Japanese 'horiken' style sleeve

groggles11

Right guys, ain't been inked before so I'm a complete novice. I have decided to go with a sleeve tattoo on my right arm - shoulder to the elbow roughly. I've landed on the traditional Japanese style tattoo - I don't want to clutter a tattoo of various 'meaningful' symbols that don't work PLUS this style of art has been appreciated ALOT longer than any fashion trend so I reckon it will always be somewhat decent to look at. From what my limited googling has led me to believe that 'horiken' is an actual artist? The stuff I have here that I'd like to incorporate seem to originate from this artist. I need you guys to critique the piece I'm planning (constructive criticism if possible) but with respect I probably won't alter it too much as I'm set enough on it. HOWEVER, I would also like you guys to recommend a suitable artist to complete the work. It would be good if the artist was not only very good at this style but able to put his own stamp on it and be able to take my ideas and formulate the best possible tattoo ( IE Not do exactly what I ask for if it isn't suitable).

Here is the crane I fancy having inked (What about an inflight crane?)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3389787118_c1d2f30655.jpg

I've found a similar sleeve to what I'd like here
http://americollector.com/wp-content/gallery/slave-to-the-needle/crane-pine.jpg

The problem with the above sleeve is that I find it to be quite dark, dull and insipid. So to give it more life and colour I'm thinking of adding elements from the following tattoos (namely the waves patterns and flowers)

http://legacy-cdn.smosh.com/smosh-pit/092010/sleeve-tattoo-7.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bunshin-club/3216979576/


Any feedback is appreciated. I'm not in any rush and would happily have the outlines etc done in one sitting and then come back in a month or two and have the shading done. I do not wish to rush this piece nor skimp on cost. I will pay whatever is most sensible for the best possible work. And now, over to you guys...

Pauleeeeeeee

Hey man.

Well if cost/waiting time isn't an issue for you then I'd recommend maybe headin' up to Belfast to White Dragon

Chris Crooks has been putting out some high quality Japanese work over the last year or two.

groggles11

Pauleeeeeeee wrote: »

Hey man.

Well if cost/waiting time isn't an issue for you then I'd recommend maybe headin' up to Belfast to White Dragon

Chris Crooks has been putting out some high quality Japanese work over the last year or two.

Excellent! This is perfect, exactly what Im looking for to be fair.

Bob goes to hol

I will second Chris, im 15 hours into my sleeve and couldn't be happier, his work is amazing, I was searching for over 2 years to find someone that I was happy tattooing my arm, it was a big step for me and to find someone of this quality on our shores was a blessing. Very unique idea btw. Good luck with it.

groggles11

Bob goes to hol wrote: »

I will second Chris, im 15 hours into my sleeve and couldn't be happier, his work is amazing, I was searching for over 2 years to find someone that I was happy tattooing my arm, it was a big step for me and to find someone of this quality on our shores was a blessing. Very unique idea btw. Good luck with it.

Ive checked out his facebook page and its made my mind up. He is doing the tattoo, very skilled and high quality work. :cool: