Hi ya’ll, I’m relatively new to both tattoos and this forum. I’ve got two tattoos and lots of ideas for more, and look forward to transforming those ideas into ink.

I love my tattoos, and have no regrets, but have begun to realize after more research and learning how good my future tattoos could be. Up until this point I’ve pretty much just walked into the local places and gone with the guys there who looked decent. I think it’s turned out well, but not outstanding. Now I’d like to put some effort into finding a really high-quality artist who can work with my ideas, and was hoping some of you guys could steer me in the right direction.

I like more realistic-looking styles, not totally photo-realistic, but more like a painting-style realistic, if that makes any sense at all. I like animals and natural landscapes and am looking to get a mountain lion for my next tattoo. If anyone has suggestions for artists and portfolios I could check out, or other sources of tattoo learning, I would love that. Also, I live in the Southern/Central California area, so artists in the area would be great. Thanks!