The Empire Tattoo Adventure

So I'm first, Will lays down the picture and it's perfect. Huge and perfect. Lots of freaking single line blackwork and perfect. I don't think I'm getting a nap. Melissa's tat for Abigail was done quick!

I'm still gettin' outlined...

Kelli's Self-Designed Swirlies were even quick. ish.

Cris' lotus was short and sweet - though I imagine that's a pretty sensitive spot!

Now it's time for shading and color.
I think I'll catch a nap, nothing's really worse than outlining near the knee pit. I promise. Those stripes grated on me. Jay even popped in from next door to affirm.
Hannah's ashes are in the background inks. Ren got hers started. It's story and completed pictures are here.
While I watched Jay finish Ren, he told us that Will had dropped out of school in 9th grade and worked his way, half his life, to become a renowned tattoo artist. Raina got stars for Paxton, Marika & Avery

Then I was done.
There I am yankin on his tail and getting the knock it off face.
My leg is angry at being shaven. I shoulda been kind to myself and bought the really expensive, gentle shaving cream and super sharp razor and done it my own self. Tattoo guys aren't the kindest shavers in the world. 3 hours of tat and it's the shaving that bugs me, go figure. Oh yeah, and don't ever, ever, ever put aloe vera on a tattoo. It's really for closed wounds. Ouch.
My Body Shop face cream worked good on keeping it moist, I became ever resentful at the unavailability of Body Shop products and found some lovely thick lotion at CVS as a happy replacement. The whole tat is soft and flaking and there are a couple of scabs. It was not a good idea to get a driving leg tattoo just before a big drive. My foot needed to be elevated and I needed to move more; so I did. Eh, it all worked out. In a week or so, I'll take pictures of the true healed tat. It's already very different than the above pictures. See how he almost missed coloring in one hand? It's pink like the others now ;)
I can't wait to get the pictures of the tattoos I missed!!