Sounds like the artist may have overworked the area or you have clotting issues. I would recommend a light coating of antiseptic cream and get it checked for any signs of infection as you have to make sure it keeps clean.
I would recommend a visit to the gp and get it checked.
Also do you have a current photo?
Take care
Matthew

Hi I like what you have done especially the surrealism.
As for apprenticeship you need to bulk up the portfolio to show you can handle a wide aspect of drawing.
I would recommend drawing from anatomy books especially hands (they are hard to master).
Also get some fantasy, wildlife, butterflies, pagan and religious artwork etc.
Also show potential…[Read more]

If you love the ink and intend to get more by the same artist build up a professional relationship repeat work will always pay much more than a one off piece.
Also it’s good practice for the artist to perfect their techniques.
Looking forward to seeing a pic of your tattoo.
Matt

Hi to begin with you need to allow the skin to breathe as the tattoo is an open wound. I would recommend cleaning down morning and evening with warm water and pat dry. A small amount of antiseptic savlon for one application will also clear the gunk. The ooze is an attempt by your body to scab and won’t harden if moist or you tear the surface by…[Read more]

Hi
Glad it was practice skins and not your leg 🙂
As first attempts go it is a good effort but as said you need to practice on liner control (outline is a bit wobbly). Also always pre-sketch as the spacing is out which makes the tattoo look distorted.
I would love to see some paintings you have done as will better give an idea of your art style…[Read more]

Hi Selena
Without a picture it could be a number of things. Bruising is common as the skin is taking a lot of damage by the needle so not uncommon. It could also be a small blow out where the ink has leaked into the further area of the skin.
This would have to be fixed by the artist once healed.
Take care
Matthew

Hi been from the UK it is 18 or nothing when getting inked.

That said looking through various state legislation on the matter the artist is liable for physical or sexual assault on a minor (depending on where the tattoo is) and so would be double sure to check any and all ID presented.

If they don’t bother to do this despite the possibility of…[Read more]

Hi

I found it quite an exciting piece to look at. Also makes a great cover up.
I think with the face it could always have a little shadow or rouge to the cheeks (but that is personal preference).

I am a sucker for butterflies and moths as well as floral so that aspect is a great piece of art for me.

Take care
Matthew

Congrats!

Really pleased for you both.

Matthew

Peter thanks for the images the second one is a very intriguing use of cloud and shade which I really like.
That portrait is kinda odd but I can see the appeal – almost has a Polynesian hint to it. I really like art that challenges me.

I am thinking of a fairly old school style inspired by an artist called Giora Eshkol he did some really…[Read more]

Hi I like the progress of the piece.

As for extending there are many things that you can do. If you want to continue with the religious element you can have the angel overlooking Mary and Yeshua as a baby.

You can have the hand extended so that it is pointing down to a symbol or scene of choice;

Examples

Templar knight kneeling in…[Read more]

The outer part of my backpiece along the rib edges really hurt and the lower part across the kidneys felt like he was pouring in acid.
The most painful ink I had was over a skin graph on my leg and I was close to tears after 3 hours.

Oddly a reshade on my arm was hardly anything but a light scratch.

I asked a friend who had their lips fully…[Read more]

Hi

Constructive criticism;

First of all I would suggest a relining on the outline of the cat on the left. It needs to have thicker and bolder lines, especially around the ear and nose.

I would make better use of shading around both cats – they both look a little fuzzy and with better depth it will help with the size perception.

The cat on the…[Read more]

Love the design but on the shin? 😮
I remember my leg ink where it just slightly touches over to my shin I thought I was shed a few tears.

@ Graycat you got your vulva inked? Out of thousands of tattoos seen in person/correspondence you are only the third person I know to have had that done. Both the other 2 told me they ended up throwing up…[Read more]

That is a seriously creepy tattoo – but well executed and a great piece!
Would love to visit Norway for some ink but seriously expensive country to tourist in 🙁

I will have to keep saving.

Take care
Matthew

Well damn. I always think that the C-word is ugly and should not be used on open forum. (Yes using it is worth a temp ban 🙁 – which I hate having to do).

I have censored the worst but left it on as he does have the right to an opinion – as do those who have previously responded, or may want to respond.
That said we are adults and I don’t want…[Read more]

Hi Mike

I like the layout and the work. Having spent years editing as a favour to friends (everything from Doctoral Thesis to a couple of published books – I even got my own chapter 🙂 ), I have a few tips.

1. Know your target audience and write to them. (Do not try to change your style to accommodate all tastes – it waters down your style).

2.…[Read more]

Skulls are not my thing but that is some sweet ink.

Having suffered the same condition for over 20 years I know where you are coming from -heroin wouldn’t budge the paid once it starts 🙁

Can I ask who the artist was?

Take care
Matthew