Tattoo advice sought

[Shaun]

Sorry guy's just a few simple questions from a first timer and as its such a serious thing I want to get it right.

1. Do I need to bring a fairly good quality artwork or should the guy/girl be able to produce one ?

2. Any suggestions as to where to go (Southern England ) please ? I am not after anything to gothic or heavy metal like.. as not really sure the local ones seem any good having looked in a few times .

[Omegamanic]

If it is your own design, make sure it is good enough quality to tattoo. A good artist might be able to tidy up, or create from a design - but if you have something specific, then you should know how it should look better than them.

Take your time and choose the artist you want to do the work. A couple of good friends and an ex and her brother have had quite extensive work done - they have used different artiists for different themes - and all were expensive. By contrast my tattoos are simple and any half decent artist could have done them with the prints/artwork I gave them.

[burnsey66]

Any decent tattooist will require you to make an appointment. You pay a deposit, tell them what you want. They will use the intervening time to prepare artwork etc.

If it's something specific which you've found, it will need to be traced from the artwork you provide - to size - often you'll be measured.

Personally, I'd go for a tattooist who does what you've seen, day in, day out. The other option, is to give the tattooist the brief and let him create his own interpretation. You can always say no.

[senraw]

Here are some images of work done by my local tattoist Jayson (Womble) Smith -

http://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/yh...ullyhosted_003

He has done alot of work for me and he is VERY good and reasonably priced at £60.00 per hour.

[hellominky]

http://www.firstelectrictattoo.com/#/parlour

Neil Bennett. Based next to coast (the old h20 shop) in sandbanks road. I'm waiting for some work to be done. He's done a load of my pals and is by far the best in the area - south coast. He works well from photos but is a good artist so can work from whatever you have. I'd recommend just dropping in and having a chat. It's next to a coffee shop so everyone's a winner!

Steve

[number2]

Just DON'T do it.

[MerlinShepherd]

Alex Binnie @ Into You is really good. He has a studio in London and Brighton. I haven't had any done by him but he was highly recommended by my tattooist in New York, Darren Rosa @ Rising Dragon.

Give Alex a call, he's a good guy and has a style of his own.

http://www.into-you.co.uk/

[grey]

Just DON'T do it.

+1 in the lost causes dept. Tattooing is such a sad reminder of how easily the masses can be manipulated.

[Huertecilla]

+1 in the lost causes dept. Tattooing is such a sad reminder of how easily the masses can be manipulated.

I am not a native english speaker so pardon me asking; what does ´manilpulated´ mean??



Btw, you are aware that;
- tattoos are a native european custon that goes back to the stone age?
- the britons where described by the romans as heavily permanently painted ´picted´?
- queen Victoria and many at her court wore tattoos?


Whether it is fashion, timeless personal memory or whatever is irrelevant, just as the like/not like of someone else.
Adorn yourself with permanent body art or not. Judgement on either is ... irrelevant.

[den77]

The arguments for and against tattoos are well established, but as an adult I am presuming you have considered them and now decided you want to have one. It's your choice and just as a suit will not make you a better person a tattoo will not make you any worse you will still be you. It is a personal decision and is no business of anyone else, though as you can see from this thread not everyone appreciates tattoos. That is of course their right as much as it a right to have and appreciate tattoos.

The better your guide artwork the easier it is for the tattooist but be aware that he/ she may wish to amend some of it to make the artwork more suitable for application to the skin. A good artist will take what you have given them and listen to what you want and then advise on changes before producing an amended sketch. It is worth remembering that certain parts of the body do not suit certain images, a good artist will explain this better than I can. As others have said different artists have different specialities, some are good at faces, some at shading, some at picture copy and so on. Ask around your area and don't be afraid to speak to the artists and to see their recent portfolio.

A good artist will be booked for a certain time period. Tattoos are fashionable at present and good artists are working flat out, if an artist is able to fit you in tomorrow morning then question why he has that free time. It could of course be a cancellation but it could also be that he does not have a good reputation.

Consider that what you are having placed on you will be there forever... No going back, no changing (unless you cover up) and will you still want it when you are 10, 20, 30 years older? I always find a design, mess around with it, choose which artist I want to apply it (there are two in my locality that I use) then I wait six months as I know I can be a contrary git and may change my mind in that period. It makes it a slow process but with multiple tattoos the only one I can say i regret is the one I got as a drunken young squaddie in Germany a looooong time ago. I keep it to remind what a prat I was in the early 80's.

