Immortal Tattoos wishes everyone a very Happy New Year !!
2007 has been a great year for Immortal Tattoos and hopefully 2008 will be much better. Once again, I thank everyone who have been through this rough ride with me and I thank all my clients for helping me to discover what I have to give you guys the best !!
Love ya'all !!
Abstract Rose
A old friend of mine came in one day with a design which she wanted, taken from a newpaper cutting. After days of preparation, we finally made it happen.
Putting in the Line Work...
After close to 2hrs, we were done !!
Back shot with a lowerback tattoo ( Which was also done by me ). Signing off from 2007 !! See you all in 2008 with a bang !!
Merry X'Mas
Immortal Tattoos wishes everyone a beautiful Merry X'Mas !!
I would like to thank all my friends, my family, my clients and everyone who have supported me. You guys ROCK !!
I would like to thank all my friends, my family, my clients and everyone who have supported me. You guys ROCK !!
Chef's pride.
Did these two tattoos playing off the ole skull and cross bones for brothers cooking up at Maverick's in Champlin, MN. Go visit them, and tell them I sent you.
The Tattooist
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, the Addicts of Ink !!
I have not been updating much recently in my blog. Sorry to keep you guys waiting. Its not been a busy month recently, so just as to take a break from work, I decided to catch a movie after a long time.
Yes, you guessed it !! I did watch "The Tattooist".
Before I carry on with the comments I have to make about the movie, I would like to make an announcement.
"By continuing to read on to what Immortal Tattoos, or the Tattoo Artist (Myself) have to say, you have agreed to lose all political powers and legal rights against Immortal Tattoos, or the Tattoo Artist (Myself). If you don't agree to MY terms, please fuck off NOW!! But if you don't agree and still want to carry on reading, please be advised that you are automatically registered as an asswipe - In other words, you still lose all political powers and legal rights against Immortal Tattoos!!" - Thank You -
So lets, get back to my story about the movie.
I saw the trailers and it was very captivating and I told myself, "Man I have to watch it!" I also got calls from my friends asking me to go watch it, since it was good. ( In their opinion that is. )
So, there I was, in my seat, watching the movie and then... I FELL ASLEEP !! Boys and Gals and children of all ages, "The Tattooist" - SUCKED !!
If you are going to watch the movie, please don't waste your money. Donate it to the poor and the needy (Maybe to the guys who made that movie? I don't think so !!). If you have already watched it and think its good, I am happy for you.
Let me summarize how the movie went, even though I fell asleep.
The movie begins, with the "hero" on bed, having nightmares about the tattoo he got when he was a kid. And how his dad was religious and cut off the skin where the tattoo was. "Hero" wakes up and walks butt naked to the window and stands there, looking. (Maybe he was wondering where he left his clothes).
Some parts of the movie was taken in Singapore,and they had to show the Merlion. "Hero" will be in a car, and he will reach to a big house out of nowhere. A butler opens the door and welcomes the "hero" in. The owner of the house, walks down the stairs and talks crap to the "Hero" and brings him up to a room, where the owner's son is. ( This is not Brokeback Mountain, so no gay shit, ok? )
Next scene shows the boy who looked sick and seems to have asthma attack or something. The owner turned to the "hero" and said "No monk want to mark him". The owner gives the "Hero" and envelope, probably containg the cheque and asked him to tattoo the kid.
(Thing is, the "Hero" gives everyone the impression that his tattoos can heal people, and therefore he was asked to the house to tattoo the sick kid, hoping it would save the kid's life.)
"Hero" will take out his dirty case, takes out the machine and the grips and place them nicely. He puts the grip to the machine, (without even putting in the needle), goes over to the boy, ( who looked 10-12yrs of age ), and starts tattooing, without freehanding anything or even putting on a stencil. Everything in that scene was screwed up !!
"Hero" then leaves after doing the thai chakra/mantra on the kid. "Hero" will then be in a Tattoo Expo in some building called "CAPITAL or CAPITOL" with the letter "L" blinking. Tattoo Expo in a rundown building?
"Hero" then steals the handmade needle from the Saomans and leave the building. And guess what?! The owner of the big house comes up to him and says his son is dead and that the tattoo did not work and threatens the "Hero".
Lets rewind here, shall we? The guy in the big house, who is rich and powerful, said that no monk wants to mark his son. Then why would he trust this guy who tattoos by machine?! Since it was given the impression all these was in Singapore, which monk in Singapore actually tattoos anyone?!! What an idiot ! He could have paid some monk to fly in from Thailand instead to help his son. And, what kind of Tattoo Artist would tattoo a small boy who is so sick? Its against the code of Tattoo Industry.
In my opinion, the boy did not die because he was sick. Let alone if the tattoo worked in healing or not. He died from infection from the unsterilised equiptments used. The grips were not even in a sealed pack, neither was it disposable ones if you have noticed.
