Cool title of the post, don’t you think!?
Just kidding.
To be totally honest with you, these aren’t really secrets, but still I’m surprised to see how most people completely overlook them. I guess that must be why tattoo removal is such a profitable business these days?
This is a great step-by-step plan to follow if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo and want it to turn out as good as it possibly can.
Here’s we go…
Secret #1. Find a purpose or a meaning
Nothing wrong with getting a tattoo “just because it looks good”. But if you want a tattoo that you’ll be sure to feel proud of and love for the rest of your life, you’ll want it to have some kind of “deeper meaning”.
Ever seen Miami Ink? Have you noticed that every single person that walks in their door and is being showcased on the show has some kind of purpose or story behind their tattoo?
Why is this important?
Well, first off it makes the odds that you’re still going to be happy about that tattoo a few years down the line that much greater.
It has a cool little side-benefit too (especially if you’re single): When you have a deeper meaning behind your tattoo and you share that with other people they often instantly tend to look at you as a more interesting person.
You’ll probably also find that people walk up to you more frequently at the street, at parties etc. wanting to compliment you on or ask questions about your tattoo. If you’re a naturally shy person, this is a great way to have girls/guys approach YOU, instead of the other way around 
Ok, enough of the “dating stuff”…
So how do you find that “special meaning” for your tattoo?
Here are some ideas…
- Have you experienced a tragic/happy event or moment that you’ll never forget?
- What are your values and beliefs?
- Is there a person in your life that has a special place in your heart? (be careful here…you know what I’m talking about!)
- What are your aspirations/goals?
Secret #2. Come up with a *killer* idea
This is often the hardest part…But a lot of people often make it a lot harder than it has to be.
Once you know what you want your tattoo to represent, all you have to do is figure out what it is that is going to symbolize that memory, value, event or whatever it is.
One mistake I’m seeing a lot is people looking around forever for that PERFECT tattoo design, but there’s always something wrong with the designs they come across. Be it the colors, that something is missing, the size, or that it’s just not the right “style”. As a result, they end up frustrated and never get that tattoo they wanted.
It’s highly unlikely that you’re going to find a tattoo design that’s a 100% spot on no matter how long or how hard you look for it.
Let’s say you’re a member of TattooMeNow…
Yes, we do have thousands of designs in our gallery, and it’s growing every month. Does that mean you’re going to find that perfect dream tattoo among them? Not very likely.
BUT, it’s very possible that you’re going to find a great design that can be slightly modified, added to, combined with another design, or something that’ll just spark an idea.
The real secret lies in realizing that most tattoo artists are willing to make any changes you’re asking for.
Here are a few tips on what you can do that will hopefully get your ideas flowing:
- Combine two tattoos into one
- Add tattoo lettering to an existing design.
- Ask your artist to modify or add something to a design
- Find a photo of what you’re looking for and tell your artist to turn it into a tattoo
Beautiful photos that can easily be turned into tattoos are actually something people have been asking me for, and we will most probably include a gallery of such photos in the new version of TattooMeNow that will be launching in the near future.
I can’t promise that it’ll be there on the launch day, but it’s definitely something we’re planning on includin pretty early on.
If you simply can’t find ANY design, photo or whatever that you can bring to your artist, you’re pretty much left with one option and that is to try to communicate to the artist exactly what it is that you want and have him/her draw a custom design for you. This MAY work well if you’re good at communicating and the artist “gets it”.
Oh, I almost forgot…there’s of course the option of drawing it up yourself, if you have a talent for that.
Secret #3: Find a world-class, super-duper fantastic artist
This is obviously a crucial step to making sure you end up with a great tattoo.
Here’s a step-by-step approach that I recommend you follow…
Step 1. What type of tattoo are you getting? Is it going to be black & grey or colored? Are you willing to travel or are you going to be limited to the artists in your local area? These are all important questions you should ask yourself before you start looking for an artist.
Most artists specialize in or are better at certain styles or types of tattoos. Others only work with color etc. The answers to these questions will determine the size of your list of potential artists that will compete for the honor of doing your super-awesome tattoo
Step 2. When looking for a shop and an artist, look at their previous work. Most shops have websites where you can view the tattoos the artists have done. Type in “Tattoo shop” + “your city” into Google and you’ll most probably find the majority of the artists in your area. If you have friends with tattoos you like, ask them who the artist was.
