Hi it does look better coloured in but as you say clearer picks are always a bonus.

I think what people are getting at is that at the moment it is lacking the filler background that would blend the snake and skull together as a sleeve rather than 2 separate tattoos that are placed close together.

The background is important as it is what draws…[Read more]

Hi

There were a few of swallows or doves with blossoms in their beaks or red berries.
Anchors and roses/rose petals were often popular as well.

I have seen a few with icons of their favourite female actress Hepburn, Davis etc

I think it really depends on what it is about the lifestyle or culture that appeals the most.

Take Care
Matthew

Yes a 3/4 sleeve can end mid forearm as it depends on where you measure the arm from.
If you take it from the shoulder to around mid-forearm that is (approx) 3/4 of the full length of your arm.

The thing with ppl calling something a sleeve is pretty obvious – it wraps around the full arm and has X coverage on the length of the arm.

So a…[Read more]

Hi Arni

The bra straps would usually does not irritate the inside of a tattoo unless it applies a lot pressure to the wound and can constrict the blood vessels this happens if it is very tight, or one of those sports bras which grip much tighter than a normal one.

This can result in bruising and welling or a mild irritation.

It would have to…[Read more]

Hi

There are anti-histermines that can reduce swelling, itching, and blistering. The problem with allergic reactions is that the contents of the pigment are embedded into the lower dermis so it can be a very long time before the reactive contents breakdown enough to be tolerated by your body.

Most ppl tend to find that their reactions calm down…[Read more]

Hi

The idea would work well and why not consider getting one of the larger Japanese junk boats as the pirate ship? I am sure that they had their fair share of piracy over the years.

Take care
Matthew

That ink is awesome I really like the way it is turning out.

Keep us posted.

Take care
Matthew

Hi

It depends on how far you want to travel really. Where are you based?

Take care
Matthew

Hi

The black rose is often associated with onset of death. The imagery was taken from the middle ages when plague took out 3/4 of Europe.

The debated argument/myth from this era was that some roses were such a dark red that they looked a black colour and were said to grow on the plague pits in which ppl were dumped. (The roses do exist but as to…[Read more]

Hi

Yes sorry about that 😮
I figured I would be honest though rather than put you at risk.

Sounds like you have oxide allergies which is quite common for a lot of ppl with metals. You are correct that stainless steel is usually best as does not oxidise (rust) and is very easy to sterilise.

Many other metals such as titanium are surface coated…[Read more]

Hi

Most small moles can be tattooed over as they are only a surface irritation to the skin (similar to light scarring). Anything bigger or majorly raised should not be tattooed over.

However bear in mind that once tattooed it is harder to keep an eye on to spot any changes (which whilst rare can happen).

If the mole has ever;

Changed…[Read more]

Hi

The surface area will heal within approx 2 weeks however the tattoo will be fully healed in 4-6 weeks as it has to heal beneath the skin as well.

Abrasion is not a good idea for the reason that it can damage the healing tattoo as well as harbour germs on the area especially if sweating.

Ribs can also hurt like a bastard but if you take it in…[Read more]

That is a very nice piece of work.
How was the stomach area as bad as ribs?

Take care
Matthew

The artist has done a nice job on improving the orig ink.

You can also keep adding to it if the need takes hold 😉

Take Care
Matthew

Hi

I think you have said it yourself if you have a serious amount of trouble with healing, getting one through the nose is def off the menu.

You may become victim to the dreaded bump which is a major hassle to reduce even for those fast healers. Also if you are prone to infection the nose is a gateway for opportunistic germs as it is straight…[Read more]

Hi

If you were to get it tattooed I would take the design to an experienced artist and get them to work on it so that it is improved.

Nothing wrong with it been tattooed on a male but I have seen a lot better executed flash than that. I would say it is a good starting point to get a decent design done.

Take care
Matthew

Hi

Evil from the Needle (Camden) has a number of decent artists – London is a big place how far are you wanting to travel and how much do you want to spend?

There are a number of great artists but some are very expensive.

Take care
Matthew

All arguments whether it is a good qoute or not aside it would help if we knew the following;

1. Is this your first tattoo ie blank canvas?

2. If you are tattooed how much space do you have left? Also will it flow with the ink already in place?

3. How big do you want to go with this from a small 10 pt to a full chest or back shoulder piece?

4.…[Read more]

Hi

It is not bad luck and the only ppl who may take some offence are the conservative members of either society (who tend to be anti-ink anyway).

Whilst they do have many cultural differences Chinese and Japanese (and to some extent Korean) art shares many of the same mythological and shared cultural roots.

There are distinct differences but it…[Read more]

Hi

If you have room why not get some stream and branches incorporated so that you can build up a night scene around the owl with woodland and water beneath from which the koi emerges.

Take care
Matthew