"Hero" gets cut by the handmade needle used by the Samon. The wound was like 3-5cm on his palm. Next couple of scenes later, his wound would be like 8-10cm long, then after couple of scene, the wound would become smaller again to the original size. Come on !! Can't they decide how big they want the blady wound to be?
Whoever get tattooed by the "Hero" would die, because some demon tattoos behind the scene on the clients. The demon looks nowhere like what they want to portray it to be. The demon is suppose to be a Saoman who was killed because his tattoos were not done right. But honestly, it looked more like he was a native from the African Tribe. Again, they can't decide on what they want !!
I just can go on and on about the movie, but when the dust is settled, all I can say is, the movie was VERY BAD. It was very degrading to the tattoo industry and tattoo artist around the world. Especially to the Saomans and their traditional tattoos.
When I looked at the trailers, I saw a scene where the "Hero" and a girl would make out and clothes come off. I did not see any of that in the movie in real time !! They probably censored a R21 movie, make it NC16, so more kids can go and watch.
Since they made it like that, why do Singaporeans complain about kids getting tattooed? Controvesy, controvesy, controvesy !! Again, they can't decide !! Asswipes, I should say...
Out of 100 stars, I would give only 1 star to it. Reason, there will be a scene where this chick will die in the hospital and the ink will be flowing through her body, pass her neck, skin opens and blood drips and it flows up to her eye and the eyeball bursts and blood flows out. I would give it up to the effects !! Other than that, the movie sucked.
So, boys and gals, just stick to Miami Ink. Love Ya All !!
I have not been updating much recently in my blog. Sorry to keep you guys waiting. Its not been a busy month recently, so just as to take a break from work, I decided to catch a movie after a long time.
Yes, you guessed it !! I did watch "The Tattooist".
Before I carry on with the comments I have to make about the movie, I would like to make an announcement.
"By continuing to read on to what Immortal Tattoos, or the Tattoo Artist (Myself) have to say, you have agreed to lose all political powers and legal rights against Immortal Tattoos, or the Tattoo Artist (Myself). If you don't agree to MY terms, please fuck off NOW!! But if you don't agree and still want to carry on reading, please be advised that you are automatically registered as an asswipe - In other words, you still lose all political powers and legal rights against Immortal Tattoos!!" - Thank You -
So lets, get back to my story about the movie.
I saw the trailers and it was very captivating and I told myself, "Man I have to watch it!" I also got calls from my friends asking me to go watch it, since it was good. ( In their opinion that is. )
So, there I was, in my seat, watching the movie and then... I FELL ASLEEP !! Boys and Gals and children of all ages, "The Tattooist" - SUCKED !!
If you are going to watch the movie, please don't waste your money. Donate it to the poor and the needy (Maybe to the guys who made that movie? I don't think so !!). If you have already watched it and think its good, I am happy for you.
Let me summarize how the movie went, even though I fell asleep.
The movie begins, with the "hero" on bed, having nightmares about the tattoo he got when he was a kid. And how his dad was religious and cut off the skin where the tattoo was. "Hero" wakes up and walks butt naked to the window and stands there, looking. (Maybe he was wondering where he left his clothes).
Some parts of the movie was taken in Singapore,and they had to show the Merlion. "Hero" will be in a car, and he will reach to a big house out of nowhere. A butler opens the door and welcomes the "hero" in. The owner of the house, walks down the stairs and talks crap to the "Hero" and brings him up to a room, where the owner's son is. ( This is not Brokeback Mountain, so no gay shit, ok? )
Next scene shows the boy who looked sick and seems to have asthma attack or something. The owner turned to the "hero" and said "No monk want to mark him". The owner gives the "Hero" and envelope, probably containg the cheque and asked him to tattoo the kid.
(Thing is, the "Hero" gives everyone the impression that his tattoos can heal people, and therefore he was asked to the house to tattoo the sick kid, hoping it would save the kid's life.)
"Hero" will take out his dirty case, takes out the machine and the grips and place them nicely. He puts the grip to the machine, (without even putting in the needle), goes over to the boy, ( who looked 10-12yrs of age ), and starts tattooing, without freehanding anything or even putting on a stencil. Everything in that scene was screwed up !!
"Hero" then leaves after doing the thai chakra/mantra on the kid. "Hero" will then be in a Tattoo Expo in some building called "CAPITAL or CAPITOL" with the letter "L" blinking. Tattoo Expo in a rundown building?
"Hero" then steals the handmade needle from the Saomans and leave the building. And guess what?! The owner of the big house comes up to him and says his son is dead and that the tattoo did not work and threatens the "Hero".
