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...

Angel with Headphones

My roommate is a singer ( yes, I live in a house full of creativity.)  He recently received a deal and wanted to get a tattoo to celebrate that.  L Starzz was unsure of what he wanted...so I decided to get my mind working ...I came up with the idea of drawing an angel with headphones....

                                                                  Sketch on skin

Memorial Tattoos...

These past few weeks have been hard...my brother died in a shooting.  Not only did I have to travel back home, but I too was expected to use my art for the good.  Part of me just wanted to break down, but I knew the strength within me was more important to shine....

I feel as though, Memorial tattoos shouldn't be depressing.  Yes, it was a sad moment but it's my job as an artist to show the light within the person that died.

This piece I drew, obviously custom...I was actually inspired by the ROC CITY TATTOO EXPO I intended earlier that day... The convention showcased over a hundred traditional artists.  With this piece I wanted to embody the old school style.  Yet, still put my twist on the piece.  With impacting color and still simplicity...I believe this was a unique and memorable memorial piece for my brother...

 
This piece was tattooed on my younger brother, Miles. Definitely, was a dope piece and I have to add this was his 1st tattoo.  Yes,another memorial tattoo for our brother, Aaron but it showcased the strength our brother possessed.

R.I.P. MAN - "WE DIDN'T LOSE A PERSON...WE GAINED AN ANGEL."