Cover-alls

Rachel had a tattoo she didn't like,
and a desire for some big cherry blossom action,
so we did some cover up backpiece work.
Usually I leave most of the cover up "fun" to Mr. Ben Rettke,
but I never seem to turn down a tree or animal tattoo.
Plus, Rachel is the client who has the Gremlins foot,
so you have to hold onto those few sacred rad clients.

Today was the second session;
it was maybe 6 or 7 hours combined.
I'd say she sits like a rock,
but that'd be a terrible lie.
She somehow keeps her back still,
and wriggles the rest of her entire body.
Whatever works, I guess...

Music Makers

I did this zebrawood-guitar-turning-into-a-cherry-blossom-branch tattoo today.























The guitar makes me want to give some music recommendations,
which I don't usually do on here,
but you'll like them if you're not sucky.
I promise.

Eddie Vedder released Ukelele Songs a little while ago,
and it's awesome.
Here's a video for Longing to Belong

William Elliot Whitmore's Field Songs came out Tuesday,
and it's being played pretty non-stop.
Everything Gets Gone

My dad happens to be in town for business,
and tomorrow we get to hang out.
So just a half day at work for me, kids.
I could use it,
I've been working my butt off lately.
But Saturday I have a truly awesome tattoo schedule.
My good friend Katie is coming in to get some terrible ideas tattooed,
and I can't wait.
We're the loudest laughing pair you've ever heard.
And she really makes me tattoo the worst places.
This time, it's an armpit.
Nice.

Some of the week's work.

Big Dean doesn't mess around,
especially when it comes to inside jokes.
Getting your friend's portrait tattooed on you?
That's pretty hardcore.
Implying that your friend is a dummy...
being manipulated by an actual dummy?
That seems like some line crossing action to me.
(and of course I was glad to help)



Camille came all the way out from Texas to get this tattoo,
which is beyond flattering.
It was her first ever, and she sat like a rock.
Her and her husband entertained me with stories,
instead of it being the other way around.



The week was kind of a blur.
I did work on Todd's sleeve (below) and Megan's chestpiece,
got to meet some awesome new people,
and hang out with a bunch of old friends.
Kelly Doty is kicking so much ass out here in MA,
it's inspiring and humbling at the same time.
Keep an eye on her, for sure.
(she apprenticed at Turnpike while I was there)



I'm less sick right today,
which is great,
but I leave MA behind tomorrow.
Only two days of visiting in CT,
and then we fly back to MPLS.
These visits/working vacations are nuts.
Never enough time,
and too many people/tattoos to fit in.
Anyone I miss will just have to come visit me in Minneapolis.