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Working on a tattoo, but looking for some advice

vampiress92vampiress92 Member Posts: 266
in Off-Topic Discussion

Hai! So, yeah. Since my mom passed away in June, I've been contemplating getting a tattoo in her memory. I found a nice tattoo design I liked, got permission of the artist, and started to tweak it to fit my idea. So, I've done sketches, and research, and taken my sweet time finishing up the gist of the tattoo.

I'd love some feedback, and perhaps some opinions of how to improve on this tattoo. Please keep in mind that this is very rough, and the images have been hastily thrown together (since I am Much, much better at sketching, and I don't have a Tablet, so meh...).

 Thanks!

*EDITED TO CLARIFY*: I'm looking for technical help, like about the size and color of things, and complexity. More information in post #4.

 

P.S please keep in mind this will be about 4"x 3" at most

Comments

  • ColdmeatColdmeat Member UncommonPosts: 3,409

    I say this meaning no disrespect.

    As far as the opinion of the readership here, who cares what any of us, myself included, think? If this tattoo is truly a remembrance of your mother, then it should be something deeply personal to you, and you alone, and whether some stranger thinks it's cool means jack shit.

    I've got plenty of tattoos. Some have held up, from a personal perspective, better than others. Most of them have a personal meaning, but there are some that I got that were just pictures I thought were cool at the time. 15 years later, they're not bad looking, or anything, but I've changed, and in some ways, I just wish I had gotten something more personal, rather than something I had thought looked cool. And of course, there's the usual fading, and my own body starting to do it's aging thing.

    I don't want to dissuade you from remembering your mother in this fashion, as I think that's something worthy of getting a tattoo for. I'm simply curious if this is just a bit of flash you thought looked cool, or if it really has a connection to your mother?

  • toastm4ntoastm4n Member Posts: 4

    Originally posted by Coldmeat


    I say this meaning no disrespect.
    As far as the opinion of the readership here, who cares what any of us, myself included, think? If this tattoo is truly a remembrance of your mother, then it should be something deeply personal to you, and you alone, and whether some stranger thinks it's cool means jack shit.
    I've got plenty of tattoos. Some have held up, from a personal perspective, better than others. Most of them have a personal meaning, but there are some that I got that were just pictures I thought were cool at the time. 15 years later, they're not bad looking, or anything, but I've changed, and in some ways, I just wish I had gotten something more personal, rather than something I had thought looked cool. And of course, there's the usual fading, and my own body starting to do it's aging thing.
    I don't want to dissuade you from remembering your mother in this fashion, as I think that's something worthy of getting a tattoo for. I'm simply curious if this is just a bit of flash you thought looked cool, or if it really has a connection to your mother?
     

    My thoughts exactly, I couldn't agree more.

    ------------------------
    WoW - Best MMO I have experienced so far.

  • vampiress92vampiress92 Member Posts: 266

    Perhaps I need to clarify.

      I was looking for advice with the technical aspects of the tattoo (I suppose when I posted the first time, i should have said that, but I was tired. Meh.)

         Perhaps If i should go with a different flower because of the complexity, or if I should even bother with the ribbon (I'm worried about ending up with a really small, but expensive tattoo, though I'm not giving up quality for the price.) Her name will be in the ribbon, along with her birthdate, and death date, and I'm contemplating having the ribbon colored in, or if i should just have the outline and let my flesh be the main color of it. e.t.c.

      Also, one more thing, One arm has lots and lots or white/ bright pink/ lavender scars on it. I'm worried if I get it there, they'll mess up the tat. Should I bother, or go with the other arm?

     I suppose It would have been a good idea to say something about all that earlier.

