Here are a few of the things I have been working on lately.

I stated a traveling sketchbook. I will be mailing it to a friend to draw in and then be mailed to another person. I'm interested to see how far it will go, or if I will ever see it again.

Client education has always been something that is very important to me, so I will be posting little tips for clients here and there that will make that tattoo process much easier for everyone involved.  Today, I would like to address the nature of a custom tattoo, and how a client can get the most out of it.

Over the past decade tattooing has moved to a mostly custom service industry.  While the days of going into a studio and picking something off the wall are not by any means dead, more and more clients and artist are wanting a product that is more unique to both individuals.  While many serious collectors have figured out the process of getting the best work for them, many individuals have been left in the dark.  If you are one of those people a little lost in the sea of custom tattoo studios, or are going to an artist just because your friend got a good piece from them, here are a few things to consider before hand.

First remember that everyones taste is different.  This includes art.  Just because an artist can do a good tattoo or even a mind blowing tattoo, doesn't mean that they may be the one suited to give you your mind blowing tattoo.  Every artist has their own style, interest, and what they will excel at.  As a client, you should take the time to really look at portfolios instead of just flipping threw them as if they were a magazine you have already read.  

Things you should look for are, do they work in color, black and grey, overall style.  We as artists, don't expect a client to be able to dissect a piece and say why they like.  But being able to recognize that you  are drawn to certain persons work over another is a big step in getting something that represents you.  Subject matter is always another element to consider.  If you are wanting a celtic knot piece and you don't see that in a portfolio, that artist may not be for you.  This does not mean that if its not in there, they cant do it, or are not interested in doing it.  For example, in my portfolio I have a lot of subject matter that are natural (portraits, animals, flowers, as opposed to tribal, logos, and other graphic designs).  I do not have an elephant in there, however would love to do an elephant and would more then likely end up adding it to my portfolio.

Last but not least, be patient.  Take the time to pick an artist.  If they have a waiting list, wait.  Take the time to save up the few extra bucks if they artist is a little out of your price range.  It may take a few hours to do the tattoo, but you have to live with it forever.

Things have been extremely busy around the studio lately, even more then usual, which makes me happy but does not allow much time for me to other important things like edit pictures and post them.  I finally get a day to catch to up and share a few of the things that I have been doing.

Jay (a coworker) saw one of my sketchbook drawings and really wanted to get it done.  However, he doesn't have a lot of prime real-estate left so he had me throw it over some old line work of tribal that he never planes on getting finished.  I wish I could have had some clean skin, but I was still happy with the end result.  This was also my first experience with a rotary machine.

I always enjoy when a good client of the studio brings in a parent to get some work done.  This was the case here.  I had actually done a smaller piece on him a few months ago, but with the death of his long time friend he decided that it was time to get something a bit bigger and significant.

I had a few hours open with a canceled appointment when this guy walked in.  It has been a while since I have gotten to do a horror movie portrait, which are one of my favorites.  All the details become a challenge that will really draw me into the piece.  For only his second time sitting in the chair he sat like a champ for all 3 hours.

I came in on my day off yesterday to tattoo an old friend and client.  He is one of my favorite people to tattoo.  He never really knows what he wants, but enjoys my art so much that he usually gives me complete control letting me do whatever I want.  He heard about my sketchbook deal and jumped on the opportunity.  I also got a chance to get a healed picture of a piece I had finished a while ago but was unhappy with the pictures I got when we completed it.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy new year.  The past few months I have been diligently working in my sketchbook coming up with some really cool and unique designs.  To be start off the new year I will be offering any of these designs at a discounted price for the whole month of January.  This does not mean that they are free or $50. It just means that I will be willing to work with you on price.  I normally don't offer discounts to often, so this is your chance to get a cool tattoo and save a little money.  If you are seriously interested in getting one done, stop by the studio and see what I have available.