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!