Lets rewind here, shall we? The guy in the big house, who is rich and powerful, said that no monk wants to mark his son. Then why would he trust this guy who tattoos by machine?! Since it was given the impression all these was in Singapore, which monk in Singapore actually tattoos anyone?!! What an idiot ! He could have paid some monk to fly in from Thailand instead to help his son. And, what kind of Tattoo Artist would tattoo a small boy who is so sick? Its against the code of Tattoo Industry.
In my opinion, the boy did not die because he was sick. Let alone if the tattoo worked in healing or not. He died from infection from the unsterilised equiptments used. The grips were not even in a sealed pack, neither was it disposable ones if you have noticed.
"Hero" gets cut by the handmade needle used by the Samon. The wound was like 3-5cm on his palm. Next couple of scenes later, his wound would be like 8-10cm long, then after couple of scene, the wound would become smaller again to the original size. Come on !! Can't they decide how big they want the blady wound to be?
Whoever get tattooed by the "Hero" would die, because some demon tattoos behind the scene on the clients. The demon looks nowhere like what they want to portray it to be. The demon is suppose to be a Saoman who was killed because his tattoos were not done right. But honestly, it looked more like he was a native from the African Tribe. Again, they can't decide on what they want !!
I just can go on and on about the movie, but when the dust is settled, all I can say is, the movie was VERY BAD. It was very degrading to the tattoo industry and tattoo artist around the world. Especially to the Saomans and their traditional tattoos.
When I looked at the trailers, I saw a scene where the "Hero" and a girl would make out and clothes come off. I did not see any of that in the movie in real time !! They probably censored a R21 movie, make it NC16, so more kids can go and watch.
Since they made it like that, why do Singaporeans complain about kids getting tattooed? Controvesy, controvesy, controvesy !! Again, they can't decide !! Asswipes, I should say...
Out of 100 stars, I would give only 1 star to it. Reason, there will be a scene where this chick will die in the hospital and the ink will be flowing through her body, pass her neck, skin opens and blood drips and it flows up to her eye and the eyeball bursts and blood flows out. I would give it up to the effects !! Other than that, the movie sucked.
So, boys and gals, just stick to Miami Ink. Love Ya All !!
ITA correction and new pics.
In the latest International Tattoo Art magazine, (Feb 08), there was a correction written about the few mistakes that were published earlier this year concerning yours truly. It was a super nice thing for them to do, and I appreciate it greatly. They also posted two new tattoos of mine, the bear half sleeve and Casey's seasonal leg vine thing. More importantly, both pieces were credited to me here in the new shop, and not to Connecticut.
Also, I keep getting questions about me tattooing in Connecticut, and I hate to let people down, but I have no plans to tattoo there anytime soon.
I have the Philly convention in April (which I think I'm fully booked for), and travel plans for Italy/CT in late May, earlier June, minus tattoo equipment. So, unless sometime late fall next year I head to CT, you might need to book a flight to Minneapolis if you need a tattoo by me this coming year.
Looking for christmas presents for people that don't suck? I have a bunch of stuff piling up in my workroom. Art prints, stenciled records, etc.
Contact me if you want something, I probably have it.
Die cut stickers are hot.
Here's the first die cut stickers I got made. die cut stickers are "not your normal style of peel-and-stick stickers, but rather, they are highly customized pieces of digitally cut vinyl". for real.
Black vinyl, 9 inches wide. 30 made, 20 left.
$2 gets one sent to your house. Perfect for cars, mirrors, pet store shop windows.
Red Maori
Another polynesian tattoo to add up to the list. But this time, its not the traditional black but full red. This is the very first time I ever did something so red !
I have related a topic on Polynesian/Maori tattoos in my previous post ( Sunday, August 26, 2007 )
As there is no writing in the Polynesian culture, the Polynesians used this art full of distinctive signs to express their identity and personality. Tattoos would indicate status in a hierarchy society: sexual maturity, genealogy and one's rank within society. Nearly everyone in ancient Polynesian society was tattooed.
Go check out : http://www.tahititatou.com/history.html
My mom is so happy, but I look like I'm 18.
After 6 years, the dredlocks finally came off. I had a lot of identity wrapped up in those things, but it is nice to have all that weight off of my head. Things like putting on a tee shirt, or showering, or jogging all just got amazingly easier. Here's a picture.
Koi
According to Japanese legend if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.
More generally, the Japanese associate koi (also known as carp) with perserverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.
Others say it means good fortune or luck.
The Koi Fish is symbolic in the Buddhist Religion, representing courage. Humans 'swim' through the 'ocean of suffering' without fear, just like a fish swims through water.
It is also one of the most popular and beautiful of Japanese tattoo symbols – a beauty which belives its symbolic meaning. Although Chinese in origin, the carp is now widely celebrated in Japan, particularly for its manly qualities.
