Am I crazy? - surprise tattoo

Delorian

Ok, so I'm not sure whether to write the long or short version, so I think I'll write the long one and put it in a spoiler block to not bore ppl who want the low down. The spoiler contains the story leading up, after that is what I'm planning.

I have 3 tattoos and after putting a decent amount of time into designing them and researching the artists, I found that they didn't do the best job they could, simply because I gave them a design to copy. For a while I have wanted to give an artist I trust the freedom to do something they want to do and produce something wonderful.

I arrived in New Zealand about 6 months ago and about 2 months ago I met a girl who had a spectacular Japanese half sleeve free-handed, minus colour. I was really impressed by the work. We got on very well, and I decided to go with her to her next session to get to know the artist and see the colour being added.

Two weeks later we went an hour out of town and on the train, I told her an idea I had being toying with, but had never really thought about pursuing. She thought it was a great idea, and the artist we were going to meet would also love it. I met the artist, and straight away she told him my idea, and he thought it was a great idea. I was hoping he'd say "I couldn't possibly do that", but he didn't. We were there for 4 hours, and at the end she asked me if I was going to book in, I asked the artist what he thought, and he said it was all he had been thinking about for the past 4 hours! I could hardly let him down now, could I? And I am a kind of random person, so despite my reservations...

I am booked in for a 4 hour session on Saturday the 14th Nov. with an artist I have met once and who's work I have seen very little of. I am offering him my whole back, to do with as he wants, for as much as it costs, for as long as he wants, in any way, shape or style that he wants. The only condition is... I am not allowed know what it is until he is completely finished, which could be minutes, or months!

So, what do you think?

Signpost

Its on your back, worst case scenario.. not a place you look too often! Make sure you post a pic update!

CianRyan

If thhe artist has a braint bwetween his ears and some tallent in his hands it could be awesome.

MAYBE say to him/her what you lik/dont like before starting the piece.

If all goes well, you have an amazing fullback, fully custom tattoo, which is tattooallty awrsome.


Ok, I know I'm very drubk right now, but tryand understand what I mean.
And reminde me to clarify tomorrow when I'm not so licke"!
Good luck, i yo decied toy get it!!!:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Star Lord

I think it's pretty cool, but you wanna be really damn sure and let the artist know what you DON'T like!

earleuginedoyle

i think its a brilliant idea!! the only part id be nervous about is that you don't seem to have picked the artist specifically.... you don't know how good/bad/creative he is!!
But good luck with it, you've got some balls to do it!
please post pics

Delorian

Well I won't be able to post pics for a few months, assuming that's how long he decides to take, as I'd end up seeing them myself. That part is actually getting complicated as I've had to format a memory card and mark it as the tattoo card, which I need other ppl to back-up the pics from.

Regarding how confident I am about him, I've seen some of his work on Facebook and know two ppl that swear by him. The girl I know, he's done her, her mother, step-father and brother. Small ones generally, but it's a good sign. And her friend has a huge number of tats and has won awards based on his work. I could put up Facebook links to examples, but I'm not sure that's appropriate for here.

Regarding what he can / can't do, he did ask if I wanted colour or b&w and I said colour. I requested he didn't do anything offensive (but added if he did, at least it would not be my decision, and would be a story). He asked if I wanted part or all of my back and I said it was up to him, but lets make it impressive. He said he wanted to convey a message, but I wouldn't give him any tips. He assumed I have travelled a fair bit as I am now here, and mentioned strength as a theme. However, I to have want minimum input. Some friends have said I should include something weird of my choosing like a My Little Pony, but I don't want to sway what he intends in any way.

Will keep you updated on how it goes anyway. Hopefully I don't get to see it until it's done, but that will be tricky. Plus I'm not long in my job and have no one to moisturise me! I'm going to have to ask someone random to accompany me to the toilet every few hours!

Zombienosh

tbh it sounds like he knows what hes doing and it sounds like he is a talented artist going on what youve been told, i say it will be impressive, the only thing id do differently is id like to be kept up to date with what his ideas are and see it as it develops but id let him do whatever he wanted and free hand, if i knew/ or had worked with him before.

