| |
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
coregrafx
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 26 Dec 2011
Posts: 611
My Tattoos (0)
|
 Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 11:10 pm Post subject: |
 |
|
| lfmn16 wrote: | | JesterPoet wrote: |
I shouldn't second guess your artist, but I've got to tell you, this sounds lame to me. If the dragon sleeve is what you want, get the dragon sleeve.
|
Thanks for your input. In fairness to my artist, I think his suggestion was in response to my hesitation about sitting for 5-6 hours to get the sleeve outlined. That is a pretty big commitment when i have no idea what the experience will be like. He said that if I wanted to commit to a sleeve he would be glad to do it, that it was totally up to me.
I welcome all opinions, not just the ones I want to hear! |
Here is my opinion.....
Your artist may indeed be a "nice guy", but that doesn't mean shit when it comes to being a tattoo artist. If you want us to tell you if he is a good tattoo artist (which should be your #1 concern at this point), then at least post some pics of his work. You may find out that his work is great or that it is crap and you should run away as fast as possible. If your artist does high quality work, then fuck the koi fish and just get the full sleeve that you want. You are 54 years old, you have waited long enough. If your artist has no examples of a dragon sleeve to begin with, then I would move on. You want someone who specializes in this style and has done one before.
The "experience" is basically sitting in a chair for a long time and being patient. It's not a big deal and the pain is quite tolerable (for most). You can also break up any session into as many as you like so there is really no need to sit in the chair for 6 hours if you don't want to.
You are making me a bit nervous because you seem to be too worried about hurting this guy's feelings versus getting what you want and making sure that you are happy with the finished product. Trust me, if you don't choose the right artist for the job you could end up with a so so or even a crappy looking piece of work. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
JimiDanglez
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 16 Feb 2010
Posts: 1335
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:28 am Post subject: |
|
|
| pretty much nailed it |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
lfmn16
Enthusiast
Joined: 21 Jan 2012
Posts: 96
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
Sorry, after two days I haven't had time to read the whole site.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
lfmn16
Enthusiast
Joined: 21 Jan 2012
Posts: 96
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
| coregrafx wrote: |
You are making me a bit nervous because you seem to be too worried about hurting this guy's feelings versus getting what you want and making sure that you are happy with the finished product. Trust me, if you don't choose the right artist for the job you could end up with a so so or even a crappy looking piece of work. |
I appreciate your concern. It's hard to give a snapshot of my decision making process without leaving out some details. I've seen multiple examples of sleeves he's done including dragon sleeves. I also watched for a while while he worked on a dragon piece on someone's back. I have several friends with tattoos that recommend his work and I've seen what he has done for them. My wife is an artist and I got her "professional" opinion on his work. I googled his name and only found one person who didn't like his work and that was based on pics the guy saw off the Internet. He is also recommended multiple times on this forum. Last, I've downloaded all of his work onto my computer and viewed it in high resolution on a 24" monitor. In short I feel i've done my homework.
His offer to do a smaller piece was based only on my hesitation about committing to sitting for so long for something I've never experienced.
As far as hurting his feelings, that never entered into my decision. He has been totally supportive of doing a sleeve, but wanted to give me other options to consider.
I appreciate your input and your thoughtful response. It's much more helpful that some of the other, "great, some ass-hole newbie wants a koi" responses I got. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
coregrafx
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 26 Dec 2011
Posts: 611
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 7:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
| lfmn16 wrote: | | coregrafx wrote: |
You are making me a bit nervous because you seem to be too worried about hurting this guy's feelings versus getting what you want and making sure that you are happy with the finished product. Trust me, if you don't choose the right artist for the job you could end up with a so so or even a crappy looking piece of work. |
I appreciate your concern. It's hard to give a snapshot of my decision making process without leaving out some details. I've seen multiple examples of sleeves he's done including dragon sleeves. I also watched for a while while he worked on a dragon piece on someone's back. I have several friends with tattoos that recommend his work and I've seen what he has done for them. My wife is an artist and I got her "professional" opinion on his work. I googled his name and only found one person who didn't like his work and that was based on pics the guy saw off the Internet. He is also recommended multiple times on this forum. Last, I've downloaded all of his work onto my computer and viewed it in high resolution on a 24" monitor. In short I feel i've done my homework.
His offer to do a smaller piece was based only on my hesitation about committing to sitting for so long for something I've never experienced.
As far as hurting his feelings, that never entered into my decision. He has been totally supportive of doing a sleeve, but wanted to give me other options to consider.
I appreciate your input and your thoughtful response. It's much more helpful that some of the other, "great, some ass-hole newbie wants a koi" responses I got. |
Well, that does make me feel better and I am glad to hear you have done your homework.
Still like to to see an example of his work though and still think you should skip the koi fish unless you really want it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
lfmn16
Enthusiast
Joined: 21 Jan 2012
Posts: 96
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:28 am Post subject: |
|
|
| coregrafx wrote: |
Well, that does make me feel better and I am glad to hear you have done your homework.
Still like to to see an example of his work though and still think you should skip the koi fish unless you really want it. |
Thanks. At this point the thread has turned a bit negative and I wouldn't want that reflected back on my artist because of my poor job of explaining my situation.
I am rethinking the Koi due to all the feedback. It may be hard for people more in tune with the tattoo culture to remember what it's like to be a newbie, but for those of us on the outside looking in, we really have no way of knowing that something has crossed the line from cool to trendy to overdone.
