I'm posting tattoos regularly on my Instagram feed. View it online via Instagrid:
http://instagrid.me/davidallen/

I'm also posting random tattoo pictures and information on my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/allentattoo

My Flickr has my tattoos as well...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allentattoo/

Last, I'm always posting random stuff on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/allentattoo

Machines (three favorites)
Liner - Pulse Specialist
Softer Liner/Rounds - Next Generation Orion (Aluminum, Full Coil)
Shader - Aaron Cain Acantha Jones Shader

Tubes
Disposable tubes - Eikon all the way. My disposable liners are all diamond tips. I use a 5 and a 7. I can even fit tight 11's in the 7 tube if need be. If I want, I use a razor blade and cut off the tip straight to use for rounds. (Wanting to try the disposables by True Tube for larger pieces, to justify the expense)
Liners and mags - I prefer the precision of Eikon's grips and tubes.
Larger mags (15-45) - Blitz tubes are worth the price! So good.
Grip covers - Red Rat 1/2", red (easier to see what I'm cleaning) I was used to tattooing without these, but once you try them, it's worth the extra effort for your hands.

Needles
Liners from Eikon
Mags from Eikon
Bugpin mags from Mithra.

Misc.
Power Supply - My Eikon EMS300 has served me well. I'm sure I'll try the 400, but I've been more than happy with the 300. It's a little larger than others I've tried. But I like that. It's steady and easy to clean. My only complaint is that the adhesive for the little feet could be stronger.
Footswitch - Aquiline Maintained all the way. My power supply lets me choose this option, but I skip that step and have never looked back. Step on and let it fly. Ha.
Springs from Workhorse and Lucky Supply.
Clipcord from Pulse.
Empty ink bottles from Workhorse Irons.
Black ink bottle from US Plastic - 4oz Nalgene drop dispenser. I stick a tiny gauge needle into the tip to increase flow. The drops come out slow and steady, making it perfect for making my black and grey mixtures.

Computer
Easily, the most important piece of equipment I use (besides my machines) is my Wacom Table (Intuos 4). I'll be making a separate post about this later, but I can't stress its importance enough. My entire computer experience has changed since using a tablet. It's worth the money and learning curve.

I've been looking back at my early tattoos and I see my innocence. A man early in his tattoo career, eager to create and learn. The fundamentals were lacking, but the composition and desire was pure.

I came in wanting to do this with my all and make people happy at the same time.

It was noble. It IS noble and my intentions remain the same. But my approach has been different. Time and routine and have strengthened my confidence. Technique and finesse have altered my understanding. I'm now capable of zooming in and collecting my thoughts, then stepping back and understanding how a piece will be seen from a distance.

Mind you, I've a long, long way to go. But I know what I'm capable of. And if I have a handle on that, now seems like a good time to push myself to see what else will come out. Why not? I'm the kid in preschool that argued with the teacher about coloring. The high school junior who got kicked out of a gallery showing because his drawing was too controversial. And I'm the guy that took a girl into a hotel room to draw her naked because my college didn't have nude models. None of this is anything special, but I am an artist. An artist at heart.

And so are you. It's in us. It's in your view; in your take. You've your own stories.

So this year I go back to my story. Back to the artist in me. Not the tattoo artist. The artist who daydreams off into the sky and wonders how planes connect and colors would look if they were different.

It's my own call to recklessly abandon everything and build new. But do so by using and pushing the foundations that exist within tattooing for a reason. I'll create without thinking of "tattoo art" but I'll do so with the tenets in mind: longevity, execution, and content translation. I can push to push. Or I can create just for the hell of it.

I know this is nothing boundary pushing or spectacularly new. I get that. But for me to change the way this thirty-one year old mind goes about its business... well... that's a new world to me. Now I'm excited to work hard and see what happens.

I struggle with planning and wanting to not. I just do. My mind is organic and works well under pressure. Throw me in the middle of a problem or situation at hand, and watch me visualize it and work directly through. But sit me down in front of Quickbooks with plans and great intentions, and watch me come up with a reason to procrastinate even starting properly. Aside from some of the more technical minds I've met that handle this with ease, I've noticed a subset of tattooers that are the same way I am. We're visual and we're good at it. But we feel stupid when anything requires linear reasoning.

It's my struggle. Where much of it is natural, I also carry some baggage that effects my outlook. Gonna get personal real quick... I was cracked open for open heart surgery at 9 months. My dad died at 6 (a terrible person, so it ended up being a good thing). By the age of 16 I had moved about 18 times. My mother was absolutely incredible, so I have a foundation, but I also have a penchant to not know what's next. So I live for the day... because tomorrow may not even happen. Now, I see how planning for what's next would make sense. But the way my brain is wired, mixed with my baggage, has directed me to live in the moment, the day, or maybe even - at it's extent - a month.

