I think Phuc and I were pretty surprised at how much we got done today. Today was a relatively easy day, for tattooing. I now realize how important it is to get rest and eat well before you get tattooed.

Here are the pictures. As usual, I have posted the previous sessions for you to compare. The final two pictures are what was done today. When I arrived, Phuc was hoping that we would just get the head and the flames done. Well, as you can see, a lot was completed. Phuc colored the head, horns, mouth, eyes, spine, and flames on my left shoulder.

I don't have much to say tonight, but I wanted to post the pictures so you can see them. Plus, Katie is pestering me to come and make out. So I gotta go! Let me know what you think of the pictures!

The next appointment is in three weeks on June 18th at noon.

Even though the Harris Poll reveals that 16% of American adults have tattoos, 36% of which are between the ages of 25-29, there is still a significant stigma toward individuals with tattoos. One example is a public opinion poll conducted by the Employment Law Alliance reporting that 39% of individuals surveyed believed that employers should have the right to deny employment to someone based on their appearance. Granted this encompasses not only body art, but how and one dresses, their hair style, and other physical characteristics.

I'm not sure if i'll be able to finish my tattoo with all this exposure that Phuc is getting. I don't know if he'll be able to squeeze me into his schedule. His phone is ringing off the hook for autographs. First of all, the September issue of International Tattoo Art Magazine is officially out. Then, he's interviewed in Sunday's edition of the Portland Press Herald. Granted, the interview for the Portland Press was about Star Wars, but exposure is exposure. If the dragon doesn't get done, I'm blaming all this popularity. Just kidding. You deserve it all. But, this is still a priceless picture.

So Katie and I stayed overnight in Maine this weekend. It probably contributed to my tiredness when we arrived at Tsunami at noon today. It was a very relaxing weekend, but we did a lot of stuff. We had a great view of the ocean, ate lobster (twice), and hiked on a creepy trail. We stayed at the York Harbor Inn where we stared at funny looking wallpaper and cozied up by the fire. After all this, I got tattooed and, of course, it was raining.

Here are the pictures. You can see the progression from the first, second, and third pictures. The fourth and fifth pictures are of the shading that Phuc began today. I'm not sure if it was the actual tattooing, me being tired, or something else, but it was a relatively painful session. I'm also not sure if I should feel sad or excited, but grendel is at long last gone. I have some fond memories related to that tattoo, but time to make some new ones.

Now that you've checked out the pictures, let me know what you think!

The next appointment is in two weeks on May 28th at noon.

you should go out and spend your hard earned money on something interesting! I would highly suggest getting the September issue of International Tattoo Art Magazine. Ok, so I'm a little biased! There's an article in the magazine featuring an interview with Phuc. I don't think it has yet to actually hit the newsstand, because I stopped by B&N today and they still had the August issue. Is it me or do magazines keep on getting further and further ahead on months? It's only May! Anyways, I haven't seen the issue, but I do plan on getting it. Since I'm on the topic of Phuc, I have to say how much I appreciate how enthusiastic he is or at least he appears to be about doing this tattoo. But, my theory is that he really enjoys tattooing and seem to be enthusiastic about doing any tattoo. With maybe the exception of a Mickey Mouse tattoo. Well...Unless it's a Sailor Jerry style Mickey Mouse tattoo. The mark of a great artist is how passionate he or she is about what they do, and Phuc is very passionate about tattooing. I only see him for the time that he actually tattoos me, but I know, especially during these past three outlining sessions, that he spends a good amount of time planning and sketching what he's going to do prior to the session. By the time I arrive, he knows what the goal is for the day. Also, if you haven't noticed, he's an amazing artist and a really nice guy. If you have not had the chance to see his other tattoos or artwork, I highly recommend that you check out the website.

As Sue reminds us, Phuc's true talent isn't actually his artistic abilities, but his uncanny knowledge of Star Wars mythology.

By the way, I never knew D. Vader played football.

And I'm back! And my ass hurts! Not that bad though. The words of wisdom from Phuc this week was "squeeze your ass cheeks as tight as you can." I have to say, it sounds funny, but it really works! Plus, it's a great workout to firm-up the buttocks. I think I psyched myself out this week about getting my butt tattooed because everyone was talking about how painful it would be (Thanks Keith!). But, it wasn't that bad. I still think the love handles are much worse. So, here are the pictures. The first two are the first and second sessions, so you can compare. The third is the whole piece completed today. Officially, the line work is complete unless Phuc adds in some background, but that depends on if we have the time. The fourth picture is a close up of the top section. As you can see, Phuc added the orb and some flames on my shoulder. He also finished the scales on the left midsection and added some flames on the right. The last picture is a close up of the tail that wraps around the side of my left cheek.

Again the detailing is amazing, but the pictures don't do it much justice. Let me know what you think!

The next appointment is next week on May 15th at noon.