I'm wanting to get a new tattoo that I have been thinking about for a long time since my daughter was born. But I'm having trouble coming up with the complete design. I know what I want but I can't get it to paper where it looks like I want it. How much would you think it would cost to have someone do some of the design work for me since I can't seem to get the design down myself. The design is going to have pinstriping behind it and I can handle that part easy but I can't get the rest of it down to a point that I like it. I like the style of artwork that Mcphail does but I'm so far away that it would be hard for me to get him to do it. Since I live in arkansas and he's in kansas. Plus I don't have a whole lot of cash right now to be spending on gas with the holiday's and all. So I figure if I can find someone to help me with the flash I can get a local tattoo shop to do the actual work. I know there is a lot of artists on here so I thought I would ask. Maybe we could trade out some work for parts or something who knows.
most tattoo artists...at least the good ones...will do design work for you cheap or free in my experience.
My advice is to deterime if the shop is clean and professional. (most are now days) Then tell the tattoo artist what you are intrested in and this is important tell them where you want it. Let them fill in the blanks. One more tip, go big.
Heres a great idea get the words, Your Name, tattooed on your ass you will win a shit load of bets when you tell someone, "I have your name tattooed on my ass."
If you go in to any decent shop the artist will usually take a deposit on the drawing. My artist usually takes 20-30 bucks. This is just to cover the cost of drawing up the tattoo and the possibility of you not coming back. Also if you really like someones work and cant get it now then wait til you can. Dont settle for someone close cause you cant get somewhere asap. I wait 6 months just to get in the seat of my artist. I could go somewhere else, but I wont enjoy the work as much if at all. The tattoo is on you forever and you want to be happy with it. If you really need to get it now then visit shops and look at portfolios. Make sure they can handle what you want. Good luck with it. Remeber this...just because they are tracing a line doesnt mean they can follow it perfectly.
Well coming from someone who is heavily tattooed. Find an artist you are very comfortable with first and foremost. Sit and talk during some of his down time and get a feel for what type of dude he is and what kind of shop he runs. If he wont answer questions, show you how he cleans his gear, and let you talk to some of his clients? Haul ass from him. If he has been in biz for a while he should have a reall good eye for what looks good, especially what looks good on you. Not every tat looks good on every one. Also if he has been in the biz a while he is keeping up with trends and what is new in ink and design. If pinstriping is what you want? Take a few old hot rod mags in with you as reference. I have some old school hot rod flames on my inner left forearm. That guy knew exactly what I wanted and drew them out like he read my mind. But mostly I go to Marty Laster at Refined Tattoo in Palm Bay Florida. He is the man in my opinion. But find someone who is clean, has a clean shop, and is willing to go over the process with you up front.
Or how 'bout a rooster on your leg?....Always good for a beer bet when you bet that you have a cock hanging down below your knee
The Jalopy Journal
