Post #57844 by tikijaksin on Fri, Oct 31, 2003 11:37 AM

tikiboi besides being one of da kreepy tiki karvers im afull time tattoo artist in Silhouette Studios miami fl.tattoos and tattooing is something I live and breathe, yes even more than tiki.and quality tattooing is the single most important thing to look for(besides a clean shop) .and i agree wit tikifish on gettin' something kustom, not getting a copy of someone else's work .there's nothing wrong with taking ideas from other tiki tattoos/ art.but make it youre own . on selecting an artist look at the artists portfolio ask if he or she likes to do the type of work (style) that youre looking to get( this makes a big difference)just because an artist likes to do and is great at say traditional american kolor work, he or she might not be the best to do a black and grey piece.and lastly take into account that it's gonna be there fo a looooowwwwng time .for this reason it's usually best to get a tattoo designed by an experienced tattoo artist ,and not just anyone who can draw circles around everyone.most tattoo artists love to do kustom work over "the shit on da wall" anyday .remember that what looks good on paper or kanvas wont always work on skin .especiaally after a couple of years of wear and tear.like tikifish said there is plenty of good artists here on tc who you can commission for a tiki sketch.just remember that it's to be tattooed not to display on a wall and which is why I recommend an experienced tattoo artist to design it for you, someone who has a basic understandin of what works in youre skin over time .because you can end up with something that looks good for a couple of years and ,in a couple more looks more and more like a big messy blob of shit.I know in youre home town PA there is some very good artists who i know would love to do something like that.so go out and do some leg work and that way you know you'll end up satisfied.good luck Kreepy tiki jaksin