Other ideas for finding artists are browsing tattoo magazines, visiting conventions and talking to people online. Don’t forget to create a list of all the artists you find most interesting.
Step 3. If you’re really serious about finding the very best, you’ll want to pick the 2-4 artists from your list you’re most interested in and do some more research on them. Check if they’re a member of the Better Business Bureau and if they have any records there. Search for their name and studio online and see if you can find any further info on them, maybe even comments from previous customers.
Then, go visit all the shops and ask a few questions such as how long they’ve been in business, if they have any references, how many tattoos they’ve done, if they guarantee their work and if you can have a look at their portfolio. Based on the impression you get when visiting the artists, pick the one you like best and make an appointment.
Step 4. When showing up in the studio, make sure the artist’s work area and needles are clean and that he/she has all the proper certifications. Then pray a silent prayer and hope for the best
This may look like a lot of things to go through just to get a tattoo. But if you look at your tattoo as a lifetime commitment that you’re going to be looking at every day I’m sure you’ll realize it’s worth it.
Mark
PS. Do you have any other tips, tricks or secrets you’d like to share? Post a comment below!
113 comments to "“The Secret 3-step Ninja Method For Getting a Super-Awesome Tattoo”"
1 | Leanne
With regards to Sheryl’s lion design….. i am loving the lion and the detail. what ditracts me from it though is the wheel spoke like design in the mane. With all the detail in the lion itself i feel like it somehow does not do it justice. Kind of like a half finished work of art. The flowing lines clashing with the sharp.
[Reply]
Nicholas Vanderlaan Reply:
August 8th, 2009 at 11:29 am
@Leanne, Possibly eliminate the design in the mane.
[Reply]
mich Reply:
August 12th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
@Leanne,
yeah good idea..i have a secret love..i need someting to reperesent us..someting that i will have half and he has the other half
[Reply]
2 | Anusha
Hey
I have to say i totally agree with the 3 step process. I have 4 tattoos now and everyone of them has a story to tell, and yes it does make for very interesting conversation, unfortunately for me it just stops at yes its a little personal 
but i do believe in the steps and always try and fit them into my next tatto’s process thanks for posting this.. so its easier for me to tell others what to do! i can simply guide them to ur blog 
cheers
PS: keep posting stuff like this!!
[Reply]
3 | Elizabeth
The lion’s head made by Sheryl is awesome. Are we allowed to utilize that for ourselves? I have always loved lions and this is the first lion tattoo that is close to the real thing.
[Reply]
4 | Jimmy
Hey mark I wonted to ask you if had eny idea on how to fix a scared tattoo???
[Reply]
Judy Stevens Reply:
August 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
@Jimmy, Yes, you will have to go to a dermatologist and they can inject your scar with a type of medicine that will make the scar reduce in size. I don’t think it would change the color or design as long as you don’t laser it. Good luck!
[Reply]
7 | Victor
It looks good… good advices for first timers… But what about the new tattoo artists? They have no records, or 1000’s done tattoos,… or even they are just 18 years old… Isnt it unfair with those who want to initiate in business, have the talent, but no expertise???
[Reply]
Tim Reply:
July 9th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
@Victor, Hi victor, I have to totally agree with what you are saying for I am trying to break into the field myself. I would have to say your gut feeling and pictures. The new artist’s needs to do as many tats as possible and build that portfolio.
[Reply]
Tipper Reply:
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:39 am
@Tim, I agree with u all also, as i am a new artist myself…..
[Reply]
Shaz Reply:
July 10th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
@Victor, How about finding an artist you like and doing some apprentiship work for a bit to get your work and your name out there while working on your portfolio. Nothing wrong with going thru the back door.
[Reply]
9 | Angela
Thank you so much for all this! I’ve got a very personal story that I want to have tattoo done on. It will be my first tattoo, though I’m sure not my last. It means so much to me that I’ve been very hesitant on how to get it done right and have waited much longer than I would have liked. This helps me know how to start! Thanks!!
