Hi

It really means by what you have faith in. If it is of a religious nature there are many animals, birds, and icons that would represent that.

If it is a humanist nature it could be an object or symbol. I have a friend who has a strong faith/belief that the universe is actually a giant cosmic clockwork bio-machine.

He has a biomech piece but…[Read more]

Sorry I missed the thread and just wanted to say that is some really sweet work you have on there.

The only thing to watch with purple pigments is they fade ultra fast in the sun – I have a lot in mine but went for a more muted colour as wanted it to be in the more traditional Japanese style.

It is going to look awesome when done.

Take care
Matthew

Hi and welcome

If you want a lower back tattoo then get one – after having my lower back area tattooed I rate the woman who have it because it was a damn painful area across the kidneys.

That said is there something that was very meaningful too or about your aunt.

For example I once saw a very delicate thimble tattoo that was a memorial to his…[Read more]

Hi

It is a nice first piece and the filling is well executed. As said above though my first thought was too much open space in the waves.

I know it is meant to be the crest but maybe a few more highlights and shading will really make it pop.

It is a personal taste thing though because the tattoo is very well done.

Take care
Matthew

I know of 3 people in the UK with facial tattoos and each one has commented that they do get a lot of visible reaction.

2 of them have fairly small star and tear drop tattoos and another has half of his face and head done in tribal.
They are all great people but yes strangers to do react strongly (usually with fear) when they see them.

Jobs wise…[Read more]

Hi

The stuff usually contains a substance called lidocaine which is a topical anesthetic. (Acetamide, 2-(diethylamino)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl) ).

The strength is normally around 5% although in some countries can be as high a 17%.

At 5% lidocaine will block out neuropathic pain which is deep muscular or nerve pain however it has to be absorbed…[Read more]

Hi

Body movement may distort the image as the area flexes or twists with the body movement but this is not permanent damage.

The skin is very stretchy (under normal body movement) and can withstand a lot of strain before it damages.

Take care
Matthew

Hi

I see what you mean I spent an hour searching and kind find hundreds of scrolls but hardly any of books (looks like yours I gonna be quite unique ;)…[Read more]

Hi

Most tattoos that have been overworked a little will heal up just fine as long as you don’t pick at the scabs.
It does happen from time to time and I would only be very concerned if it was the whole tattoo that was heavily scabbed and overworked.

As for attitude – well it is your call – many artists see simple pieces akin to flash work and…[Read more]

Hi

I am currently at work so will have a look later for you. Have you considered taking some shots of the sort of book you like – the library will have many leather bound old style books.

The artist can draw up from the influence of the photo.

Take Care
Matthew

Hi Geordie

The thing with tattoos is that whether we like to admit or not it does separate us from many of the mainstream because we have something visible that a non-tattooed person does not have.

They will look some will be curious, other will think we are stupid/thoughtless/criminals etc etc the majority (depending on the culture of the…[Read more]

Hi

The whole argument is one of cultural definition according to the country you are in.

Most western countries will associate the skinhead movement as being neo-nazi and therefore a racist because of the influence of the far right associations that this has come to symbolise.

The USA has embraced the skinhead culture as a defined white power…[Read more]

Hi

The red menace is usually down to use of Cadmium Red and/or Cinnabar are to be avoided at all costs due to their high level of toxicity.

They can also contain Naptha-AS, which is highly flammable and can be carcinogenic. This is mainly used in fuels such as paraffin. An extract of Naptha is Napthol, which whilst less volatile and allergy…[Read more]

That is gonna be one very sweet piece. Looking forward to seeing the progress on it.
Is there any chance you can send me artist details and does he speak English?

I am hoping for a trip to Norway next year – also want to check Electric Linda’s studio.

Take Care
Matthew

The 4 dots on hands represent an old phrase which was known as ACAB
All coppers are bastards.
They reduced it to 4 dots so that the police could not accuse them of offensive ink. Started around the 1950’s.

As for criminally connected – really have to ask the guy.

The thing is you would be very suprised at who has and has not been to prison as…[Read more]

Hi

To be honest always best to try and book in advance because many artists bring people with them or have somebody already lined up.

If you are lucky they might have a free spot but depends on the demands for the artist – I always say best to pre-book to guarantee you the artist you want.

Take Care
Matthew

Hi
After 6 days it should have stopped leaking ink so it might well be the sweat and cream staining your trousers – I would not worry too much as long as you are not picking at the tattoo the pigment should stay in.

Normal exercise or work is fine just don’t be rubbing the tattoo or bashing it all the time.

Take Care
Matthew

I just discovered that when a group of managers ask

‘Why are you succeeding where others are failing?’

That the answer is ‘Because I am fuckin’ awesome, and they are shit!’ is perhaps not the one they were looking for.

Matthew

Hi

I would suggest looking at some Chinese art books (plenty in libraries) or wood/silk prints and base a design from that. My backpiece was inspired originally from a Japanese katana hilt and I just added elements that I liked from that.

The key thing is in all cultures you have a common thread of imagery – it is the artist’s interpretation and…[Read more]

@ppornan

Granted but you find that you are in fact the harem guard and have to become a eunuch which means having your nuts crushed with 2 bricks and sloppy remains cut off and cauterised.

I wish I could lose 3 stone in weight…