In tattoo imagery, especially in combination with flowing water, it symbolizes much the same: courage, the ability to attain high goals, and overcoming life's difficulties
There are fourteen classifications that koi fish can be broken down into, separated by color and markings. One of which is the : Bekko. Bekko can be red, white, or yellow, but will have black markings, like the one I did.
East Coast kids showing how it's done.
So Tyler and Dean came out for a visit this weekend, and both got some serious work done. Tyler did a 6.5 hour sit on the first day (the apocalyptic horses and more not pictured), and an almost 3 hour sit the very next day (the shrimp/woman piece). Dean rocked a 4.5 hour sit for a storm trooper on the first day, and did a 5+ hour sit the next day for a dirty-puking-bird piece. They both did awesome, and I was proud to show them off at the drag show saturday night, which is becoming a staple for our out of town visitors. The drag queens loved Tyler (who doesn't), and we handed out all of the business cards I had on me. Dean had phantom hands grabbing his butt all night. I didn't get even a little squeeze. oh well.
Sitting two days in a row for large tattoo work isn't easy, but they both said it was worth it. Awesome visit.
More dead things on stickers
New stickers ordered, these boar head black on red ones. 4.25 x 2.75 and only 500 of them.
The boar lost it's head from natural causes. If you are upset by the image, email Tyrant. He got an earful when I did the hammerhead shark stickers, from some nut claiming it made me less vegan. No sharks or boars were hurt in the drawing of the stickers.
And here's a crab with Japanese flames.
Peony Flower
It was a very quiet day today at Immortal Tattoos. Everyone seems to be busy shopping due to the festive season around the corner. So, I carried on doing my own things around the shop, basically lazing around.
Just then, I had a lovely lady walk in today, wanting a Peony on her hip. She wanted to have it in black and grey but I talked her out of it and have it coloured instead.
The Peony is a flower with a history of cultivation and veneration that goes back thousands of years. In Japan and China, the peony is a floral symbol with meaning on par with the Chrysanthemum, the Lotus and the Cherry Blossom The Peony is regarded as a symbol of wealth.
Just then, I had a lovely lady walk in today, wanting a Peony on her hip. She wanted to have it in black and grey but I talked her out of it and have it coloured instead.
The Peony is a flower with a history of cultivation and veneration that goes back thousands of years. In Japan and China, the peony is a floral symbol with meaning on par with the Chrysanthemum, the Lotus and the Cherry Blossom The Peony is regarded as a symbol of wealth.
As a tattoo design, the peony symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. According to Japanese tattooing tradition, peonies also symbolize daring, risk taking and the gambler's or Samurai's devil-may-care approach to life. A gambler's next bet may be his last, a true Samurai according to the Code of Bushido, or The Way of the Warrior, lives each day as if it may be his last.
The peony is a potent symbol of beauty, of the fragility and fleeting nature of existence and the knowledge that acquiring great rewards comes only by taking great risks.
Love those birds.
Here's an Ibis I did this past Friday. It's only two days old in this picture, so it's still a little pink and healing looking, and some of the lightest areas will still soften up some. It was a memorial piece for Davis' father, as the Ibis is a native marsh bird admired in his home state of Florida.
"It is the last sign of wildlife to take shelter before a hurricane hits, giving warning that danger is imminent. As the storm passes the Ibis is the first to reappear, a sign that clear skies are approaching."
Happy Halloween!!
First of all, I'm ashamed to say that Meryl and I did nothing for Halloween this year. She pulled an all nighter last night (the 30th) correcting papers of her students, so tonight she put a bowl of candy out on the porch and went to bed. Living in uptown, my money is on the (twenty something year old) neighbors taking it before the kids even get their costumes on.
This was a surprise tattoo, and it was a lot of fun. Aparently, we'll be doing one on the other side of his wrist next week.
The wearer of said tattoo owns a company that makes vinyl stickers, and we're putting together some die cut dead bird stickers, so I'll be posting those up here soon for sure.
I hope that you did something awesome, it's not a holiday I like to miss. Send me pictures of your costume!
Wolf N Moon
Many Native Americans choose to get wolf tattoos because wolves are extremely important in their mythology. Wolves are seen as teachers or pathfinders, and can also symbolize ancestors or other spiritual guides. Different types of wolves were indicative of different clans and Native American tribes, as well as commonly being used as totems.
Here are some different meanings assigned to the image of a wolf (which some believe are transferred to the wearer of a wolf tattoo):
-Devoted
-Loyal
-Fearless
-Intelligent
-Family (pack) oriented
-Attuned to the natural environment
In astronomy and astrology, the wolf is represented in the stars by the constellation known as the Dog, or Sirius, in the Pleaides. This was also thought to be the origin of the "Ancients" by several of the Native American tribes.
