Some shots of new tattoos

from JoeUser Forums

Howdy friends, acquaintances and anyone else stopping by to check out my new ink.  For those of you who know me, I've had the last star added to my Southern Cross design just recently along with some more work on the compass rose I had done some time ago.

I'm really enjoying the process.  The tattooist is Happy at a little shop called Mischief Moon, located in Surry Hills here in Sydney Australia.  Happy has a bloody excellent touch with the needle and is a down-to-earth good bloke who enjoys his job.  You can't ask for anything more than that, can you?

We spent some time discussing the next step, which is going to be background and features to accompany the stylised Southern Cross.  I'm keen to keep with the symbolic nature of the design so far and would like to go with a stylised Japanese galaxy spiral, with little stars and maybe a planet or two.  This is going to continue down my arm to about halfway along my forearm.  My next appointment is in 3 weeks.  Basically, Happy is going to draw the design freehand straight onto my arm.  This means we can make changes, check out the design movement and take some photos.  Once we've made the decision, he will do all the outlines in one hit.  Then it will be a case of going back and getting everything filled in over a period of months.  As I said earlier, I'm really enjoying the process and can hardly wait until the next session.  I think if I had the time (and the money), I'd be on the chair right now.

Anyways, hope you enjoy the photos.

This is of the little nautical star, which represents the epsilon star in the Southern Cross.  I have always liked nautical stars as tattoos as they are part of tattooing history.  I like this one a lot and am thinking of ways I can incorporate more of these style stars into future work.

This is the completed version on a compass rose I had done some time ago.  Happy has done a superb job with this and I'm am very pleased with the look of it.

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Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

The compass rose looks great. They all look nice, but I think I like that one the best so far.

The Political Machine 2024
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

I love them both.  The nautical star has a great rockabilly feel.  I guess because they are more classic designs.  The compass rose came out fabulous too. 

Whine~I want another tattoo. 

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Kelly,

I like that one the best so far
End of quote

Yes, Toni is the same.  While she really likes all of the work I've had done, she really digs the compass rose.  He did such a superb job on lifting an otherwise plain tattoo.  Happy is da man!

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Sancho,

Cool beans
End of quote

Thanks mate. 

Amy,

The nautical star has a great rockabilly feel.
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Yes, they're very old school indeed.  I know lots of rockers and punks who have these stars as tattoos, which is part of the reason I got one.  It is a symbolic acknowledgement of my rock and punk roots.  Apparently, the compass rose is an old school idea too but I haven't seen many inked folk with one.  I think mine, in particular, is one of a kind.  I love it.

I want another tattoo
End of quote

What would you get done?

Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
It looks like ouch, for the record. What does it feel like to get a tattoo, anyway?
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Sancho,

Well, I'm not going to say they don't hurt but it is kind of a good hurt, if you know what I mean (and not in a masochistic way either).  I think the best way to describe it is if you think of a cat meticulously scratching you.  I've heard some say it is like having hot needles dragged over your skin but it doesn't feel like this to me.

Pain, and way it affects each of us, is so subjective anyway, I'm not sure whether my description does it any justification.  But you have a good imagination, so hopefully you've got an idea of what it feels like.  Personally, it doesn't bother me too much, which is why I keep going back.

Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
I've always wanted one (a small, eight-spoked wheel on my wrist, that fits right under a watch band) but I doubt I'll ever get one.

I think I've got a decent idea of what it feels like now, though. ;)
Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

a small, eight-spoked wheel on my wrist, that fits right under a watch band
End of quote

Hmm, I like the idea except you wouldn't be able to wear a watch over it until it healed.  I could say something about you only live once and go on, do it, but I know tattoos are not for everyone.  In fact, it has only recently, I saw a example of ignorant prejudice because of my tattoos.  I won't say anything more, but a lot of people think tattoos mean one of two things: either I'm a violent troublemaker or I've been in prison.

I think I've got a decent idea of what it feels like now
End of quote

Well, I hope so.  As I said, pain and the way we perceive it is subjective anyway.  Heck, for all I know, you might enjoy it or you might not be able to stand even 5 minutes under the needle. 

Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
I like the idea except you wouldn't be able to wear a watch over it until it healed.
End of quote


I figured not, but once I'm an old professor, I could always keep it to myself - while it would (I think) always be meaningful to me, I don't know if I want my students seeing their stuffy old prof. with a tat. ;)

a lot of people think tattoos mean one of two things: either I'm a violent troublemaker or I've been in prison.
End of quote


And that's, deep down, the thing that keeps me from getting one. People automatically make judgment calls like that. While ridiculous, it's a prevalent part of our culture.