    EDIT: One more thing,

        I ended up making everything (but the cat) myself, and yes, this tat will be very personal. I picked the cat because I have a connection with the small fluffy animals,  but the detail and colors, and most everything else has meaning for her. Its my first tattoo, so I'm getting something I feel will look best, and I'll want forever. Hell, before I finished this up, I painted the cat on my wall. A giant purple cat. On my wall. Its not flash :)

  • SinizterSinizter Member Posts: 85

    Originally posted by vampiress92


    Perhaps I need to clarify.
      I was looking for advice with the technical aspects of the tattoo (I suppose when I posted the first time, i should have said that, but I was tired. Meh.)
         Perhaps If i should go with a different flower because of the complexity, or if I should even bother with the ribbon (I'm worried about ending up with a really small, but expensive tattoo, though I'm not giving up quality for the price.) Her name will be in the ribbon, along with her birthdate, and death date, and I'm contemplating having the ribbon colored in, or if i should just have the outline and let my flesh be the main color of it. e.t.c.
      Also, one more thing, One arm has lots and lots or white/ bright pink/ lavender scars on it. I'm worried if I get it there, they'll mess up the tat. Should I bother, or go with the other arm?
     I suppose It would have been a good idea to say something about all that earlier.
    EDIT: One more thing,
        I ended up making everything (but the cat) myself, and yes, this tat will be very personal. I picked the cat because I have a connection with the small fluffy animals,  but the detail and colors, and most everything else has meaning for her. Its my first tattoo, so I'm getting something I feel will look best, and I'll want forever. Hell, before I finished this up, I painted the cat on my wall. A giant purple cat. On my wall. Its not flash :)
    I would say to keep just the outline of the ribbon and let your skin color fill it in. If you don't like it, you could always fill it in later.

     

    and definitely keep it away from scars, do either the other arm, or perhaps somewhere else? behind the shoulder blade would be a good place for it.

    Life is a sexually transmitted disease and it is 100% fatal.

  • Keebs1984Keebs1984 Member Posts: 1,356

    Originally posted by vampiress92


    Perhaps I need to clarify.
      I was looking for advice with the technical aspects of the tattoo (I suppose when I posted the first time, i should have said that, but I was tired. Meh.)
         Perhaps If i should go with a different flower because of the complexity, or if I should even bother with the ribbon (I'm worried about ending up with a really small, but expensive tattoo, though I'm not giving up quality for the price.) Her name will be in the ribbon, along with her birthdate, and death date, and I'm contemplating having the ribbon colored in, or if i should just have the outline and let my flesh be the main color of it. e.t.c.
      Also, one more thing, One arm has lots and lots or white/ bright pink/ lavender scars on it. I'm worried if I get it there, they'll mess up the tat. Should I bother, or go with the other arm?
     I suppose It would have been a good idea to say something about all that earlier.
    EDIT: One more thing,
        I ended up making everything (but the cat) myself, and yes, this tat will be very personal. I picked the cat because I have a connection with the small fluffy animals,  but the detail and colors, and most everything else has meaning for her. Its my first tattoo, so I'm getting something I feel will look best, and I'll want forever. Hell, before I finished this up, I painted the cat on my wall. A giant purple cat. On my wall. Its not flash :)

    I have multiple tattoos on my back and arm and the first thing I need to know is where is this going to go? If its on a curved area like your upper arm then the flower might be a bit much. . .

    Also how well do you know this tattoo artist? Your tattoo artist is your tattoo artist, it is a relationship you'll want to keep if you know they are a good artist. Did you look through their work? Usually they have an album of what they have done, look at tattoos that are similar to yours, especially flowers and look at the size and detail. If none are very detailed, it's time to choose a new artist.

    Eternally mine,
    Keebs


    image
    The MMO gaming blog I write for.

  • vampiress92vampiress92 Member Posts: 266

    Originally posted by Keebs1984


     
     
    I have multiple tattoos on my back and arm and the first thing I need to know is where is this going to go? If its on a curved area like your upper arm then the flower might be a bit much. . .
    Also how well do you know this tattoo artist? Your tattoo artist is your tattoo artist, it is a relationship you'll want to keep if you know they are a good artist. Did you look through their work? Usually they have an album of what they have done, look at tattoos that are similar to yours, especially flowers and look at the size and detail. If none are very detailed, it's time to choose a new artist.
     