There is a beauty in living for the moment and my boy teaches me such. Every time we walk to the park, I'm intent on reaching the actual park (it's my destination). But Xavier enjoys the walk to the park as much as actually being at the park. He has no destination other than to enjoy, period.

I'm no fool though. I see the folly in my take. I'm raising a child and figuring out how to balance a burgeoning career. I'm in love with my baby boy in Chicago and I'm in love with a woman in Baltimore. For me to not only exist, but to do so and flourish will require something of which I'm not made of. It'll require calculation, estimation, and even fact retrieval. Damn.

So does living for the day transfer into managing daily appointment requests, having two calendars in two cities, balancing a checkbook, scheduling weekly flights, paying child support and bills, and still being a loving/attentive parent and an effective romantic?

It doesn't work at all. I fail often!

And I know I could simplify things and life would be less hectic. My heart would be split, but I'd figure out a way to be okay and life would go on. But honestly, even if I simplified and left all people I knew behind, I'd still struggle scheduling and balancing a checkbook. Sure, I'm an adult and have a semblance of these skills. But I also know my mind and recognize a hang up.

I want my relationships to flourish and my art as well. So I've been slowly learning to prioritize. Where before I didn't have a mental checklist, now I'm trying to process actions a little differently.

The next posts, over a few weeks, will try to zoom in on mental changes I'm trying to make and highlight both mistakes and revelations along the way.

Lining works when you know it'll work. Well, within reason. What I mean is that once the subtleties and finesse come through occasionally, it can all be harnessed when known it can. The mind works like this.

Just as the mind works; there's also a margin of error to be calculated to make it do so effectively. Often I'll be dead on in my head, but the result is slightly askew. I'm learning how to correct that by finding the mean. For example: I'll feel strong and sure about using my 7 liner. So much so that I foresee the solid line in firm. But upon pulling the line, it'll be slightly weak (visibly not as dense as it should be). Be it skin conditions, machine voltage, or whatever, I quickly adjust and figure out how to compensate. Sometimes it may mean telling myself to pull slower and think meaner. After a few lines, I'll start to understand what I should do and even think differently the entire tattoo... whatever works. It's a relationship really.

Clients have more influence than they think. I may pride myself in manner and courtesy, but if a client comes in concerned or with negative thoughts, the process is definitely effected. I don't like to admit it, but this is an ebb and flow. A lot of what I do is translation. I hear what you're saying and I'm making choices. How much of what I translate do I keep for you to attach yourself to the tattoo? And how much of my understanding to apply to my version of your vision? Or, hell... do I just exert myself and apply more of my vision than usual? All of this is dependent on my reading of you. I should post more about this sometime. It's complicated, but I really enjoy the topic.

Trust coupled with doubt is healthy. I know what I can do. But I don't know why something is the way it is. What I mean is that I've heard certain "absolutes" from artists. And some of them make sense. But why are things that way? Test, test, test. And not just that kind of thing. Question everything. It's great to know where you stand and why you stand there.

On that note, the most obvious breakthroughs I've achieved have been by mistake. One situation led to another which led to trying something different... and suddenly a break through. So looking for it, doesn't seem to work for me. But knowing it's there and being able to recognize it does.

Oh, oh. I can put on a stencil really well now. It'll still take another try or so sometimes, but the quality of each stencil is solid. I love Stencil Stuff. But even without, doing the daily grind has taught me how saturated the skin should be with certain products. I'll smoothly apply and work it to the spot that gives me about five seconds of drying time.

So most of what I consider a change or positive alteration has not happened suddenly. This may seem obvious. But time has slowly drawn me closer to being a craftsman. As much as I've wanted to push what I see into what I tattoo, the ability to have fundamental skills and control what's happening is much more important. Once that's developed, the tools will be in place to do whatever the hell you see fit.

I've no problem admitting a struggle. It's just an unusual profession where concealing problems makes sense. As confident as I am, I make mistakes. I have so much to learn.

I was worried. Immediately I attributed it to the big change in my schedule. That maybe all the traveling and less time spent tattooing was directly effecting my work. It made sense, but it's not really like me. So I asked around and did some research... what was the difference? Why an uphill battle now... three years in?

I even called my buddy Monte. It went something like this...