[Reply]
10 | David Harrris
New artists, like any profesional need to get out in public so people recognize your name. The first 50 tattoos you do are your calling card. I’ in the middle of starting my professional life, nails to the quick and lots of spaghetti dinners.
DAVE
[Reply]
11 | Tim
Hey, Awesome lion Sheryl great detail. Can’t wait to see more of your work. Mark I think the advice I could have used a long time ago, seeing how I learn the hard way, but I got something out of the advice which is right on the money thanks. PS Just go into the tattoo shop and look at the pictures of their work. If they don’t take pictures of the work that should be a red flag, for me. Ask lots of questions and trust your gut.
[Reply]
12 | ElleMae
I have a question; I need to know how to get rid of a tattoo. Its for a job and no it not by my choice. Very thin outline of a cross thats about an inch across and two inches in length. How do I get rid of it without lazer treatment???
[Reply]
Gem Reply:
July 11th, 2009 at 5:05 am
@ElleMae, the only proper way to get rid of a tattoo is lazer other creams etc on the the market can leave you with nasty scaring. Go to a reputable tattooist and get it done properly.
[Reply]
Serena Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
@ElleMae, Hey, I have heard but have not tried. Wrecking Balm tattoo removal. It supposdly works really well, from what the website says. An I wouldn’t mind hearing from other people if they have used it themselves. As I have one myself that just needs to be lightened up a bit to turn around an be covered.
[Reply]
Jessica Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
@Serena, I have heard from people to stay very far away from Wrecking Balm tattoo removal because it has cause bad scars or burning on the skin that looks way worse than having the tattoo. Maybe try a cover up tattoo of something you would be happy with? If you insist on getting it removed, stick with what we know works, laser.
[Reply]
jeremy Reply:
September 25th, 2009 at 12:18 am
@Serena, wrecking balm is a very painful treatment you are basically sanding the tat off your body
[Reply]
jeremy Reply:
September 25th, 2009 at 12:16 am
@ElleMae, if the tat your trying to get rid of is old and not to dark you can ask an artist to tat you again only this time use peroxide instead of ink! If its kinda light 2 or 3 treatments usually works if its real dark you will only fade it. this really works you still have to treat it like a fresh tat and its not painful
[Reply]
14 | dorothy a ruth
in regards to finding the best tattoo. i wanted something no one else has or would ever have. i chose a butterfly tattoo where the wings are hearts with center hearts that are colored and flowers around the center heart. the outline is the color of my center hearts with the flowers being a shade lighter. the body and antennae are green with a green outline. awesome. i will love this tattoo for a lifetime
[Reply]
15 | valerie
I like the lion it to me repersents strength that is something that i’m looking for in a first time tattoo but in trible and with a pawprint in the middle in stead of a head , i love the colour but for on me i’m not that big in colour more black and white
[Reply]
16 | Donna
I did it on June 28th after having the idea in my head for about 13 years. With my daughter help I have my first Tattoo. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. Pistol Pet in Corpus Christi Tx was the artiest. He was great drewing up my idea coming up with the design that work. I hope to share a picture of my new Tattoo, I’m just not sure how to do it yet on here. The help I recived from this site has been the best. My tattoo has true meaning to me & allot of thought has gone into it. Thats the best way to go I feel.
Donna
[Reply]
17 | Celeste
WoW, what a beautiful lion design, the colours and the detail in the face is on top.
Thanks for the info on the 3-step process. Our area is very limited of tattoo artists but I will definitely follow the advice and do a google investigation. Yes I am in search of THE design, I saw a picture on a t-shirt quite a while ago, I ahouls have bought the blooming thing then, so hopefully I can find the t-shirt with THE picture for my next tattoo.
[Reply]
18 | Jupi Arevalo
WWWWOOOOOOOOWWWW!!! AWESOME DESIGNS MAN…. I GUESS THAT WILL LOOK GREAT ON MY SKIN…. THANKS MAN ….
SEND ME MORE!!!!!
