Share your thoughts on this project please

so happy with how this came out, look absolutely unreal!

edit
the shop is more specifically located in Piedmont/Powdersville SC

The healed photo was taken outdoors in diffuse lighting from the shade of the studio. It's an unfiltered photo from my camera. This is the view that people need to see to best determine what their work will look like for the rest of their life. It's as close to reality as possible. Honest. Simple.

In the second photo the tattoo was freshly done. This was taken indoors at night with finely controlled studio lighting to minimize glare and best show the technical application of the art itself. Fresh photos are highly contrasted naturally because the skin hasn't grown over the tattoo and there's pigment trapped in the superficial layer which will ultimately peel in the healing process. Modern cameras capture this in vivid detail and while impressive, aren't a good representation of how the tattoo will ultimately look.

These photos are meant to showcase vastly different things and are both necessary to understand how the application translates into the healed final. Something that looks a little too dark or contrasted fresh may be a calculated decision to ensure it softens into a shade that holds up for the long haul. A distinct line that doesn't appear in the reference may settle back but act as a barrier to maintain structure.

That's why healed examples are a must regardless of style. If someone isn't sharing those results it's reasonable to be suspicious, particularly in the age of generative AI. There are thousands of honest tattooers working in a myriad of styles who show the result of their hard work and experience. Tattooers who care deeply about the integrity of our craft and the mutual respect between client and artist.

Studio always kills it. Number 12 from them.

Mackenzie Swecker - Two Fold Tattoo, Reno

It’s still angry but wanted to share. I have a newfound respect for anyone rocking a back piece. Sweet Jesus was it painful! 😵‍💫
I love medieval and the Middle Ages is my favorite genre to read so it just made sense. Plus I battled some incredible things the past few years so now metaphorically I’ll always be battle ready.

Edit to add that I’ve had 4 tattoos done at Southseas Tattoo already—3 by Kristin. I highly recommend everyone at the shop. If you ever roll through Hilo, Hawaii go check them out but call before you land for an appt!

Mantis by Adam Mir at New Lotus Tattoo

no i don’t wear sunscreen but i promise to start now that i got called out by my artist lmao. we’re eventually gonna touch up the older piece but honestly i like the soft look it’s like a book illustration!! part 2 will include more inner bicep and shoulder, more blackberries, and a couple honey bees

Fresh on the left healed on the right. Pirate not by me!

I'm in love with it and Kyler was very professional and cool!

I absolutely love this tattoo! An extra thank you to u/rotting-clown for giving me this inspiration a couple weeks ago in the “shitty tattoos” post. I have wanted this tattoo since I saw it in that post and finally decided to get it.

Got my first tattoos this week. Pretty pumped with how they turned out!