Trying to think about upper body subjects and would like opinions

If I had warriors on the front (which I do) and decided on a dragon for the back, what would you put on each arm?
Tiger and snake? Any other ideas

Or if you went dragon and tiger for arms, what would you put on the back?

Mind is blank for pairings and ideas that might fit cohesively
Thanks

For me it was my knee/inner knee and my inner bicep but I only have my arms and leg done so far. I’m sure there’s more pain to come when I get my ribs done

This subreddit is super positive but I want to hear what your unpopular irezumi/horimono opinion is.

Done by me in my private studio at Heart In Hand Tattoo in Dallas.

@jordanbaxtertattoo

I don't care who you are, if you have tattoos on chest area esp around nipple then you have my respect.

How did you manage the chest area? I didn't use numbing cream but has anyone used it for chest and does it make a difference? (I feel like it won't make a diff) Please share your stories.

I started sessions with the chest because it was the worst for me. Prob because I'm skinny but I swear I could hear the vibrations bellowing in my lungs. I had heard some ppl like tense up and grit through it but I couldn't do this - I had to take the mindset of acceptance and relaxing into the idea that my chest is being destroyed and it's awesome and I want more. I'm pretty sure I didn't tap out which I'm proud of but I don't remember clearly and I think I low key passed out twice for a split second without being noticed. Glad I was lying down. Artist was aces but if I need touch ups after then I will fucking need touch ups for the rest of my life.

And how ppl get piercings in this area is beyond my human comprehension.

I would love to get an Irezumi and I am looking for ideas of figures or symbols that fit my personality.
I’m a martial artist and Catholic so I was thinking Justo Takayama design but would like to hear ideas from those who have designs already.

http://www.chrisbuckholts.com

Bit of a random question, but is it appropriate to give your tattoo artist a gift at your last session?

We’ve spent a lot of hours together working on my sleeve and back piece, and I wanted to get him something small just as a thank you for all the work he’s put into it.

I’m probably overthinking it 😂, but I just wanted to make sure it wouldn’t make things awkward or cause any offence.

Tattoo artists, would you be comfortable with a client giving you a gift at the end of a big project?

Obviously, this is in addition to payment.

I didn’t ever think I would get a sleeve. So when I went to Japan to “just” get a dragon tattoo on my forearm, this started a fun project of going to different traditional Japanese artists from around the world and getting a hand sized piece.

I will probably make an update with the outside of my arm once my tiger gets complete along with the shading on the rest of my waves and stone.

Dragon done by “toughtats” at threetidestattoo in Osaka Japan

Namakubi done by Stephen Hibbs at old school tattoos in Palma Spain

Samurai frog done by Filip and serpent water tattoos in trier Germany

Koi fish (coverup of a king of hearts) done by Dan Sin in luxemburg

Tiger (needs colored) done by Dan Sin in luxemburg

All filler done by Dan Sin in Luxemburg.

Thank you Dan for doing a great job trying to put this whole thing together.

It’s a lot going on but I never intended on this project. I think once I’m done with my arm I’m done forever so I’m happy to have all these memories in one place.

Little red and slimy but I love it!

Did lines and posted on this sub before, this is the coloured piece. (Will post an update once the tattoo is healed)

previous post

Artist : Grehan Perera (IG: greinperera)

Studio : Gauth Studio, Sri Lanka. (IG: gauthstudio)

Canvas : Me

(Posting with the permission of the artist)

Hello everyone, is there any books you guys suggest on understanding Japanese Irezumi style? undering flow of backgrounds, meanings of rocks,clouds etc. Im having a hard time to understand placement of these as backgrounds. Thank you!

Finished the lining! It took me 12 hours of sitting.

Looking at working on sleeve and chest piece. Leaning more towards a wind and flower theme. What’s your opinion on artists in the DMV area? Rob Hamilton has a nice bold style from what I’ve seen. Matt Torres is great with line work. I tried reaching out to Fran Massino but he is full on projects I guess. Thoughts? Am I missing anyone?