My quick thoughts. I went with a tribal design on my right arm and not yet done with it either. I love the work that has been done, but like others have said over time some of your opinion might change. For instance I still really enjoy the tribal design that I have, but want to add more to it than what is there so that it isn’t a flat black piece of ink. I haven’t had the opportunity to go back to where my artist is to get more work done; which, evidently gave me more time to consider the rest of the work to be done. Browsing for ideas I’ve seen sleeves where the tribal work has been blended into a themed sleeve which looked really amazing. The tribal then became something more than it ever could have been if it was just left as the single design. Like I said I still really like my tribal, but seeing those other pieces gave me the idea to do the same with mine. If I would have came across that before it would be a lot easier to work the design in to the whole picture by overlapping some of the other artwork. If I want to do any of that now it will require laser work in appropriate areas, cause nothing can coverup solid black except more solid black. Basically I’m saying that if there’s any chance later on you want to add to the overall picture on your arm try to sort that out now. Its totally understandable why people don’t like tribal anymore, but if you’ve considered what these fine people have told you and still want the work done then go for it. Just don’t rush into it because that’s where you might find yourself having regrets later down the road. It took me 10 years (15-25) to decide I was good with my back tattoo, and about 8years (19-27) to seriously decide I was still good with getting tribal.

Cheers

Mi9nes not on my back nor is it anywhere near being finished, but just to share. The tribal piece that starts on my neck and works its way down to my arm (again needs lots of work to finish) was done on a Thursday afternoon finished by 5 or around that time. I left the next morning at 4:00 to do a 18 hour long drive back home. Had to put a bit of pad where my seatbelt was sitting. Other then a bit of chaffing all was well. The worst part of it all is that I couldn’t afford to go out and get more work done in the past year and a half, and it might be as long as Christmas or longer till I can get back out. I have to do a bit of talking to the artist on the phone, and exchange some ideas through e-mail before I go. Also will have to meet with him once I get there for more planning before the next actual session commences. Really inconvenient, but it also makes me think about how I’m gonna turn it into a nice half sleeve that isn’t just a flat tribal design. Sorry for the long reply. :rolleyes:

You should really work this all out with the artist. He knows his style and abilities. One thing is to allow him to do the work at his pace, don’t rush him because you are anxious. Also the sleeve can flow many ways, so it be a good idea to ask him what he would envision the sleeve to look like. This lets him to work with his own creativity and that is where you will get the best work from him. If he’s a good tattoo artist he will already have great ideas to throw at you. Once you have that plan everything will actually come together faster because you both know what to expect. Otherwise its like trying to write a novel without brainstorming the entire story line first.

You have a tough time remembering your name that you need a reminder?????

I was referring to BossNass. Not wanting a flame war or anything, but I was curious what kinda work appeals to him. I fully get why people dislike tribal so much. Its something I like and that’s why I got it, not because I thought other people would like it. There is a ton of other work that I would love to get. I just can’t see myself getting any of it on my arms.

That’s a pretty groovy piece of work there man!! That mask does look bad ass IMO

Yup I guess one can’t argue with that point. I know of people who did that with barbed wire bands an later went to cover them up. I myself always wanted tribal and waited 12 years (I’m 28) to get it just to make sure I wasn’t jumping on a trend. So yeah if a person is getting one on a whim because they think it’ll look cool or a buddy has one then its something that they should really look at and evaluate. To me that’s how all tattoo work should be looked at. I could have got a tattoo at 16 but glad I took my time. I’m sure that is why there is a lot of negativity against tribal artwork in the first place. That and with all the great artists coming out of the woodwork these days, one really has a ton more options choosing a tattoo than before. I simply mean that if he wants a tribal and has put a ton of thought into it (ten years down the road should be considered too) then by all means get one.