At any rate, I think yours are cool. It fits you. I'm excited to see how they turn out when it's all done. :D
Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

What would you get done?
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I have been leaning towards a octopus.  I really love the sailor jerry tattoo designs.  I love the sparrows but then sometimes think I want to be more original.  I've also thought about the whole punk rock girl, skull with a bow. Oh and how can I forget maybe a dia de los muertos calavera or a sacred heart.  Maybe a Frida angel, that would be a more original one.  I have also thought about doing a memorial tatt for my dad.  I can't decide.  Now I just paint myself and they wash off.  It's not the same. 

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

I don't know if I want my students seeing their stuffy old prof. with a tat
End of quote

I think you might find the last thing the kids would think of you would be old and stuffy, particularly if you had a tat.  But I take your point.

People automatically make judgment calls like that. While ridiculous, it's a prevalent part of our culture.
End of quote

I know...  It is one of the traits of modern society I get riled up about.  All hasty judgements do is highlight an individual's ignorance and narrowmindedness.

I think yours are cool. It fits you. I'm excited to see how they turn out when it's all done.
End of quote

Thanks mate.  But I bet you're no where near as excited as I am. :)

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

I have been leaning towards a octopus. I really love the sailor jerry tattoo designs. I love the sparrows but then sometimes think I want to be more original. I've also thought about the whole punk rock girl, skull with a bow. Oh and how can I forget maybe a dia de los muertos calavera or a sacred heart. Maybe a Frida angel, that would be a more original one. I have also thought about doing a memorial tatt for my dad. I can't decide. Now I just paint myself and they wash off. It's not the same.
End of quote

I think deciding what you would have is the hardest thing about getting a tattoo.  I've heard stories about people walking into a tattoist, picking something off the flash sheets and getting it done.  The same people usually end up walking in a few months later wanting a cover up or, worse still, blaming the tattoist for letting them get it done.  What is it they say about a fool and his money?

I really like old school tattoos, Sailor Jerry, cheesecake girls, stars, sparrows etc.  But my tattoos are very personal and I find that, given there are so many people with old school tats these days, I really want my to be something outside this while perhaps incorporating some bits and pieces of old school imagery.  My left arm is going to be dedicated to my love of animals.  I'm planning a sleeve that will incorporate lizards, snakes, birds, insects and a feline of some sort.  I'm not quite sure exactly how this is going to be achieved yet but I know it is what I want.

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

I have a lizard on my foot.  That is my only tatt so far.  I have a friend who did a series on his arm that is like the fish evolving into a bird.  I don't know if that really describes it well.  I wish I had a pic.  He has a fish and a pelican eating a fish.  I can't remember what came in between. 

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

OOOh, me likey!  I like the galaxy idea!

Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top

I was thinking about getting TOVA tattooed on the bottom of my left foot...and the number 7 tattooed on my right.

Nah, just kiddin.  Though it would be cool to have a bottom of the foot tattoo. But OUCH...I am so not into pain, I can't tell you.

Heh.

Those are very vivid Maso....will they fade with time like the old time ink? 

Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
I was thinking about getting TOVA tattooed on the bottom of my left foot...and the number 7 tattooed on my right.
End of quote


Plain, minimalistic, out-of-the-way . . . just the kind of tat I'd end up getting if I took the plunge. ;)
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top
Plain, minimalistic, out-of-the-way . . . just the kind of tat I'd end up getting if I took the plunge.
End of quote


Yeah, my husband doesn't like them so I don't think I'll ever be getting one. I don't ever like anything long enough to want to be stuck with it my whole life. (Read: I'm too wimpy.) :p 
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top

Loca,

I have a gecko on my left arm, between my shoulder and elbow, hence the idea of adding to it with more reptiles, animals etc.  Your friend's tattoo sounds really cool.  And, incidentally, I remembered a friend had an awesome octopus tattoo on his shoulder, with tentacles wrapping across his back and around his arm.  Very cool...

Serenity,

Thanks... :)  The more I think about the galaxy idea and look at pictures, the more sure I am of getting it done.

