only 3 days away

This was my deer skull that I started yesterday. We went into the shading in the skull for the time being, and outlined the antlers. I had fun with this one, its my biggest tattoo I've done to date, and I can't wait to shade in the antlers. It'll be cool to see how this heals....

This was done last wednesday....on my bestest friend Lauren. She's been wanting this tattoo for years, she's been waiting for me to tattoo her since I started apprenticing years back at the other shop, however it was well worth the wait. Although the foot was pretty painful for her, she sat through the whole thing. Kudos to Lauren!!!!! xoxox

close up

Walkin done at No Ka Oi last week. She wanted just an outline at first but I think a little shading and the blue really brought it out.

Cool walkin from today at No Ka Oi. She was super nice, from out of town, and this was her first one. Again, she just wanted linework originally, but after some careful persuading we added some shading just to give it at least some depth. Tattoos that are just outline always look unfinished to me (there are exceptions to this of course) So after this was done she was super stoked on it, as was I. I hope to see her back in the future to possibly add more to it.


So the countdown begins. I leave Friday morning. I'm almost done packing, have to get my bike all packed up so I can ride around the island, and getting all my other stuff in order. I can't wait to get out of here for a little while. It'll be nice to be away from everything and come back refreshed. Its kind of funny....I had literally just mentioned going back to Hawaii to my boss a few weeks ago, and then I get the call to go out there. Funny how things pan out.

Until next time....

Hawaii bound!

So it looks like I'm heading back out to Hawaii to guest spot at Skin Deep again. I leave Dec 2 and I come back to Philly sometime early Jan....very excited, yet very stressed out. Unfortunately we lost a very important man named Mike Brown, who has been tattooing for well over 30 years. Super nice guy, honest, funny and a pleasure to be around despite the fact that he can be cranky :) He let me tattoo him the last time I went out there, it was one of the first roses I ever did. He had an impact on me and I'll never forget him ...... here's to you Mike!

And now back to business..... since I'm leaving town in 2 weeks, I'm scrambling to get shit done and do as many tattoos as I can. Here's what I've been up to....

This was a sweet walkin that came in today... super nice guy that has a love for Sailor Jerry designs. He brought this one in, and we got it all done....after I get back we plan on doing more with his arm and adding all the stars and dots to go with it. Definitely fun one to do, my first Peacock!

Finally got to finish this one last week... Jon is letting me do some fun stuff on him lately! He let me design this lettering and do it however I wanted... so we finally finished it after the outline healed.... here's what we got so far...

The next one we started is a rose near his elbow... it's a crappy pic so when it's all done I'll be sure to post it.

Steve came back last week also to finish the poly segment that we started... we were finally able to get rid of that line that divided the spearheads... going to see how it heals up and hopefully I can get a nice touchup session in with him so I can get some good photos of this. I want to be able to put this in my book for Hawaii so I can get more experience with Poly designs.

The lovely Rose came back to NJ last week to get a few letters added to her IRS shield. After we were thinking about it, we should have just put the initials in the center of the shield, but at that time she was unsure about putting his name in there considering the shield was his....Anyway I got to see the tattoo up close and healed up, overall was happy with how the color healed, touched up a few tiny spots....the outline needed some work, I wasn't too stoked on how they seemed to blow out a little after it healed. I'm just being critical. Going to watch myself on that one.

A BIG kudos to Parker for letting me do this boxing cock on him!!! I got to play around with weird color combos and deal with working with really stretchy skin since he's lost so much weight over the years. This second session went way better, I got to see how his skin worked and had less trouble streching. I hope to see this healed great so I can get to the purple behind the head again... I want to blend it out more I think. Also it'll be good to see a pic without the blood :)

This was a walkin about a week and a half ago. A challenging design that definitely made me sweat a little, however it was a good challenge. I guess you could say it's good practice/warm-up for my upcoming trip to Hawaii...lots of tribal-type designs.

Well that's all for now, got a busy week coming up! I'll post more when time allows....

ALOHA

new stuff

Even though it's been slow, I did get one walkin the other day in NJ... an older gentleman came in for this one. He brought in the patch and asked me to duplicate it. He was super nice and I hope to see him again.

So this one is just in the sketch phase right now... this is a client of mine from a few months back, I tattooed a bike gear on her calf. She came in a few days ago to discuss a deer skull on her upper back. Naturally I was stoked on this idea, and went right to the drawing board. She's going to stop in tonight to take a look at what I have so far, measure it up to fit her, and then get back to the drawing board again for a solid greyscale study and final line drawing. I'll keep you posted on this!

Until next time....

Progress

So even though it's been a bit slow round these parts because of the time of year, I've managed to do a few things in the past two weeks.

This was a small walkin at No Ka Oi yesterday, small n simple. Her first one.

 Another walkin the other day...the stencil line is still there but we only did the letters. Another first timer.

 This was an awesome day.... I was scheduled at No Ka Oi on sunday, so in the morning before we opened up I had an old friend come in, Heather. She volunteered to be my first ribcage tattoo. Really stoked on this one. It was also cool to have both Bill and Anna there will be, I was beyond shitting my pants on this one... stretching wasn't as bad as I thought...although it's all because she was the perfect candidate. I took my time and made sure it was really nice. Now the mission is to get more awesome people like Heather to help my cause and give up some skin in the areas and I'm inexperienced in: ribs, lower back, chest, stomach, hip..... any takers???  Many kudos to Heather for this one!!!

This is on a client that walked into NJ a few weeks ago.. he came back for me to finish his big flag. This is one of my biggest thus far, and really excited to finish it.  Another thing was that Bill gave me this really old Micky Sharpz that works wonderfully for greywash....so I got to use that and was really happy with the results... I still need some more work smoothing out the grey, but overall I'm happy with the tattoo and how it flows with his arm when he bends it. I hope to see him back soon for some good photos of this healed.

This was a walkin in NJ a week ago...name jawns for dayyssss

Many thanks to Amanda for giving up some skin for a small one dedicated to her Hub... classic!


Looks like that's it for now, I'll be posting more soon! Come in and get tattooed!

dragon tattoos can be easily customized

Mankind has always been fascinated by dragons. These mythological creations have fired the imagination of generations. Even in ancient caves, archaeologists have discovered drawings of dragons. This attraction has conducted dragon today to make dragon tattoo designs, by far the most popular tattoo design. So if you are thinking about getting a dragon tattoo, you need to do more research on getting a design that is not mediocre or common. However, dragon tattoos can be easily customized by using different colors, shapes and numbers, so if you go to a good tattoo artist, you can have a regular dragon tattoo and create something unique.

Dragon tattoos have different meanings around the world and how they are drawn is also different in different parts of the world. So before choosing a tattoo design of dragon, make sure you know what it represents and if that representation is in line with what we would like to embody in his life. Dragons are used to illustrate the most powerful and dominant a beast that has supremacy over all other creatures. However, in countries like China and Japan, the dragon represents something benign and pleasant, but no less powerful still. The Japanese have used the dragons to represent their emperors for generations. In Chinese culture, dragons are considered to bring good luck and fortune, for what is described as cheerful and happy. On the other hand, in the western dragons have always been associated with negative energy, but is presented as smoking and atrocious. Here are outlined as huge winged creatures, breathing fire. But more often people who get a tattoo of a dragon wants to represent the powerful and majestic nature of the dragon and not evil, blood sucking, eating a beast.

Also taking into account the best dragon tattoo art would also have to think about what part of your body, you are planning to get it signed in the size and tattoo. Dragon tattoos are very sexy and hot if done across the back. Get a huge dragon tattooed on his entire back can also increase your self-image. Normally, the dragons look good if they are medium to large size, if you want to get a small tattoo, then consider this design could not be considered small delicate designs such as butterflies, flowers, fairies, fish, etc. Other places very nice for the dragon tattoo may be the upper arm with the dragon's head on the chest or shoulder blade, especially if you have big arms can be embellished with large dragon tattoo ink.

Please note due to the immense popularity of dragon tattoo on the internet you will find a lot of tattoo designs cut cookies. It is best not to use one of these designs, but to get a custom design from a gallery of tattoo-based membership. It is also important to use the services of a good tattoo artist for the tattoo of a dragon, since it is a very difficult tattoo ink. A good tattoo artist will be able to bring out the best in design, attention to detail and colors.

Winter approaches.....

 So winter season has come SO FAST! pretty scary... however I'm happy to announce that I'm going to tattoo my first ribcage on Sunday, i'll keep you all posted on that! Big things are coming, moving on up!

All that aside, here's a few things I've gotten to do over the past week... some lettering done at No Ka Oi...

 This was a fun walk-in, he brought the image and considering how much I LOVE pinups this was a fun one for the portfolio...

Client brought this in too... I tattooed her and her friend, both with a brush stroke look to it. Her friend's tattoo pic came out blurry so i'm not going to post it, she got an infinity symbol smaller with a painterly feel to it.....

