This is a quick post, but I wanted to thank everyone who came up and said "hello" at the Chicago Body Expo. It's always a pleasure meeting people who follow the site.

Actually tattooing a convention was really good for me. I was a bit cranky/out of my element for the first tattoo or so. Then eventually, I found a rhythm even with random people walking by and watching.

On a side note:
I know posts have been infrequent and a little less meaty. But don't worry. I'm starting to get a handle on booking appointments and eventually posts will get back on track.

It took awhile, but I've just posted twenty images up in the gallery. Head on over...

Update: I've switched the gallery over to the new Me.Com (MobileMe). I'm going to test it out and see how I like it.

"Everything up to date. Anywhere you are."

The idea is simple and has been implemented various ways within the business world. But this new level of accessibility for the average person could be incredibly helpful.

So today I'm starting an experiment with the new iPhone 3G and MobileMe.

Any new appointment I'll make a point to not only put it on paper (the shop default) but I'll also schedule it in my iPhone. I'm able to separate contacts as well, so my family and friends will have a category and my clients will have their own as well. All changes or additions are instantly synced to the MobileMe website and my computer back home.

In addition, I'm going to use the Evernote application to take pictures and record audio notes (like a physician) which will be synced instantly with the Evernote website. Evernote, in turn, organizes everything I throw it. Heck, it even reads text from photos.

Hopefully, my dream of this being a streamlined appointment system will work. For myself and whoever else, I'll be sporadically posting my progress.

Thankfully, I've been a busy man. I'm continually amazed that I get paid to draw on people. Hell, I used to sit next to girls in middle school and draw on them with a Sharpie. (I had yet to figure out more effective flirting)

And-oddly enough-as the economy loses balance, I'm getting even more work. I've been wondering why, seeing how tattoos are essential a luxury item. But listening to our clients explains everything. I hear the stories behind certain tattoos and I see the joy (or pain) in their eyes while getting a permanent reminder of whatever. Some get random beauty for the sake of simply doing so. It's a pick-me-up and they wouldn't have it any other way.

I love that about tattooing.

To make up for posting less pertinent content, I've been posting at a really steady rate through Twitter. It's a quick glimpse into my day and process. If you're inclined, enjoy it. If not, no worries. There's more coming.

Finished this up and I loved doing it. It's on the guy with the claw marks. Both are an intense puzzle. Usually when tattooing, I can see the pieces coming together as soon as I start shading. But these were different. Worry didn't cross my mind, but it's a challenge when you're ten minutes from the final product and it isn't even close to what you see in your head. Seriously though, the final touches of white and then a bit of darker darks brought the picture clear.

Also, I've been using Stencil Stuff lately, and I love it. But sometimes it stays too well. You can see it in the blood streams. There are some dark lines that look too dark to be realistic, and I caught myself wanting to blend in those dark areas. It's a matter of looking close and seeing a hint of that purple outline. Every time I get to do blood, I'm always trying a different style. Sounds odd, but I consider it a personal challenge.

Good times.

My hand is dead, but I loved doing this tattoo. (taken from this)