[Reply]
20 | Turb0
The info provided in this blog is great. I’m yet to get my first tattoo, but i have been looking at many designs and trying to find as much info on artists in my local area (a few have web sites). The tattoo I’m looking at getting is based from a photo, and I’m still looking for lettering to go with it. I’m yet undecided wheter to go for colour or b&w although the photo is mostly shades of grey. Hopefully the info provided here guides me well. PS The lion design is cool, keep up the good work
[Reply]
21 | Susan Bury
I have been searching for a brightly colored, detailed Monarch butterfly no larger than a quarter. Do you have such a design?
[Reply]
Jessica Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:08 pm
@Susan Bury, Problem is, the smaller the tattoo, the less details you can get. The ink if not immediatly, over time will bled together and it will just look like a blob.
[Reply]
Meghan Reply:
October 6th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
@Susan Bury, Just some advice try national geographic or a actual real life butterfly refrence book. Remember too the smaller the design,the less detail you want really. My first fairy looks like crap cause the artist tryed to squezze in every detail, and she’s only 3 inches tall. Be picky, research your artist and thier techniques before choosing who to have it done by. One tattoo addict to another.
[Reply]
22 | Ryan
I agree with the 1st step, i believe it has to be something very meaningful, or else why are you getting the tattoo. The lion tattoo is very good design. But, i think the sun in the mane could be taken out. I think it would be a much better design
[Reply]
23 | Lisa Langford
Im a tattooest and artist myself and i find when i am tattooing you can take the same storkes with a tattoo machine and the same with a pencil or a paint brush.They all feel the same .
To me they do any way,And i have never been shown how to use a tattoo gun.I have been doing it now for 4 and a half yaers now.
[Reply]
Pat Lennon Reply:
August 9th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
@Lisa Langford, I admire your courage, as a line artist I’ve designed a number of tattoos for people & while I have a few tattoos myself I’ve never had the guts to pick up a tattoo gun myself, after all with one of those you can’t rub out your mistakes
[Reply]
24 | Lou
Hello Mark
I’m reading all of those that submits their information and have been learning about tattoos….
I have my first tattoo and I am thinking of having another on my arm…sleeve
Will let you know …so far I am thinking about the tattoo design…it’s probably going to be Hawaiian style and ocean waves..and I will keep you in touch…
Lou
CA/HI
[Reply]
25 | Charles
Thanks mark I have been looking fo a tat one that I think will show what I feel now I have more tools to help me make an all round solid choice thanks bro.see you down the road…
[Reply]
26 | LouAnn
I have to agree with all of the steps. To me picking something just off the wall display is just picking because ya like it. I never pick anything off the wall all mine; and I have 5, are designs that I either drew up myself or found pics from certain places to use. The most powerful one to me on my body is the one on my thigh with is in rememberence of my aunt who had passed away years ago. I have a tiger head surrounded by lillies and a butterfly. The tiger represents her and her strength, the lillies because they were her fav flower and the butterfly because she was now free from her pain and suffering. My next one is my sons foot prints from when he was born.
Getting a tattoo is for life and to me it should be something that I will be proud to have on my body and meaningful. When it came to lettering this maybe weird but I used the microsoft word (or you can use any program you have) to find letering and the size I wanted and just brought it with me. Another tip may also help is I asked people about their tats, where they got it done, what did they think of the place or disliked etc. sometimes word of mouth can help out alot.
[Reply]
28 | Christine
Hey Mark I Love both designs. I think the Lion is extreamly realistic and althugh the design is also excellent I feel like it distracts from the Lion. Just my opinion someone else could easily love it just the way it is.
[Reply]
30 | Mat
i agree with Leanne. the Lion is awsome, in the shades of color as well as the detail. But the burning wheel design just doesn’t seam to go with the lion. the design itself is cool and the lion itself is cool, i just don’t think they complement each others design.
[Reply]
31 | Pakira Tata
Yeah I like the Lion Mark. It looks so proud in it`s stature like it`s supposed to !!
[Reply]
32 | Nancy
As always, sound advice, Mark. And the lion - just one word -WOW!!! The lion by itself is outstanding, but I think the wheel adds another dimension that complements the strength and beauty of the lion. I am looking forward to seeing more of Sheryl’s work.
[Reply]
34 | theresa
keep up the good advice! for those who dont!!! well look in the mirror! got a tatto regret??????
[Reply]
35 | MONICA
I SENT YOU AN E MAIL QUITE A WHILE AGO RE MY TATOO BEING TOO DARK ITS BLUE AND PURPLE I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE WAS SOMETHING I COULD DO TO LET THE PURPLE SHOW UP MORE AND MORE COULERFULL THAN THE BLUE
THANKS
MONICA
[Reply]
36 | Gem
I don’t agree with the first step. The tattoo doesn’t need to be meaningful at all. None of my tattoos have meaning and I love everyone. Do you think tattooist really want to be bored with Miami Ink style sob stories from every customer?
By all means get a meaning full tattoo but don’t just wait till your dog/nan/car dies to get a tattoo.
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:56 am
@Gem,
As I wrote: “Nothing wrong with getting a tattoo “just because it looks good”.”.
I just believe the likelyhood of regretting the tattoos isn’t going to be as high if you follow this process.
Mark
[Reply]
Gem Reply:
July 12th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
@Mark, what if you get a tattoo and something in your life changes? What if you get one for a bf/gf, husband/wife then you split? What if you get a tattoo that has a great sentiment but steps one and two of your proccess doesn’t work? Then you are stuck with a tattoo with a meaning that you hate.
I think its better to get tattoos because you love the image not because it has meaning. I think this is the key to loving a tattoo forever. If you are trying to put meaning into something it can all back fire.
I think its better to go to a fantastic world class artist and see what they can do for you with out the sob story or porly thought out design drawn by a loved gf (who probably cant draw as well as said artist) or one coppied off the internet.
[Reply]
Revathi Reply:
July 19th, 2009 at 1:52 am
@Mark,
Well, firstly gr8 tips…yeah its true tat ppl overlook all these steps then regret it later on…secondly,even if u haf no story to tell,i strongly believe tat e tattoo must reflect of ur taste n not juz look gud..coz times change and ppl change..even if u love e seemingly “good lookin” tatto now,u myte tend to regret it later on if u see sumtng tatz better lookin n mre fittin in the area where u got ure tatt..So i agree wif ur comment tat it muz b meaningful 2 u 2 a certain extend..There myte not be a so called sob story behind it but it muz reflect ure attitude, ure passion…Ure inner self…for u to truely appreciate tat tattoo n its soul..Im juz sharing my opinion to u n Gem..No hard feelinz..=)..
Rev
[Reply]
37 | Mike
Mark, Awsome advice in the 3-step process on getting a tattoo. I have one tat and definitely want another. I’m going to put your advice to good use when getting my next tat. The lion tattoo looks very majestic; although, the tribal sun looks somewhat out of place. Art, as with beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
[Reply]
38 | Chelsea
The lion tattoo makes me think that his heart is on fire for a deep passion or for some companion, and the lion is fierce to get what he wants. I love the look of it.
Keep up the amazing work!
PS: I already have six tattoos and they each have their own meanings/stories behind the surface. ^.~ I want one more, and of course, it’s difficult to find the one I want to symbolize what/who I want.
[Reply]
39 | heathergin
I so love ur advice! I have a few tragic stories that have made me the strong courageous person I am today. I’ve just sketched out a rough draft of one of them and think with the proper designer it would be an awesome tat that would tell it’s own story. THANX for the advice Mark!
[Reply]
40 | Shawn
I love the lion. I am a Leo so Ive been looking for a lion tattoo. think it would look great with my zodiac sign in the circle instead of the current design. I do like it as is though. It gives the Lion a trible look to it.
[Reply]
41 | amine
there is no hot tattoo for men a small tattoo
i don’t know how to explain but i am muslim and it is very important that the tatto will be onlu expressif for me. thanks for your help. i know it is crasy but you can help loool
[Reply]
42 | nicola
hi 2 things i have a unfinshed tattoo on my back and i would like i finshed but i dont know where to go the shop i gto it done at is closed so i dont know what to do and am looking 4 a new tattoo as well some where to go to get a killer new tattoo if u can help me with the 2 things it would be nice
i live in bedlington northumberland england
[Reply]
43 | Tami
Hi, Mark!
