Tats gone bad!

[TatumsMom]

Originally Posted by Sookie

I decided to get this one:

HAHA!! Gross!

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Sookie

I decided to get this one:

That is funny!

[celstu1]

Im sure it will suit you nicely! I'd like to see pics when the artwork is complete! hehehe

[Britster]

My uncle decided to get a tattoo in honor of my 5yr old brother who died in 2006. His name was Connor. He definitely gave the right spelling to the tat artist and my uncle, himself, didn't even notice Connor was spelled wrong until he got home, took off the bandage and we told him, lol. It was speller Conner. So it ended up being pretty easy to fix but it was his first tattoo so at first he was freaking out. Now you can't even tell it was ever spelled wrong.

[QuickSilver]

Have I told this story before?

My BFF when I was fifteen had wanted a tattoo forever. Since we were going to BFF, we decided to get matching tats, on our feet. We went to a local shady place since we were underage. My friend didn't have enough money, so I went first. Then when we went back the following week to get hers, the place had been busted for doing underage tattoos.

So I, the one who never wanted a tat, have one, and she doesn't. Needless to say, we haven't spoken in years.

It's completely meaningless to me - it's a chinese dragon I picked off the wall. And because it's on my foot which gets a lot of chaffing and sun, it looks terrible. I asked someone if they could cover it maybe ten years ago, and he said it was too blurry.

I keep sort of meaning to get it redone. I think the dragon, which was mostly blue, could be redrawn as ocean waves, and I love dolphins, so I can imagine an anklet with dolphins above the water. I don't really know how to get started finding a good artist here, and getting the initial drawing done. So hey, if you guys know anyone who could help me out in SF, let me know!

[LDandPasquale]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

Have I told this story before?

My BFF when I was fifteen had wanted a tattoo forever. Since we were going to BFF, we decided to get matching tats, on our feet. We went to a local shady place since we were underage. My friend didn't have enough money, so I went first. Then when we went back the following week to get hers, the place had been busted for doing underage tattoos.

So I, the one who never wanted a tat, have one, and she doesn't. Needless to say, we haven't spoken in years.

It's completely meaningless to me - it's a chinese dragon I picked off the wall. And because it's on my foot which gets a lot of chaffing and sun, it looks terrible. I asked someone if they could cover it maybe ten years ago, and he said it was too blurry.

I keep sort of meaning to get it redone. I think the dragon, which was mostly blue, could be redrawn as ocean waves, and I love dolphins, so I can imagine an anklet with dolphins above the water. I don't really know how to get started finding a good artist here, and getting the initial drawing done. So hey, if you guys know anyone who could help me out in SF, let me know!

My husband found his tattoo artist at a tattoo convention. There were hundreds of tattoo artists there and they display their drawing in a portfolio binder. I did a search for you for "tattoo conventiion" in the SF area...and theres one at the Cow Palace Aug 20-22, 2010....here's the link http://www.bodyartexpo.com/MAIN.PHP I think this is the best way to see everyone's skills.

Oh and my husband had a coverup done that was blurry...and now it looks FANTASTIC! Just talk with the artists there and ask them their opinion on your coverup.

[QuickSilver]

Wow, thanks! I will definitely look into that!

For some reason, I thought you had to find an artist, and THEN find the tattoo-er, but it looks like people will can maybe draw something up if I give them an idea?

[LDandPasquale]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

Wow, thanks! I will definitely look into that!

For some reason, I thought you had to find an artist, and THEN find the tattoo-er, but it looks like people will can maybe draw something up if I give them an idea?

Yes..alot of tattooers nowadays are artists....and GREAT artists too! At first browse around and look at their portfolio's...they keep them on the table for people to look at. Once you find someone that you think you'd be interested in, show them your tattoo and what you've been thinking and you could probably book an appointment with them in their shop just to discuss in detail what you want.

This is what my husband did. He made an appointment with her and told her what she wanted. Then about a week later, he went back and she showed him her design and if any touchups needed to be made..and then BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZz ..tattoo done! lol

[QuickSilver]

Seriously, thanks so much. I have wanted to get this fixed up for over ten years, literally. Yaaaaay!

[Ute White]

Many good advices so far. Make sure you have a look around at the studio, let them show you their certificate. Ask lots of questions, what kind of ink they use and make sure everything is sterile. Have a look at their work.
My girlfriend went to an artist who didn't use templates, he did it free hand. She got a pixie and one of the arms looks bigger than the other, so I would always go with a template. You can see how it will look like, if it's spelled right and how it looks on the spot you want it.
I usually make up a sketch and they modify it, I go back to have a look at it and then make my appointment.
A good artist will tell you if letters or designs are too small, they are proud of their work and don't want it to come out as a blur or blot.
And they should NOT do it when you are drunk!!!!

[TatumsMom]

Originally Posted by Ute White

Many good advices so far. Make sure you have a look around at the studio, let them show you their certificate. Ask lots of questions, what kind of ink they use and make sure everything is sterile. Have a look at their work.
My girlfriend went to an artist who didn't use templates, he did it free hand. She got a pixie and one of the arms looks bigger than the other, so I would always go with a template. You can see how it will look like, if it's spelled right and how it looks on the spot you want it.
I usually make up a sketch and they modify it, I go back to have a look at it and then make my appointment.
A good artist will tell you if letters or designs are too small, they are proud of their work and don't want it to come out as a blur or blot.
And they should NOT do it when you are drunk!!!!

Yes, letting someone do it freehand is too scary. My husband drew his up and then had the tattooist (is that a word??) put it on a template and clean it up a little. Then we were able to judge exactly where on the arm it would look best.

[gunnar08]

My dad is a big kidder/teaser. whenever the topic of tatoos comes up, he'll say "oh, do you want to see my tatoo of the turkey on my belly, I got it when I was in the Navy". People say sure (they have no clue what's coming) He lifts up his shirt and says "uh oh it's all faded, only the ass hole is left" NEVER say yes when my dad asks you a question!! He is 79 and still a character!
(hope that didn't offend anyone)

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by gunnar08

My dad is a big kidder/teaser. whenever the topic of tatoos comes up, he'll say "oh, do you want to see my tatoo of the turkey on my belly, I got it when I was in the Navy". People say sure (they have no clue what's coming) He lifts up his shirt and says "uh oh it's all faded, only the ass hole is left" NEVER say yes when my dad asks you a question!! He is 79 and still a character!
(hope that didn't offend anyone)

That was hilarious! I imagined the whole thing.

Oh, and congrats on your 500th post! Tell Admin so you can be part of the 500 club.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by TatumsMom

Yes, letting someone do it freehand is too scary. My husband drew his up and then had the tattooist (is that a word??) put it on a template and clean it up a little. Then we were able to judge exactly where on the arm it would look best.

Actually the really good ones all do it free hand, but in pen first, if it is their original artwork, and let you check it out before they get started. There are some not so good ones, who think they are and want to do it without the template. But the good ones, you just tell them kind of what you want and they design it for you. My bf has both lower sleeves done and on one side the artist did it freehand and it came out wonderfully.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Britster

My uncle decided to get a tattoo in honor of my 5yr old brother who died in 2006. His name was Connor. He definitely gave the right spelling to the tat artist and my uncle, himself, didn't even notice Connor was spelled wrong until he got home, took off the bandage and we told him, lol. It was speller Conner. So it ended up being pretty easy to fix but it was his first tattoo so at first he was freaking out. Now you can't even tell it was ever spelled wrong.

Oh my, your poor uncle! I'm glad it was fixed.