Hi Fatty

Welcome to the forum.

Can’t wait to see your ink – that beer can sounds one mad tattoo lol.

Matthew

Hi Ross

I would say off top of my head a min of 15 hrs – hard to say really every artist works at a diff pace and depends on how much detail you want.

The artist doing it would be able to advise you best.

Take Care

Matthew

Hi Kirky

(I am not a tattoo artist but have run my own business and currently researching tattooing).

First of all you need a business plan. Seriously a studio like any other business eats money.
Rent, rates, fittings, electric, gas, supplies, furnishings, equipment.

All of this is going to come out of your pocket before you can even whisper…[Read more]

Hi LilFlirty

The style is tradtional japanese (or even Chinese) art and typing that into google images will throw up hundreds for you to look at.

Many tattooists will have designs that they can alter or a decent artist can draw up what you require.

As for price it will vary a full sleeve in the UK could easily set you back £500-£800 approx w…[Read more]

Hi Sertek

I have seen hundreds of religious tats but the praying hands you have is a solid piece. I also like the flowers on the other.

I would suggest taking a look at the following link – something might inspire you.

http://www.religioustattoos.net

I do not endorse any of the views on there but the tattoos are (for the most part) great. I…[Read more]

Hi Jonnycakes.

Love the ink. I am partial to heraldry.

My thoughts on the nautical was a old fashioned sand-timer (like an egg-timer) in which a nautical compass is in the middle.

The swallows could be rampant on eitherside. I am recalling this from my very young childhood as my great grandfather was a russian sailor and has this piece on his…[Read more]

That is a nice piece.
Are you going to add to it further?

Matthew

Hi

From what I have been told the ribs and shins are about the most painful parts to get done as so close to the bone.

You will cope with the pain – much of it is in the mind. I won’t lie it does hurt but starts at a cat scratch upwards. You will not be laughing but doubt you will be flowing tears either.

Besides even if you do cry – no matter…[Read more]

That is one damn fine tattoo.
I am getting ink envy here 😉

Great Stuff.

Matthew

My advice is see a Dr – there are several reasons;

There is a risk of infection because that sounds like one really deep cut.

There are a collection of nerve endings that cluster at the base of the spine – you will need to make sure none have been trapped, but sounds like the needle may have touched them – it is not life threatening but can hurt…[Read more]

I know it is off thread but it was a real jaw dropper.

I was in Miami and wandered into the studio the ‘artist’ was busy rolling up at the counter. (First bad sign really). I asked him to look at his portfolio and he said if you are not getting any work done today don’t waste my time. Tapping the $80 minimum sign.

Anyhow I saw this furry, rat…[Read more]

Welcome to the forum Nick.

Love the forearm tats , any chance of a closer pic of the love/hate tattoo?

If you let me know what theme you want for a backpiece or sleeves would be more than happy to bounce out ideas or links for you.

Take Care

Matthew

Hi

I like the concept of a dragon holding the universe in their claws, first time I have seen that style of design.
I am hoping to start my backpiece at end of march/mid-april – mine is also japanese inspired.

As it is WIP have you considered a band of cherry blossoms along the shoulder blades (just under the tribal), thought it might link the…[Read more]

That is one sweet tattoo.
I love pin-up tattoos but my wife is so jealous I have been ‘banned’ from getting any female image tattoos.

I know several women who havepin up tats and to me it just adds to their femininity – they look equally good on female and male alike.

Matthew

Hi Whip,

No there is nothing rude about viewing somebody’s portfolio and leaving the shop afterwards. The key is being polite and just state that you are browsing with an intent to future work.

That way there is no time wasted as they will let you get on with it and focus on their own thing.

I did a tour of the states and saw over 50 studios in…[Read more]

Sin

I love the trad style you have going on there. That demon mask is great – I saw a similar one which was used as a Ko mask when I went to Japan around 5 years ago.

As for the colour scheme I would suggest going for really bold and vibrant. maybe on the tail try and layer some blues and reds in there?

Can’t wait to see the finished…[Read more]

Hi,

I was thinking it would be easier if you had a theme in mind. There are several styles that could be used to cover up the tattoos.

As discussed a 1/2 sleeve would definitley cover both.

Styles that could be used are;

Tribal – bold and black.

Japanese Style – Dragons, Koi, Samurai, Geisha.

Deep Floral (not sure if your thing on that one…[Read more]

First of all I am against the whole concept of ‘scratching’ and I have seen the disasterous results of many DIY tattooing. I hate it, and I have many times on here warned about the use of them.

But as Tartanmack rightly stated that educating somebody about the facts and consequences of their decisions is not condoning the action.

If somebody…[Read more]

Hi

Looks nice but was it really painful?

It has been years since I had a piercing done and I haven’t worn one in nearly 10 years (barring an earring which is not really a piercing as just through the lobe).

Are you sure it is going to be only one – I promised myself my first tattoo would be my only. I have 3 now and planning a backpiece…[Read more]

Hi Whip.

Love the concept of the tattoo idea.

With regards to fiding a decent artist – there are several ways;

Word of mouth – A good artist will be known by happy customers. If you see somebody with a really good tat don’t be shy of asking who and where.

Local studios – A good tattoo artist will be honest and state whether they can deal with…[Read more]