Some Celtic mythology depicts the sun being devoured by a wolf (the cause of night). In Norse mythology, the wolf is a sacred image to the god Odin, who was the father of all the other gods. Romans also revered the wolf, because this creature was sacred to the god Apollo, as well as being featured in the myth of Romulus and Remus.
Credits to : http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Wolf_Tattoos
Yup, another Skull!
Here's one of the first fully rendered pieces I've done digitially in a while. You should click on it to see the full size.
The new old image.
The Science Logic came and spread their potty humor to Minneapolis last week. I spent one of the days tattooing the whole band, but I don't have access to the band files yet, all I have is this picture of Dan's arm. It was flattering to have him ask for the tree from my old sticker. We changed it a little so that it fit his arm better, was less "scraggly", and was a black and grey piece.
I also had done a shirt design for them that they got printed, I think it looks rad, and I'll have pictures of that up soon.
Thanks for coming out kids.
I also had done a shirt design for them that they got printed, I think it looks rad, and I'll have pictures of that up soon.
Thanks for coming out kids.
Lion tattoos have two primary meanings - one is a simple appreciation of a beautiful animal; and a second is an image of fierceness, pride, and strength.
Your lion’s pose will say a lot about the thought behind your tattoo.
A lion at peace suggests confident, quiet strength.
A roaring lion shows a desire to make your power known.
A lion in battle can represent a willingness to fight for what you believe in.
A lion paired with a gentler animal, such as a lamb, shows a desire for peace.
Credits to : http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Lion_Tattoos
Kala - Borneo Scorpion
The Iban scorpion symbol, also sometimes known as kala, was noted particularly in Iban tattoo designs by Charles Hose (a civil officer who worked in Borneo over twenty years) and William McDougall (an English anthropologist) in their 1912 publication The Pagan Tribes of Borneo.
However, the authors note that the “scorpion” design is actually based on the highly stylized image of the aso, the mythical dog/dragon associated with protection from malevolent spirits. Hose and McDougall suggest that the Iban adopted their tattoo designs from other subgroups on the island and created their own interpretations afterwards.
In the kala design, the claws of the scorpion were originally the back end of the dog while the hooked ends at the back of the scorpion design were originally the open jaws of the mouth of the dog. Although it has no particular significance in the scorpion design, even the rosette-like eye of the dog still persists in the center.
Kala is also a protective symbol widely used in Iban Art.
More at TattooSymbol.com
My name on Juxtapoz.com
Juxtapoz Magazine's Website wrote this blurb about the "I Want Your Skull" zine that I am a part of. Right now it's on the front page of juxtapoz.com, but in case you wait a long time before you check it out, here's the exact link.
"Last and dearest to our hearts is the third ever issue of I Want Your Skull Fanzine. If you've ever read the site or the zine then you know that I Want Your Skull is all about skulls in art (and interviewing artists who draw skulls). Ask yourself how many times you've idly drawn a skull and then realize that that number applies to pretty much everyone else ever. All those skull drawings out there means that I Want Your Skull is never short of something to talk about. The current issue features a full-color cover by Justin "Angryblue" Kramer, interviews with David Witt, Doktor A, and Angryblue as well as artwork from Shawn Hebrank, Kevin Mcnutt, Jerry Vigil, J. Statts, Tyler Kline, Jeff Finley, Mike Thompson, Eric Talbot, David Tevenal, Alex Barrera, Miss Pinny, Shaun Friend, Punchgut, The Pit, Scott Benson, R.M. Hanson, Nate Nolting, Ryan August, Marald Van Haasteren, Ed Syder, and Jim Altieri. And as if that wasn't enough you also get a 7" x 7", one-color serigraph of the cover art, a full-color greeting card with art by Shawn Hebrank, and a nice poly bag with a foil sticker by JJ Rudisill. Only 300 copies were made and they're all hand-numbered. You might as well go ahead and subtract the $20 from your bank statement ($26 if you're outside the US) because that money is as good as spent. You're not walking away from this one; not if you still want us to be friends."
"Last and dearest to our hearts is the third ever issue of I Want Your Skull Fanzine. If you've ever read the site or the zine then you know that I Want Your Skull is all about skulls in art (and interviewing artists who draw skulls). Ask yourself how many times you've idly drawn a skull and then realize that that number applies to pretty much everyone else ever. All those skull drawings out there means that I Want Your Skull is never short of something to talk about. The current issue features a full-color cover by Justin "Angryblue" Kramer, interviews with David Witt, Doktor A, and Angryblue as well as artwork from Shawn Hebrank, Kevin Mcnutt, Jerry Vigil, J. Statts, Tyler Kline, Jeff Finley, Mike Thompson, Eric Talbot, David Tevenal, Alex Barrera, Miss Pinny, Shaun Friend, Punchgut, The Pit, Scott Benson, R.M. Hanson, Nate Nolting, Ryan August, Marald Van Haasteren, Ed Syder, and Jim Altieri. And as if that wasn't enough you also get a 7" x 7", one-color serigraph of the cover art, a full-color greeting card with art by Shawn Hebrank, and a nice poly bag with a foil sticker by JJ Rudisill. Only 300 copies were made and they're all hand-numbered. You might as well go ahead and subtract the $20 from your bank statement ($26 if you're outside the US) because that money is as good as spent. You're not walking away from this one; not if you still want us to be friends."
