Find a great artist, and trust them with the design. Sometimes you will go in with an idea that is too specific. Keep your ideas general and let the artist create a piece that they know will flow with your body. Luckily, the back is the easiest to go from paper to body because it is the biggest flattest canvas available.

looking to get my first tattoo and looking for some advice/suggestions.
thinking about a buddha head half sleeve with some blossoms and a lotus flower..something like this:
http://onestyleideas.com/wp-content/...tattoos-01.jpg

suggestions on which artist i should go see?
how many hours should i be expecting? 1-2 sessions?

thanks!

2 x 3 hour sessions and touch ups ?

how many session and how long depends alot of the complexity of the design and the size of your arm. As for recommendation please take the time to look through the thread, there has been many different recommendation of different artist from different people, look through it and make your own conclusion. imo researching the artist is THE most important aspect of getting tattoo, enjoy :)

Half sleeve will take roughly around 10 hrs or so, friend did his st mary in 8 hrs, another guy with a statue buddha took 10, should be around that time too, full shading also and quite detailed
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My half sleeve took like 18. Depends on the colours you want. If you want anything bright and more solid pop to it shading can take a lot longer.

Since I posted all the other ones, here's the latest episode of Gypsy Gentleman, in Japan

more work yesterday ,.. Japanese clouds, cherry blossoms and a diamond !,,. just getting the background done now
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...ps61dd9ad9.jpg

You're running out of space FAST.. wish I had that problem.. for me it's money I am out of, not space :lawl:

my problem is ideas, want more tattoo's but no idea what to get :(

If I had the cash I'd book my next appointment today but I'm broke :( so many different jap artist I dunno who I want to go too all got such dope work
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Im lucky as we have become friends and he charges me half the amount !.. Plus i have made miney on the side doing odd jobs so im gonna be seeing him like twice a month now
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A LA black and gray artist is coming to next month, might get something to fill up my left leg soon =D

getting a leg sleeve from cohen in november.. above ankle to under knee.

guys who've experienced the shin. any feedback?
i've got some writing on the outside of the same leg..
didnt hurt but the shin worries me a bit.. im a small guy too

Shin is not bad , the worst was behind the knee ( wich i have just started to get into) and ankle area , the shin will be the least of ur worries
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I'm really into this guys work: http://www.mikedemasi.com/

Anyone know a good artist who can cover up over dark tattoos with colour? I've seen it done, but looking for someone in Van.

i'm small too and the shin seriously wasn't that bad. yea for me it was the area behind the shin towards the back of the knee that REALLY sucks

some more work on the background today, sorry for the bad pics..


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...ps2d3f9dfb.jpg

Post pics of tattoos you are looking to get covered. You really don't have much say in the matter of colors, the artist will tell what can and can;t be done.

look into laser tattoo removal to lighten the area at least is the best option. Both Monkey King Tattoo and Gastown tattoo offer this service now at decent rates.

Black is the easiest to lighten/remove. I will be getting pretty much my whole back lightened and covered after I finish getting my front torso tattooed.

My main artist Ken Greer has done some really good cover-ups. A lot of artists won't touch them unless you get a few laser sessions.

Thanks for the info whatitdew!

Stoked I was able to book a small tattoo with Gotch next week before heading home :awwyeah:

Now just have to think of what to get :considered:

https://www.facebook.com/BlackLabelTattoosByTeemu

Some of the nicest pieces I've seen locally, guy works on the island!

He did my barbers pieces and they're amazing. Wanting to start a leg and rib piece with him.

consultation with jesse wark at his new location at works of passion tomorrow..... excited :) that hes finally back!
been waiting for three months to meet him!
won't be booking up with him til christmas/new year though

Have you guys heard of Carols Macedo before? He's coming here from LA next week and I'm talking to him about getting a Wu-Tang ninja on my forearm