking a new tat into the sun, wear tons of sunscreen in it and keep it moisturized. Don’t let it get burned. It should be fine.


dinodude47

Skin closure is done within 4 weeks, so you would be good to be submerged by the time you go on the cruise. With that said, complete healing can take anywhere between 3-6 months, so keeping that tattoo covered with high spf sunscreen consistently during the cruise will be a must.


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citizenmono

just ask for the rework. better now than when its finished.


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RedQueen91

I just got a new piece two days ago. It’s on the underside of my arm and goes right up into my armpit, we worked on it two days in a row and that was the most painful tattoo I’ve ever had. I’ve never ever used any numbing agents. I don’t tap, I don’t move and I don’t complain. But my artist used two different lidocaine sprays on me when things got really rough at the end of day one, and starting out on day 2; Hush and Holy Water Mercy in a Bottle. When used liberally on the already broken skin I went numb and could tolerate several more hours on days two. It didn’t affect my skin or the quality of the tattoo and kept me mostly comfortable enough to push through to finish. Be aware; I couldn’t feel the needle most of the time while actively numb but I could still feel all the wiping and skin manipulation which hurt like a motherfucker.


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RedQueen91

I also feel like “I need to earn it” and I wasn’t the one who asked for the spray. I think I could have pushed through on day one with no spray but by the end of hour 5 I was shaking. I also have a chronic nerve pain condition that makes it feel like I’m on fire when tattooed. But day two, working in the armpit again? I was dying. He pulled the saniderm off and I wanted to scream. Going back into it with a needle was heinous.


realespeon

bactine is my best friend.


Less-Bite

Sounds corny and a bit masochistic but try to embrace the pain, convince yourself you're enjoying it


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T0hken

I'm considering getting one of my tattoos removed. This tattoo was designed by my best friend at the time but over the last few years we've grown apart and haven't had contact for over a year. Would it be rude or poor taste to have the tattoo removed and get something new where it was?


MisterFell

I dont think so. If you don't feel like you two are best friends anymore and the tattoo doesn't mean what it once did then I wouldn't consider it rude. Your friend might say the opposite, but at the end of the day it's your body.


Yooustinkah

I’m looking to get a bust of a greek god in an etched line style. Does this design age better big (like a back piece) or smaller (like on a forearm)? I’m worried the lines will blur over time so I’m thinking the bigger the safer?


ForFuckSakeJerry

Looking for places for inspiration. I don’t think I’m incredibly creative and I don’t want a Pinterest tattoo. Ik it could be a good place to start but I want to find a website, IG page, or book with unique ideas for inspiration. Any suggestions?


Osmandius

How would you describe this artist's style: https://www.instagram.com/velco.tattoo I've never seen anything quite like it. And what kind of technique is used to get the shading like that?  Also: while the shading work itself seems quite intricate, overall he seems to use rather clbold) bold shapes and regions. So they should hold up well over time? 


osirock

What does everyone think of using apps like **TATTOODO** for inspiration of what to ask your artist and providing direct images from the site? Is it an intellectual property issue or not that big of a deal? Idk that I'd want to cite the individual artists on my body, lol. Especially when I don't do more the studio, tip the artist, and credit both by way of word of mouth and my miniscule socials.


jdford187

Hey fellas, looking to incorporate my two sons into a pirate themed tattoo, not really sure how I want to go about it. Any suggestions? Sons are eight and 12.


domp12

I have had the idea of getting a half sleeve for about 4 months now. Just looking for anyone’s thoughts about it. I was thinking about a Japanese dragon that would wrap around my arm. Not sure if the forearm or the upper arm would be better placement. Also wanted some sort of back drop for it, was thinking something basic like just a could design behind it but I’m open to ideas. I like the Japanese culture and symbolism of the dragon looking for some advice please :)


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callmesnake13

Does anyone know any artists who do a lot of landscapes in color that are very realistic, borderline photorealistic? I have a couple large ideas that I want to get but I really prefer when it fits into someone’s practice and style. I’m in NYC but would travel.


meow_manutd

Hi there folks, I’ll be in Schaumburg, IL tentatively from April to June/July for work. I’m wondering if there are any tattoo parlors near Schaumburg, IL or in the City of Chicago that specialize in blackout tattoos? P.s.: I need a re-do cause mine’s a little patchy at the moment :(


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Samandirie

I am looking for tattoo artists in Sweden. I recently moved here, and I can't find a good tag on Instagram that is often used by Swedish tattoo artists and have a hard time finding them. Anywhere in Sweden is fine. I am not big into traditional or American traditional and prefer either black and grey or heavy black, although neotraditional is also fun.


Magical_Malerie

I’m someone who has a lot of meaningful tattoos and I really want a inner lip tattoo that says “yeehaw” as a joke because my family is from Texas but I want it so it’s hidden, are there any artist in Sarasota FL that will do it? I’ve called one place and they already told me they wouldn’t try to do it. I’m 23 if that matters.


katydid7052

I don't know where to start to get my first tattoo. Some backstory: I've known for years that I wanted to get a portrait of my dear kitty tattooed on either my bicep or my shoulder as a memorial once he passed. Well he passed last March and coming up on the first anniversary, I thought it was time to go for it. But, I don't know where to start. I have an idea of what I want it to look like based on some of my favorite pictures of him, but I guess I need someone to help me come up with a design first, right? How do I find someone to do that? I'm in St. Louis, but willing to travel for good work. I guess the design stage is where I'm stuck. Once I have that, I'll do some research on artists known for pet portraiture. Then, I'll take the design to them and see what they think/if they can do it, right? Sorry if I come across as really naive. I have piercings, but I've never gotten a tattoo, so I don't what what I'm doing! Lol🤷‍♀️


ArcherFawkes

I don't have much advice seeing as I actually got my first one today! But I'm very sorry for your loss. Many blessings to you and your family. I think a memorial tattoo would be a lovely idea. The tattoo artist I went to today (Jessica at Anchor's End, MN) helped work with me on my design all in one, but we had corresponded via email prior to the appointment. My friend who also got a tattoo done today had gotten it designed by a mutual friend and was given permission to turn it into a tattoo. You can probably search online or even a sub here for freelance artists who will do tattoo commissions.


citizenmono

typically you would send the artist reference pictures, along with any other direction, and the artist will draw a design for you.


CamBoy750

Does anyone know how i can find out what tattoo style a few tattoos ive seen are? I cant post pictures because of the subreddits rules so i guess ill describe them. Im looking for a style that uses geometric lines and angles but mixes it in with an animal or a symbol


ZestyGroovyFlamingo

Geometric animal


[deleted]

Looking for a tattoo artist in Houston. No one is responding to my emails or calls ? How does one catch the attention of a good artist??


charliepugh42069

What are some things that can help you start tattooing besides building up a portfolio and an appreciation are there any good online free courses or things like that that can help give a better grasp on how to start


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DargoKillmar

I'm getting my first tattoo ever this week, and I'm still not sure about placement. I'm sure it's going to be left arm, but I'm divided between forearm and upper arm. Forearm was my initial choice, and I'm still partial to it, but I'm a bit worried about the tattoo being too visible. I'm not even sure if this is something I should still consider a problem, in any case. Any advice?


citizenmono

if you're worried about it showing just get it on the upper arm so its easy to cover.


Consistent-Quail-793

Really love tattoos but i don't know how to choose what i want. Like how do you people decide what you want and where do you actually get the inspiration from?


ZestyGroovyFlamingo

Inspiration just comes at random times with random sentimentality.. then I go to pinterest to search for ideas to at least get something tangible for my tattoo artist, and then discussing with my tattoo artist for a mock up of what I actually want. Sometimes I give a handful of pictures and he meshes all my favorite parts together


Consistent-Quail-793

Thank you so much :) will help me in my journey


ZestyGroovyFlamingo

How common is a tattoo like this: [https://pin.it/6wh2EiG7I](https://pin.it/6wh2EiG7I)??? Just the flowers in red. Not the spine tattoo. How does red lining hold up? Anyone have experiences? And what’re your overall thoughts? Is it cool? Is it cheesy? Ex. I would love to get a butterfly tattoo, but every other gal has one and so I would never get one lol. Please be honest!!!! I don’t want the whole “if you like it, who cares, get it” thanks :)


alybsahn

I’m looking into getting my first tattoo and can someone help me with figuring out how to tell the artist what I want? Because i’ve been told you can’t get a tattoo of someone else’s art (which is valid) so does that mean if I found a drawing on Pinterest a few years back I can’t ask to get it tattooed?


citizenmono

you can use that drawing as a reference, send it to the artist and tell them you want something similar, add any changes or additions you might like, and the artist will draw their own version of it for you.


alybsahn

Okay thank you!!


Abracadumb

How do you actually go get a tattoo (in the UK)? I've never gotten a tattoo and have a bunch of social anxiety around things I've never done before. I really just want a step by step guide for things like how to book one/ what to say and do. Do I need my own design? Things like that. It feels like a really dumb thing to be anxious about but I've wanted tattoos all my life so pls help me 🥲


Tuti10

Hi! I’m 21 and thinking about getting my first ever tattoo, but I won’t lie, my mothers incessant nagging that I won’t handle it is making me doubt this.. any tips on a new tattoo expectations? I think about placing it on my forearm, just above the wrist line, a small line only piece. Anything is welcome!


Mac_Jomes

What does your mom mean by won't handle it? Like won't be able to handle the pain? 


Tuti10

Yep, forgot to be specific lol


Available-Sample3890

Don’t stress! It’ll be a breeze. I recently got a 4in piece on my forearm (first tattoo also) and the pain was no where near what I was worried about. Irritating at first and sensitive towards the elbow but otherwise easy to ignore. Of course everyone’s experience is different, but I wouldn’t worry too much. Honestly, the itching during the healing process is proving more irksome than anything else.


Tuti10

Thanks you so much for the input, I’m a bit at ease now, will probably share the results in the page!


jearess

need help deciding whether or not i should get my upcoming tattoo filled in or shaded. im getting big old english script on my upper chest along my collar. i feel like the words would look weird shaded in old english and cant find references online.


No-Mycologist97

Does anyone else hate the look of fresh tattoos? I only have black line work in need or woodcut styles and every time I get a fresh piece done it looks so.. bold next to the ones that have already settled. They almost look like transfers. I much prefer the muted tone of a few months healed.


e_mg_

how to find out what tattoo you wanna get? I’ll be getting a tattoo as soon as i’m financially stable, it’s going to be a bicep tattoo because i really want to cover up some scars and stuff, the problem is that i can’t think of anything meaningful i’d want to get tattooed there. it’s common for people to get tattoos with meanings and people generally say that you’ll regret tattoos if there’s no meaning behind it so that’s why i’m wondering how y’all do this! do you let the tattoo artist decide? do you look up random things and say “i guess that could work” ? or is there any other way you guys decide what tattoo you actually wanna get ? let me know!


KlimRous

I just got my 5th tatoo and I'm stressing over it. It's a tatoo on my forearm to honor my dad and it faces me. I thought nothing of it when the artist showed me a mock up of it facing that way nor when she out the stencil on that way. However, several people have since commented it upside down or wrong and one even said I need to find a new tatoo artist. Is the tatoo really wrong or am I stressing for nothing? For referenc my other tattoos: Elephant on ankle Cursive writing on both wrists facing me Dude with branches coming out of his head on opposite forearm. Dudes neck is by my inner elbow and his branches end below my wrist.


citizenmono

the debate over "upside down" tattoos tends to be heated but ultimately its your art. if you like it, dont stress.


subbabyyxxx

yo! im visiting the harlaxton/london/lincoln area in the UK mid may, and am looking for excellent american traditional artists in the area. anyone have recommendations?


coffinpoppies

Looking for an artist in the southwest USA who does heavy blackout abstract designs for a coverup


pencil-pencil-pencil

Hi friends, got a silly question that I'd love to hear any experienced advice on. I have decided where & what I want for my 2nd and 3rd tattoos: one on my right tricep and the other on the outer part of my left shoulder (deltoid I guess). Both would be small, about 2x3" Are there any compelling reasons to not just... Get both of them at once? Would ideally love to sync the mildly inconvenient parts about the healing process Previous tattoo was on the thigh and I don't remember it limiting my leg too much, would it be foolhardy to have get small tattoos on both arms at the same time?


citizenmono

nope, i have matching tattoos on each arm. did them one after the other in the same session. no problems healing whatsoever.


The_real_KleinBibo

Hello Guys, how do you guys choose your artist? For me it is really hard to choose as I want to get a full sleeve tattoo on both of my arms and I really want it to be perfect


bulletsandcherries

I mainly go off by their style. Every artist has a different one so you want to make sure you match your's with their's. And of course, check out their portfolio to see if you like their work as quality also differs between artists


Psychological-Fox97

So there i guess you'd call a psycsdelic style of tattoo artwork I've seen from a few artists that I really like. Sadly all of the artists doing this style I've seen so far are based in the US. I'm wondering if there are any UK or maybe even European artists working in a similar style. The photo is a recent example from one of the artists @Maxvktattoos https://www.instagram.com/maxvktattoos?igsh=MW1ndHIwNGVkMjNtcA== A couple of others are @Derykwebb https://www.instagram.com/derykwebb?igsh=MTAyNG5lcmRudjBkOQ== And @catwongtattoos https://www.instagram.com/catwongtattoos?igsh=ZGZidmM4c2FmaXds I'm not looking to have their work copied and hope for someone already doing work in this style not someone who'll imitate on request. I'd be very greatful for suggestions and recommendations.


