hey, so I'm seventeen right now, and at the end of the year, I think i want a tattoo ......If you've seen "Reign Of Fire", that dragon movie with Matthew Mchonnahey ,or whatever, he has a really sweet dragon tattoo that goes around his arm, shoulder, and entire body, I just want it on my arm, shoulder, then out on my chest. I've been thinking about it for a really long time.....
Here's a site that shows them,
http://www.bellaonline.us/~bodyart/movie/reign_fire/index.html
Remember, i just want a small one, black and gray, upperarm, shoulder, and peck.......I'm just wondering what you guys think, and if anyone is an expert, how much it might cost at a pretty high end shop (I want to go somewhere with a lot of good credit, like high voltage in LA "LA Ink", or somewhere in SoCal....Any Suggestions?)
X-man, long time no see. Too comfy in that leather chair to get to the computer and post?
All you guys are right in some way. But you missed a very important factor when it comes to getting a tattoo, that's being familiar with his/her work.
Try to see the work up close and in the flesh!
You don't want to pay big bucks or any money for that matter for inferior work.
Hey BaldBen. Touché ...
I have been buried at work and had to put my forum activities on hold for a couple months. Hopefully, the worst is over and I can resume my forum reading and posting.
(the good artists rarely do walk-ins in my experience).
This is a very important point..... so much so that my artist ($125 per hour) made this exact point to me. her logic was this... If they don't have people on a waiting list for a tattoo would you really want them inking you? If they can do a walk in they most likely are not good because they have no clientel.
Mike
Hey BaldBen. Touché ...
I have been buried at work and had to put my forum activities on hold for a couple months. Hopefully, the worst is over and I can resume my forum reading and posting.
Nice to see your bald mug again X!
As the others have said a good tattoo artist will charge 100-200 per hour.
Depending on the complexity and size it can take 10+ hours for a big piece but it is rarely done in one sitting.
I had to go for a series of 2-3 hour appointments (one every month or 3 weeks). Your work has to heal between appointments so its not like you walk in with 800 bucks and walk out with a big tatt.
What I would advise is;
1. Find an artist. Ask people that have nice tatt work where they go or surf the net for recomendations. Make an appointment for a consultation and talk to the guy and see samples etc.
2. save up enough for your initial appointment (the outline).
3. Schedule the next appointment as you leave and know that wou will need X ammount of cash before that time.
Getting a big piece dont is a commitment of time and money so be sure you are prepared to take this on.
If you are looking for a good artist in the LA area, I know of a guy that is very good. I interviewed him as a follow up to an article I wrote. He has traveled the world studying tattoing and has done all kinds of celebs (Montel Williams, Christina Agulara, Deborah Wilson from Mad TV). His name is Zulu and is easily as good as anyone on L.A. Ink.
He can be found here - http://www.zulutattoo.com/
His partner Lantz is very good as well.