Model: unknown
Photographer: unknown
Hiney: Words can't describe
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Gents and Ladies: Tattoo Etiquette
Basic Shop and Tattoo Etiquette
1) wash your damn hands!! This means all individuals.
2) when thinking about your next tattoo; have a decent idea in mind as far as what you want to get, where, how big and decide whether you are open to interpretation or not.
3) if you are not open to interpretation; find a "Flash Shop." These are tattoo studios where the artists are known for copying or tattooing anything directly from any flash, drawing, ect to accommodate their clients. (This is also filtered into mainly lower end studios, however, there are many good studios where the artists are willing to accommodate your wants and needs within reason.)
4) when you are open to "artistic interpretation" find what is known as a "Custom Studio." These are usually higher end studios where the artists are known for their "styles" and being able to custom design any concept you have.
5) when seeking out a location to get tattooed, check out the individual artist v. the studio. Artists tend to travel and guest spot in custom shops and you may have to wait if you are searching for a particular artist. Remember, getting what you want from who you want is worth a lot more than merely settling for a second rate scratcher out of your home town.
6) when "shopping" for an artist; look at their portfolios (both art and tattoos) if they don't have at least their tattoo portfolio available, leave. Check for consistencies in line work, style, design, color fill, and shading. A not so trained individual will be able to tell the difference if an artist is attempting to lie about their portfolios and sneak in some slightly different tattoos, done by someone else, claiming they were the artist. It's sad, pathetic, and it happens more than you think (especially with second rate and inexperienced artists.)
7) after finding an artist, make a consultation appointment to hash out your design. This is also where you may be required to make a deposit. Be prepared and educated about your design. As surprised as you might be, not all artists take pride in doing a reputable tattoo that is correct in imagery, depiction, proportion, meaning, spelling or symbolism. Take care to make sure you get your design correct.
8) work with and take care of your artist and they will take care of you.
9) be polite and patient. You will see this reflected towards you if you give it out.
10) tip each session. I recommend a minimum of 20% tip. The artist will appreciate your appreciation and will likely anticipate your next session together.
11) don't be cheap. If your tattoo is going to be out of your budget with your artist. Let them know and save up for it. Don't look for a deal. Most artists worth getting tattoos from are very old school and would more than likely turn you away than give you a discount. Remember, your getting a tattoo is someone else's lively hood. They treat it as such.
12) feel free to ask questions but don't be disrespectful.
13) don't bring your mother or your significant other to watch your tattoo. This should be your tattoo, ergo your experience.
14) wash your damn hands before you follow the steps for your aftercare process.
15) wash your damn hands again.
Not a Hump on Hump Day Gents and Ladies:
Model: unknown
Underwear: unknown
Photographer: unknown
All the same: very impressive. Thank you
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Gentleman's Advice: the Only Relationship Advice a Man will Ever Need
I grew up as a confused child. Not in my sexuality but the role of sexuality, affection, attraction, and appearance v. personality in relationships.
I recall being caught by my biological father and mother multiple times masturbating as a child. The first time, I was 8 and my father said it was ok; nothing to be ashamed of. But I was to do it when there was no one in the house and always be sure to clean up after myself. Fair enough. The next time occurred six or so months later and my father did a complete religious 180° turn. I was beat and then given a talk about how, masturbation was a sin and I was going to hell for "making love" to myself. This double standard advice continued throughout my childhood until I was eleven. And, all coming from a man who maintained such a mishap of an adulterous marriage that hypocrisy is an understatement of the infidelity involved in my biological parents' relationship. My father always considered hisself a fair and human minded man. He often related that looks were not important and it was always about what was "inside." He also relayed that "God" told him whom he was going to marry. All this eventually failed to suffice as any virtuous developmental or relationship advice. My father was a man who constantly cheated on my mother and then after finally divorcing her, remarried three months later to a hefty woman whom represented a mirrored gluttonous, tragedy that my father had become with a bipolar personality. After a year, he divorced her and then remarried a third time only several months later to another "healthy sized" woman with who knows what problems.
During this time, I realized how full of shit my father's advice was considering his mangled view and taste in people. After losing respect for my biological ancestry and loathing my existence as a product of two inherently twisted and unhealthy people; I continued to observe and take note from other people whom I saw representing a wholesome relationship and constantly interviewing to see how these people seemed so successful in finding each other and staying together. I found that it has always been a touch of luck, a big factor of timing, and valuing the character if each other.
This as nice as it was, was of little use to me as I was trying to find someone like myself (but more nice) and needed advice detecting such a wholesome person. So, I diverted unknowingly to a film that set me with a solid base that I now believe is a good measure to how a man may find his self a reasonable, down to Earth, considerate and caring person to spend time with. The film is "A Bronx Tale". The relationship advice in this movie speaks such volumes that all maturing men should be required to observe these words of wisdom if we are not given the advice by our mentors.
The advice comes after the question of how do you find out if a "broad" is a good woman and the "One." The answer is reflected through various crude solutions by the main character's childhood fiends. The solutions come in the form of "tests." After the character Sonny dismisses these ideas, he tells C, the main character, The Door Test. The following is the dialogue explaining the test and the value therein:
Sonny: Alright, listen to me. You pull up right where she lives, right? Before you get outta the car, you lock both doors. Then, get outta the car, you walk over to her. You bring her over to the car. Dig out the key, put it in the lock and open the door for her. Then you let her get in. Then you close the door. Then you walk around the back of the car and look through the rear window. If she doesn't reach over and lift up that button so that you can get in: dump her.
Calogero 'C' Anello: Just like that?
Sonny: Listen to me, kid. If she doesn't reach over and lift up that button so that you can get in, that means she's a selfish broad and all you're seeing is the tip of the iceberg. You dump her and you dump her fast.
This of course only advises the men directly but can be taken for both parties in a relationship. (Take note to self evaluate before taking initiative to find an individual of such virtue)
This advice has helped me straighten out my own understanding of people and the relationship I hoped to have held. Taking a notice of people's simplicity and their base actions helped me relate on who I wanted to be as a man and how to find that type of individual. It's a good bit of advice for any person seeking assistance in the "love" department. A great thanks to Chazz Palminteri. Thank you for many life lessons from The Bronx Tale. Many more to be featured.
-A Gent's Advice
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