I don’t usually blog but… thanks for reiterating what you have been saying in your emails for a coupla years now…
I am amazed at the grammar in some of the posts…
In my interpretation of the lion tattoo, that is not a wheel, but the sun. The sun burns down on the lion and it is a part of him and his life on the plains. It is central to his way of life, taking a shady break in the days of his life, to relax and nap. Very nice artwork.
[Reply]
44 | Clay Vess
Is everyone just being nice?,I think that lion design is nothing special,they clash,like two different tatts I wonder what it would look like done.Just a matter of taste I guess,I’ve done worse.
[Reply]
45 | Tina Starcher
Nice tattoos I’ve really enjoyed viewing all the tatts I’ve seen! Thanks for everything
[Reply]
47 | Kamikazi
Very nice post, alot of people should read this not just tattooists. The lion tattoo is also amazing, I would love to do that on someone!
[Reply]
48 | Pedro T. Rodriguez
i want to get my eyes tattoo with the blacklight ink can u help me find a place that does this?
[Reply]
Jessica Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
@Pedro T. Rodriguez, I’ve heard that blacklight ink is not fda approved for humans. You can use it if ya want, but you never know the repurcusions.
[Reply]
49 | ray o hanlon
Hi Mark,
i have a tribal tattoo on one arm and im thinking about getting a tattoo with some sort of japenese writing on the inside of the other arm but need a few ideas.would you be able to help me out?
Thanks
Ray
[Reply]
50 | Clo-Bo-bellydancer-101
Wow those tips might just help, i’m nowhere near the age of getting a tattoo so i have a lot of time to think of what i want to get, but i’m fascinated by your designs and pictures…i wish i could post some of my designs up there, some are really good too, but i’m not a well known artist so i’ll leave it to the professionals. I can’t wait ’till i get a tattoo, it’ll be awesome
[Reply]
52 | Robert Carson
I agree with it totally the truth I have seen it as well time and time again I just gave a tattoo to my wife and it symbalize’s her and all the kids and it has turned out awsome she loves it.
[Reply]
53 | Aud-Berith Vinsand
Hey Mark
Thanks for mail..
I think the lion is cool, but i would´nt have it tattoo´d it on me.
PS:
I sent you a mail few days back, you have not sent me an answer. Have you forgot a about it? I am waiting with patience!
Greetings
Aud-Berith Vinsand
PS: Becomming a full member first comming monday!
[Reply]
55 | aralee
Hello Mark !! thanks for this lesson.. very helpful and informative .. thanks man
aralee
[Reply]
56 | Rosemary
Hi, the lion tattoo is amazing. Yes, I’ve seen the show Miami Ink. About their stories behind it, anyway I’m a widow, and looking for a particular style of red rose tattoo which will be my reminder of our wedding. On the other hand, my late husband like skulls and dragons, which I’m not fond of. I don’t mind if you can come up with designs of dragon/ skull around the rose(s). I like art.
[Reply]
57 | FlexTCat
Love the Lion tattoo. I have been looking for a great Lion tattoo (being a leo) and that REALLY inspiered me
[Reply]
58 | fury
Hey Mark, thanx for da lesson. i just got my first tatoo and it was quite a painfull experience but it was worth it! everybody is ballistic about it!!!1
[Reply]
60 | Michelle
hey so i only have 14 tattoos but i have a real nasty scar on my leg and i was woundering would it be hard for me to cover it up ?
[Reply]
61 | Charmaine
Love the Lion tattoo but without the wheel/sun (I am a Leo and love all and any cats). I am going to have a tatoo done soon my first at age 44. I already have a design just unsure if I should do it in shades of black and grey or in colour.
I absolutely love your website and letters.
Keep up the good work.
[Reply]
63 | Sashauna Gardner
Hey Mark!! I’m from Jamaica and its very refreshing to know that there are tattoo artists like yourself out there who will go the extra mile to ensure that when getting a tattoo it is solely for the right reasons and not a spur of the momment thing.I really enjoy visiting your website. GREAT ideas and tips.All the best as you keep expanding your network. Keep up the good work!!!
[Reply]
66 | Lilmom
Hi I have an idea for a tattoo! I want the word LOVE to go down side of my calf but inside each letter will have a name of my children which works cuz Love is 4 letters and I have four children but cannot find the right typr of lettering design and size for this to work!!!