AARRRGH

It's a terrible idea. Tattoos are for life. As you say yourself:

You don't know him
You barely know his work
You don't know what tattoo you're going to get
You don't know how long it will take
You don't know how much it will cost

If it turns out he draws something awful on your back, you'll be wondering what the hell you were thinking as it's so obviously a bad idea.

longshanks

post the links to his portfolio, that way folks here might better understand if the chap has any talent

DinoBot

It sounds like you have confidance issues tbh.

Its a very bad idea! This is going to be on you for life. I understand the whole 'go for it' attitude but come on!!!

Whats the harm of seeing his plans and giving some feedback on it. He might draw something he really likes but you find a bit strange or funny. Its on your skin, you need to be comfortable with it.

From my experience people are even comfotable with very bad tattoo's because it was thir idea at the time. Your starting off in a loosing position the way your going about it. Its not your to begin with.

I agree 100% with AARRRGH

tfak85

i have to say i think you're very brave.. especially considering you are paying him to do whatever he wants and he says he wants to "convey a message", you have no idea what kind of agendas this fellah might have!

if you do go with it then best of luck and i really do hope it turns out well but if, alternatively you decide to spend this massive sum of money on a really well planned tattoo that you are guaranteed to love forever then best of luck with that too.

Delorian

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=102446&id=564717592

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=80522&id=88650524215

earleuginedoyle

he is a very talented artist! i just hope you agree with the message he conveys on your back...

!!!

I think this is a fantastic idea, but.. your whole back? If I was to do this I'd get it on my foot or something.

I'm not going to go on and state the obvious even more by saying "what if you don't like it" but would you really be able to accept anything? Imagine if he did a portrait for example, or script..

Either way you only live once, blah etc, I still say do it.

AARRRGH

!!! wrote: »

Either way you only live once, blah etc, I still say do it.

That's why I think he shouldn't do it. You only have one back, best to get what you really want on it, rather than what someone else wants.

It sounds very insecure to me. No offence OP!

Star Lord

I still think it could be awesome, but make sure he shows you a sketch or explains what he's going to do before you let him even think about touching your back with the needle, because lets face it, you want to be sure you'll like it.

Delorian

AARRRGH and DinoBot, well I wouldn't say that I have confidence or insecurity issues. Well, maybe I do, but I would certainly say that me getting this tattoo does not display those.

Me putting this on here was not to be made feel secure, it was just to put it out there and get some feedback. And hopefully I've brought a smile to a face or two.

DamoElDiablo, that's the point, won't have any clue, no drawings, examples, hints, nothing.

!!!, feet and other areas don't have the same appeal for me. I may get them done eventually, but I don't see the point in a tattooist running wild on such a small, limited area.

Star Lord

Delorian wrote: »

DamoElDiablo, that's the point, won't have any clue, no drawings, examples, hints, nothing.

When it's this way, I can't help but feel that it seems pretty risky and somewhat reckless. What if it turns out to be something that you loathe? It's permanent, and I really don't think it should be taken quite so lightly! I really hope it turns out well for you, but I honestly do think you should at least have an idea of what's going to be permanently inked onto your body.

Delorian

So it's one week since I got the outline done, or at least the majority of it, and I still have no idea what it is. Well, that's not strictly true, I did see a corner by accident and have tried to forget it straight away, some guy told me the style, and obviously I felt the lines, but I wouldn't have too good an idea what's back there.

I must say, it's been a great experience so far. The tattooist was amazing, keeping the secret going and obviously enjoying having the freedom to do what he thinks will be best. Unfortunately, with a few drinks in me, I did show a good few randomers in a bar, but they were all good enough not to tell me anything. Of course I've had a few smart asses say the pink swastica's came out really well, the likeness of Britney Spears bald is amazing and the penis looks totally in place with the shape of my back, but I don't think they were telling the truth.

I've been told it's going to look really good when it's coloured and that'll likely change the whole appearance of it, esp. since the tattooist is such a good colourer, so I'm not overly concerned about finding out more, but God help anyone who tells me. I've been trying to think of ways of getting back anyone who tells me, but haven't come up with anything appropriate yet.

I must say though, maybe I'm a pansy, but 3 hours of outline on the back was killer. Virtually every part of it was as bad as every other part. Still though, for the experience, it's a highly recommended way of going about a back piece. Roll on the 5th for the next session...

jenizzle

wow... I dunno whether to say fair play or tut tut at ye, but I'm very excited to see this when it's done!