I also had an opportunity to work on Steve again for his polynesian 1/2 sleeve. This session was much shorter, traffic was bad so he came late and we didn't have time to finish the section. I was also having trouble with my shader so when I get to finish the section I'll be sure to post more.


This weeks update: Will be finishing the flag I started 2-3 weeks ago, as well as touching up a small part of the IRS badge I did a few weeks back as well. I'll post more soon.

Now off to the drawing board... off to look for more freelance work so I can afford to pay my bills this winter.

the choice of a tattoo shop

One of the famous questions most people ask when considering the type of tattoo is the tattoo is going to have his first tattoo. Some of the questions may include how painful the tattoo will be, what kind of care will be needed for the new tattoo and the tattoo shop where you will get. The pain felt largely depend on the area of ​​the body that will have to settle. The tattoo shop should have of course depend on the choice of a tattoo shop. His first tattoo is basically a decision you must do it over. Must be the best tattoo for you because it will be the first, and thought and care must be enough. When thinking about the right image for your first tattoo, make sure you have, but it very hard and have considered all the factors affecting it. Your first tattoo should be something meaningful and something that will say something about you, so you will not regret in the near future.

This article gives you some tips to help you reach a decision about your first tattoo. However, one must keep in mind that with any type of design, make sure you put a little twist to make it your own.

Different tattoo designs
There are lots of photos or images to choose from, you can even design your own, or make changes to some of the images that have chosen a tattoo shop online or designs that may be unique. You can choose between different tribal tattoos, Celtic, animal, science fiction, geek, or tattoos portrait.

You can also choose the tattoo of UV light that will be prominent black under black light. Some of the tattoos today are popular stars, wings, kanji, crosses, names, words, dragons, butterflies and skulls.

Choosing the right tattoo for you
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right tattoo.

The reason why you want the tattoo
Since you will be your first tattoo should be something that is meaningful. It may be something that can express the time memorable experience in life has to change or made a big difference in your life. Do not just get a tattoo just because someone persuaded to do so. Do not even do it just because they have reached the right age and you could easily get one without asking permission from their parents or guardians. Think of all the reasons why they want to have that particular tattoo before you signed on your skin.

How does this tattoo could affect your current or future

Design thinking
Design is something you really want, do you design or another design just for you. Design is something that has already received a particular image? Does the sense of saying something about you, or do you think is perfect for you.

The location of the tattoo
When it comes to location, you have to consider if the tattoo is something you want to show people all the time. If you want to be private, then you can place in an area not visible at all times. Also consider the type of body you have, your body type and body curves.

Choosing the Right Tattoo Artist
Choose an artist who specializes in the type of tattoo you want. You can always ask for recommendations from friends or relatives who already have tattoos. The cost of the tattoo will also play a vital role in having one. Make sure the tattoo artist is also an experience that when it comes to tattoos.

What you should do before getting a tattoo

Before having a tattoo, you have to make sure the procedure is carried out safely. You might think that your new tattoo is good because it looks like a big scab, but still considered a big wound. Just like any other wound, puncture, scrape, cut or penetration into the skin, your tattoo will be prone to infection.

Get your shots up to date and decide where to have your medical done, if ever your tattoo becomes infected.

Health problems like heart disease, diabetes, allergies, skin disorders, immune system defects and other types of infections should be directed to the doctor first so he can give the necessary precautions before you can have your tattoo.

If you are prone to keloids, you should avoid having a tattoo.

You have to make sure the tattoo studio where you get your tattoo is clean and safe, ensuring that all equipment will be used are disposable and sterilized first. It is best if you could get some recommendations on some licensed tattoo shops or try to find out if the tattoo shop has any complaints about them.

Tattoo shops that are professionals take pride in cleaning. Some of the things you have to look at these shops are tattoo autoclave is a device that uses steam, pressure and heat for the sterilization process. Make sure the tattoo artist who will give you the tattoo is on leave. The tattoo shop should follow universal precautions Safety and Health Administration.

Once you see the tattoo shop that does not comply with the cleanup, or if ever, you do not feel so comfortable, you can always have the option of choosing another tattoo shop.

One of the most important things is likely to prevent you from having your first tattoo is the fact that it is permanent, it stays on your skin forever.

Yes, tattoos can last forever, but if you have the resources for the laser tattoo removal does, then you can always get rid of it.

It is important that when you choose your first tattoo is something you really want and it says something about you, so you will not regret it.

If taking into consideration all these factors, you will be able to decide without any problems. Just keep in mind that the first tattoo should be something meaningful to you.