    Its going to be on my upper arm, not near the curve of my arm, but close to it. I'm trying to avoid the shoulder, so yeah.

    I'm working on finding an artist, right now. I've got lots of friends who have reccommended each of the studios in my town, so I guess I need to go to all of them and see portfolios. I have the tattoo decided, but not the place, or the artist. Also, considering the size, I'm hoping I can get it done all in one shot (crossing my fingers for that one).

  • Keebs1984Keebs1984 Member Posts: 1,356

    Originally posted by vampiress92
     
     
    Its going to be on my upper arm, not near the curve of my arm, but close to it. I'm trying to avoid the shoulder, so yeah.
    I'm working on finding an artist, right now. I've got lots of friends who have reccommended each of the studios in my town, so I guess I need to go to all of them and see portfolios. I have the tattoo decided, but not the place, or the artist. Also, considering the size, I'm hoping I can get it done all in one shot (crossing my fingers for that one).

    Thats the most important part right now. I wouldn't change anything about your current tattoo if you already like it until you have found yourself an artist. Once you find an artist you can take a picture of it to him/her and then start fleshing out the details of what needs to be changed, your opinions, their opinions, etc.

    Also, you are correct, your tattoo will be done in one sitting, and will take about 2-3 hours.

    Hope this helps.

    Eternally mine,
    Keebs


    image
    The MMO gaming blog I write for.

  • vampiress92vampiress92 Member Posts: 266

    Originally posted by Keebs1984


     
    Originally posted by vampiress92
     
     
    Its going to be on my upper arm, not near the curve of my arm, but close to it. I'm trying to avoid the shoulder, so yeah.
    I'm working on finding an artist, right now. I've got lots of friends who have reccommended each of the studios in my town, so I guess I need to go to all of them and see portfolios. I have the tattoo decided, but not the place, or the artist. Also, considering the size, I'm hoping I can get it done all in one shot (crossing my fingers for that one).

     

    Thats the most important part right now. I wouldn't change anything about your current tattoo if you already like it until you have found yourself an artist. Once you find an artist you can take a picture of it to him/her and then start fleshing out the details of what needs to be changed, your opinions, their opinions, etc.

    Also, you are correct, your tattoo will be done in one sitting, and will take about 2-3 hours.

    Hope this helps.

    That does help, Immensely. Now, I'm just worried about which parlor to go to, first. My boyfriend's mom went to a place in town and got a good tattoo, but I've heard really, really bad things about it, But the other three I've had mixed reviews about. So yeah. Time for more research.

  • CleffyIICleffyII Member, Newbie CommonPosts: 3,440

    Originally posted by Coldmeat


    I've got plenty of tattoos. Some have held up, from a personal perspective, better than others. Most of them have a personal meaning, but there are some that I got that were just pictures I thought were cool at the time. 15 years later, they're not bad looking, or anything, but I've changed, and in some ways, I just wish I had gotten something more personal, rather than something I had thought looked cool. And of course, there's the usual fading, and my own body starting to do it's aging thing.
     

    What you mean my tattoo of a foot impression on the side of my face and text saying "Courtesy of Chuck Norris" won't be cool when I am older?

    image

  • Keebs1984Keebs1984 Member Posts: 1,356

    Originally posted by vampiress92


     
    Originally posted by Keebs1984



    Thats the most important part right now. I wouldn't change anything about your current tattoo if you already like it until you have found yourself an artist. Once you find an artist you can take a picture of it to him/her and then start fleshing out the details of what needs to be changed, your opinions, their opinions, etc.
    Also, you are correct, your tattoo will be done in one sitting, and will take about 2-3 hours.
    Hope this helps.

     

    That does help, Immensely. Now, I'm just worried about which parlor to go to, first. My boyfriend's mom went to a place in town and got a good tattoo, but I've heard really, really bad things about it, But the other three I've had mixed reviews about. So yeah. Time for more research.

    Just goto each one, if it's not to out of the way. Talk to the people who work there and generally just snoop around. Make sure you like the atmosphere and the people who work there. . . if you don't like either of those things then I'd stay away no matter how many people tell you how great/bad the place is.

