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TylerDurden · Tattoo lover Joined: 07 May 2008 Posts: 2

Hi everyone, thanks for taking a look at my post and offering your opinions, I greatly appreciate it. This is obviously my first post, but I feel like I have done my homework with regards to it. I have researched different artist, looked at a ton of different types, and narrowed down my first tat to one of two things, so I’m hoping for some guidance.

First the artist, I live in Chicago, so I would like to have Larry Brogan do it. I have followed his stuff for quite sometime and know that he is one of the best. I’m going to go down there this Saturday as I have noticed he just got back from a convention. Now when I go down there and I strictly booking the appointment to talk to him about my idea or should I be prepared to give him my ideas and the appointment is for the actual tattoo? Kind of a dumb question, but I just want to be prepared.

Next is the tat. I need some guidance from some vets. Do you feel that a half sleeve Japanese sleeve is becoming too common now? I really love the style and the art of these. Furthermore do you have any recommendations on some Japanese art books I could pick up to look at some different artwork for some more ideas? I like the Koi fish and cherry blossoms, Phoenix, but I feel like a lot of people have those now and would like something unique. I do trust Larry with making something completely unique, just want to make sure I have looked at enough stuff. Also is there anyone else around Chicago, that does better Japanese work then Larry I should look at? I noticed Harlan Thompson had some good stuff at Deluxe, opinions?

The other option I was going to go with is more of a Scott Campbell feel tattoo. Being that I live in Chicago though, it would be hard for me to 1. book an appointment 2. fly out there to get the work done. So I’m hoping Larry can come through, which I know he can. I was thinking about trying to come up with enough ideas to make a half sleeve. I would like to get 2 sparrows, one on the front top of my shoulder looking down, the other towards the bottom of the sleeve by the elbow looking at the other one. I would like to represent that love is hard to find, so in-between these I need some sort of chaos happening, any suggestions? I also know that for the sleeve I would need some filler so that’s what I’m most worried about, since my ideas for this is lacking. Also, I have lost people in my life that have been very close to me, so I would like to incorporate a Calaveras type skull (thinking the underside of my arm), maybe with a nice scroll underneath. Thoughts?

How much time am I looking at for a half sleeve by Brogan or Harlan? How many sessions? Also, do you tip after each session or just the final session? Again stupid question, but I don’t want to seem like an asshole.

mommabird · Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 10:47 am Post subject:

Hi Tyler, welcome to the forum Smile

I can't answer all your questions but had a couple of comments for some of them:

On your initial appointment, it depends. If you know exactly what you want and already have it drawn up, then you may be able to talk to him over the phone and take it with you to get started the same day. Since you are thinking of doing a sleeve, then I imagine this is not the case. For a bigger project like this, I would make the appointment just to consult with him. Take with you your ideas, if you have any sketches or photos of what you like, take that with you, too. Also, listen to his ideas - I've learned that a good, experienced artist may often know what will work better and have ideas that I haven't thought of. He'll probably want to get your arm dimensions and draw up something for you to approve at a later time.

As far as Japanese becoming too popular - I love them. Yes they are becoming popular, but what it boils down to is what will make YOU happy.

If you go with the "Scott Campbell feel tattoo", then I suggest you check out this guy - Jason Vaughn. His style seems a lot like this and he's in Chicago. I do not know him personally - but he's good friends with my tattoo artist and my artist has quite a bit of Jason's work on him. They also do conventions together in Chicago from time to time. You can see his work here: www . jasonvaughntattoos . com (just remove the spaces around the dots). Or his myspace at: www . myspace . com/jasonvaughn

Tipping: this question is asked quite often and no one can give an "across the board" answer. I always tip for a good tattoo, but I've learned that tipping varies from country to country (I'm also in the US). I've only had one tattoo that was multiple sessions, and I chose to tip after each session, although I know several that only tip after the last session. It's basically what you're happy and comfortable with, as there is no set "rule". I think what they appreciate most is knowing if you're happy with it, return business, and referral business.

Hope that helps! Good luck and be sure to let us know what you decide! Wink

TylerDurden · Tattoo lover Joined: 07 May 2008 Posts: 2

Very cool information, thanks for helping me out. I’m leaning more towards the Japanese half-sleeve, because that is what I want and I wish I had better ideas on the other, but I’m not that creative. I picked up 2 books on Japanese tattoo’s, “Bushido: Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo” & “The Japanese Tattoo”. I haven’t really gotten a chance to look through or read them but plan too this week. So I think I will hold off on making my appointment until I know exactly what I want. Since I’m going with this idea I think I will try Harlan at Deluxe Tattoo. Even if there is a 3 or 4 month wait, I think he’s the man for the job, plus I have been thinking about this for a few years so what’s a couple more months.

Any other suggestive reading for learning more about Japanese tattoo’s and/or their art and the meaning behind it? Also would it be realistic to sit for 3-4 hours? Also, how long is the average time in between sessions? Last question, since I would be going to a high demand artist, would I have to wait 3-4 months in between each session? Or since I would be an existing client I would have some priority?