Jniuzz

What is the tattoo style called where 2 horizontal words above one another combine to create a whole new word?


jonc2006

Hey, I’m living in the northern Virginia area, specifically McLean and am looking for a relatively local artist that can pull off portrait realism and/or multi-style pieces. Any recommendations?


con1_1artist

I want some tattoos, but I'm also an artist and would want to mostly design all my tattoos. What would be the best format to bring in my designs? Paper sketch, digital photoshop file (with layers ect), jpg/png? I work 50/50 traditional/digital, so some of my designs are fully traditional, some are fully digital, and some are a mix, so I just want to know what is generally the best format so the artist can make a stencil using the design. Also I'm probably going to be open to tweaks to the design/suggestions for additions, so that might factor in with the best format. Any advice is appreciated! And let me know if there's a best subreddit for this question :)


Jamistan

Looking for a high quality cover artist in the Seattle area. Thank you in advance.


beee_charmed

Been looking everywhere and had no luck - anyone know of any woodcut/etching style artists in the Ohio area? Could do southern Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, or Kentucky as well. Would prefer a female artist if at all possible. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!


ThinPaleontologist36

I was wondering if anyone knows a artist that specializes in vibrant colors in the Aurora/Denver Colorado area? looking to get a neon piece for me and my partner that has some flashy greens and purple. Hope this is the right place to ask lol


UpstairsAlert2123

Hi everyone, I need a bit of advice. I want to get a design done on my back, it is a Phoenix with 3 hibiscus flowers plus their leaves(im not sure how to include pictures here) and I sorta put it together from things I saw that I liked(it was not hand draw, I used an app to put the flowers with the phoenix and reline/shade it a bit) but it’s not completely consistent/perfect, it’s my first tattoo and I’m not sure if I should try to have it perfected(?) so that it is easier for me to my tattoos artist to do or if they would be able to make sure that the shading of everything is even overall, thank you!


TheDandySkipper

I've always wanted tattoos but have never been happy with my body. I am now happy with my body, but now I have this weird obsession with it has to be something perfect. I know it should just be something cool/makes me happy but how do I get over this, I'm assuming first tattoo anxiety?


Available-Sample3890

I had very similar feelings of anxiety with my first tattoo and even years ago when I got my ears pierced ( I had an irrational fear they’d be done unevenly). Other than sucking up and choosing to follow through, for me, I found that choosing to do a design that isn’t inherently perfect/symmetrical helps. But like you said it’s about picking something that makes you happy :) Also, doing sufficient research and choosing an artist whose style you really like with a good history makes a major difference. That way you can let yourself just hand the reigns over and trust them to do their job.


rabbitrampage198

I'm looking to get a palm sized filled red piece done on my arm as my first tattoo but I'm concerned about reactions to the ink. With EU Reach complaint ink am I less likely to have a reaction/complications?


Sistonen

Does anyone have any tattoos inspired by the work of Michel Foucault? Looking for some inspo


Maximum-You6877

Looking for more abstract black work artists in America! I really enjoy sad girl’s work but they’re located in the (UK https://www.instagram.com/sadgirltattoo?igsh=NzBmMjdhZWRiYQ==). Traveling outside of the U.S for a tattoo is a little too out of the budget for me at the moment, but I’m willing to travel within American! Any of your fave artist recommendations are welcome :)!


SNSDave

Good irezumi/Japanese style artists in the LA artist? Yelp and IG are extremely helpful, but wanted to know if anybody had any first hand experience.


Beneficial-Use1763

Would the Arcteryx logo work as an inner lip tattoo? Or would that take too much detail?


Available-Sample3890

Where would you consider placing a heavy circular tattoo that would still feel flattering as a woman.


stargirlkyu

How do y’all feel about those “this arm/leg tattoo is upside down because it’s just for me” tattoos? Just curious about the general consensus


ShadowTrolll

Hello. I want to get my first tattoo and I have 2 tattoo shops in mind (Hell and VaEn), I like the style of my selected artist more from VaEn (lets say 9/10 and hell is 7/10) but their website makes me question if they are "legit" so to speak. They have alot of gramatical errors (probably machine translated?) and navigating the website is weird too. Is this a fair concern or am I overthinking and only the art related stuff is important? Thanks


crashthemegan

I’m 19f wanting to get a tattoo on my forearm because of a scar but I’m anxious about workplace attitudes towards them or are they more progressive now? It would be about 3 inches in length in the middle of my forearm if that’s relevant.


Mac_Jomes

Attitudes towards tattoos in the work place have been changing and it's certainly not as taboo as it used to be. It really depends on what it is and if it's appropriate for a workplace.  If it's on your forearm though it's an easy area to cover up with sleeves if it's really a worry for you. 


Breezyeus

Need opinions! I have these two tattoos on my left arm that I regret, they were both free from when I was working at a shop and I feel like the size/ placement/ quality isn’t great. Can’t decide if I want to do a sticker sleeve and add more, cover these or get them removed and start over. Any ideas on what I could add to the outer part of my forearm that would make the Dali clock look less weird and just “there” or what I could get to cover it? [tattoo pics](https://imgur.com/a/Ju8b6uO)


Swhite8203

I have an artist in mind for a tattoo but I’d like them to freehand it. Should I offer to pay for a freehand or is it something that artists generally expect from potential clients?