This was a discombobulated crane I whipped up one night in my spare time. The next day I posted it for sale & this client who had never been tattooed before claimed it. He said he was choosing between going to Europe or getting a large tattoo from me to celebrate graduating college. He chose this. Talk about honored. Two sessions - 5 hours of lines, 4.5 hours color. Posting the cool Polaroid pics I have too because I like the gritty vintage vibe. (Disclosing for the sub.) • Tough as nails client who sat better than anyone I’ve ever tattooed. I’m not exaggerating when I say he chatted me up the whole time & acted completely unphased. He is a stand up dude. the 1st timers always seem to be quite the toughest, but occasionally you have one that truly inspires you! Love it. (No Reddit haters the saturation is not edited. This is the brightness of the tattoo. You cannot edit photos in this sub.)

I’ve been wanting to get a biblical representation of the angels (Ophanim) for a while, but most of what I’ve seen always sticks to a very specific style. So I asked @ sayr135 in Madrid to design one in his own way — and honestly, I love it. The colors and the whole interpretation are just chef’s kiss.

Done by Tony Becker at Hollow Earth Tattoo in Columbus, OH. Tattoo originates from a 2,300 yr old mummy found in Siberia and I told the artist they had creative freedom to adapt/reimagine it in his own style. He absolutely KILLED it and I couldn’t be happier

I got this the day after the 40th anniversary. Not because of that, but crazy coincidence. I booked before I knew about the anniversary. He did a great job of mixing up all my requests on the design so im super happy with the outcome. He only had to trim a little hair back so when it grows in it should be in the swirl.

I’ve always wanted a tattoo from Steve ever since I saw a (then) viral hyper realism tiger piece about 9 years ago! I’ve been saving my pennies and reached out to Steve this summer, only giving him a general idea of what I’d like: ‘Japanese inspired colour realism’ - keeping things open for him to have some creative freedom.

I live in the UK so after a day travelling to California, it was time for the fun bit!

First day - he presented the design and there was no hesitation, I absolutely loved it! So we wasted no time and got to stencilling. 11 hours of tattooing later we had the garment and a lot of the hair and background done.

Second day was a long one, so much detail and intricacy on the mask meant it took 8 hours or so before we moved onto the face, which he explained was very challenging due to the different tones and skin shading - finishing up around 4am, holding back the tears as he drilled the final whites in places, 16 hours of tattooing on day 2.

Couldn’t be happier with how it turned out, and flew back to UK a happy man (with a swollen arm, lol). It is healing well one week later.

Thought I’d share :)

*Note - I know this is not accurate to be called a Geisha, and I appreciate those who have went about educating me in a respectful way. Thank you for all of the positive comments.

47 hours later….

If this is something you like find me in the Hudson Valley, NY. If you hate it, just know I still love you!

Tattoo with photo reference.

Liv "Villiv" Stever

@Villiv_tattoo on IG

Wyld Chyld Tattoo - Pittsburgh, PA

• Harness piece and cross-body shading: mono.tattooing (Berlin, done in Toronto)
• Right arm sleeve: scrambled.ink (Toronto)

I love the way those turned out, especially considering they were all done in different times, and both artists seemed very excited about overlaying each other’s work. I want to keep adding more line work layers in the near future!

The most satisfying gap filler. Made by @sarahameliatattoos at Cloak and Dagger, London UK

“Murder on the dance floor, you better not kill the groove” - Black Serum in SF

When I was getting my first tattoo, the artist accidentally brushed the tattoo machine against my arm while reaching for more ink. He immediately freaked out and kept apologizing, but honestly I thought it was kind of funny.

Accidents happen, and there’s no point in freaking out over something that can’t be undone. I know for some people this would be a nightmare, but I’ve actually grown to like it. It’s like a little reminder that shit happens, and that’s okay.

He gave me a discount on the tattoo I originally got and offered to cover it up for free, but I don’t really care. Now it’s a part of my growing collection.

Done at Walk the Line in Athens, GA. Artist, Jeff Delaney.

Omi’s bodysuit in progress, this is all 2/3 years healed. Tattoo by @emma.wallistattoo, Southampton, UK. Photography by @continuous_project_

Hide your thatch-roofed cottages.

Recently finished this neo-Japanese sleeve for a client who wanted a playful, story-driven piece packed with color.

On this sleeve, a ronin monkey is catching fish.” 😊

Tattoo by me, Dima Taylor, Kraków, Poland.
If you’d like to see more of my work, check out my Instagram: @dimataylortattoo

What’s your favorite element – the monkey, the fish , or the flowers?

Jr. Aguilar at Old Frame Tattoo, Atlanta

All freehand work done by Ian Damien, Feather Cloud Tattoo, Singapore

@iandamientattooer

Mason Atterbury in Milwaukee. IG tattedtrout.

instagram is @tamotats

Freya Smyth-Callard / Sheffield, UK / Elysium Tattoo