Tattoo people, need advice

[OsuMj]

I went too body language off south Hamilton they aren't bad at all owners name is Jamie.

nice sales pitch. I would never go to a tattoo artist that someone described as "not bad".

[ama146]

Ok cool so if I can't find a bigger copy it will still be Ok for the artist to use?

[Helmutt]

"Should" be ok........they'll let you know once you get there and discuss what you're after with size, color, changes, details, etc

[Streetfighterkz]

My one buddy has some awesome portrait tattoo's done by Jessica Haney from My Museum Tattoo Studio in Dover. I can't vouch for her personally but they look amazing.

Later, Doug

[ama146]

That's for the help fellas. I'm going to go check out some of the shops posted in here. I saw some that had really good looking black and white with the dark deep blacks and not blotchy. I'll probably go there first.

[cOoTeR]

Look at portraits of past work and try to find pics or actual tatts that are not freshly done. As in if the skin is still shaved and red look at something older. Most tatts look great when fresh but can turn to shit as it heals partially because the artist isnt too great or because the person who got the tatt doesnt follow healing instructions.

[jbot]

if you're desperately in need of the larger image, here is a long shot. thread from 2005 where it appears the original artist posted his work.

http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/threads/19524/#post-266829

this is my good deed for the day. back to curb stomping adorable animals.

[Kennyb357]

I've had just about all my ink done by Kat Moya in Columbus, and I get more compliments on it daily. Phenominal detail work. Her new shop, and don't freak when you see "new shop", as she's been on the Columbus scene for years, is on the south end of Clintonville on High Street. Spiritus Tattoo is her new shop. http://katmariemoya.com/!/

[ama146]

Thanks jinu! You're the man!

And thanks for pointing out the fresh tattoo thing. Didn't think about that, which is probably why some of the work looked so vivid with the blacks.

[cOoTeR]

Thanks jinu! You're the man!

And thanks for pointing out the fresh tattoo thing. Didn't think about that, which is probably why some of the work looked so vivid with the blacks.

Yep fine lines can get fat and uneven over time just due to the elasticity of skin but a poorly done tattoo looks worse.

[ama146]

That's what I'm afraid of most is looking in the mirror after its done and not being happy with it at all. It being distorted or just looking blotchy etc

[cOoTeR]

That's what I'm afraid of most is looking in the mirror after its done and not being happy with it at all. It being distorted or just looking blotchy etc

You could pay them to do the tatt on someone else first then see what its like. But seriously look at portraits done by the artist that's your best bet.

[Helmutt]

Another consideration would be to schedule the tattoo when you have a few days off work to help it get the attention it needs. Now, I'm not offering but you'll need someone to wash the piece and to keep ointment on it a few times each day since it's on your back.....and its best to keep clothing off of it the initial 24hrs or so too. I usually got ink on a Friday so I'd have the weekend to baby it. After a few days you'll start to see ink flaking, this would be normal.....scabbing, is not. If the tat scabs up, you either failed to keep it properly cleaned/lubed, or the artist overworked an area, or he had a barbed needle. If it scabs up, you'll be going back for touchup work.

[ama146]

Haha people do that? Test tattoos on other people?

also, can anyone identify the helmet he is wearing in the picture? i am trying to find higher res actual photos to bring in to supplement the blurry logos and whatnot of the drawing

Edited April 10, 2013 by ama146

[ama146]

Also, I looked into all the recommended shops by you guys but found this place very close to me. Has great reviews and the owners portfolio looks amazing! Anyone heard of this place?

http://www.empire-ink.com/live/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=136

Here is the owners portfolio https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150108122297977.275256.172085922976&type=3

there are also some other artists on there that have excellent looking work. the main thing i am looking at is how their black and greys turn out and the blotchyness etc.

[Helmutt]

Photo realism specialists I'd recommend would be Scott Versago or Jason Hager. If you want fine detail, portrait pro's would be the best choice imo. Both portfolios on these guys look like amazing work, killer contrast and shading. I would DEFINITELY go to Empire if I were you

[ama146]

that is what i was hoping to hear honestly. i think i will swing by there this weekend with a couple images and see what they can do

[Goldie]

Pros: Best tattoo portfolio I have ever seen.

Cons: Three year wait list and he's in Italy. Other than that, you're golden

http://www.alexdepasetattoo.com/index.php/tattoos/?lang=en

[ama146]

so one last question, what are your guys' thoughts on the 3 spots i narrowed it down to. chest/peck area, shoulder blade area, lower back/side area. that leaves a small, medium, and large spot for it as well. not sure which location works the best. thought?

[Helmutt]

Chest and ribcage are sensitive, just fyi. The shoulder blade would probably be more tolerable, imo. Of course, everyone is different......along with their thresholds for pain. Just talk that over with the artist too since they'll know best as to what would look best with the design, and how it would be most symmetrical with your physique.

[ama146]

Sounds good. Thanks so much for all your help. I am going to swing by this weekend and talk to them about the design. But I have one last decision to make and that is whether to go black and grey or color with it. Do you have any opinions with your experiences?

[conn-e-rot]

Personally I think that pic would look best in color. I think lower back would be a good area and have the placement so it can be added to later on if you wanted. Oh and Hellmutt is right the chest might make you wince a bit a lot of nerves in that area just a FYI lower back will smart a bit when you get close to center but they aren't meant to tickle.

[Helmutt]

No problem, I've been lucky to have good friends in the business over 25 years, so I used to spend a lot of time at the tat shops......just picked up on things.

Really its up to you between color/b&g. That's something I can't lean one way or the other on, that is up to your preference. The artist may have better opinion on it if you're unsure. The few portrait artists I know prefer black/gray for finer detail. Fine detail can be done in color too, but it depends on sizing of the piece and the artists skill.

[ama146]

Yeah this is a tough decision. I am going with the back for sure, just don't know whether to do shoulder blade or lower back left of the spine. And now color or black and grey. Decisions decisions....!

[oldschoolsdime92]

Sample of his work.

Are those wrenchs yours ? Here's mine....