Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
At The Back => The Dressing Room => Topic started by: HTH AMPS on July 29, 2012, 01:28:34 PM
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Ok, so they're a few weeks old now, but these are the first photos I've taken (and added some effects to fit the vibe). They look a bit washed out, but it's just my cr@ppy photography in the mirror. I wanted something really old school, and I got it :D
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Finally, found someone to ask... What is the meaning of a Swallow tat?
I've seen loads and I don't understand..
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I imagine it's something to do with swallows returning home to the nest after travelling away? Didn't it used to be something that Navy people had tattooed? Maybe still is.
I was wondering why you had a new avatar, Ian... now I know.
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Yeah, in origin it's maritime thing. Like many common tattoo themes it's totally disconnected from that now. People just like the imagery. Same as all the Japanese stuff you see and so on.
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I wouldn't go so far as to say it's totally disconnected from its meaning, even though I'd probably agree the people who have them are less likely to be sailors these days. I also doubt when it was popular for sailors to get them that everyone who picked them up was REALLY investing in the meaning as much as looking cool at the time. I think all that is fine though. As far as "old school" tattoo art goes I think there are a lot of images that mean very little. The ones that mean more are probably religious based or linked to armed forces. Tribal would be my guess at a style that is commonly disconnected from its roots, although again not totally.
What I find interesting is how old some of those images you see in common "maritime" related tattoos are. I remember seeing sailors graves in Greyfriars Kirkyard and other burial sites around Edinburgh, and even though (if I remember correctly) they date back to the 1600's or something, the images on them permeate tattoo art right up until today.
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Shiver me timbers mateys, ahaaaaaarrrr!!!! :lol:
Apparently, the swallows were tattooed on sailors every 5000 nautical miles, a badge of honour to show you were nails. If you had multiple swallows, you basically weren't a guy to f*uck with. I understand that they also symbolise safe return home.
For me, they mean all of this traditional stuff, plus they just look badass - I love tattooing tradition and the old school designs. I've got a ship, anchor, pinup girl, lucky 13, dice etc... all planned in the future. I love all the cheesy old stuff, even the hearts with Mam & Dad in a scroll, honestly, I'm not ripping the p*iss.
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I love old school designs too.
This is one I got a few weeks ago. It's from a flash sheet a chap who was recommended to me painted up. I like crazy looking animals.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ngdcbGWO1qzfx7fo1_1280.jpg (http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ngdcbGWO1qzfx7fo1_1280.jpg)
Some of my tattoos mean things to me, some I just like cos I think they are cool.
I'd like a dragon at some point, but in particular the old school western style one that looks like a bonkers cartoon dragon. They are crazy. I like your swallows but I've never been tempted to get a swallow yet.
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liking that one Dmoney, some nice work there.
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i am happy to admit mine are almost all pure decoration. i find it funny that everyone expects a story behind them - like they have been watching too much LA Ink.
Nobody had to die in the creation of my tattoo ;)
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i am happy to admit mine are almost all pure decoration. i find it funny that everyone expects a story behind them - like they have been watching too much LA Ink.
Nobody had to die in the creation of my tattoo ;)
+1!
HTH, that tattoo of mine was done by a chap who is pretty new. Not long been out of an apprenticeship. I gave him a shot and he did good! I was chuffed!
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i am happy to admit mine are almost all pure decoration. i find it funny that everyone expects a story behind them - like they have been watching too much LA Ink.
It's been discussed before, but I do find that surprising - I've always felt that I'd need to find something deeply meaningful to have it permanently marked on my body. And nothing so far has been sufficiently meaningful! :P
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Nice one Ian! I keep mulling over a tatoo. I've had the same "Ace of Spades" design in mind for years..
