I tried tattooing the bottom of a client’s foot once early in my career. He had alot of prior ink in various places from other artists and myself, alot of it was very large work. He was able to endure all of it fairly well even in painful areas. Except his feet. He was unable to withstand the pain working on the bottom of his foot more than 30 hectic minutes. He was unable to sit still for almost all of it. What he wanted was a tattoo of a squashed bumblebee, entrails hanging out, the works. He ended up with just an outline. 6 months later, it had all disappeared except for a few spotted reminders of the experience. I won’t make the attempt ever again and I don’t recommend anyone else trying it

I’ve seen alot of that type of work unfortunately. These “wanna-bees” who are artisticly illiterate set up shop and until they’re run out of business by their own doing they do alot of damage to clients and the business overall. The worst part is there is little that can be done to stop them legally and alot to protect them. They’re protected by “freedom of expression” at it’s lowest excuse. Unless they are violating health codes or causing physical harm, infections, or unsafe practices they cannot legally be shut down by critique alone.

For example, If you choose a design to be tattooed, and the end result is horrible in appearance, distorted features, crooked or shaky lines and shotty color, so long as sterile technique is maintained and it heals well the law would say you have no rights for compensation because the tattoo is “The artists representation of the chosen design.” In other words, choosing your artist is much more important than the design alone”

Ask to see a photo portfolio of their personal work. Don’t rely on what you see on the wall. If they don’t have an impressive portfolio of past work to show you it’s not by accident. Study their portfolios carefully, don’t just flip through the pages looking for “Cool designs” Study the lines, look for steady smooth and deliberate ink. Make sure the photos are of healed tattoo work more than fresh ones. Don’t accept any excuses for second rate tattooing, there are no excuses worth the risk. If what you see in the portfolio is acceptable to you then go for it.

Well, I just got my Fusion Shader back from Time Machine yesterday. I checked the serial and it looks like they sent me a brand new machine. So hats off to Time Machine. Their customer service is top shelf

[ QUOTE=Joker1;49536]Hahaha is that you??

Yeah it’s me playing the “Velcro Loco” (Using strips of self adhesive I normally use to secure flash on the walls.) My Apprentice Joe is behind the camera. I told him about the famous guy this thread was created about :rolleyes: and we came up with this impromptu…

I don’t know about the rest of us in this section but this simple comment from him says alot to me. He’s taken a beating on crtiticism from us and his attitude is still good and respectful. I think he has the attitude that’s necessary to succeed in this business which can be half the battle. I give him credit for that.

I’m an Atheist simply because it appears every religion has a few really compelling stories, weighed down by countless ridiculous impossible to believe stories. I’ve never seen any deity worshipping religion that wasn’t heavily founded through hatred, intolerance or a need for control by it’s writers. Besides, if that means I’ll go to hell so be it. I’d rather be where I actually know someone if I’m to be there that long. I’d have too many issues with the boss to go to heaven, there’s a lot of resentment I’d have towardes someone who seems to be such an absentee father as him.

That’s a bit strange to say the least. You say you’re new to the business, a newbie. Then you claim to have a group of 3 – 5 artists at your beck and call for backup at these “tattoo parties.” During your normal studio hours however you’re alone in a 1100 sqft studio which has 2 workstations besides your own for tattooing? And why the hell would you need to hire a graphic artist to do you flash for you? Was “Art” something you felt wasn’t a contributing skill for the business?

I’m sorry but I’m calling the BS flag on this one at this point….

I have to be honest with you. From what you’ve told us I can tell you with absolute certainty that your life will most likely come to an end sometime within the next 60 or 70 years….. Probably, but maybe longer…

LMAO!!! Don’t fall for any of that Hokey pokey nonsensical crap! If you’re not even Asian, why subscribe to Asian superstition? If you did, by the same token wouldn’t you be just as likely to suffer bad juju from superstitions in every culture and background as well? You’d never be able to keep up. Virtually everything you do will be considered bad luck to someone, or good luck to another. Don’t worry, be happy drink beer and so on……:)