tattoo

[TXFireman07b]

I am thinking of getting a tattoo. It will be my first and probably my only. I am looking to find someone reliable and safe to do the job. I have a pretty good idea of what I am looking for but want an original one. if anyone knows of a good reliable artist that isnt too far from the DFW area and is fairly reasonable, please let me know.. I have been a firefighter for 24 years and am looking for someone who can design and does great flames and a fire cross. any suggestions would be appreciated..

[Doc Moose]

Tigger had a great saying about tattoos:  "Good.  Fast.  Cheap.  Pick two."

[kickstand]

My son has this one

[cutter]

How did he get the flames to move like that?    I have the maltese cross and maiden head combined done in color.

[mattfidaho]

be warned..................


they are addictive........

Well I only have 1.....   but it seams to keep growing

[Westernbiker]

It is best to try and find something close to what you want. If this is not possible you need to try and draw it the best you can and then let the tat artist take it from there. He or she will draw it up and you can see if you like it or not. Most do a transfer. They will skethch it out on special paper then wet the area where you want it and press the sketch on to that area. When they remove the paper there is an outline of the design. Some but very few I've seen still do total free-hand. I know of a FANTASTIC tat artist here in Phoenix quite a drive for you though. Best to see tats on people and ask where they got it. Word of mouth seems to be the best way to find a good artist. ALWAYS ask to see his or her work. And remember this. The sign above the counter where I have gotten mine says : WELCOME TO YOUR NEW ADDICTION!

[ChromeDome]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that you have a few friends that have gotten a tattoo in your area.

I would start with them, ask them who they would recommend and if they have a tattoo from the artists ask to see it.

Next, check out the shops that people have suggested .... you are looking for a clean and professional environment, not the boiler room in a garage. While at the various shops ask to see some of there work (pictures and sketches). Also, if they have the time, talk to them about what you have in mind.

That is what I did and I am very happy with the shop and artists. I have two and got both from the same shop, Ronin Tattoo in Aurora, IL.. I'd have a few more but because I currently take blood thinners they won't give me a tattoo.

Good luck and remember ... yes, it is going to hurt.

[alph]

the guy i bought my cycle from was bald, he had the word "hair" tatooed on the top of his head......  i guess he wasn't bald then, he did have "hair" on his head......

[fudgie]

Like chrome dome said check with friends. Esp the other FF's. Doc suggested tigger. Last I knew he was setting up shop at Strokers in Dallas but this was many moons ago. Look around at shops. Most have to be certified and gone through blood borne pathogen classes and such. Some say cheap artists are bad. Not in my case. My artist a few years ago was very affordable and cheaper then mosts. He never had any tattoos himself.   Avoid big rallies esp early in the week. Most, but not all, will be high priced. Near the end of the week they will be making deals. Buddah's in Sturgis has good prices during rally week.
As for 'just getting one', yeah right.   Thats what I said in 1999 also! Now I'm up to 9 or 10. Trying to get my arm sleaved. They are addicting, at least to us. Same with our piercings. My all have meaning to them about where I was and where I was going. Most I drew myself. Search some pics online and it will get you clost to what you want. I have a few FF/medics friends that have what you want and theirs look good.

[PAVALKER]

When I was much younger and in college.......   I got a  tattoo on my penis..... normally it spells "P u n y"  but when erect it spells out "Punxsutawney Pennsylvania State University"   

 



Seriously tho, if you get a tattoo... make sure it is not in a readily visible area (like forearm, hand or face).  Some businesses do not like em and will have you cover em up (if they hire you).  I have one on my forearm (Navy related) and I had to wear long sleeves at a few places of business....

[Skinhead]

If your coming to Inzane, Jeff Shae, Wholeshot Tattoo, Berkley, MI.  My son has several from Jeff and the other artists @ wholeshot.  My son is always getting complements on his which are all original, and when people see them, they always want to make an appointment.  If you'd like pictures or more info, let me know.