Not to post my life story, but the striving of the Koi resonates with me. I was in a motorcycle accident 5 years ago and almost lost my leg. After a month in the hospital, 6 operations and a year of physical therapy I'm able to walk, although I limp and can't take a step without some pain. My wife asked for a divorce the week I got home from the hospital, my dog of 15 years got cancer and died and I turned 50. It was a tough year. To make a long story short I didn't give up, I still do my physical therapy, married the girl of my dreams and am happier than I've ever been. That's why the Koi to Dragon really resonates with me.
Thanks again for your feedback. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
F250JR
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 20 Nov 2011
Posts: 134
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:44 am Post subject: |
|
|
I completely understand you not wanting to put the guy in a bad light man, but believe me, everybody posting here isn't being negative at all. When one of the threads around here gets negative, it is all too obvious. All the regulars here are going to be VERY critical whenever someone starts talking about a new artist nobody knows anything about. And it's not personal at all, it's just that everybody here is pretty picky about artists. Many of the members here have pieces from artists known nationwide, or even worldwide. Quality is a really big deal around here.
The only thing everybody wants to do is make sure you're going to someone who will give you with a GOOD tattoo that will make you happy, and that you won't regret later. Nobody around here is going to rag on some unknown artist unless his work warrants it. Nobody's reputation as an artist would be hurt from discussion on this forum unless there's something wrong with him from the start. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
reefdiver
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 10 Feb 2007
Posts: 3849
My Tattoos (6)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
| lfmn16 wrote: |
At this point the thread has turned a bit negative |
well we did get a little off topic,,,,,,,,,,,seeing that you only wanted to make sure the guy wiped down the needle with alcohol in between clients, in your original post....
_________________
white by birth ,,,, trash by choice |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
JesterPoet
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 14 Feb 2011
Posts: 200
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:16 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I see your point about people not remembering what it was like to go in for your first session, but I can tell you, that's not me. My first session wasn't even a year ago.
Just my point of view, but here's my advice:
1) Post the artist. Nobody wants to see him to give him a hard time. It REALLY helps us understand your needs, wants, and situation better when we can see the work you're considering. On top of all that, a good artist doesn't give a crap about a bunch of pissant commenters in a forum.
2) You're overthinking this. All of it. Go with your gut, and get what you want. Core said it best... it's just time sitting in a chair. You can handle it. Don't change what you want because of the fear. 20 minutes into your session, you're going to realize you were worried about nothing, and then you're going to be bummed you didn't get what you wanted. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
F250JR
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 20 Nov 2011
Posts: 134
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Jester's right...I remember sitting in the chair for my first time (that was about 6-8 months ago). And I was honestly sort of pissed off and disappointed. Because everybody talks about the pain like its some huge deal, and it really wasn't. I was all tensed up for nothing. Don't get me wrong, it will hurt, but when you're getting the art you want, it really doesn't matter that much. My first tattoo was 2.5 hrs, and I've got a spot with Tony Mancia booked for at least a 5 or 6 hour session next year. CAN'T WAIT. Like I said, the pain isn't a big deal. If you know what you want, go for it. Don't drive yourself crazy second guessing. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
fe
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 02 Aug 2011
Posts: 1584
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:58 pm Post subject: |
|
|
they are right. the biggest pain is the anxiety that comes before you get tattooed, and if you tense up its really hard to last that long, but if you relax, and your artist is a good talker and a quick worker, you should be fine.  may i suggest instead of changing your idea, get a really tiny tattoo on your ass or something, to see what you are getting yourself into. then get the tattoo you've been dreaming of. nobody wants to see you get a koi.
_________________
| BlacK_DahliA wrote: |
FE, IF I WAS THERE, ID SCISSOR FUCK YOU SO BAD.. I LOVE THE PUSSY |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
F250JR
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 20 Nov 2011
Posts: 134
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 2:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Am I the only one who thinks it's really a shame that the koi has turned into such a cliche? I wouldn't ever get one, but that's ONLY because it's such a cliche. I've always sort of liked the symbolism and thought that the koi look cool. Just a random thought. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
fe
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 02 Aug 2011
Posts: 1584
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 2:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
sharks are cooler
_________________
| BlacK_DahliA wrote: |
FE, IF I WAS THERE, ID SCISSOR FUCK YOU SO BAD.. I LOVE THE PUSSY |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
reefdiver
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 10 Feb 2007
Posts: 3849
My Tattoos (6)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 2:38 pm Post subject: |
|
|
yea, koi is classic when done right,,,,,,,,,,,it has the black outline scales for definition and the colors for a great tattoo..........
_________________
white by birth ,,,, trash by choice |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cork
Enthusiast
Hardcore
Joined: 14 Jul 2011
Posts: 283
My Tattoos (0)
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 2:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| lfmn16 wrote: | | I was in a motorcycle accident 5 years ago and almost lost my leg. After a month in the hospital, 6 operations and a year of physical therapy I'm able to walk, although I limp and can't take a step without some pain. My wife asked for a divorce the week I got home from the hospital, my dog of 15 years got cancer and died and I turned 50. It was a tough year. To make a long story short I didn't give up, I still do my physical therapy, married the girl of my dreams and am happier than I've ever been. |
Now that is what a fucking koi is supposed to represent. Kudos on getting through all of that. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
|
