Infinity Symbol Tattoo

Honeybee Tattoo

Never in my arms, Always in my heart.

My soon-to-be sister-in-law came by yesterday for some ink! She lost a pregnancy last summer that really hit her hard, so she never wanted to forget her little baby. It was a good bonding experience and we had a lot of good laughs. I'm very happy with the shading of the baby, it was the first person I've done. I chose this one to shade semi-realistically because the features of the face are mostly hidden, and babies tend to have smoother features.

Horse

I was allowed to play in my own style yesterday, and I really love the results!! I was so happy for this tattoo and realized a major issue that I've been having. I'm more relaxed with people I know, so their tattoos have been a bit better, cleaner. This means I have to learn to relax, so looks like I'll be doing some research.

Artist Feature: Masha Falkov - Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk Tarot 4th Addition - In Color!

Today, I decided to post about someone other than me! So, I decided to start an Artist Feature. Periodically I will write about an artist that I've discovered and want to share.

The first artist I would like to write about is Masha Falkov. Last night, a close friend brought me this amazing tarot deck that completely blew me away. This deck is called the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk Tarot 4th Addition - In Color! (That's what it says on the booklet!!) It's a remarkable, colorful assortment of images forming a non-traditional tarot deck, or as the artist puts it, "It is actually a catalogue of some of the worlds's most strange and facinating ideas, designed to open new doors of perception and thought."

The deck features images of space, technology (and it's mythology), culture, and history. The artwork is, let's just say it, insane. It's loose and yet poinent, and each card perfectly embodies the meaning. I am just so awestruck by this deck I practically squealed when I first saw it. It came with a few large cards of random artwork by the artist and a instruction booklet (which I read in one go, it was that interesting).

"It is my belief that if we understand that our life experience is not merely a cut'n'dry reality, but a vast tapestry influenced by culture, imagination, the tools we use, and a history of billions of years, our life becomes something richer." - Masha Falkov

Lots of Big News!

So, a lot of big changes to my life!

Firstly, my boss gave me the okay to start charging for tattoos. I'm limited to small, simple ones, like the one above, but at least I'm starting to bring in money. I was really starting to feel like a freeloader at the shop! I've already had three walk in appointments!

Secondly, I did change the name of the blog, thought it needed something fun to go with my fun career.

Fallen Soldier Tribute + Announcment of Awesome!

Two old friends from high school stopped by yesterday and shenanigans ensued. I'm really happy with the tattoo even though I got ink everywhere from my spray-happy machine.

Plus, I have big news!! Today is my first day as a real people-pay-me-to-scar-them-for-life tattoo artist! I'm officially open for business and accepting appointments for small tattoos. And this time, when I say small, I mean small. Not the huge pieces that I've been doing! At least for now. 

Redemption Tattoo

So, remember that tattoo I had a very hard time with a few weeks ago? The client came back last night and we fixed the line-work. Now I just have to shade and color when she comes back to finish it. I'm very glad that it finally got fixed - the thought of this poor woman walking around with what looked like a pencil sketch on her arm haunted me!

Celtic Cross

I am super happy with this piece!! My boss taught me how to do a fine grey wash which worked amazingly. I was so nervous I'd make everything too dark, but it turned out so soft and pretty. It also felt very natural, always a good sign.

Legend Of Zelda Tattoo

A good friend of mine stopped by yesterday for another tattoo. This makes the second repeat customer! It was my first solid black tattoo and was a challenge, but I'm happy with how this turned out.The client was thrilled with it, which is such an awesome feeling.

Motherhood Tree

My client came back and I got to finish her tattoo. I'm really proud of how this turned out, I took a risk on the swirling bark, but it really paid off. I want to say it's my best yet!

Flash Sketches

Just some flash drawings!

Stars & Swirls Touch Up

This was my first touch-up. My client got this done about 3 years ago and said that it never really healed properly. The stars were flat colors and had patches missing from the healing process. I liked the overall look of the piece and was glad to have a chance to bring it back to life. One of the simpler tattoos I've done so far!

Hylian Shield

My boss worked with me for the beginning of this tattoo and stepped in quite a bit, which was very reassuring for this tattoo. He's been kind of leaving me to my own devices after my first few pieces but decided that I need more hands-on help after my debacle on Saturday. This tattoo was super fun, and I made a good friend in the process. I'm very happy with with the line work and shading, and it's leaps and bounds from my previous line work. It's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction!

Interesting Saturday

My Saturday was very interesting. I had spent the night before drawing away to get ready for my first tattoo. My client sent me a few pictures for ideas and wanted a tree that forms a circle. My thoughts immediatly went to a traditional Celtic image so that's what I drew up for her. She actually had something idffrent in mind, so we had to scrap that idea. At first I was frustrated (not showing it to my client, of course!!) but I remembered that it wasn't me this was going on for eternity. I'm really pleased with what I created. This is just the first session, which I'm glad for, because I'm not confident in color and shading just quite yet. I can't wait to see how this will turn out, though!