The meaning of tattoos

Tattoos and piercings have grown in popularity in recent decades. Only once reserved for the tribes, sailors, and criminals, the meaning of tattoos and why people that they have changed dramatically.

A Brief History

As body piercings, tattoos are created by the constant application of the ink below the subcutaneous layer of the skin with a needle. At first, many tribes, sailors, and others used to apply the ink by hand. This was a long, painful, and people usually mark of high rank. Tattoos were often a sign of respect, rank and social status. Since tattoos are permanent, the owners were guaranteed the respect for life.

The interest of the tattoos to the general public spread around the world in fashion. A sailor who bring a person completely tattooed Indians and the interest spread like wildfire. In London, a sailor took a South Pacific Polynesian tattooing, and many of the people of London began to take their own small tattoos in secret places. However, the interest in tattoos waxed and waned due to his long and arduous process of implementation of each point of the ink by hand.

The electric tattoo machine is a relatively recent invention, created in 1891 by Samuel O'Reily, and has revolutionized the tattoo art form. The tattoo can still be long and painful, but now many skin punctures are made automatically in thousands of punctures per minute and can allow for more detail and shading. The skin is the most unique canvas and a tattoo that is placed on the skin is permanent, requiring further consideration for the right tattoo, the artist right and proper placement. This work of art will continue for a lifetime.

In New York, Samuel O'Reily trained a partner named Charley Wagner, who continued to teach after the death of O'Reily. During a short time, Chatham Square flourished with tattoo artists, while the world was not impressed with tattoos. For a long time tattooing was stigmatized in general, and most people with tattoos were stereotyped to be scary, dangerous, or freaks. During the 1920's tattoos began to be recognized where a person has been on his travels, and tattoo artists set up shop on Coney Island. An outbreak of hepatitis, blood poisoning and other diseases, even worsened prospects for the tattoo in American culture.

Finally, a tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle called changed the U.S. perception of tattoos by introducing celebrities to the art form. He tattoos, mostly women, and uses the media to change stereotypes about the types of people who got tattoos. Along with the awareness of the importance of sterilization and improving training, the popularity of tattooing began to increase in recent decades.

Views change

Today, the rise of the tattoo industry with new talent, schools and learning of tattooists in the making, the enlightened knowledge about sterilization, and health code regulation. Providers tattoos are well known and there are a variety of brands to choose inks, tattoo machines, needles and workshop materials, even tattoos, including flash design, chairs, and more. The younger generations are getting in this art form and have a tattoo almost a rite of passage when one turns 18 in United States. As more and more people from all walks of life have tattoos, the old stereotypes of tattoos tattoos previously kept underground and dangerous it has become obsolete.

Now getting a tattoo is easy, slightly less painful, and relatively faster than ever. The results of sitting in a chair in a position for a couple of hours is much more satisfying to see a beautiful piece of art with outbreaks of new tattoo artists and unique, each with its own style. Some designers tattoo stick with what is known as Old School tattoos, which have the appearance of tattoos done before the Second World War. Includes traditional designs such as nautical stars, pin up girls and sirens, Old English letters, sparrows, skulls, hearts, roses, symbolic animal spirits (tigers, eagles, fish), and more. Old School Tattoos keep the look simple black ink on everything and a little color because in the old days of tattooing that there was a variety of ink colors to choose from. Old school tattoos are also known for providing a tape of the old English letters to spell a word or name inside the papyrus. The infamous Sailor Jerry Collins was the man who designed most of the tattoos are now considered traditional or old school. Today many women interested in fashion tattoos retro 1950 Old School choice and place them on your arm like a sailor would be back in the day. Many tattoos are a symbol sailor. For example, the nautical star mean that a person has gone through a major event or has been somewhere far away and returned safely.

New school tattoos include new techniques to do after this war. After the outbreak of hepatitis in 1961 that forced the movement underground for a while tattoo, tattoo designs were picked up by the younger generation. Use bright, bold colors and shades are used more by advances in the variety of needles and ink quality. The health code regulations and better use of sterilization tattoo machines brought back to mind again. New school tattoos still have the same list of tattoo designs like the old school, but are captured in a unique way that is hard to explain but easy to see the difference. Too many people today get the new school designs are custom made, compared to the old school tattoos were usually collected by a wall of flash.

Today there are dozens of styles to choose interesting tattoos: Celtic, Japanese, religious, spiritual, tribal, bio-mechanical, women, military, black and gray, traditional, neo-traditional, modern, and more. The best part about getting a tattoo is the design of a custom piece. Then is completely unique and meaningful to the person. Today, the tattoo is more than just ink on skin, but as an expression of the soul.