This is more reason not to get a shady tattoo. Some people don't realize how important their health is to just trade it for a cheap tattoo. I also think something like this put a black eye on the whole tattoo industry. A lot of people have worked hard to make tattooing reputable just to have a few who continue to make it look bad.

It's weird to realize that the end is almost here. There's probably only one more session left to complete the flames on my right ribs and to fill in the orb. I know Phuc also wants to do some touch up work next session. He was also thinking about thickening the outline, but that's still in the contemplation stage. The butt is officially done, with the exception of some touch up. What a relief it is, figuratively and literally. Here are the pictures.

Leave a comment, I'd like to hear what you think. I'm in the process of uploading full size pictures onto flickr. So in the upcoming week, check my flickr photos to see never before seen full size pictures (it's like the bonus features on a DVD). My next and possibly final appointment is in two weeks on September 3rd at 12 p.m.

So, I was home over the weekend to attend a good friend's wedding, which was very beautiful. While I was there, I came across this article in the Denver Post. It's interesting how much attention tattoos are getting in the media. With a plethora of so-called reality shows about the topic, tattooing has hit the mainstream in a hard way. One of the nice things about flying on JetBlue is getting to watch DirecTV. So, on the flight out to Denver, I had the chance to watch the whole National Geographic Channel's series Taboo on tattoos and body modifications. Taboo has been the best show that I have seen on tattoos. The show focuses on historical significances of tattoos and body modifications in various cultures of the world. I definitely recommend the show if you have the opportunity to watch TV.

Today was a very eventful day. The shop was jumping! Phuc had guest tattooer, Mr. Steven Huie, from New York's Murder Ink Tattoos in Queens and Fly Rite Tattoo in Brooklyn. He's an amazing artist, so if you are in New York sometime check him out. As a side note, for those that read this and are fans of Miami Ink, Steven has a backpiece completed by Chris Garver, which for the most part wouldn't be a big deal; however, the piece was completely freehanded on to his back and has the most amazing detail that I have ever seen. After seeing this piece, I have developed the utter most respect for Garver's work. If you ever run into Steven, you have to ask to see his backpiece.

Second eventful thing today was Katie officially getting her first tattoo. This was an amazing piece for a first tattoo and she sat for four hours. I'm super impressed by that! Here are the pictures from her session.

My piece seems a little boring after all the other things that happened today. It seems a little uneventful as I think about it now. Phuc finished the belly on my lower back and began the scales on my right cheek. For those of you that don't want to see my butt, turn away now.

I'd like to hear what you think, so leave a comment. My next appointment is in two weeks on August 20th at 12 p.m.