"So, Monte, I'm having troubles, man. Like out of nowhere."
"What's that?"
"Either I'm completely lost, or I'm chewing people up."
"Hahaha. Good!"
"Good?"
"Yeah good. Assholes like you just come in and are doing well off the bat. You need a little struggle."
"That's great advice, thanks."

We talked some more but the only thing that stuck was his, "good". It helped me to look at the situation differently. I was in the middle of progress. It was up to me to change, learn, push myself or plateau.

Once my attitude changed, my search for answers was more effective. I had to deconstruct and go back to how I had learned. I was raised on 9 mags and 5 rounds. So I went back. I had only used Kuro Sumi outlining ink, even for my wash. Had my hand movements changed? Absolutely. Figuring that out was tedious. How was I running my machine? I'm sure it was different. Obviously, there were so many variables.

Was I staying in a spot too long? Before that wasn't a problem.

I was getting closer. But still wasn't absolutely sure. Then I read an old interview with Guy Aitchison. He had been tattooing awhile and, based on a quick conversation with somebody, Guy realized his needle depth wasn't right. Instantly it made sense to me.

My shading happens with washes, hand speed, movement, and needle depth. Slowly, over time, I've pulled out of the skin more and more. The next day I left more needle out. My machine hits kindly, so the extra depth was okay.

Thankfully, the change was instant. The answer was simple, but the process getting there was a challenge. I was tattooing deeper and the skin was holding it. Redness was minimal and fades were smooth. To top it off, that tattoo came back two weeks later and it had already peeled with no scabbing. The shiny new skin was on its way to strengthening.

It's behind me now, thankfully. But I look forward to my next lesson...

(Oh and no tattoos suffered during this time, just the healing process sucked)

I'm trying to say that I was able to flourish with their help and at my own pace. And for that I'm forever grateful.

Also during the process, I've experienced more life changes than I could have imagined. At the beginning, my little man (Xavier) was born premature. His birth and the stress of life in the NICU-along with the weight of unimaginable hospital bills-prompted my departure from the world of freelancing. I loved the freedom, but my situation wouldn't allow me to push through the cloud of inconsistency.

Xavier found a way through his own turmoil though. He fought extraordinarily. Hell, he always does. He came out little but strong. And even the little was short lived! He was chubby and thriving in no time.

Then came a resurgence of life. At least an effort to find some sense of normalcy. And we did so... kind of. But it also shook some of us up deeper than we knew. Then came even more. Over the past couple of years we faced a horrible death in the family, pain, more sickness (Xavier faced a rare form of Salmonella), drain, and ultimately the end of my marriage.

I type this with tears streaming down my cheeks, and it makes me feel small. Small because my best laid plans don't really matter. Because the love between two will dance and swing and find itself an irregular beat. So how am I to suggest a pattern more stable when wonder lives in such displacement?

But the love between parent and child is different: it rivals that of any story told or romance known. For it is unconditional and knows no bounds. Where there was irregularity, there is correlation. When once I found security in actions and knowing, I now stand confident in an unfaltering unit: father and son.

On that note... I post this to say I'm changing everything.

My son needs me, so I'm dropping what is comfortable and will be taking more time with and for him. I'll still be tattooing, but will do so on a different routine and with more ability to select the works I'll undertake. I'm certain it'll effect my schedule and may make me less available for current clients, but it has to happen.

It's a little daunting, but I look forward to the change.

I'll now be tattooing at Insight Studios in Chicago every other week and I'll also be available for my East Coast friends as a monthly guest artist at the amazing Baltimore Tattoo Museum.

Right now I'm posting photos of the Hell City Columbus experience. Well... my version at least.

Hell City '09

I'm sure I look like an idiot holding my iPhone up to everything in sight. But that's okay!
I'll even try and post decent descriptions as well.

Oh! I had a cancelation for Sunday, want to jump in and get tattooed? Email me: david@allentattoo.com

I'll be tattooing the Hell City Tattoo Festival on May 29th-31st in Columbus, Ohio. Somehow, I'll be sharing a room with some of the best artists in the world... I kind of just want to get tattooed, heh.

So I'm taking appointments if you're interested... email away: david@allentattoo.com

I have appreciated the emails asking me to post more! I love hearing how Allen Tattoo has somehow helped other people that are going or have went through this incredible process. I'm not sure what I did do deserve such incredible readers, but I can't thank you enough.

So...

Once my marriage started to not only show cracks, but actually crumble, it was only right to give the site lower priority. The process was and is painful. Obviously. Seven years and I watched myself walk, crawl, run, and stand confused through a divorce. As difficult as that process was, nothing matters other than my little man: Xavier Michael Allen. The process is continual for him and we're both doing all we can to maintain a strong sense of love, solidarity, and safety.

