Hi Nick

Well it really is an issue of how you approach the subject – some ppl are naturally chatty others not so. Some are very sensitive or have rhino skin to comments.

A 3-4 hrs session is not unreasonable from an artist.

My advice is broach it along these lines, state that you really enjoy the conversation but because of work/life/family…[Read more]

Hi

I don’t need to go into the care of it as we have covered that for future ref.

The main thing is do not panic about the tattoo – if there is any touchups needed your artist will do this for you no sweat.

The main thing is keep the area clean and do not go poking around with dirty fingernails etc. Once healed it may need a touch up in spots -…[Read more]

Hi RonM

I have to say normally I am indifferent about tribal (just not my cup of tea), but with yours I was actually moved by the effort that has gone into it.

That is some solid work you had done especially with the inner line work.

I like it a lot.

Take Care
Matthew

PS

Welcome to the forum.

Hi Magikstyk

Well looking at the tattoo and the fact you are not fond of colour I would recommend the following;

(Positive criticism here and it is only my opinion)

The outline could do ith a rework – there are points where it has become faded and would definitely benefit from a freshen up.

I would also recommend that the tattoo is ‘fleshed…[Read more]

Welcome to the forum and looking forward to seeing your ink.

Matthew

Hi

Outlaw is right for a cover up you would need plenty of laser to lighten it.

I would suggest getting the tribal reworked so that you have a fresher outline and some bold black shading. Once you have it worked on again by an experienced artist I am sure you will feel better about it.

The design is ok it just needs to be reshaded. Also it…[Read more]

Hi

Just had a thought I was tinkering with a tattoo idea for your cover up.

As Peachie suggested the jester idea is not a bad one – this idea is basically a half sleeve and would cover up both tattoos.

It is a traditional jester face with the bells on the hat. The face would be split into two halves. The first half would be a normal human…[Read more]

Hi

That is an impressive sleeve yo have going on there.
I cannot wait to see the end result.

Gotta ask what inspired you to get it done? Also who was the artist?

Take Care

Matthew

Hi Robbo

Welcome to the forum. It is a good plaxce to pick up ideas.

To help you with what you want we could do with a pic of the tattoo.
It would also be a big help if you could state what your personal tastes are.

Things like;

Preference for colour or black/shade (or non)

Style of tattoo that you want (fantasy, comic, serious, religious,…[Read more]

Hi Tattman

With regards to my own art I wish I had some to show you. Both my brother and father were artists and this is where I learned to pick up tips on what makes a composition of a picture.

I cannot draw for shit sadly and I simply did not have the patience needed to perfect my scribbles. This is why I rate artists like yourself who are not…[Read more]

Hi Tattman

You certainly have some innate talent for art and I could see you working well in a trad/flash environment.

The comments below are constructive criticism:

Shading – some of the pictures would benefit from different grade pencils to bring out the light and darker elements. Many of your swallows are some good attempts but they need…[Read more]

Hi Karen

I don’t want you to think my comments were at all negative – far from it I love that tattoo.
I sometimes put up suggestions that I think will make a good tattoo an awesome one.

I would love to see it again when it is healed.
Gratz on the new ink.

Take Care

Matthew

That is a nice tattoo.

The only thing I would suggest (and likley will show better when healed or the photo is not picking up the fine detail) is more shading emphasis on the pupil and fangs.

Looks good though – you intending on more?

Take care

Matthew

Hmm

So does that mean bathing in the pigeon droppings and scraped pig fat is not what I should have been using for my tattoo aftercare?

Damn these artists who lied to me!

😀

Matthew

Hi

With regards to the shooting star you could have it wreathed in some flames that peter out along the tail.
Other ideas is that you could have it wreathed in some thorns or have a jagged effect.
Maybe even have it as an abstract shooting star.

You really should not worry about the whole issue of ‘maniliness’ you know yourself and should be…[Read more]

Hi

It is not that I think I am right and I can see the relevant arguments and merits in your views on tattoos.

For me it is simply that I spend a min of 40-50 hrs a week been a ruthless bastard in my job. There is simply no room for sympathy or soft feelings, that outside of work I try to be more open minded.

Otherwise I think I would become a…[Read more]

Hi Peachie

I will contact my friends and see if they will do it for you and get the charcaters scanned in.

With regards to Hebrew I speak (some) and my wife is fluent (israeli) those names will be very tough to translate properly as all hebrew names are bibilical or they just use an english approximation anyhow (it looks really weird when they…[Read more]

Hi Mudd

It would help to have a picture of the tattoo but usually most inks will cover them up.

The lighter shades such as yellows, whites, pinks will probably struggle but a decent artist should be able to cover them up with a darker ink (black, purple, deep red) or bold colours to make sure that you have a better tattoo.

At worst you may need…[Read more]

Hi Peachie

Are you wanting Japanese (modern ideogram or trad ideogram) or the orig Chinese characters. (Japanese characters have their roots in the Chinese language).

I am asking as I have several friends who are fluent in Cantonese and could do the translations, but I have been prevously advised that not all names can translate properly into…[Read more]

Hi Vizzie

Welcome to the forum. Your tattoos sound great.
I cannot wait to see them.

Enjoy the forum.

Matthew