A little rose for the lady.
Stephanie worked a full shift before coming and sitting for 5 hours, and had only eaten a bagel all day. And let it be said, few people I have ever tattooed have sat as well as she did. Also, did you notice it's on her ribs???
(Notice: It is not a competition to see who can come in the most overworked, sleep deprived, and starving, and then sit for the longest, roughest tattoo. We want to see you in your best shape. Plus, she already won.)
Good Tattoos Ain't Cheap
I am dedicating this article to the 2 different kinda people in the world. The first, those who want to have a good tattoo but at cheap cost. The second, to the scratchers who tattoo at home and think they are the best in the world and think that they are so undergound and everyone worships them because of some linework done which looks like a 5 yr old kid has done it.
All I can say to them is, "You can go and fuck yourself."
There is a saying, "The bitterness of a poor-quality tattoo will linger long after the sweetness of a cheap price is forgotten." Or in other words, " Good Tattoos Ain't Cheap, Cheap Tattoos Ain't Good".
I am sure everyone is aware of that phrase or have seen it in tattoo parlours everywhere. But I still wonder, why is that everyone wants a cheap tattoo.
I have encountered 100s of them walking in over the past few months, bargaining the price of tattoos like they are bargaining for fish in the market. This is a Tattoo Parlour for God's Sake!! And to those who don't know what that means, You need to wake up !!
I know I sound kinda pissed off at this issue. Well, every professional tattoo artist should be, and would agree with everything I have to say in here.
Quote by Karen Hudson
"If you really want a tattoo from a particular artist, why are you going to let a price tag hold you back? You do realize you'll be wearing this tattoo for the rest of your life, right? If you don't think that's worth a few extra dollars, don't get it! "But I can get the same tattoo from my buddy for half that price!" Fine - you go see your buddy and don't come looking for a shoulder to cry on when you end up with a lousy tattoo or get some kind of disease or infection from improper sterilization."
I have customers who wanna bargain a $100 tattoo, all the way down to $20 !! Are they high on some cheap drug which cost them only 5cents? God !! There are even some who show off their badly done tattoo, ( probably done free by some scratcher cum junkie ) and say, "This big one only cost me $10". Damn right, its only $10 because it comes along with HIV, HEP B, Permanent Disfigurement to the skin that bloats up. "3D EFFECT", Literally. Man, You really got a good deal !!
"Don't choose any artist based on price alone. Look at the portfolio. Ask around to see if they have a good reputation for good work. Check out the competition and compare quality, not prices!"
You only get what you pay for. Don't expect a good quality tattoo even if its a professional when you bargain prices all the way to the ground. You piss us off, we will make you pay for the rest of your life. I am very sure you don't want to be tattooed by a pissed off tattoo artist do you? And don't come running back saying the tattoo is badly done. Don't expect the whole cake when you only pay for a slice.
But on the other hand, there are also artist who charge alot for a tiny tattoo where you can get triple the size elsewhere, still with good workmanship. Why is this so? Number one reason - We all have rents to pay !! Some places have higher rents - They have to charge higher for the tattoos too. And seriously, I have seen some bad tattoos (Not once, but many times) which cost a bomb, done at "famous" tattoo shops.
The best part - Tattoo Artist Wanna-bes, have their own shop, acting all professional but charging more than half the price lesser, than that I am charging. I have 2 kinda people in this kinda situations.
Firstly - Comparing prices. Saying, "I did this in that shop, the guy only quote me $80". Where I would charge maybe, $150 for the size and design but I would do it free if I were to do in that quality !
Secondly - People who regret. Saying, "I did this in that shop, the guy spoilt it. Can you do something bout it?". I would be pleased to do what I can do to the badly done tattoo, but sometimes I do turn them down, cause they are way beyond coverups at times.
If a person can pay so much for something which is not permanent, why not pay for tattoos which will follow you till grave.
By now, I am very sure to piss alot of people off who read this article.
Remember - Only those who are guilty gets pissed off. So, if you are pissed off, get off my fucking blog !! Hehe !!
All I can say to them is, "You can go and fuck yourself."
There is a saying, "The bitterness of a poor-quality tattoo will linger long after the sweetness of a cheap price is forgotten." Or in other words, " Good Tattoos Ain't Cheap, Cheap Tattoos Ain't Good".