[Reply]
67 | louise
think it is really nice. think it would be nice on a man’s back really well, not enough vision not as a female
regards louise
[Reply]
68 | JAKAL
I agree with all those steps and tips on how to get a tattoo. I been inking skin for more than a year now. The best tips there is to have the design you want and modify it or add something to it, even change the colors or some part of the design.
Or add texts to the design or add some tribal design around it it will surely look awesome!!!
[Reply]
69 | Huizar
the lion tatto its pretty cool i loved the colors…i dont havee any tattooss yet but i want a tattoo of a sun, moon and starss in likee an eclipsee orr somehting…the sttarss will mean my mom and siblings and God which are always there for me and the rays of the sun will mean ppl that have changed my lifee somehow …the moon and sun means balance and emotional health, wisdom and prudence and alsoo that theres always going to be light in my lifee… im not a very good artist i do have an idea of what i want but i want it to be perfect since is going to be with me foreverrr…soo if anybody has any ideaa of a desing im open !
[Reply]
70 | paul ripley
Hi mark and Sheryl.great lion and the detail is great.this is avery professional site with some very cool artists,one thing mark some feed back could be better but u cant please everyone.this site is the best i have seen on the web believe me i have searched for years and have no wish to look Else were,awesome want to see your new site.
[Reply]
71 | mark
Hi,
Loving the designs and good advice on the site.
I am going to meet a tattoo artist tomorrow i know has done work on friends in the past.
As this will be my first tattoo, the advice here has been a massive help and guide.
Luckliy enough the tattoo i want does have a lot of meaning for me and will be a one off in design.
The artist is relishing the prospect of working from a photo and has as much enthusiasm as myself for the design. Common interest.
Wolves.
Loads of wolf tats out there, but this is a wolf i adopted 4 years ago and thankfully due to the national wolf trust, he survived an almost certain death.
Have to say i am so excited to be getting this done finally.
He is an amazing tattooist and will do this justice.
Thanks guys.
[Reply]
73 | Teleiai Christian Ausage
Yeah, that is a great guideline for someone that needs a tattoo. Those 3 steps brings a lot meaningful to someone that runs out of idea of what kind of tattoo that needs to be design into reality.
On the other hand, talking about our Samoan tattoo, ppl seems that is just a decoration of the body with sexual connatation involves. However, we do really missed the real meaning of the whole tattoo. Thanks for a reminder of those 3 steps, that really help others of what tattoo is all about.
catch u latter
[Reply]
74 | Chea
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I Have seen or heard of people upset about the tattoos that they have gotten.My outlook is when I have grandchildren I want them to say to their friends that “do you see that lady with all the tattoos, that’s my grandma”.
[Reply]
75 | sergio marques
Thanks for the tips Mark! Would like to get my first tattoo soon.
Sergio
[Reply]
76 | Angel
mark,
this is a beautiful with great detail. The lion is amazing…. there are different ways that the tat can be adapted to make it suitable for someone who does not like the tribal wheel. But to me picture the wheel reversed….. then i can put s nice meaning to the wheel and the lion. If it was turned, i can see the tribal wheel as being a driving force ofthe lion. What really makes him the courageous, hunter, and king of the jungle that he is. See what i mean? but all in all its beautiful. She did a great job. I have a question. Have you thought up maybe an idea in a sorts as to have a challenge for your artists that are with you? I have a tat on my back with my nickname “LadyAngel” sitting on a cloud,with flames surrounding my nickname. My “A” has a halo on top, and my “y and g” have devil tails. The unfortunate event was that it was done by an ametuer who i made the decision to be a guinea pig because if i drew the tat as i have for him for others he really done a good job of putting it on. Well i drew this one, he done it, but i starting whelting up and turning really pale on my back where the tat was started, so i had him to stop. I found out a week later that i was pregnant. And somehow my body doesn’t do well with new tats during that time……. SO i never had it finished. anyway back to my question. If i send you a pic of my tat can you challenge your artists to come up with a beautiful design to either complete it or redo what is there, and send me ideas and the best i’ll have redone on my back and then the finishing pics resent to you. or maybe have members vote on the best design as sort of a contest…….. get my idea? anyway its a thought thanks so much for reading this.