Very interesting way to go about getting a back piece! Maybe it's a nice mixture of Brit with some pinky swastikas Dunno how you couldn't have a look yet!

Star Lord

Delorian wrote: »

I've been trying to think of ways of getting back anyone who tells me, but haven't come up with anything appropriate yet.

I must say though, maybe I'm a pansy, but 3 hours of outline on the back was killer. Virtually every part of it was as bad as every other part. Still though, for the experience, it's a highly recommended way of going about a back piece. Roll on the 5th for the next session...

A punch in the teeth? :pac:

As regards the pain, everyone is different. Some people will have no problem with tattoos on their backs, others will really feel it!

Hope this turns out to your liking and can't wait to see it!

Dirk Gently

The outline is the worst part tbh. The shading and colour shouldn't hurt as much as he'll use different tips / needles than the type used for lining.

Star Lord

I found the opposite to be the case O_o

Outlining = 1 needle

Colour/shading = many needles

biko

Me too, the filling has always been the worst for me.
Very daring letting the artist work on you like that, fair play!

Dirk Gently

DamoElDiablo wrote: »

Outlining = 1 needle

Colour/shading = many needles

Yeah but it's not as intense. the single needle scrapes and scratches into your skin while the many close together aren't as rough. The shading is almost like getting a massage compared to the line needle imo. I'm always more uncomfortable getting the outline done.

Star Lord

Just goes to show how it's different for everyone!

idunno78

dunno if your doing this already but you should get someone to takes pics of it as ytou go along. to see the diff stages. post them up here after its all done.
fair play to ya for doing it, i would love to but wouldnt have the balls to!!

oh and yea pain is diff for everyone, my back didnt hurt at all hardly the one spot i would love to get done again! very relaxin for some resaon!! (was only my lower back tho)

Delorian

So I had my second session on Sat. Think it went quite well although am a little over acting like a retarded gymnast in public toilets trying to moisturise myself and also sleeping on my side. Still, it's all in a good cause.

No more of an idea what's back there, but ppl seem to be impressed by the addition of colouring / shading. I don't actually know what colours, if any he has used yet, but think it is still mainly grey / black.

The shading did hurt a lot more than my previous tats, but not as bad as the outline.

My next session is the 24th with my unveiling / unwrapping myself on Christmas morning, so that worked out well! After that he's going to be leaving it expandable, so we'll have to decide if I want more added or not. Am thinking about leaving it for a few months to enjoy it, and then letting him expand it in any way he wants, once again not telling me.

rizzee

Fair play to yah

Star Lord

Delorian wrote: »

So I had my second session on Sat. Think it went quite well although am a little over acting like a retarded gymnast in public toilets trying to moisturise myself and also sleeping on my side. Still, it's all in a good cause.

No more of an idea what's back there, but ppl seem to be impressed by the addition of colouring / shading. I don't actually know what colours, if any he has used yet, but think it is still mainly grey / black.

The shading did hurt a lot more than my previous tats, but not as bad as the outline.

My next session is the 24th with my unveiling / unwrapping myself on Christmas morning, so that worked out well! After that he's going to be leaving it expandable, so we'll have to decide if I want more added or not. Am thinking about leaving it for a few months to enjoy it, and then letting him expand it in any way he wants, once again not telling me.

Really interested in how this is turning out for you, I'm sure it's really hard to not try and take a peek. Your willpower in that is impressing me even more than the fact that you're getting a mystery tattoo!

I'll be logging on here on Christmas day for pics!!!

Dirk Gently

seriously, how the fuck are you resisting the urge to look. :eek:

Fair play to ye. hope it turns out well. make sure you post pics as soon as it's finished.

DinoBot

I'll be logging on for pics christmas day !!

Splinter

DinoBot wrote: »

I'll be logging on for pics christmas day !!

you and me both. wow. fair play mate

christ i hope its not the boards.ie logo :pac:

earleuginedoyle

i can't wait to see it!!! good luck on your last sitting

firebirdphoenix

Awesome! I love it! I did something similar with my sleeve...well I gave my tattoo artist full reign and I had no idea what he was going to do or how it was going to turn out. I also had no input during the tattooing, he made all the decisions. Granted I could see it as it was happening....
Anyway I'll be online on Christmas Day to see how yours turns out...it should be amazing!