I am sure everyone is aware of that phrase or have seen it in tattoo parlours everywhere. But I still wonder, why is that everyone wants a cheap tattoo.
I have encountered 100s of them walking in over the past few months, bargaining the price of tattoos like they are bargaining for fish in the market. This is a Tattoo Parlour for God's Sake!! And to those who don't know what that means, You need to wake up !!
I know I sound kinda pissed off at this issue. Well, every professional tattoo artist should be, and would agree with everything I have to say in here.
Quote by Karen Hudson
"If you really want a tattoo from a particular artist, why are you going to let a price tag hold you back? You do realize you'll be wearing this tattoo for the rest of your life, right? If you don't think that's worth a few extra dollars, don't get it! "But I can get the same tattoo from my buddy for half that price!" Fine - you go see your buddy and don't come looking for a shoulder to cry on when you end up with a lousy tattoo or get some kind of disease or infection from improper sterilization."
I have customers who wanna bargain a $100 tattoo, all the way down to $20 !! Are they high on some cheap drug which cost them only 5cents? God !! There are even some who show off their badly done tattoo, ( probably done free by some scratcher cum junkie ) and say, "This big one only cost me $10". Damn right, its only $10 because it comes along with HIV, HEP B, Permanent Disfigurement to the skin that bloats up. "3D EFFECT", Literally. Man, You really got a good deal !!
"Don't choose any artist based on price alone. Look at the portfolio. Ask around to see if they have a good reputation for good work. Check out the competition and compare quality, not prices!"
You only get what you pay for. Don't expect a good quality tattoo even if its a professional when you bargain prices all the way to the ground. You piss us off, we will make you pay for the rest of your life. I am very sure you don't want to be tattooed by a pissed off tattoo artist do you? And don't come running back saying the tattoo is badly done. Don't expect the whole cake when you only pay for a slice.
But on the other hand, there are also artist who charge alot for a tiny tattoo where you can get triple the size elsewhere, still with good workmanship. Why is this so? Number one reason - We all have rents to pay !! Some places have higher rents - They have to charge higher for the tattoos too. And seriously, I have seen some bad tattoos (Not once, but many times) which cost a bomb, done at "famous" tattoo shops.
The best part - Tattoo Artist Wanna-bes, have their own shop, acting all professional but charging more than half the price lesser, than that I am charging. I have 2 kinda people in this kinda situations.
Firstly - Comparing prices. Saying, "I did this in that shop, the guy only quote me $80". Where I would charge maybe, $150 for the size and design but I would do it free if I were to do in that quality !
Secondly - People who regret. Saying, "I did this in that shop, the guy spoilt it. Can you do something bout it?". I would be pleased to do what I can do to the badly done tattoo, but sometimes I do turn them down, cause they are way beyond coverups at times.
If a person can pay so much for something which is not permanent, why not pay for tattoos which will follow you till grave.
By now, I am very sure to piss alot of people off who read this article.
Remember - Only those who are guilty gets pissed off. So, if you are pissed off, get off my fucking blog !! Hehe !!
la Moustache and Watch
La Moustache, a 6.5 x 7 inch 3 color screen print on nice 10 x 10 paper.
Image and printing by me and meryl.
Super limited addition of 8, signed, numbered and titled.
Only 5 left for sale. $25
Want one? Email me at moustache(at)shawnhebrank.com
and here's a watch I painted with watercolor.
You Can Judge a City by the Quality of Its Drag Shows
It's true, and Minneapolis has one of the finest in the country.
Heather and Lori came for a few day visit from Massachusetts, and we hit the "Gay 90's" club on saturday night for their 3 hour show. It was amazing. I wish we had pictures from the night, but alas. We'll have to go again.
The next day we went to the shop and I gave Lori this drag queen pin up.
4 hours total, and she did great.
Thanks for visiting guys, we had fun.
Heather and Lori came for a few day visit from Massachusetts, and we hit the "Gay 90's" club on saturday night for their 3 hour show. It was amazing. I wish we had pictures from the night, but alas. We'll have to go again.
The next day we went to the shop and I gave Lori this drag queen pin up.
4 hours total, and she did great.
Thanks for visiting guys, we had fun.
I Want Your Skull
www.iwantyourskull.com puts out a super sexy zine based on images of skulls, from a variety of artists. This issue, both myself and the huggable Kevin McNutt (also of Identity Tattoo) have pieces showcased. On top of that, each zine comes with a few "extras", which includes a greeting card made by yours truely. (pictured above)
You can see more of the zine, and even order your own Here.
Keeping it dirty.
Here's the latest sketch I did for Fecalface.com's "Free Fridays".
I try to do it every week, but sometimes Thursday comes and goes without any warning. The topic this week was "Games", and although I don't play chess, it's less cliche than doing up some poker illustrations.
And I like the IDEA of playing chess.
I woke up, and it was Autumn.
