SkydiveNFlorida 0 #1 September 26, 2003 Thinking about getting a tattoo on the back of my neck. Just something small. Not sure what i'll want, i'm researching it, but I would like to have it personalized or completely drawn by a good artist. Do you generally have an artist draw it and then bring it to a tatto artist, or do some tattoo artists draw them as well? How do you find a good tat artist? Thanks. Angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflygoddess 0 #2 September 26, 2003 When I found my tat artist for my huge tat on my lower back, I told him genrally what I wanted and he drew it up. I love it. He is the only tat artist I will use and I follow him everywhere to get new tats. Most of the time they have portfolios to look at and pics of their work and what they based it off of. Look for referances and make sure the shop is clean and ask to see their health board reviews. by most laws they have to show them to you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whocares 0 #3 September 26, 2003 Do you home work first. Any good tattooist will draw up the design, they put it on. Remember this is for life so get something you want. Don’t get something other people want you to get, be original too. Check out the local shops in your area and go from there... P.S. They get addictive very fast.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hungarianchick 0 #4 September 26, 2003 All reputable tattoo artists are "artists" as well. Do your research carefully, look on the internet, talk to people who have tattoos that appeal to you. (you should not have a problem finding a few at your DZ) If you have an idea, the tattoo artist can finalize it for you to your taste. Good luck! "I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #5 September 26, 2003 Cool. Yeah, i'm looking at lots of pix. I like the Reiki symbol cho ku rei. I also like the idea of an animated type fantail goldfish. But, it's up in the air at this point, lots of thoughts. I'll check around different shops in the area and see the work. . oh, this will be fun! :D Angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moodyskydiver 0 #6 September 26, 2003 I have one tat right now and am currently researching a second design.I recently got a new piercing at my chosen tat/piercing studio. Research the studios and artists in your area and go through their portfolios to see if you like their work.A tat artist worth his salt can draw up a custom design for you if you don't like the designs the studio offers or they can work with a design you bring in.Go in and talk to the artist in person and give them your ideas.This will give you a chance to see the studio (ie is it professional and clean/sanitary) and get to know your artist.Some artists specialize in certain areas of art like celtic knot work or portraits etc.So that might also help depending on your design.Depending on the studio and the design, some prices go by size of the design,amount of color/detail etc. and some charge by the hour. Word of mouth can be a good source sometimes,but not always.So take it with a grain of salt and do your own reserach too. The big things I look at are their professionalism, the sensibility of the pricing, and a big factor is cleanliness...if an establishment doesn't have the inititive to sweep their floors and run a clean shop I don't want them getting near me with a needle.Ask about their certifications and how long they've been in the business.Look at their licensing,health inspections, and ask about their sterilization procedure or even to see their sharps containers if it helps your piece of mind. If you have any questions feel free to PM. "...just an earthbound misfit, I." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hungarianchick 0 #7 September 26, 2003 Be careful though, tattoos are like potato chips (or whatever you like to consume in bulk), you can't have just one! I got my first one in January and only lack of money is keeping me from going back for more... Keep us posted! "I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeedToJump 0 #8 September 26, 2003 QuoteI also like the idea of an animated type fantail goldfish You're going to get an animated tatoo? Wow, you've got to let me see it Wind Tunnel and Skydiving Coach http://www.ariperelman.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcneill79 0 #9 September 26, 2003 I'm looking into getting my first tatoo right now. I asked a friend who has a few for some advice and he said just make sure that you see pictures of actual work that they have done, not just sketches. I'm actually going to a tatto show next weekend, in hopes of finding something good... Tatto Show I haven't had much of a chance to check out the site, but I thought maybe there might be something of use. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #10 September 27, 2003 QuoteQuoteI also like the idea of an animated type fantail goldfish You're going to get an animated tatoo? Wow, you've got to let me see it lol!! Cartoon. haha. angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #11 September 27, 2003 Thanks everyone!! I will start to check around soon and see what I find. I'll also visit some shops in my area. A girlfriend of mine wants to get a second one, so we might go together:D Amber, thanks for the offer. I may pm u in the near future:) Angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stik 0 #12 September 27, 2003 Look at pictures of their work. The photorealistic and fineline stuff is what I usually judge a guy's work from. Some styles have their own subspecialties such as cartoon work or sci-fi. My tatoos are traditional mainly but I look at the guy's fineline stuff and make my choice that way. I have had 6 different artists do work for me in the past and am real happy with the guy that did my last one. I am going back for another as soon as I can spare the jump money. I used to make tatoo needles (silver solder) in exchange for work, but I haven't had the time to be hanging out all day at the parlor lately. Sometimes the artist will have a picture of the art on paper and a picture of the finished tatoo. It gives you an idea how well he can translate you ideas to skin. Cya. Petey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #13 September 27, 2003 QuoteSometimes the artist will have a picture of the art on paper and a picture of the finished tatoo. It gives you an idea how well he can translate you ideas to skin. Wow, that would be neat! ! Thanks for the input:) Angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airann 1 #14 September 27, 2003 I am not sure on Tattoos yet... I am still thinking. My Dad always said (against for sure) that if a guy has a tattoo it proves he has been drunk at least one time in his life. I have a medium size nose ring with a sparkle thingie on it and some other standard piercings, tounge, and belly. The peircing 'parlor' has many examples to look at and I have seen many girl tattoos. Yet I have not seen one that I can say - - Bam! ink me, Baby. ...then there is the spot.... dunno... more research is required as well as a pile of antibiotics and pain relievers. My Dr feels like I am a unique individual. So, the first time I went, I explained Dude!, I am going to.... peirce.... and I need ..... and that was it. > Off I went. (As Doc stood there shaking his head.) I am under the impression the tattoo artist will not ink you if you are drunk. Could be the alcohol makes the site bleed more. (?) I dont drink so this wont be an issue. I am thinking at the moment... there is only one spot that could be considered, and that would be the tiny triangle whereby my thong bathing suit goes in the back. (Not to be confused with the lower back.) This is a small area.... I do know I dont want some stupid girlie butterfly or dolphin or Mickey Mouse. I am not really a girlie girl. Yet, I dont want a snarling bull dog with a dagger in his head either. So the search continues. Actually, Id rather my dog get the tattoo. If you can read this you better bring my fukin dog back to me at 555-969-6969, Pronto!! MuterFker or I will find you if it takes the rest of my life and I will kill you one body part at a time. Oops, off topic, soo sorry ~AirAnn~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fireflyer 0 #15 September 27, 2003 my roomie in the winter owns 2 tat shops. everything here is excellent advice. also note if the artwork you see is their work and not too much "flash". flash is like clipart for tats and usually not done by the artist - which is totally fine for symbols and flowers and easy stuff. something you really like should have been done by a current employee, not an artist that left a while ago. checking the artists tats out on their body is a nice way to see if they are into fine detail, deep/light colors, etc... gives you a vibe about them if you know what i mean.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
okalb 104 #16 October 2, 2003 Check out www.anilgupta.com. He is truly the best there is. There are some pictures of me on there somewhere. -OKTime flies like an arrow....fruit flies like a banana Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcneill79 0 #17 October 2, 2003 He is awesome, my friend has a tatoo done by him. The miniatures are amazing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
okalb 104 #18 October 2, 2003 I have a full back piece that he did a few years ago. It is on his site under mythology. It is the biggest most detailed black and grey dragon there. -OKTime flies like an arrow....fruit flies like a banana Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #19 October 2, 2003 Wow! Just checked out the site. All the way in NY, but really nice work! I love the shadowing in some of the nature work, that really appeals to me. Maybe I should save for a trip up north, I have family in RI and will have more vacation time and $$ come next year. It probably wouldn't be good to rush something that will be there forever, anyhow, it will give me more time to think about what I want. Thanks, Oren! angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #20 October 2, 2003 This is the place that did mine, Cecelia is the artist. Know what you want ahead of time, and find someone who can design it for you. I showed her some artwork to indicate what I wanted, and she did a first draft, I made some corrections, and she put it in. http://www.momsbodyshop.com/index2.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whocares 0 #21 October 2, 2003 I am not sure on Tattoos yet... I am still thinking. My Dad always said (against for sure) that if a guy has a tattoo it proves he has been drunk at least one time in his life.*** sober everytime. 8 and counting... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites