I'm ever learning.

There are days of certainty that end up with quivering outlines. Hours of intricate patterns seemingly lost twenty minutes in. Where is this going? Oh, oh! I see it. My trust in the stencil was worthwhile! Then I breathe a sigh of relief moments before I get lost again at sea.

Sometimes I take a leap and try to vary my sense of outline. Think staccato, but make sure the depth is right. The recipient is bound to the duty of liking the final product. He or she has to like it; it's going to be with them for years. But those around wonder visibly with eyebrow concern and back of the shop comments: "Yeah, David, I struggle on that spot of the arm as well."

Wait, what?

An hour later I'll feel burned out then blend colors into creamsicle goodness. All smooth and orange. Then I'll purposefully make a mental note: remember how you did that. Do it again and do it better. Do it better. And maybe I will, and then often I feel as if I just reverted back to day one.

It's overwhelming at times. But, when it's all said and done, my attitude and desire seem to effect the final outcome more than anything else. It's like training a dog. If you ask him to come, or to perform, he'll do as he wishes. But if that dog senses true confidence... a command built upon reverential fear, he'll square those shoulders and make certain to do as you wish.

When I know and approach without worry, my final product always turns out better. It isn't me being cocky. It's me respecting the vision that lingers in my head as I hone my skill with this medium.

Make a point to hit up the only ad I've had on the site: The Blood Red Project. (store for purchase is here) When it's all said and done, our character is built on what we -a people with- do for those without. What better way than to utilize a great product that happens to direct 100% of sales to a much needed cause?

I applaud Workhorse Irons and Stable Color. Read more about the cause after the jump...

The Blood Red Project exists to help those suffering from HIV/AIDS and its effects on their lives, communities, and our society as a whole. The Blood Red Project consists of partnerships between Stable Color / Workhorse Irons and various HIV/AIDS related organizations world wide. These partnerships are funded by the sale of Stable Color's Blood Red tattoo ink. 100% of Blood Red ink sales go directly to these partnerships and their efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.

Partnerships include:
Emthonjeni and Global Life Works. From home based care for those infected and affected, to enriching community centers that provide education, job creation, and medical support... the cause is worthy.

Quick note: I've not been approached or paid to push this, I just love it when people extend themselves to help other people.

I've a Flickr account that I've been posting to throughout my days. Feel free to indulge! It's flickr.com/photos/allentattoo.

A handful of photos have been added to the gallery (link corrected). Some have commentary, others will soon. Some time has passed since last posting, so it's good to have new ones up to chew over.

Also, with more and more tattoos being worked on, I'm struggling to take photos of everything. So my numbers in the gallery are, honestly, off by about 50 or so. Maybe I'll figure out a more exact way; or maybe not. Nevertheless, enjoy the new ones.

View larger version

I came in on a day off to start this Re-Animator piece on another tattooer in the shop, Chris. He's into the movie and wanted a black and grey piece. Well that and the syringe will be glowing an ominous radiation green. The idea sounded fun, so I've been working on the outline for some time.

After pouring over it, the idea in my head was to pull a comic book style out of the Re-Animator movie poster/painting. Think older Tales of the Crypt but altered to fit into my style. Maybe that makes sense, maybe not. But you'll see as I tackle more of this.

The outline is mostly a medium wash, with pure black in the hair. I'm also thinking of some form fitting movement coming from the left side of the lower severed head and the upper right side of Herbert West.

This is, obviously, the first session and I'll post more as we find time to work on it.

This one was a blast. I played around with color and tried to make the image fit and meld with the shape of the leg. Kevin sat like a tough guy, cracking jokes the entire time. I couldn't have had much more fun.

And here's a small progress image as well as a different angle.

I'm not even sure if it's still on newsstands, but if you see this cover of Tattoo Revue, check out my article on Monte Agee. As he's working on my back piece, we've had a few discussions and I pieced together a few paragraphs about his thought process and growth.

I'm slowly, but surely working on a new look for the site. I think I'm going to add a section that I update with details on my machines, tools, inks, needles, etc.

If you have a second... leave a comment if you have any ideas, suggestions, shaving tips, or awkward pauses.

This sexy machine came highly recommended for my style of tattooing by Nate Beavers (at his seminar). Ever since I've been scouring the planet trying to find one. It seems the Aaron Cain Jonesy is now discontinued. As excited as I am about his new line of machines coming out, I've had my hopes set on this Jonesy. The wonderful Lucky Supply received a small batch of the last ones, so I made sure to jump all over one.

It should arrive at the shop by Tuesday, and I'll let you know how she runs.

Another recommendation, this Soba Mini Rusto Liner will soon be a part of my growing machine family as well. Purchased from the always dependable folks at Workhorse Irons, I threw in some inks to sample and everything went smooth.

Aaron Cain Jonesy

I enjoying judging a box by its contents - this box... must be gorgeous.

And those peanuts are, um, sexy.

Thank you for the stickers. And thanks for the cool poker chip! Now give me my machine.

Ah, yes. The machine. I tattooed with it immediately. It's going to take me a bit to figure out what speed and voltage is right for me. At times it sounded perfect, but upon going in the skin, the machine bogged down too slow. So I turned up the voltage a little and was amazed at how smooth my light washes were going in. It runs beautifully. Now I need experience with it.

Soba Mini Rusto Remix Liner

Another package waiting to be ravaged. (that's called approximate rhyme, sucker)

Stable Inks, wrapped machine, stickers, matchbook, and an ink catalog.

And there she is.

I'm excited about trying these Stable inks: Dead Leaf, Olive Green, Melon, Blood Red, and Terracotta.