The two artists I use both charge £60 an hour but I think rates vary across the country so they are not always indicative of quality. Enjoy the experience the more you are involved in the design and development the more you appreciate the artwork on your body, it will still hurt like buggery though....

Best

Den

[amnesia]

I've a few tattoos... and I'm local to you

Carl at Urban Image in Kinson (Bournemouth) is awesome - be prepared for a long wait to get in his diary though. He's your man for traditional tribal and has a massive catalogue if you can't come up with your own designs.

https://www.facebook.com/urbanimagetattoo

Alternatively, Mickey Pope at Black Pearl Tattoo Studio in Parkstone (Poole) is an amazing artist. She specializes in high-quality portraits, but is more than capable of turning her hand to anything... just don't ask her to do tribal; she hates it.

http://www.blackpearltattoostudio.co...ickeyPope.html

[kungfugerbil]

For all of mine I've taken my own designs that I've drawn up. Any decent tattoo artist should embrace what you've done but be prepared to take their advice on tweaks and changes to best fit the body, muscles etc. they *do* know what works best on the body rather than flat paper!

Every time the person tattooing has been pleased to work on something a little different rather than just banging out three hours of solid black fill on a design out of the book.

[grey]

I am not a native english speaker so pardon me asking; what does ´manilpulated´ mean??



Btw, you are aware that;
- tattoos are a native european custon that goes back to the stone age?
- the britons where described by the romans as heavily permanently painted ´picted´?
- queen Victoria and many at her court wore tattoos?


Whether it is fashion, timeless personal memory or whatever is irrelevant, just as the like/not like of someone else.
Adorn yourself with permanent body art or not. Judgement on either is ... irrelevant.

Re 'manilpulated', neither do I.
Re 'tattoos are a native european custon that goes back to the stone age' - so were murder and incest, so I am led to believe.
Re 'the britons where described by the romans as heavily permanently painted ´picted´' - Yep, even they found the uncivilised Brits very strange.
Re 'queen Victoria and many at her court wore tattoos' - Albert probably had to wear a bag on his head to do it anyway; and if it was his idea in the first place it just shows you can't trust Jerry.

Re your English, 'cilla - not bad, just needs a little attention to spelling and grammar.
Best
G
ps Whether or not you want to emulate a slag or a very wealthy gormless footie player is not my business, but I'm pleased that I shall not be around to view their artwork as they grow old and wizened - Like wot I am now.

[snowman]

Re 'tattoos are a native european custon that goes back to the stone age' - so were murder and incest, so I am led to believe.

Actually, they're the two oldest taboos in all civilisations...

Tattoos aren't my thing either, but neither are smoking, Mercedes Benz, Rolex, football and motorcycles, so live and let live, I say.

Grown ups are allowed to make their own decisions, no matter how foolish you may think they are.

M

[kungfugerbil]

Grown ups are allowed to make their own decisions, no matter how foolish you may think they are.

Quite right squire. Labelling someone a pretend slag or wannabee footballist for getting a tattoo is daft really.

Someone just down the road from me has a car with a noisy exhaust, turns out they're a lovely person when chatting to them, not the lowest chav scum on the planet. Who would have thought.

just don't get me started on people who buy massive trampolines for their tiny back gardens... ;)

[Huertecilla]

Labelling someone a pretend slag or wannabee footballist for getting a tattoo is daft really.

Ah, the way I see it, it is only labeling the labeler

[SimplyCol]

I'm pleased that I shall not be around to view their artwork as they grow old and wizened

I'm sure they shall be gutted not to have your unsought opinion.

[hellominky]

The propensity of tz-ers to argue about almost any topic never ceases to amuse me!

[snowman]

The propensity of tz-ers to argue about almost any topic never ceases to amuse me!

No it doesn't!

M.

[Neil.C]

Make sure you take in the image you want done just as this chap did, then you can be sure you will only have the highest quality artwork.

[kungfugerbil]

Make sure you take in the image you want done just as this chap did, then you can be sure you will only have the highest quality artwork.

That illustrates a point made earlier; choose an artist who specialises in the type of work you want done, or at least has examples of completed work you can see. Portraits are a particular specialism that only a small percentage of tattoo gun-wielding folks make look good - anyone thinking of getting one done then look very hard for someone who has form in good results, even if it means travelling a way and going on a waiting list!

