Congrats, Nate. My own taste in ink usually runs to designs I've created myself, but that's a gorgeous piece.

Edit: Also, if you're in Frisco, you may consider making a day trip to San Diego for your next piece. Someone recommended a fellow named Craig Driscoll to me if I was ever out that way -- apparently, he's considered one of the best tattoo artists in the US.

Here's his site so you can look at his portfolio:

http://craigdriscoll.com/splash.html

I had the linework done on my first tattoo today; going back in two weeks for some shading. Nothing as elaborate and colourful as Nathan's piece though. I've gone with a 'crest' style including my family coat of arms, some Celtic knotwork, and some of my favourite swords. Took me a long time to decide what I wanted, and I ended up designing it myself in the end. It's qute a simple design, but the aesthetic appeals to me and I do think it's important to have something unique. I'll try and post a picture when it's finished and healed.

That's beautiful work Nathan and an excellent choice. Tattoos have always intrigued me, as most artwork does. It's funny you post this as I've been thinking about getting one myself. I've always had something of a personal aversion to tattoos, I've admired the expression and talent involved but never considered getting one myself until recently. I have no doubt the aversion comes from the fact that my father has a tattoo, consequently I see one and think of him which is never good.

About a year ago I was bitten on my left calf by a brown recluse spider and now have a nasty scar as a memento. Over the last fews days I've been considering getting a tattoo to cover it up. Do you plan on geting any more?

Oh wow. I forgot I posted this topic here.

Patrick Kelly wrote:

That's beautiful work Nathan and an excellent choice. Tattoos have always intrigued me, as most artwork does. It's funny you post this as I've been thinking about getting one myself. I've always had something of a personal aversion to tattoos, I've admired the expression and talent involved but never considered getting one myself until recently. I have no doubt the aversion comes from the fact that my father has a tattoo, consequently I see one and think of him which is never good.

Hi Patrick-

Thank you for the kind words. I've also been intrigued by tattoos for literally decades. It took me a long time to make the decision to take the leap for all the reasons one might imagine, but mostly because I wanted to make sure I had made up my mind on the artwork.

And that's where it's at for me: the artwork. Like you mention, it's just another form of art. I'm not sure what it is about art, but I'm drawn to it. Always have been. One form or another, it's all of interest. Go figure.

My dad had some Navy tattoos and I always thought they were neat when I was a kid. I'd look at his arm and touch it and try to rub out the ink when I was really young :)

Quote:

About a year ago I was bitten on my left calf by a brown recluse spider and now have a nasty scar as a memento. Over the last fews days I've been considering getting a tattoo to cover it up. Do you plan on geting any more?

Keep in mind that scar tissue, particularly large areas of "softer" newer tissue is really difficult to tattoo. Some won't take ink and others will take it really badly with a "blurring" or "smudging" appearance. Many tattoo artists, particularly quality high-end ones, won't touch it. Having said that, good artists can incorporate the scar tissue into the design and make it "hide" within the art, effectively doing the same thing a cover-up would do. I'd strongly advise anyone who's thinking of getting tattoos to get a great artist under any circumstance and to consult with him about this type of work. It can end up really, really great if done by somebody good.

I do plan on getting more. In fact, I'm working on my left arm currently. It's another piece inspired by a woodcut by Albrech Dürer: this time of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Imagine my left arm being a "sinister" story of the evil things brought down to Earth (Conquest, War, Famine, Death), and the right arm being a "good" story Saint Michael cleaning house and ridding the heavens of evil.

Anyway, it's a story that's forming, I suppose. At some point, I'll have my entire upper arms half-sleeved and then I'll stop for awhile, likely to then return to other areas hidden by a shirt at some point.

As mentioned in this topic, it's a somewhat addictive thing, tattoos. Once started, it's fun to continue.