    Eternally mine,
    Keebs


    image
    The MMO gaming blog I write for.

  • vampiress92vampiress92 Member Posts: 266

    I did some research today, and I think I've found the right tattoo shop, and artist to do my work. She does work similar to what I'm getting (or so her online portfolio seems to show), and she's avaliable most days of the week. She's in a reputable parlor, and has been tattooing for 4 years. I'm more confident in her than the other artists, and even though the place is a little overpriced, you do get what you pay for.  I might call, tomorrow. Yay.

  • GameloadingGameloading Member UncommonPosts: 14,182



    Take the cube Tatoo!

  • vampiress92vampiress92 Member Posts: 266

    Lol... No matter how much I love my companion cube, I will never tattoo it on my skin.

  • GameloadingGameloading Member UncommonPosts: 14,182
    Originally posted by vampiress92


    Lol... No matter how much I love my companion cube, I will never tattoo it on my skin.

    b-but..Companion cube <3

  • vampiress92vampiress92 Member Posts: 266

    and when you're old with wrinkles everywhere, are you going to want a saggy companion cube? No.

  • GameloadingGameloading Member UncommonPosts: 14,182

    Originally posted by vampiress92


    and when you're old with wrinkles everywhere, are you going to want a saggy companion cube? No.
    Companion cube with wrinkels > cat with wrinkels.

     

    In fact, Companion cube with wrinkels > Cat without wrinkels

    Companion cube <3

  • GruntyGrunty Member EpicPosts: 8,657
    Originally posted by Gameloading





    Take the cube Tatoo!

    That's almost as bad as the guy who got a Napster tattoo on his forearm.  He's now spending about 10 times as much to cover it up.

    "I used to think the worst thing in life was to be all alone.  It's not.  The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone."  Robin Williams
  • vampiress92vampiress92 Member Posts: 266

    Originally posted by Gameloading


     
    Originally posted by vampiress92


    and when you're old with wrinkles everywhere, are you going to want a saggy companion cube? No.
    Companion cube with wrinkels > cat with wrinkels.

     

     

    In fact, Companion cube with wrinkels > Cat without wrinkels

    Companion cube <3


    My cat will not ever get wrinkles. I highly doubt my bicep will ever get wrinkly.

    Btw,  the proper spelling is "wrinkles".

  • GameloadingGameloading Member UncommonPosts: 14,182

    Originally posted by vampiress92


     
    Originally posted by Gameloading


     
    Originally posted by vampiress92


    and when you're old with wrinkles everywhere, are you going to want a saggy companion cube? No.
    Companion cube with wrinkels > cat with wrinkels.

     

     

    In fact, Companion cube with wrinkels > Cat without wrinkels

    Companion cube <3


    My cat will not ever get wrinkles. I highly doubt my bicep will ever get wrinkly.

     

    Btw,  the proper spelling is "wrinkles".

    it's 6 am , give me a break =/

    well since you won't get any wrinkles on your bicep, you can take the companion cube ^^

  • vampiress92vampiress92 Member Posts: 266

    *Edited for not being intelligent and forgetting to check someone's bio*

    I don't want a companion cube on my bicep, dangit! *Brandishes tattoo gun*

  • GameloadingGameloading Member UncommonPosts: 14,182
    Originally posted by vampiress92


    *Edited for not being intelligent and forgetting to check someone's bio*
    I don't want a companion cube on my bicep, dangit! *Brandishes tattoo gun*

    You just hate companion cube's don't you?

  • ConfettiConfetti Member Posts: 167

    I just saw the exact same cat on a banner here-- is that the cat from Manga Fighter?

  • vampiress92vampiress92 Member Posts: 266
    Originally posted by Confetti


    I just saw the exact same cat on a banner here-- is that the cat from Manga Fighter?

    *looks at the cat, then at my cat* Um, nope. The tattoo design that made this precedes manga fighter

     Besides, my cat doesn't have blue eyes, or a barcode earring (though that would be cool....)

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