Hi

The 3 dot triangle has a variety of meaning from different cultures.

Many Hispanic gangs use it as a symbol of affinity for their gang members – they are equal in the family even if not treated equally in outside life.

A lot of American merchant sailors would get a 3 dot triangle as a memory of their first voyage.

The French use it as a…[Read more]

Hi

From researching the issue the creams you are talking about are weak local anesthetics which are allowed on the market due to low strength.

The true topical anesthetics (cream or injected into skin) for serious surgery would need a professionally qualified anaesthetist to administer.

It will take you upto 2 hours wait for the cream to work…[Read more]

Hi

It depends what era you look at for the meaning and which country.

Upto the 1960’s (from starting around the 1900 point) European and American (merchant) sailors would get the swallows done on their hands to represent they have clocked up several thousand miles as the swallow does when it migrates. From the 1960’s onwards the practice did…[Read more]

Hi

I have to say that from personal taste the flowers you had were very nice to begin with. The adding to the tattoo is going to make a nice tattoo into an awesome piece.

I really love the extra design work.

Colours – I would go for something light greens, pinks, blues would all work really well.

The other thing with ink is (especially…[Read more]

It is like marmite – love it or hate it 😀

Matthew

Hi

The drawing would make a great reference for pose and those googy eyes that they have but many of the lines would have to be replaced by shading rather than pencil lines. However a photo reference is always best if possible.

It can work well as a tattoo and I have seen some great dog portraits but the cartoon effect is already there with…[Read more]

This is why I was asking for criticism because both me and my artist are looking at that space and thinking ‘needs something’.
I am adding some purple mist but that is just as a refiner.
I am thinking maybe some floating leaves and petals.

@ ppornan I am considering a full chest piece which was inspired by the lovely April’s hourglass & roses my…[Read more]

Hi

You should be fine you have to cut really deep to really do some damage to a tattoo they are very resilient.

Most surface cuts heal without any scarring. They are easily repaired with a touch up.

Take Care
Matthew

That is looking great!

Please keep us posted of the sessions I love seeing complex pieces brought to life. I also love foo dogs.

Take Care
Matthew

Hi Peeps

Here are the links to my ninth sitting as I got ‘Tramp Stamped’ lol :p

But seriously I take my hat off to you ladies because damn did this session hurt the sting on my fat handles was particularly uncomfortable but I think it caps the piece off nicely. It was looking a little unfinished.

Healing on this has been tough as my cd count…[Read more]

Yes

It is called don’t do it. :p

If you really must have something use lidocaine but won’t last more than an hour tops.

That said check on my blog about why to avoid certain drugs and tattooing – having tested many of them whilst being inked I can assure that the side effects far outweighed the benefits.

Take care
Matthew

Love the band love the ink.
It is a great piece.

Take Care
Matthew

Is it wrong to lick the computer screen? :p
Your ink is looking well tasty and will be an awesome sleeve when done.

Take Care
Matthew

Hi and welcome

Looking forward to seeing your ink.

Take Care
Matthew

Hi

Pretty much anything would go over it to be honest – would not have to be tribal just bold colouring.

As for what – that depends on what you like;

Colour or black n shade?

Style old/new school, portrait, fantasy, animal, (maybe a fighting fish?)

Size you say small but how much bigger are you willing to go?

Let us know but cannot help with…[Read more]

Ok enough leg pulling on my part.

I went off and checked my research notes on the issue. I wanted to take a look at the font size of the actress you mentioned.

Your artist is correct that small writing will simply not last the test of time. The problem there is that the font with an 8 or 10 pt will simply blur after approx 10 years.

This is…[Read more]

Sorry dude.

I do know the answer – in fact one of my first essays was on cellular degradation and pigmentation blur effects. I spent a lot of time looking how tattoos fade and blur and the min sizes etc to reduce the risk.

However I am not a professional tattooist so good luck in finding your answers.

Take Care
Matthew

Hi

Some water and flowers or mist and blossoms would work really well with the koi. I would suggest relining the fish though so it stands out against the background and make it look more vibrant.

Very nice tattoo!

Also yes legs can be sleeved it is just a matter of content and money.

Take Care
Matthew

That is looking very nice. It is going to look awsome with colour.

Are you getting scales individually colored? I did and think it was well worth the extra effort.

Take Care
Matthew

Hi and welcome

Looking forward to seeing you round the boards.

Take Care
Matthew