Tattoos

[Sephora_Socialite]

I have a question and I know it's probably been asked a million times before, but do tattoos really hurt? Can someone describe the pain? I've been putting it off for so long, but I'm going to get one in the next few months. I have yet to decide what to get, though.

A lot of people I know say it burns, its like getting a cat scratch over and over in the same place, some say it's like a bee sting. After going for a while, our natural pain reception numbs out a little bit, but it's not much.

Placement wise, theres some places people tell me that really hurt whereas the same place on others they say it's not so bad. It depends how you are wired to depend which places hurt more and cant really rely on just testimony from people alone what places hurt. Plus, in the end placement is really important....if thats the best place but slightly more painful I would still do it because with tattoos I don't compromise- get exactly what you want and you will always be happy with it.

Bottom line, it's going to hurt, but I havent met anyone who thought they can't go through with the tattoo. Also look at how so many people here even say this particular tattoo they got hurt, yet they are going back for more. It doesnt hurt enough to make it not worth it, if you really want it. Just keep relaxed and don't think about it too much, keep some sugary drink or snacks incase you get jittery and it'll be worth it in the end.

 

[Esperanza]

^ exactly. i am the biggest scardy cat when it comes to pain and getting it done on my foot as a first tattoo is pretty pain full. its hard to describe the feeling, it is like a bee sting/sharp stabbing stinging pain, but you can get through it. its bearable, plus the artist normally stops and asks u if ur alright etc..

 

[tullepen]

the only tattoo I have EVER seen that I like is Erin Wasson's (YEESH) feather one on her ribs
http://whynotblog.dk/wp-content/uploads/blog-3.jpg
whynotblog.dk

 

[Sephora_Socialite]

I was wondering then what are people's favorite artist and/or favorite pieces?

I am big on Japanese traditional tattoo, but I love this new school approach Shigehas on it. It's much more smoother and vibrant color blending that I havent seen in other Japanese artists work. It's beautiful, meticulous and I have hella respect that this kind of talent was SELF TAUGHT. Can't wait til he is in the USA again- I will try to get my piece by him.

So many people I adore, but after I saw this guy I think I found the ultimate artist that I admire and be so honored to get work done.

SHIGES WORK

(thelondontattooconvention.com)

(shige's myspace)

(shige's myspace)

 

[papa_levante]

That third one is just gorgeous! It's irresistible. Thanks for sharing it, Sephora Socialite.

I don't particularly know about tattoo artists (outside of Kat Von D).

 

[Esperanza]

those back pieces are amazing! wow

 

[Sephora_Socialite]

He is the best of the best in my opinion. I was just curious if anyone else out there had favorites.

Kinda cult following here since he is from Japan. He's famous for those in the know of the industry, but he's not really one of those "advertised" artist.

I discovered him through another Japanese artist I admire, named Horitaka from State of Grace Tattoo in San Jose. He is the only apprentice of the great Horiyoshi III in the USA. Shige is friends with him and comes often to Horitaka's shop and San Jose tattoo convention.

The way I look at it is this: I have waited 6 years to get tattooed already.

I still havent. I can still wait. I will wait.

Why?

Because if I have to wait and wait until the artist that I admire so much can't do my body piece then I won't. I thought about getting a smaller tattoo with a good artist I like, but I think to wait for the giant body piece and experience tattooing on the big scale. Some people say its crazy to go from none to half my body but any other tattoo I get doesnt mean enough to do it first. I feel like I'm discrediting my 6 years of waiting and researching and more researching to get a small tattoo on my foot or something. I rather not have ink at all if I can't get this body piece right. Funny it started from a small idea that covered a 6in by 8 in max space to one that is half back, side ribs, hip and partial thigh. Once I actually do it, who knows if it might go bigger and I leave that at Shiges discretion to do if it means the best product possible.

These are my top 3 though.

Shige I already showed some examples but I have an ultimate favorite piece by him. He did this one womans entire body- only her face, neck and hands arent.

I'll post the links because there is many angles it shows. It's such a big piece it's nice to see the details.

I showed this to my boyfriend Scott and he thinks its the best tattoo he has ever seen and thinks it makes her HOT. Good sign for me since I'm going big and he's gonna live with it as much as me. I influenced him enough to say that out of all the art I've shown him, he wants Shige to do a upper back piece to cover his old tribal tattoo.

http://www.yellowblaze.net/shige/gallery/jn_comp/sh_1036/photo_01.html

http://www.yellowblaze.net/shige/gallery/jn_comp/sh_1052/photo_03.html

http://www.yellowblaze.net/shige/gallery/jn_comp/sh_0961/photo_01.html

Horitaka of State of Grace Tattoo is my 2nd choice and I will get tattoed by him eventually.

(horitaka.com)

My third is Regino Gonzales of Invisible NYC

(flickr.com - jetsettica's stream)

 

[loonaka]

my feet look weird lol. they still have abit of ink on them and the pen mark.. the pain is hard to describe, its like a sharp stinging pain..

I love it, and it's kinda ironic with the quote and the description of the pain

 

[Feline]

These are my three so far. My first was the dragonfly on the back of my shoulder (designed & tattooed by my other half), my second was the swan & lotus at the top of my arm (designed by me) and my most recent was the stylised cat design on my wrist which I have had for just over a year now.

 

[Sephora_Socialite]

^ I didnt even see the cats until I read the description!

 

[ernuez]

I was wondering then what are people's favorite artist and/or favorite pieces?

Shige is my fav. artist, too. His work is incredible. My boyfriend and I plan to go to Japan to have him do ours. Not sure when, but hope soon :x

-- credit: Shige's website --

 

[lmelanie]

has anyone else here had an allergic reaction to red ink? cause i think that I am...

 

[fashionified]

Does anyone know what this tattoo means?
Pic from dimmak.com
TIA

i think it's a phoenix with flower outline or something?

here's a clearer picture

credit: tattoos-gallery.net

 

[wings]

has anyone else here had an allergic reaction to red ink? cause i think that I am...

once i asked my tattooartist if i could get allergic to the ink he uses and he said there is actually no way to be allergic to the ink they can legally use in german. i dont know where you are from... he said in usa there are some ink where ppl get allergic to... or the ink that glows in black-light ...

 

[fairy]

wow, great ink everyone and thanks for the very inspirational pics!

 

[StarsInHerEyes]

once i asked my tattooartist if i could get allergic to the ink he uses and he said there is actually no way to be allergic to the ink they can legally use in german. i dont know where you are from... he said in usa there are some ink where ppl get allergic to... or the ink that glows in black-light ...

OK, ink that glows in Black-Light is way cool. Does anyone have a pic.

 

[Gainsbourg]

has anyone else here had an allergic reaction to red ink? cause i think that I am...

I've heard of this happening too, red is made differently or something, I vaguely remember my artist mentioning that once

 

[Sephora_Socialite]

OK, ink that glows in Black-Light is way cool. Does anyone have a pic.

It's not closely regulated as regular ink so soemthing like this needs an allergy test. Some look awesome though.

( persianhub.org)

(myopera.com)

(bestoday.com)

 

[Thatsnotmyname]

Here, it's prohibited to use blacklight-ink, it frequently causes allergic reactions..

 

[loonaka]

i think it's a phoenix with flower outline or something?

here's a clearer picture



credit: tattoos-gallery.net

who's the guy? kinda looks like Steve Aoki