Question for the tattooed

[Stephon]

I read an interview with a tattoo artist, and he was mentioning that he likes to spend a lot of time talking with the client to make sure they're on the same page, and that conventions don't allow for that kind of time.

Those of you who have tattoos, what's your opinion(s) on getting a tattoo at a convention versus a tattoo shop? Hve you gotten work at a convention? Were you happy with the experience?

Thanks.

[KristaGile]

I am pretty heavily tattooed and would have to agree with the line of thinking that its better to know your tattoo artist and put some time into deciding what you want on your body permenantly as well as knowing and trusting an artist and respecting there work which i think is very hard to do during a 15 minute conversation with some random tattoo artist at a convetion. I have been to many conventions and i enjoy seeing what diffrent artists are doing but i dont think i could ever just go and get a tattoo on the spot and hope that the next day i wouldnt regret it. All my tattoos have been really thought out and discussed with my tattoo artist( who i consider a good friend now) and there has been more than one time my artists suggestions made me have to rethink what i wanted. All i know is i have no regrets tattoo wise but i think if i went to a convention shut my eyes spun around and pointed to a random artist and said do what you like i would be running to my artist within a few days crying saying please cover it up.

[Stephon]

Thanks for the reply

Thank you.

I actually have a design I've given a lot of thought to and would have looked for an artist at the convention whose work was in line with what I wanted; however, after talking with several people I've decided to wait and find the right artist at the right shop.
~Stephon

[KristaGile]

no problem. After seeing so many tattoos that people regret i cant help but chime in on such a topic and so glad you had the foresight to actually ask about it so many people just jump into it and years later are spending hundreds of quid trying to get crap covered up. Anyway when you do get it done post a pic i would love to see the tat.

[Butterfly Man]

corner of Governor Nichols & N. Rampart

Yes, think about it first ... even though I didn't ... it really changed my life (for the better) ... it's kinda like marriage ... you just never know.

About 7 years after I got my head inked, the NOLA tattoo artist showed up in SF ... I got to know her quite well but I don't remember talking very much.

[TwisTee]

Wow, something on the board I can actually contribute towards! I do agree that it would be nice to get inked by someone you know but I don't necessarily think it is the most important. The best tattoo I have was done by Hango in Berlin Germany and I just dropped in that day to look around and found a stencil that was almost exactly like one I had been designing for myself. The worst was done by a buddy of mine.
I admire an artist that wants to talk extensivly to someone before they start buzzin' away. It's THEIR artwork even though it's on your body. They don't want it covered up down the road.
For myself, I don't care if it's at a shop or convention if the artist is good, clean and sterile. When I go to get a new tatt I have been thinking about it for a long time and know what I want when I get there so I don't have to spend hours browsing the walls.

TwisTee

[tortrkng]

Hey Stephon,

Brother Rich here, from the "ol' DG" and sideshow-world boards.

I am a former Tatt artist, and think I can shed a little light here for you. The info you have gotten here is very good, take your time and look around for an artist you can relate to and communicate your ideas to. You'll be much happier in the long run. However, I've found that conventions can be a good place to get art from world-famous artists(if you can get an appointment, and afford the fee) that just aren't available to most people who are "artist shopping".

And,(cheap plug) if you find yourself on the Jersey Shore, look up my brother Tattoo Tony-at Dark City Tattoo-in Asbury Park NJ.
(732) 869-0069

He excells at custom artwork and freehand art, has a great rep, and is always willing to go the extra mile for his customers.

Hope this helped...

[Butterfly Man]

sleeping in the needles

John Irvings newest book "Until I Find You" has quite a bit of insight into the world of tattooing (and it's counterpart, organ playing ...whaaa?)... I learned some things about myself that I would never have cared to know.

This is a must read for Lucky.