Q: Do you find cover-up work to be challenging? Or, do you just not like it?
- Dragonlady1964
A: Bel, I find cover-ups challenging, but I enjoy them if I am not limited in design by the customer.
Chris
12. Japanese Tattooing
Q: I am an aspiring tattoo artist (I've been tattooing for about three years). From what I understand, you spent some time living in Japan. What, as an artist, was your greatest influence while there, and did you ever meet Horiyoshi III?
I am amazed by the high-quality tattoos that the artists of Miami Ink create. The show is really enjoyable; I love that the tattoos are given so much focus in the show. I would love to do more accurate, well-researched Japanese tattoos. Are there any resources/books you recommend?
- Chuck B
A: Hey Chuck, I was definitely influenced from my trip to Japan. I actually did meet Horiyoshi. I was tattooed by him and also by his apprentice, Horitomo. You can find more information on Japanese tattoos by doing a search at any popular search engine. Glad you enjoy the show.
Later,
Chris
11. Disappearing Ink
Q: Hey Chris, last year my wife and I decided to get tattoos for our anniversary gift to each other. I had been thinking about what I wanted in a tattoo for a long time. I wanted something tribal, but also patriotic — which was kinda ironic and cool. I just happened to get it done on Sept. 11, so it will stick in my mind a long time. My wife got a small heart with two ivy vines stemming from it.
My question is, what makes someone's color and shading look so much different? Like her heart, the red shading is still brilliant and deep looking, and the red I have in my shading is looking more pink now and also somewhat splotchy. This is only after a year's time.
- Jeff and Michelle
A: Hey Jeff, it's hard for me to answer your question because I don't know what type of ink they used. Some people might have a different reaction to red than others.
Chris
8. Tipping Etiquette
Q: First off, I watch the show every week, since the first episode, religiously. I don't think many people know what to tip a tattoo artist correctly. I am in the process of getting a half sleeve, which will be about $1,000 and take three sessions. How much would a generous tip be on something like that? And what is the general rule, so you show your appreciation for the work but not dish out as much as the work itself? Thanks guys!
- Seth
A: Hey Seth, glad you like the show. I'm sure a $200 tip would be quite generous. As a tattoo artist, we also enjoy considerate clients.
Thank you,
Chris
6. Skin Health
Q: I do not heal well from cuts, surgery, etc. My skin often gets bumpy where I have stitches and stuff. How likely is a tattoo to do this on my skin?
- Raphael
A: Hey Raphael, there's only one way to find out how a tattoo will take on your skin and that's by getting one. Maybe you should start by getting something small just to see how it turns out.
Chris
3. Tattoo School
Q: a) Have you had a "formal" arts education, or have you simply developed your very obvious skills and talents through years of practice and much trial and error?
b) How long did you train before you were considered skilled enough to take on living (non-dead-pig-type) clients?
c) Did your friends and family encourage and support your decision to make tattoo art a career?
-- Fae
A: a) I took one year of art school, but my mother was an artist so I learned a lot from her.
b) I apprenticed for six months before I started tattooing clients. I only tattooed over old tats that needed repair.
c) My friends definitely encouraged my decision to become an artist. My family was more apprehensive, but they came around.
Thanks,
Chris
1. Favorite Tattoo Artists
Q: Hello Chris, how are you? I am a big fan of the show and really respect the work you everyone in the shop does. My favorite style of tattooing is Japanese. I see that is a style you are accomplished in. Who are your influences in this style, and who would you want to tattoo you and why? Thank you for your time.
A: Some of my favorite tattoo artists are Horiyoshi, Horitomo and Horitoshi. I've already been tattooed by them when I lived in Japan.
Thanks,
Chris
Comments ( )