Reply #20 from Stardock Forums Top

Tova,

Though it would be cool to have a bottom of the foot tattoo. But OUCH...I am so not into pain, I can't tell you.
End of quote

I've seen lots of tattoos but I don't think I've ever seen anyone with a tattoo on the bottom of their foot.  I've seen them on the palms of hands, heads, underarms and even inside of lips but not the sole.  I believe most tattooists would refuse to do a tattoo there anyway.

As for the pain, well if I can take it, I am pretty sure just about anyone can take it (Read: I'm wimpy too). :)

Sancho,

just the kind of tat I'd end up getting
End of quote

There are some very, very good tattooists in Spain, you know (hint, hint) ;)

Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top
believe most tattooists would refuse to do a tattoo there anyway.
End of quote


Why? Is the foot more prone to infection or something?

It'd be fun to have an eyeball on the bottom of a foot, then whenever you put your foot on a knee it'd freak people out.
Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top
Really nice work, Maso. I love your whole philosophy about your tattoos.

I completely agree with you about how the experience feels, too. It is like a pleasant scratch. At points it's almost intense enough to be considered painful but most of the time it is actually a weird kind of nice.

The guy who did my recent tat said he had a lot of big, burly men come in and whine like babies about the pain! I know everyone feels pain differently and different parts of the body and different types of tattoos are more intense, but come on!!

It's a life-long investment...you can grit through it for an hour or two!
Reply #23 from Stardock Forums Top

Tova,

Why? Is the foot more prone to infection or something?
End of quote

As I understand it, there are a number of reasons. 

First of all, tattooists have scruples.  A tattoo has to be allowed to heal properly otherwise it ends up looking like crap.  A tattoo on the sole would not be able to heal properly unless you were prepared to not walk on the foot for at least a week. 

Secondly, the skin on the sole is usually very thick and hard so tattoo would not take very well or not take at all. 

Thirdly, the sole of the foot, for most of us, is a particularly sensitive area.  In order to get a good line, one has to stay very still while the artist does his or her work.  I know I couldn't stay still.  I heard something recently about another parlour that has a deal that says if a customer can lie perfectly still while a tattoist draws a single line lenghwise along the sole of the customer's foot, they will get their tattoo for free.

Reply #24 from Stardock Forums Top

Tex,

Really nice work, Maso. I love your whole philosophy about your tattoos[/quote]

Thanks and thanks! :)

[qutoe]I completely agree with you about how the experience feels, too. It is like a pleasant scratch. At points it's almost intense enough to be considered painful but most of the time it is actually a weird kind of nice.

End of quote

I was a bit concerned prior to getting the big star done as it goes over the top of my shoulder and onto my shoulder bone.  All that happened is I could feel this weird kind of vibration.  It didn't hurt any worse, though. 

The guy who did my recent tat said he had a lot of big, burly men come in and whine like babies about the pain! I know everyone feels pain differently and different parts of the body and different types of tattoos are more intense, but come on!! It's a life-long investment...you can grit through it for an hour or two!
End of quote

I remember when I got the stylised gecko on my left arm.  I took about 3 hours all up to complete.  About halfway through, the tattooist asked if she could have a break.  I said of course she could and we went outside for some fresh air.  She said she was really surprised I wasn't squirming or complaining about the pain.  I asked why and she said I just didn't look like the sort of person who could take the pain.  But then she said she shouldn't be surprised because she'd had some big biker dudes who couldn't take even 10 minutes under the needle.  I'm still surprised by my resilience.

I want more ink!

Reply #25 from JoeUser Forums Top
As I understand it, there are a number of reasons.
First of all, tattooists have scruples. A tattoo has to be allowed to heal properly otherwise it ends up looking like crap. A tattoo on the sole would not be able to heal properly unless you were prepared to not walk on the foot for at least a week.
Secondly, the skin on the sole is usually very thick and hard so tattoo would not take very well or not take at all.
Thirdly, the sole of the foot, for most of us, is a particularly sensitive area. In order to get a good line, one has to stay very still while the artist does his or her work. I know I couldn't stay still. I heard something recently about another parlour that has a deal that says if a customer can lie perfectly still while a tattoist draws a single line lenghwise along the sole of the customer's foot, they will get their tattoo for free.
End of quote


Wow, those are good reasons.

Walking on crutches for a week tho, might not be so bad..heh.

You're right about the sensitivity of the foot...never thought of that....I wonder how women who get them on the labia sit still for it, or, er, lie still.