*bounce* *bouncebouncebounce*

[moominmuppet]

In Portland, taking a break while Chris gets set up to start! This is an especially exciting session; we're adding new figures for the first time in 15 years! (The piece was on hold for about a decade because life kept happening)

Can't wait!

The conversation we just had about which pieces, where, and how reminds me of why I love working with him. I bring him this crazy muddle of ideas, he figures out how to actually make it work, which is no small feat with this array of different sculptural styles and shapes.

Comments

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

He's done all my work in the last 15 years, after I saw the piece he put on my friend Iva, back when he was working at 8-Ball Tattoo in Columbus, OH. I'd had work by four other artists before that, but I don't even know if any of them are still out there, and I wouldn't recommend most of them.

It's really worth looking around for a good artist that you can work well with... It matters a lot that I trust Chris's artistic sense, and understanding of what I'm going for. Look for artists that do exclusively custom work, generally, and whose shops aren't covered in flash. Most artists purchase flash, they don't draw their own, so flash generally tells you nothing at all about their level of skill. Look at their individual portfolios, both for their artistic sense, and their execution (lines that are smooth where they should be smooth, colors that are even where they should be, lack of raised scarring in a healed tattoo from working an area too hard). Although there are great new artists out there, finding someone who's been working for a long time will generally be to your advantage -- the more experience, the faster and gentler they tend to work, and the easier time they have dealing with all the little quirks of tattooing on individual bodies.

Pics of the new progress on mine coming soon!

[upeer.livejournal.com]

OMG! you're in Portland? That's only like a 5 hour drive from me...you really should come up and meet my wife. You of course have a place to stay! We'd love to have you. Sarah, I haven't seen you since I left Michigan, would be great to see you again!

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

*grin* Wish it were the right Portland; I'd love to see you!

[upeer.livejournal.com]

I apparently can't read the names of states...wrong Portland. Err...oops :)