Hi

Because of the age of the ink a fresh rework will make it really crisp again and bring it back to life.

It is a great tattoo!

My advice is have it reworked in black and then add some more lattice or knotwork around the orig tattoo. You could add colour to it as you expand it if you prefer.

Very nice though.

Take Care
Matthew

Hi

It is a tribal piece (true tribal not made up) commonly known as a Borneo Rose.

The inside represents the life cycle and there are variations of them. They are always tattooed in pairs across the shoulders, back, buttocks etc to protect from evil.

Off the top of my head there is about 6-7 tribes in Borneo each with a distinct pattern for…[Read more]

Hi

Personally i’d give it at least another day just to make sure it is sealing up on the cuts.
Looking good though.

Take care
Matthew

Hi

If you do bandage you will have to replace daily as the sweat build up will create a soreness on the area and bacteria build up can create an infection.

The top layer of the tattoo has to peel away either in part or in whole depending on how bad the reaction is. It should slough off like dead skin but takes time.

The ink below is usually…[Read more]

Hi

It depends how far back you want to go in history. They all had some brutal warrior tribes in the early to mid AD.

The Germans also had sects of knights templar.

If you let me know the time period I will research it a bit more for you.

Take Care
Matthew

Hi and welcome to the forum.
I checked out your ink it is great stuff – who is your artist?

Take Care
Matthew

Hi

as Tana says we could do with a picture as there are many option for sleeves often non-tribal based. Post up a pic and sure we can help.

Take care
Matthew

Hi Chris

First of all everybody heals differently and if you are a healthy male who is of high fitness I am not surprised you have not noted any heavy scabbing.

The reasons are that you are healing nicely and that the artist did not overwork the area. This is all good.

I would advise approx no more than 5 days of antiseptic cream so not to lift…[Read more]

Hi

Yes I have seen this issue before and the first thing is not to panic.

There are two factors involved here – the first is that you are likely having a red ink reaction which is causing the area of skin to blister and peel.

(Click on my sig and check out the chapter on tattoo inks).

The second is that the scratching, rubbing, and picking has…[Read more]

Hi Hops

Well the sun and clouds could be illuminating the cross which is often the case in many spiritual representations.

Red ink can be used on most skin types and I have seen it on very dark skin where it has still shown up but other colours may not work as well.

It is really a matter of personal choice of how you want the tattoo just go…[Read more]

Hi Zoe

It is prob a reaction to the inks used – if you check out my free ebook (click my sig) it will list the common ingredients for all ink colours and the ones to be avoided.

Feel free to use the list contact your artist and see what is being used in the inks.

Other issues could be a form of dermatitis if you are in contact with any…[Read more]

Dude I sweep my hat off to you!
That is an awesome first tattoo!

I am sure that it will be the start of a long line in ink – it is addictive 😉

Keep us posted of the next sitting that is looking sweet.

Take Care
Matthew

Hi

I have seen several hundred coverups and the artist certainly knows their placement and has covered that dragon very well.

It is going to look very sweet when you are finished.
Keep posting as you get it done would love to see the wip.

Take care
Matthew

Hi Sam

First of all when you say that your friend did it – are they a pro artist? If they are they need to be able to take constructive criticism or they will find no return customers – you cannot grow without being told when something is wrong.

The face can be reworked but will need a very experienced artist to redo it so it is more life-like -…[Read more]

Hi

I have written a piece on tattoo aftercare that can be found on my blog on here or click on my sig and it is on wordpress it is all free and should help you out.

You want to avoid clingfilm as can create bacteria build up with sweat – means more washing for a week but don’t lather on too thick.

Running should be fine as long as not too much…[Read more]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
Looking forward to seeing the ink.

Take Care
Matthew

You could have some rolling mist or a body lain upon a sacrificial altar which is rising out of the demon skull as filler.

Just tossing a couple ideas in there – great tattoo!

Take Care
Matthew

Sorry to hear that. 🙁

Finding a decent tattooist is really hard which is why best to stick to ones you have seen a mass of portfolio work or others wearing their tattoos.

I understand what you mean though – my first tattooist is moving towards semi-retirement and is a cranky bastard at the best of times but he just did not seem passionate about…[Read more]

Hi Nik

Sorry dude been having a real bad day and frankly I think I am gonna have to slap my brother in laws around until I get tired or break a few knuckles.

Anyhow the tattoo will be a seriously powerful piece in symbolism.

I did some research into the phoenix mythos and they are always considered to be the all seeing rebirth spirit. As each…[Read more]

Hi

Yes I have a few suggestions about the tattoo.

Excuse my if I seem blunt – it is not to be nasty but I just want you to get the best you can from it.

First of all if you have a circle around it you are limiting the number of names that you could fit into the shape of the tattoo.

Secondly how do you intend to inscribe the names? Directly…[Read more]