Now I'm figuring out a schedule. I've certainly poured myself into my first love, art. And I've watched my pieces grow in complexity and execution. I've such a long long way to go, but I know I'm on the right path. With a new routine being developed, I have to make a point to not get sucked in. Sure, I love tattooing. In every way, the pursuit could take me over. But I cannot let it. There has to be balance. Even if I despise discipline; I know it will make me better in the end.

And somewhere in striving for balance, I'm already discovering more about myself than I knew. Tattooing has strengthened my confidence. I hurt, but doubt never creeps in. I wonder, but never worry. It seems my approach is different. I wouldn't say self sufficient, but I can trust in myself and my ability to handle the near future.

When Nathan Kostechko was tattooing me, he said something that stuck. I don't think it was the words, but more the implication behind it...

"I'm following that ghost line, the one that doesn't exist, but is about to."

While he said it, he looked at me a little inquisitive (in his eyes), but way more matter of fact (in his brow). His words hit me. He articulated the mysterious mental and physical process perfectly. I just got it, so I smiled back.

And so now I realize I'm doing the same. My goal is to be a wonderful father, to love people and put my all into everything I create. I've a long way to go on all accounts, but I know I'm in the middle of a process. It's my turn to follow that ghost line - the one that doesn't exist, but ...somehow and someway... will, eventually.

For now, keep bearing with me while I figure things out around here. I'm always posting to Flickr and Tweeting random stuff over on the sidebar. Let me get past grieving a little and I'll follow through with some old fashioned blog posts.

I've been traveling at an ungodly speed. This month has been absolutely new and overwhelming. Next month, March, I'll be slowing down.

This week I just finished up Musink in Costa Mesa. Next week I'll be tattooing the Detroit Motor City Expo, sharing a booth with Monte. And yes, if you're around Detroit, come and visit.

March will come and I'll be back to my normal schedule.

Conventions are so different. They're both overwhelming and refreshing. After my second one, the stress level moved aside and being able to tattoo anywhere has given me more confidence.

I remember the first day I showed up in Chicago for a weekly guest spot... I was nervous and a little insecure. If only because I had no clue what the hell to do in a different environment. Everything was foreign. So I feigned some sort of nonchalance and watched the other guys setup... I remember watching them tape down dental bibs to the surface and realizing it made sense. I just did it different. Analyzing always helps; then I just added my take and was able to create a new comfort level.

Now I throw myself in. Still a little hesitant, but a bit more capable....

But for now I have to run, In-N-Out Burger calls.

A small booth costs money. The travel and lodging costs even more. So it was a small leap of faith; you know, I went all in.

Then, a week after signing up, I got all nervous. What if nobody wants an appointment? Baltimore is loaded with some of the best traditional work around... I don't specialize in that stuff. Hmm... will I even get people walking up? How busy will it be?

So, to ease my concern, I promoted. Nothing incredible. But I made a small post on this site and sent out a Myspace bulletin. It was a matter of taking extra time to say "hey". I'm not too keen on doing it, but I knew it had to be done.

A few hours later I had my first appointment. Days later I was filling up spots. Then, who knew? I was booked solid. Now, I wasn't going to say anything until after it happened. But the response was tremendous.

And I say this not to boast (who cares?), but simply because I had no idea. Some photos, a website, an updated Myspace page and links from a convention site were enough to capture attention. Sure, I work hard on my tattoos. And that counts. But the combination of it all worked. So much so that I wasn't ready for it really. I wasn't prepared for the effort involved in scheduling.

Most contacts started via email. Then it was a matter of staying on top of the ideas and, if I wanted to do it, I had to buckle down and put things in stone. I opened up iCal and kept everything synced with my iPhone so I could have info on me when I was at the shop. I tried to give myself extra time between tattoos because of the environment, but will make a point to allow for more next time.

And, to top it off, I actually enjoyed each client I met in Baltimore. They couldn't have been a better group of people. And for those of you that specifically came up, introduced yourself as a reader, and gave me love... thank you!

I'll be tattooing this year's Musink Tattoo Convention & Music Festival in Costa Mesa, California. (February 20-22)

Tattoos and Music. (Hello, Danzig!)

I've open availability if you'll be around the area - It's Feb 20th through the 22th.
Connect with me through email: david@allentattoo.com

I'm excited to be working in the same room with some absolutely incredible artists. Is it possible to just float around, buy people drinks, and pick their brains? Maybe. But I have to squeeze some tattooing in as well.

Also, it was awhile ago, but I spent some quality time in the land of In & Out. I think I'm going to fly a little early and spend some more with friends.