The Story of a Small-ish Tattoo

Okay...So now that I've mentioned the Tattoo, I guess I'll talk about it first.

Yesterday, October 5th, I drove quite a distance (from my house) to Immaculate Tattoo in Mesa, Arizona. Two and a half months prior, I had set up my appointment with the brilliant Aaron Coleman. The two and a half month wait should be a glimpse at how good and in demand that he is.

When I first made the appointment, I had many ideas in my head-sexy nurses, cobwebs, the Carl's Jr. logo..But I had to focus myself, I needed something great. I really wanted Japanese waves and vines to cover the top half of my right arm. I already have a swallow and the word "saved" tattooed on the arm-both in a traditional style (Right- my second tattoo done by the wonderful Alex Empty).

I wish I could give you a better history of American/Traditional style and Japanese Style but it's just so long...use Google.

Since both of my current tattoos were in a traditional style, Aaron stated that Japanese waves and vines may ruin the theme I already had going. I really wanted to keep the vine idea-it stems from a bible verse: John 15:5

I also liked the way Traditional style roses looked-especially the roses that Aaron Does so we incorporated those into the vine idea. I also wanted Nicole's name on me so I thought a banner over the top rose with her name in it would be neat-o. She actually tried to talk me out of it- she thought it was kinda weird but I said, "Nicole, I really want to make this work, I want to make this last..." I won.

Here is a timeline of sorts:

Before the tattoo...A little worried

Getting the stencil applied

Getting the outline done

The outline is done...And so is my muscular physic. I did the "half shirt" because it was really cold in the room...yes...that sounds about right...

Onto Shading and making the roses red...

I'm not going to lie...it hurts...

Seriously...

The finished Product...well almost...two more sittings and it will be done.

Hope you all enjoyed that little recap.

Shawn