"At the autumnal equinox (Sept. 23, 2007, 5:51 A.M. EDT), the sun appears to cross the celestial equator, from north to south; this marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere."
We've been rocking out to a lot of the Black Keys at work, and I play endless amounts of Tom Waits when I'm at home. That, mixed with the fact that it's getting chilly, and I'm blending some gritty, bluesy aesthetics into my work.
Here's Trauma T's arm. he gave me lots of freedom, and we're both happy with the results. He's a music producer here in the twin cities, and is planning much more work in the future.
We've been rocking out to a lot of the Black Keys at work, and I play endless amounts of Tom Waits when I'm at home. That, mixed with the fact that it's getting chilly, and I'm blending some gritty, bluesy aesthetics into my work.
Here's Trauma T's arm. he gave me lots of freedom, and we're both happy with the results. He's a music producer here in the twin cities, and is planning much more work in the future.
Fall is Almost Here!
Saturday at 5 am is the offical start of fall, and man, it's nice. I've been loving some of the cold nights we've had out here in Minneapolis. I need to do a bunch of tattoos with branches, dead leaves, corn, pumpkins, bales of hay, whatever; if you're feeling it too, get at me!
The mockery of Steve Irwin's death that I did on Lee was finally published, barely missing the one year anniversary. Let this be a lesson (again) not to grab wild animals. Bad things happen.
Also, Matt Norman seems to think I rock, and asked me to do this up for his girlfriend. It's 8 inches tall, and in watercolor.
I hope she likes it!
The mockery of Steve Irwin's death that I did on Lee was finally published, barely missing the one year anniversary. Let this be a lesson (again) not to grab wild animals. Bad things happen.
Also, Matt Norman seems to think I rock, and asked me to do this up for his girlfriend. It's 8 inches tall, and in watercolor.
I hope she likes it!
Sun Ray - Dot Work
For many millennia the Sun was believed to be at the center of the Universe, around which all other heavenly bodies radiated. The Sun was a symbol of both royal and divine powers, adopted by both secular and religious authorities.
Nearly every culture has a creation myth that explains how the sun came into being, and often times an accompanying apocalypse myth that details the end of the world, as we know it, when the sun is destroyed or devoured in some manner. Many cultures have myths that explain the rising and the setting of the sun, and this repeating cycle of light and dark has come to symbolize life and death, regeneration and reincarnation.
I had a customer walking in, asking for the "Rays" of the sun, to be done on his arm. Sounds easy. But as he elaborated further, he actually wanted it to be done in "Dot Work". Meaning? Basically the design does not consist of any outlines or shading, but its purely done by just dots. Nothing else, just plain DOTS !!
Nearly every culture has a creation myth that explains how the sun came into being, and often times an accompanying apocalypse myth that details the end of the world, as we know it, when the sun is destroyed or devoured in some manner. Many cultures have myths that explain the rising and the setting of the sun, and this repeating cycle of light and dark has come to symbolize life and death, regeneration and reincarnation.
I had a customer walking in, asking for the "Rays" of the sun, to be done on his arm. Sounds easy. But as he elaborated further, he actually wanted it to be done in "Dot Work". Meaning? Basically the design does not consist of any outlines or shading, but its purely done by just dots. Nothing else, just plain DOTS !!
After pricking in 1000s of dots in his arm, it was done. Of course, he felt every dot tat was done on him - Each and Every dot !!
Pictures/News
So, April 18th-20th, 2008 I'll be attending and working the Philidelphia Tattoo Convention. That will be my first time working on the east coast since the move, as I won't be working in CT this winter after all. If you want an appointment at the convention, email me soon. I'll be taking on limited projects only, though, since time and space is so limited.
New Identity Tattoo shirts coming out. Here's the test one as a sneak peak.
Here's the guys I work with hanging out in front of the shop. Kevin's on the left, and Todd (Lucky) on the right is the owner.
New Identity Tattoo shirts coming out. Here's the test one as a sneak peak.
Here's the guys I work with hanging out in front of the shop. Kevin's on the left, and Todd (Lucky) on the right is the owner.
Sailor Boyz
Hey Everyone !! Let me introduce to you, 2 of the coolest people I have ever met !! Won't leak out their profession though. But a little secret - ( One of them works as a superhero ) Haha !! Lets call him Kelvin - "The Man with a Shape of a Bear's Head on His Chest" .
Don't Mess with me. Kelvin -"The Man with a Shape of a Bear's Head on His Chest" by my side !!
Saint
Sinner
And also introducing - Shawn or Sean,(However you spell the name) AKA "John Cena Lookalike" Giving you both sides of mankind. Either be a Saint or a Sinner !! Dig It?
Showoff !! Haha !!
Nice having you guys in my studio. Do hope to see you again. I kept my promise !!
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