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i wanted a tattoo for many years, but wanted to make sure it was something i really wanted. i have ended up with one, which is very meaningful to me. i have two small pairs of feet tattooed on my stomach, to represent the twins we were expecting last year, but unfortunately lost. sorry to bring the mood down, just wanted to give my own thoughts on it.
there are a lot of people with badly done, and badly judged, tattoos. but when done right, i love them. your swallow looks great HTH, glad you're happy with it ;)
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Nice pair of swallows, Ian. I've been hinking about getting myself a pair or maybe just one, but I'm not sure I'll ever do it. I can live with the one tattoo I already have and it's pretty piratey too - Arrrrghhhh :D
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I love old school designs too.
This is one I got a few weeks ago. It's from a flash sheet a chap who was recommended to me painted up. I like crazy looking animals.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ngdcbGWO1qzfx7fo1_1280.jpg (http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ngdcbGWO1qzfx7fo1_1280.jpg)
Some of my tattoos mean things to me, some I just like cos I think they are cool.
I'd like a dragon at some point, but in particular the old school western style one that looks like a bonkers cartoon dragon. They are crazy. I like your swallows but I've never been tempted to get a swallow yet.
Looks ace, yours too HTH!
I've got a Baphomet in that sort of style :D
Paddy
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I always thought I'd like a tattoo of a blue dragon as Blue Dragon had in The Water Margin but frankly the money and pain involved would be quite a lot ;)
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I always thought I'd like a tattoo of a blue dragon as Blue Dragon had in The Water Margin but frankly the money and pain involved would be quite a lot ;)
Now there's a classic TV series! Shi Chin, the Tattooed Dragon, he was probably my favourite character! :D
When I mentioned I could only get a tattoo if it really meant something to me, I have sometimes considered a dragon design - firstly because I'm Welsh, secondly because the Dragon is my Chinese Zodiac sign. And.... I like dragons! So some kind of Welsh/Chinese hybrid dragon would be cool, I think.
It'll never happen, though.
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My biggest fear with tats would be that however fashionable/acceptable they are now, what will they be thought of 10/20 years time.
For example, it's pretty easy to remedy this (previously fashionable ???) look:-
(http://back2retro.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/1939183.jpg?w=600)
by changing into a pair of jeans/teashirt and having a hair cut etc, but if you've got the bayou tapestry tatooed across your back you're f***ed.
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I'd love some flares like those - seriously 8)
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I'd love some flares like those - seriously 8)
I had some not dissimilar to the ones on the left, but in a sort of red, white and blue check.... only kiddie-sized, since I was about 9 or 10 at the time.
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Got a little gap filler in the ditch (inside) of my elbow last monday.
http://ronniewashere.tumblr.com/image/28357331077
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Got a little gap filler in the ditch (inside) of my elbow last monday.
http://ronniewashere.tumblr.com/image/28357331077
Looks like you're running out of real estate mate :lol:
Staying on topic, does anyone have tats they regret?
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i have 2 I think I regret. I mean, that is a strong word. I like the ideas but the execution maybe left a bit to be desired. The lantern you can kind of see in that link just above the snake head has bled out a lot. I got really bad shaving rash from that tattoo and it was a pain to get it to heal. lots of the colour looks washed out. one day I'll get it touched up. Some of the lines aint that good in it either.
I also have another that looked good on paper, but there are a couple of things I dislike about it. Just inconsistent lines and stuff.
Other people tend to compliment even those ones though. So I don't think about it too much. The Lantern serves as a reminder that although it's easy to get a tattoo, just a little more effort will get you a good tattoo. Doesn't have to be more expensive.
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I love ink - this is the most recent photo of mine, but I've had a load more done since this photo was taken:
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6010/5945355023_e2f0068b81.jpg)
Getting my legs finished off soon, then its neck and hands.
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Loving that Motorhead chest piece, thats badass; and I know how much it hurts getting tattooed on the chest :lol:
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Loving that Motorhead chest piece, thats badass; and I know how much it hurts getting tattooed on the chest :lol:
It was agony, the yellow on my left shoulder is actually bruising believe it or not. Still not as painful as the inside of my bicep though, and I've also got a back-piece which wasn't as painful.