Delorian

Merry Christmas everybody! Can't write much as going on as trip for Christmas, but here are the promised pics. I'm well chuffed, let me know what you think. Oh, BTW, I'm booked in for more in Jan but think I'm going to postpone for a few months to get used to what's done. Maybe I'll let you guys decide where he should go next, or let him have free reign again...









And here's the meaning he wrote for me:

The koi Dragon fish in Japanese folklore represents the overcoming of obstacles, because the koi fish travels up the yellow river and when it comes to the end of the river it transforms into the dragon; thus overcoming the adversity represented by the strong river to fufill its own destiny.
The Koi is the symbol of strength and will, the will to go against odds to reach the destiny. And the Dragon is the power and ferocity. The mystery and Aura.
i have more but im in a rush merry xmas

hunter164

That's deadly man!

P.S. love the spongebob belt

Star Lord

Thats awesome man, contracts! He did a great job!

AARRRGH

Although it has turned out ok (if anything it's kinda boring!) I still think this is one of the stupidiest ideas I've ever heard.

If he had of drawn a swastica, what would be be saying?

And wouldn't you rather have a tattoo you want on your back?

I would describe myself as a risk taker, but I just can't get my head around this.

Delorian

Cheers for the by-and-largely positive feedback guys. Will keep you updated, and as I say, if you've any suggestions or requests, pass 'em on and I'll see what we can do!

Toots

Tattoo is awesome! Can't wait to see what comes next! I have to say though, fair play for doing it, I don't think I'd be able.

CathalDublin

Could I ask you what artist in NZ done this?

Delorian

CathalDublin wrote: »

Could I ask you what artist in NZ done this?

Sure, it was Vaughan in Individual Ink in Paraparam. Any reason why you ask?

CathalDublin

Delorian wrote: »

Sure, it was Vaughan in Individual Ink in Paraparam. Any reason why you ask?

I'm currently in New Zealand, getting a coverup
Think I'm going to go with www.eurotattoo.co.nz
There work looks top notch

Delorian

CathalDublin wrote: »

I'm currently in New Zealand, getting a coverup
Think I'm going to go with www.eurotattoo.co.nz
There work looks top notch

Well the others I have seen the work of are Sacred Art in Auckland, The Powerhouse in Palmerstown North and some woman called Sue in Christchurch. Not sure the name of her shop, but she's really well known so you'll find out on Google. They are look like high quality but perhaps difficult to book artists.

dysfunktional

i think its a crazy and stupid idea with great potential to go tits up, his work is very average.im keeping my back for a special piece,not for someone to practice/doodle on me.not worth it

Star Lord

dysfunktional wrote: »

i think its a crazy and stupid idea with great potential to go tits up, his work is very average.im keeping my back for a special piece,not for someone to practice/doodle on me.not worth it

Well it was done months ago, and the end result was very nice from what I saw.
If you're referring to the tattoo that the OP got done, then I'd love to see what you have done if you refer to that as a practice/doodle.

dysfunktional

DamoElDiablo wrote: »

Well it was done months ago, and the end result was very nice from what I saw.
If you're referring to the tattoo that the OP got done, then I'd love to see what you have done if you refer to that as a practice/doodle.

I didn see the pics,its prety good allright ,but my point is id never let anyone near my back to do whatever he wanted!thats valuable real estate ,

Star Lord

Guess he was just confident enough in the artists abilities.

seanybiker

dysfunktional wrote: »

I didn see the pics,its prety good allright ,but my point is id never let anyone near my back to do whatever he wanted!thats valuable real estate ,

I'd have to agree with you there.What the original poster got is grand. I wouldnt be into it meself but thats neither here nor there. The OP seems happy with it so I guess he got lucky. Fair play to him. Wouldnt chance it meself, no matter how good its done. Although if I did ask someone to do whatever they wanted on my back and they ended up doing johnny cash, willie nelson, kris kristofferson and Waylon jennings portraits on my back then I'd be happy. Cant imagne that just randonly popping into some tattoo chaps mind though.

mig mag

Hiya, I think ur back looks fantastic. Glad it worked out so well for you.
Brave brave brave