Do ya know a good tattooist???

[Reckless]

HI guys just read a New tattoo thread a short time ago so I thought I'd go to the "pool of knowledge" and ask the question above.

I have a couple of old tattoos on each shoulder and with a Birthday coming up (mid life crisis time) I thought id get them refreshed and added to a bit. Like, add my Kids names to one and maybe a pic of the wife over my heart with Barbed wire round it.

I'm not into this modern trend to use greys and shades quite like colour.

I like the style of this lady. http://www.eurotattoo.co.nz/coverups.htm#top

Went in a few years ago to look and thought she did good work and will give her a call 2morrow to see if she is still OK to do some work.

Art is very particular to each person and I'd like to at least have a look at another studio to see if it suits my taste. The local guy in Howick here is very talented but just not really my thing


My question? Is there any other studios any of you might recommend in Auck.

[SixPackBack]

I have tried a few and this guy is miles ahead.

http://www.adamcraft.com/home.html

[Gubb]

Like SPB said, Adam at Illicit is awesome, he's got a bit of a waiting list though.

[Reckless]

Thanks thats 1 PM and 2 posts for Adam @ Illicit so I'll go and have a look.
I must say though after going through their galleries I leaning a bit towards Euro. Probably got a lighter hand, good use of lighter shading, and she does portraits on skin. Adams work is also fantastic but a bit heavier, more solid. Difference between female and male I suppose. The eagle and snake on my right shoulder is just a refresh and the other work is for kids names and family so might be looking for the lighter style. But I'll go see and check them out.

Thanks for your input!

[Gubb]

Depends on what the image is as to what style you have it put on.

Adam specialises in Japanese-style Tattoos, and suited my purposes perfectly, but if your getting a portrait done, obviously you'd want someone that specialises in that.

You wouldn't get a house painter to paint your car...

[Reckless]

Still not sure about the portrait thing?? Do you think she's earned it after 22 years of marrage! LOL. And its not the soft sort of thing I would have done a few years ago! I must be going soft in my old age. Maybe I should wait till my 25th wedding anniversary.

I called Illicit and Mark is booked till after May, so thats that sorted.
So I called Euro and sent them some pics of the old ones and a breif of my ideas. I'm just waiting to hear back.
Weather I get the portrait thing done is still a bit questionable but I really want to get the eagle side refreshed and the other shoulder added to and refreshed.
Just waiting to hear from Euro now.

[DEATH_INC.]

PM Draco, she got one done recently out henderson way somewhere, nice job.

[Reckless]

PM Draco, she got one done recently out henderson way somewhere, nice job.

Thanks mate! Euro Tattoo is in Lincoln Rd Henderson goin out today to have a meeting.

[SixPackBack]

Thanks mate! Euro Tattoo is in Lincoln Rd Henderson goin out today to have a meeting.

The website showcases solid work, professionally presented. The premises look clean and well kept.

The next step Reckless is personalised artwork. For a small fee and consultation a good tattooist will draw something that is yours only, it takes some extra time and effort but can often be worth the wait.

[Reckless]

Thats hit the nail on the head Sixpack!! Went out there today and they where flat out by the looks of it. I was hoping they might take some of the pics of my shoulder I had and give me a bit of a design. Charlie was very helpful out there. And Moniques daughter offered to do a free hand design when I came in to get it done. But I sorta want to have my ideas sorted before I sit in the chair if you know what I mean.
Its the design on the left shoulder I'm stuck on at the moment. Its sort of a flower, swallow with my kids names to be added and I don't want it to be to poofy. Have to put some chains in it as well me thinks. The eagle side is easy. But all will be ok! i'll look at the net for a few ideas and go from there.

[Gubb]

Ladybirds with skull heads. Thats a little manly.

[Reckless]

Well one or two of you have Pm'd me to see if I had done anything and up till today I had only gone around a few shops to have a look.
I chose Euro after I just liked her work. It was a close second for another shop but they estimated 2k per arm and my budget and my old body ain't worth that. And Euro where my 1st choice anyway. Monique at Euro Tattoo was away from work till the 20th and I was busy so it got put off. But Kittyhawk asked a day or so ago if I had got round to it yet. So I picked up the phone and did it! And hasn't modern tattooing come along way in 30 years!!!!!!!

Now this is a work in progress and is not finished yet. But the old ones needed removing or refinishing. I don't get tattoos at my age to be boastful anymore in my opinion they are personal. But I thought I'd post for the one or two still showing interest. thanks!

After 4.5 hours Monique decided the background would have to wait for another session although I was pushing to get this arm finished, I would have happily sat for another hour or so. But it wasn't to be, and I have to respect her judgement on what will be the best result in the end.

So here it is before and after. Seasion finished at 4-00pm today. I quite like the shading transitions on the feathers and the body of the snake from pink to yellow to green and darker green. Pretty pleased over all! Love to get the background finished but that's another 2hours or so in 2 weeks when the main has healed. Then there's the other arm to do.

Any ideas for the background!! Sky, clouds, birds in the distance, mountain, only thing I don't want is the background to over power and take away from the main tat?

[Livvy]

I see you're in Auckland but the one tattooist I've heard nothing but gold about, and the lady who did my own tattooing, is one in Taupo - works at Contraty2Ordinary Art and goes by the name of Meagan. Beaut tattooist with high standards and morals.

[Curious_AJ]

well, there's a guy in the city on k'road who works at a place called "uptown tattoos" it looks pokey, but it's not actually, when you go upstairs its very clean and there's an art gallery of his mate right next to the parlour... he was fantastic with my tattoo... and i'm going there agin shortly when my brother finishes drawing the design for my other one.

he says he REALLY likes people who bring their own designs or get someone to design something for them, hates doing the ones they have on the walls, he says they're unoriginal in every sense .. i dunno could be worth a shot.. only thing is that he doesn't have EFTPOS.. or didn't when i went last year.

[Reckless]

shit I hope I didn't give the impression I wasn't happy with it. If that is why you all are suggesting other tattooists let me say I'm bloody rapt in the work. I keep noticing more subtleties like the ruffles in the big feathers at the top that where never there before, and the tail feathers look much better. oh well that's enough of my comments!