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I'd like my chest doing at some point. you thought your inside bicep was bad? I didn't really feel that, although I'd probably feel my chest! Not sure what my worst spots have been. back of the calf... maybe my elbow. I'm pretty shook of ever getting my stomach done.
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i am happy to admit mine are almost all pure decoration. i find it funny that everyone expects a story behind them - like they have been watching too much LA Ink.
Yep, me too. They're just pictures I like.
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I'd like my chest doing at some point. you thought your inside bicep was bad? I didn't really feel that, although I'd probably feel my chest! Not sure what my worst spots have been. back of the calf... maybe my elbow. I'm pretty shook of ever getting my stomach done.
Elbow was probably the least painful for me for some reason. Stomach I'd imagine would be painful too. I'll probably find out at some point. An ink addiction can be a terrible thing at times ! :(
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Here's my other tat, still a work in progress.
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Here's my other tat, still a work in progress.
That is a really nice piece of artwork. Great colours in the roses. Who did that ?
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Here's my other tat, still a work in progress.
That is a really nice piece of artwork. Great colours in the roses. Who did that ?
John Anderton at Nemesis
http://nemesistattoo.co.uk/
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^^ Now that is one talented tattoo artist. His work is stunning and judging by the appointment availability I'm not the only one that thinks that.
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^^ Now that is one talented tattoo artist. His work is stunning and judging by the appointment availability I'm not the only one that thinks that.
About three months is the normal waiting time for him - at £100 an hour you'd think he'd struggle, but thats not the case. To be fair, most of the better tattoo parlours up this way are booked well in advance with full diaries.
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About three months is the normal waiting time for him - at £100 an hour you'd think he'd struggle, but thats not the case. To be fair, most of the better tattoo parlours up this way are booked well in advance with full diaries.
I would rather pay £100ph for a decent tattoo than a cheaper amount for a poor tattoo. There's nothing worse than having a tattoo that irritates you every time you look at it.
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Aye three months is actually pretty quick to get an appointment with someone good.
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Martin Couley up here is also top notch, similar style to John Anderton (photo-real), not that either would thank me for saying that, word is they don't get on (purely here-say of course).
http://www.bigtattooplanet.com/photos/martin-couley/martin-couley-at-couleys-tattoo-studio-uk-1
(http://designs.bigtattooplanet.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/aspect4col3col/artist/Martin_Couley/Martin-Couley-at-Couleys-Tattoo-Studio-UK-1.jpg)
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My latest ink - 5 hours of pain :(
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7804455406_1337117c79_z.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7804455648_eea072a30d_z.jpg)
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Thats a badass Sabbath tat dude - my mate has something similar on his ribs (he says it hurt enough not to get any more tats for around ten years, ha ha) :lol:
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Aye, a mate of mine has got that on his whole back!
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I've been thinking of an AC/DC tattoo of late, these two are winning right now...
(http://www.theredparlour.com/files/2011_UNIQUE/ac_dc_poster.jpg)
(http://phillister.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/album-acdc-powerage.jpg)
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if it was me i'd get the bottom one, but for my tastes id get it done in an old school fashion.
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At the minute I'm leaning towards the top pic as I think it'll translate into a tat easier, whereas the bottom one will need a more photo-real approach, and therefore cost more too.
Nothing is decided yet, still don't know where it'll go either as my arms are already sorted with designs for the future.
Calf maybe?
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I'd go for the top one too. The bolder designs tend to stand the test of time rather than tatts with lots of shading, especially if your out and about in the sun.
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I don't think there is anything stopping someone making the bottom one bold. I chose that based on seeing some old flash of a strong man carrying two anvils. The pose is similar. I wouldn't get the exact image but I'd avoid photo realistic. just me though.
ps. im off to get tattoos today. ha!
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ps. im off to get tattoos today. ha!
Pictures or it didn't happen :lol:
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Here it is. It looks a bit nicer in real life. It's a bit squashed in that photo. Surprising how taking a photo of your own armpit is actually quite hard!