My second tattoo of the day did not go so well, like at all. I failed miserably and the only saving grace is that my lines were so light that I can go over them. I was doing a tattoo on my client's arm and when I got to the outside towards the back of her arm, the skin was just not taking the ink. It was so frustrating and I couldn't figure out what to do. My coworkers were all busy so I did what I could, wrapped her up, and scheduled her to come back. I was so embarrassed, but it was certainly a lesson. My boss was nice and we had a talk about where I am and we scheduled some more lesson time.

Henna-Inspired Flower Burst

My best friend, Rachel, sat in the chair again for me last night! I'm not overly pleased with how it turned out, though. I was oddly nervous to do it and was using a shader (11 Mag) that I still haven't gotten used to and even after this one am still not feeling. I know it will come with time, but I really want to be awesome NOW!

Mother/Daughter Infinity Symbols

These clients wanted something similar, but not identical. I think it was a wonderful choice and they turned out really well!

Work Sketch

Beginnings of a mandala tattoo I'm designing for a client. I'm not going to be the one tattooing it, unfortunately, but the practice is worth it. I can't wait to see the final product!

Phoenix Feather Tattoo

So, my boss wanted me to tattoo myself as a way of learning how to tattoo and honing my skills. My idea for this was a phoenix feather. I could use improvement, but for my 3rd tattoo, I'm really happy with the results!

Bohemian Heart Tattoo

I had my first walk-in! A friend of mine drove 45 minutes just to see me! I was so amazed that someone would want my art permanently painted onto their body, let alone drive all that way to let me practice on them!!

It was awesome catching up with her, too. One of the things I'm really loving about my new career is that you get the chance to really connect with someone on a deep level. If you think about it, it's really like a therapy. You're in just enough pain where your raw emotions are showing through and you're talking with someone who's in the middle of creating art so they're in a very open state of mind. It's truly an amazing experience!

Beautifully Broken but Forgiven Tattoo

My first script tattoo! I'm very proud of how this turned out, and I plan on doing lettering on my thigh sometime next week. This tattoo meant a lot to my client, it's her personal motto and beautiful words to live by.

Funny side note: I chose the font without realizing that the client already had a tattoo on her wrist, but it turned out to be okay because the two styles are so similar!

Tiny Lotus Tattoo

My best friend, Rachel, was my first official appointment. She wanted a tiny, simple lotus on her foot. I was really nervous because, from experience,. I know how painful a foot tattoo can be. She was good though and toughed through it. She's really happy with the results, as am I!

First Tattoo!

My first tattoo!! Well, the outline for it. I still have another session before it's done, but I did it! My model was my wonderful life-mate, and he was a real trooper. This was his first tattoo as well, and he didn't flinch or complain at all! Can't wait to do more today!!

It's Official!

So, yesterday I got my official tattoo/body piercing license from the county and began my training right away. This has been a dream of mine forEVER!! And finally, with the support of my wonderful husband, I can finally begin the best chapter of my life. I cannot wait to share with you what I create!

Tattoo Design

Believe

To The Moon & Back

I wanted to make a Valentine's gift that wasn't pink or red. I also needed to work on lettering, so it's a win win. Seriously, your significant other will love this mug for Valentine's Day.

Rose Bush

A simple little design. I'm quite pleased how this turned out, it's rather cuter than I thought it would end up being. You can see this design on many different products here.

Eye of the Tiger

Exciting news! All of my hard work seems to be paying of because.... Drumroll, please.... I got offered a tattoo apprenticeship!!! So if you're ever in the Chautauqua Region, please come see me for awesome body art! I'll also be sure to post photos of my work, I cannot wait for this awesomeness!!!!!!!!

Also, this tiger looks cool on a hoodie. Don't believe me? Check it out, here!

Wedding Invitations

This is the first drawing I've made for what I hope will be a really nice wedding invitation set. I'll add a link once it gets finished!

Peace

Now available as a phone case here.

Live Laugh Love

Trying to keep it simple.

You can purchase this on a BAGGU Duck Bag and see my other products, here.

I got myself a shiny gold pen for Christmas! This is my first attempt with it. Making the color solid will be the first thing I tackle. 

You can now purchase this printed on a card here - perfect for Valentine's Day!

Designs

Hello! Did you know that you can purchase cell phone cases, apparel and more featuring my designs? Check out the link below to view my store on Zazzle.com!

http://www.zazzle.com/kara_storey

Thank You

Thank you for being here! I'm sorry to everyone that I haven't been posting lately. Life got in the way, but I'm determined to make 2016 my best year yet! 

BTW, did you know this design makes adorable gift boxes for wedding favors? Check them out here!