SIncerely,
Angel
[Reply]
77 | mel robinson
some great tat’s on here but would love to see more femine ones too, flowers and that kinds of girlie stuff!!
[Reply]
78 | Roslyn
hi Mark
I also think the 1st step is important-otherwise???I’m thinking about having my birth sign ’symbol’ -sound boring?something small-what do you think?May be I’ll add some sign with it…it will be my 1st .Popped in at tattoo shop the other day-looks so sore-eww.Any advice?
[Reply]
79 | Rods
hey mark
I got an idea…but i can’t find it, i’m looking 4 a pic. of a wolf.
if u can help me, that will great
All the best-rods
[Reply]
80 | rebekah
thanks for all the helpful tips im sure i will have another great tattoo in no time at all
[Reply]
81 | phenyo vincent otukile
the lion tattoo is marvelous,i think your artists are damn good man,i will make some designs and send them to you one day.they really inspire me a lot.
[Reply]
82 | vince
that looks pretty good..
i’m looking for a nice tribal tattoo that is colored to cover-up my scar, hope u can help me, it’ll be awesome..
[Reply]
83 | Claudia
Hey Mark!, I live in Medellín, Colombia and ii havent´been easy for my to find the perfect artist and tattoo. I´ll follow your steps and maybe I´ll get what I want. I love tattoos!!!! (Sorry for my english)
Claudia
[Reply]
84 | Meghan
Mark great tips and your right we over look these things way too often. I was 25 when I got my first tattoo. It has great meaning and I love the design..but I regret letting the guy who did it, do it. Thank God I found my artist here in Las Cruces, NM. Cameron at Tattoo Co. He has not only turned my memorial tattoo to my deceased fiance into a beautiful piece of work, but has added 5 more to my collection since in 8 months. Eachone has a story, a memory, a meaning that will always stay with me. And one done in a stupid young love decison, but we can fix that. I really love the work and emails I keep getting from you, so thank you. Please keep them coming.
[Reply]
87 | Petra
WOW! That lion was/is gorgeous! Great job on incorporating the static majesty of the Lion with the active energy of the sun. Just superb, Sheryl!
[Reply]
88 | Elsa
Mark thanks for the advice!!i’m gonna have my first so i’m doing some research! i want to write sth but i haven’t made my desicion yet though i have sth in mind…the difficult thing is how to trust that the artist is gonna make the tat exactly as u want it…
oh and i agree that tats should have a meaning behind them.i want to have the face of Layne Staley tattooed on me but i’m gonna wait some years cause i’m a little young and this is a big ‘deal’
(sry for my english!i hope u ll get what i’m trying to say…)
elsa
[Reply]
89 | Gary E. Fassauer
Mark, Realy think have brought up important things to think about,Sheryl’s lion design is outstanding and changes easly made to fit the person, as a artist all my life and studing tattooing over 5 yrs and designed and tatted, I have comments I would like to share, after a tat design is appoved have it temporary transfered to the place you would like it and observe with others when person is in different positions how the tat reacts to skin movment, get construtive comments and adjust if need be or continue. Personally and happy to say, people are very pleased.
[Reply]
90 | kenn andrew
I actually admire for the tattoos and I want some more to show me. Please admmit me.cause I do like that. thank you by kenny andrew. thank tor the adds. and I accept you and you welcome .
[Reply]
92 | francisco mercader
i just got an inspiration from this design,..could you create something like a lions head with the torso, hind legs and tail of a dragon resting on the sun,..i’ve been trying to figure out for a long time how this would look like…it’d be a gift to me and my girlfriend
[Reply]
93 | Miranda
Hi, Great addvice. I am wanting to get my first tattoo. I have been looking around for years to find the “right” one..and suprise, suprise can’t find it.. I am wanting the picture signs for Cancer, Leo and Virgo as they are my kids birth sighs.. I don’t know how many web sits, magazines I have searched through. Do you know of any good sites I can have a look at..Or any other suggestions to make this happen sooner than later..Cheers
[Reply]
lea Reply:
August 7th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
The “wheel spoke like design” is most likely supposed to represent a “Sun”, as the Leo astrological sign is a Sun sign.
[Reply]