[maxf]

Make sure you take in the image you want done just as this chap did, then you can be sure you will only have the highest quality artwork.

I used to think that pic was hilarious - just an example of a really funnily bad tattoo. Now I think it's incredibly sad - poor bloke obviously lost his wife far too young.

If you want a tattoo, get one. Just dont get one on your neck/hand or whatever the fashion is now if you expect to be taken seriously at job interviews for professional roles. If you're not in that game, then knock yourself out and express yourself!

[gregory]

It all depends on what type of work you want on.

Some do super-realism, some excel in traditional.

Some excel in nothing!!


Be very careful and research well.

And lazy advice by people proclaiming that their tattooer is the 'best around' is rife. Be prepared to ignore the stupid.



Greg.

[gregory]

It all depends on what type of work you want on.

Some do super-realism, some excel in traditional.

Some excel in nothing!!


Be very careful and research well.

And lazy advice by people proclaiming that their tattooer is the 'best around' is rife. Be prepared to ignore the stupid.



Greg.

Unless.. of course.. I say that!

My artist did these:











One of them is on me.


Greg.

[den77]

Unless.. of course.. I say that!

My artist did these:








One of them is on me.


Greg.

Who is your artist Greg? That is pretty impressive, though they're probably a bit too far away for me.

Best

Den

[grey]

I'm sure they shall be gutted not to have your unsought opinion.

I doubt it. I do like your use of 'shall', but not your taking my quotation out of its context. Is English your first language, Col?
g

[grey]

Actually, they're the two oldest taboos in all civilisations...

Tattoos aren't my thing either, but neither are smoking, Mercedes Benz, Rolex, football and motorcycles, so live and let live, I say.

Grown ups are allowed to make their own decisions, no matter how foolish you may think they are.

M

He He! BTW, I was talking about 'custons', not taboos, and I forgot to mention folk dancing as well.
g

[Alpha4]

I am not a native english speaker so pardon me asking; what does ´manilpulated´ mean??



Btw, you are aware that;
- tattoos are a native european custon that goes back to the stone age?......

So does Slavery...what's your point?

Just because something is historically ubiquitous, doesn't infer it with any qualitative validity.

[swanbourne]

My advice is "don't do it" but I don't suppose that's what you want to hear.

Eddie

[MattG]

I genuinely have no idea how most of you survive in the real world, given the widespread inability to discuss anything you don't like without descending into petty bickering.

[grey]

I genuinely have no idea how most of you survive in the real world, given the widespread inability to discuss anything you don't like without descending into petty bickering.

Wot's it to you, eh? SWMBO reckons it's me medication what's doing it.
g

[Iceblue]

Sorry guy's just a few simple questions from a first timer and as its such a serious thing I want to get it right.

1. Do I need to bring a fairly good quality artwork or should the guy/girl be able to produce one ?

2. Any suggestions as to where to go (Southern England ) please ? I am not after anything to gothic or heavy metal like.. as not really sure the local ones seem any good having looked in a few times .

do your home work on good tattooist in you area if your not happy go further afield, don't just turn up and won't it go in Chat to the tattooist about what you won't, and remember it on you for real so get something you won't that you will sill be happy with in 50 years time , this is only my opinion

[Velvetsnow]

Make sure you take in the image you want done just as this chap did, then you can be sure you will only have the highest quality artwork.

I recently saw the follow up to this tattoo. It's his sister who died and after all the internet publicity about how bad it was, a very talented tattooist took on the job and created a much better likeness to the original photo. He also did the work for free.

[Meinessex]

My artist did these:

Thats a nasty looking stubble rash she has on her chest, she really needs to get some cream on that!

(but thats the least of her worries.... Her eyes seem to have shrunk).

[gregory]

In my previous job, I have had hospital patients shaking their head asking me whether I regret my tattoos (like 'I' am full of bad decisions).

As they sit there, outside the cancer wing, in pyjamas, with a drip and their arm and a cigarette in their mouth.



Oh my.

[Dan83bz]

Just DON'T do it.

+1

[AlphaOmega]

I recently saw the follow up to this tattoo. It's his sister who died and after all the internet publicity about how bad it was, a very talented tattooist took on the job and created a much better likeness to the original photo. He also did the work for free.

Hell and buckshot.

Why on Earth would he have a tattoo of his sister and then write 'My wife' underneath it?

EDIT: Maybe it doesn't say that. But it looks like it does. Nothing surprises me about the Internet anymore.

[Kingstepper]

I recently saw the follow up to this tattoo. It's his sister who died and after all the internet publicity about how bad it was, a very talented tattooist took on the job and created a much better likeness to the original photo. He also did the work for free.

Hell and buckshot.

Why on Earth would he have a tattoo of his sister and then write 'My wife' underneath it?

EDIT: Maybe it doesn't say that. But it looks like it does. Nothing surprises me about the Internet anymore.

It is his (dead) wife. Here's the updated version:-

[SimplyCol]

It is his (dead) wife. Here's the updated version:-

Well it's better than it was...

[Huertecilla]

I find it hard to believe that so many feel the need to vent ' advise' about a personal decision in response to a question about details.

This is a personal thing and as such the do/don't does not apply to anyone but oneself and thus there is in my opinion no right to vent that when not asked for.
Even 'I do/do not' is superfluous in this tread imo.

[Jim W]

I'm firmly in the 'Don't do it' camp

During my life I came have twice come perilously close to having a tattoo.
On both occasions I managed to talk myself out of it.
Am I ever glad I did.

A tattoo is easy to get and even easier to regret.

[bigvic]

My advice, think long and hard about it. I did and don't regret a single one of mine. I'm 51 and just had another!

I follow this guy on Instagram, Jun Cha http://www.juncha.net/collection/. He's a bit too far away (California I think...) but stunning work, I'd love to just sit and watch the guy.

[kungfugerbil]

I have tattoos and am planning more but I particularly like the way that stupid and offensive tattoos on hands/neck/face are known as everlasting job stoppers​ :)

[Jim W]

I have tattoos and am planning more but I particularly like the way that stupid and offensive tattoos on hands/neck/face are known as everlasting job stoppers​ :)

I'm an employer.
Would I take someone on with stupid and offensive tattoos displayed on hands, neck, or face?
No.

[Andyg]

What I cannot understand is the WHY!! Why do people feel the need to have tattoos. Blood groups I get, special dates (which you might forget) if get, telephone/bank account details I get. But having a fish, a picture of The Joker or some random Asian Women I do not get. Neither do I understand the tribal "art work" tattoos unless of course you are a native New Zealander or a Harpooner looking for a white whale. A good friend of mind ask me about having a tattoo (some BS slogan in Japanese) - fair enough I thought, but when she said she wanted it on her back I questioned the point - especially as she would not be able to see it!! pay a shed load of cash for something you cannot see!! As for a picture of your late wife - surely a nice picture in your wallet and one at home would suffice, plus I doubt his future partner will be very impressed seeing that, should he choose to remarry. Anyway what do I know

[wildheart]

Sorry guy's just a few simple questions from a first timer and as its such a serious thing I want to get it right.

1. Do I need to bring a fairly good quality artwork or should the guy/girl be able to produce one ?

2. Any suggestions as to where to go (Southern England ) please ? I am not after anything to gothic or heavy metal like.. as not really sure the local ones seem any good having looked in a few times .

My mates place, his girl friend is the tattooist she is superb


https://www.facebook.com/PeppermintInk

[kungfugerbil]

I doubt his future partner will be very impressed seeing that, should he choose to remarry.

You romantic ;)

This is is my favourite though -

[Tam]

Sorry guy's just a few simple questions from a first timer and as its such a serious thing I want to get it right.

1. Do I need to bring a fairly good quality artwork or should the guy/girl be able to produce one ?

2. Any suggestions as to where to go (Southern England ) please ? I am not after anything to gothic or heavy metal like.. as not really sure the local ones seem any good having looked in a few times .

1. Depends what you want doing - at the very least you should take a pic of what you want so the tattooer can see what you're after, and it can be expanded or improved as you go through your first appointment. The first chat will give you a chance to talk through your plans, it'll give you a definite idea on whether you want to use that artist, and if you want go ahead with that design. There's no rush, and because its going to last the rest of your life, make sure you're getting it exactly how you want - nothing wrong with being careful at this stage.

2. The place in Parkstone (mentioned earlier on) looks good, and they've got loads of examples of work you can look at.

[Huertecilla]

You romantic ;)

This is is my favourite though -

...and then shé produced an album about it

[grey]

...and then shé produced an album about it

Excellent

g