We're at it again!

This is my second time I tatted this customer in Atlanta! I swear he is my best friend and a headache lol.  But, he knows it's nothing but love.  I just headache because always he comes in not really knowing what he wants and still not really giving me full control... BUT ALWAYS HE LEAVES WITH A JAW-DROPPING PIECE.

For this particular tattoo , he wanted to highlight his past life on Burton St. The piece was pretty self-explanitory...but I love it!

VIVICA! MY VIVACE!

It was once said to me..."In order to make money you must spend money."  And, too this doesn't always apply to money, but life in general.  In order to be the best, you must dress the part.  It was time for a change as my skills progressed.  So meet Vivica my Vivace! I love she...lol

WE MADE THE NEWS!

City of Ink always gets great publication in magazines, articles and much more.  But, here are the beginning of many more to come while a member of the team.  I must say I'm over joyed for the team as a whole ... 

Here was an article in Creative Loafing's Best of Edition for 2011.  City of Ink is a tattoo shop which can work on all genres of skin.  We have no limitations and are truly a force to be reckoned with.

Here is are three page spread we had in INK ATLANTA.  Have to say it made me cry.  It's my first major publication within the City of Ink Family!!!! Looking through the pages, it's evident I'm apart of a strong unit.  Everyone holds their own.  And, versatility is present.  Yet, still our styles still represent a cohesive unit.  I LOVE MY CITY OF INK FAMILY!

Egyptian Inspired Body

Can I say my art fits into a perfect category mold? No...Do I have a style?  I'm not sure I found it yet, but I know recently I have been doing a lot of Egyptian inspired pieces.  I definitely can say...I love the art and it truly has tested my talent and made me work for all I want.  

(custom ankh piece drawn on skin)

(eye of Horus drawing)

(Nefertiti piece drawn on skin - look at that flow in the tattoo )

Tattoos/Sketches Galore

No need to explain...I'm just going to let the images talk...

I'm back!

(Myself and one of my dope customers Chassity)

I know I am sorry...I haven't been posting in awhile... little technical difficulties, but I am back!  Let see what could've been missed.  A ton of dope pieces, new machine and a dope art show...but I got you with everything...Stay tuned...and don't forget to keep in contact and follow me on twitter @taste0fcake (with a zero.)

Should we try to cover- up the past?

The past is what makes you who you are today...but whose to say we're all proud of our past.  Customer came in with a neck tattoo saying 'GOON' andon the inside was a NYC skyline.  He wanted to cover the piece because he felt as though that past lifestyle was no longer him.  I gladly agreed...he was one of my best clients.  So poliet...and definetly possessed some very interesting work all over his body...He was the definition of covered....

I drew a sketch on skin of a heart with two knives being stuck in it and feathers or wings on the side.... we both liked the sketch and felt like it was time to get started...

At first, I pulled out the liner, but then he was like Cake I like your style...do you....with that stated I went straight to the mag and started being me on the piece....

I kept it flowing with shading and no lines....

I honestly, believe this was my first neck cover-up...but definetly not my last...

And, this was my first customer I put my signature on...but him and I won't tell you where it is :)

A song so beautiful...

The shop was hectic...Miya and Tuki announced they were doing walk-ins before leaving to London.  People were coming from all-over to get a piece of work from the two.  And, it was the same for everybody else.  Definitley a productive day.  I did so many dope pieces...one of my most memorable had to be this guitar piece though.  The customer wanted a custom piece on her back in memory of her father who used to play the guitar. 

Skin drawing

Put your heart into it all...

Customer came in with the symbol which she really wanted (might I add.)  But, too me it felt like flash and something we definetly don't enjoy doing at City of Ink.  So I chose to battle her original idea and make it my own.  With just a little flow and fore-shortening, she loved my sketch and chose to get it on her!

Here is the finished piece....both her and I were happy with the end.  And, moral of the story : No matter how small the piece.  Test the idea, make it your own and truly give the customer your best work everytime. 

Lotus Cover-up

Cover up skin drawing

Puzzle this!!!!

Originally when this customer came into City of Ink I had my mind set on tattooing his hands, but he decided he wanted to do his arm first.   Coming up with a concept for a piece was quite hard.  We kept "butting-heads"on designs.  But, then we came at one when he mentioned puzzle pieces.  I decided to incorporate different aspects which described him and his life.  Instead of creating full-out images we showcased certain symbols like the eye of enlightenment on the dollar, and dripping star (City of Ink's logo) and much more....

 

Puzzle piece sketch on skin

Not your average star...

Its my goal, that when people look at my work they see nothing but different.  Customer told me she wanted shooting stars...I gave her this piece...straight shading...and lots of movement. 

50 cal.garter belt....

When soilder came in and told me he wanted 50 cal. bullets around his thigh....I WAS SO PUMPED!!! The tattoo was tedious considering the fact I chose to do each bullet life-size, portrait style (NO LINES.) With over 20 bullets...it called for a dope piece at the end of the day...