Arizona Artists & Random Q's.

I moved to Arizona in January and I had no intentions of getting any work done out here -- call me stubborn -- but I was getting work done by an awesome artist in NJ. He and I had actually already discussed and planned the rest of my arm, the other arm, and my stomach -- the ideas and the sketches were so great, why would I even bother researching talent out in AZ? Plans had been made for me to return to nj for future work... I know, I know, narrowminded I am. Well, it is no longer possible for me to get work done by that artist as he recently passed. I've decided to try researching my options out here, seems like the only shops I can find are in Glendale AZ (in fact, all of the ones I've found are on glendale rd near the air force base). There was one shop in El Mirage -- but it was absolutely filthy. Does anyone here know of any artists in the Maricopa County area? I'd like to go check out their portfolios and run some ideas by them... Hell, Vegas is about 4 hours away -- for a great artist I'd be willing to drive out there. Granted, I've plenty of time to research as I'm (very) preggo at the moment (due 8/24). But I'm so picky about tattoos and such, that I might need every minute.. And is it strange that I actually feel guilty asking another artist to finish the sleeve that was started already? Hell, it feels strange just to think about going to another tattoo shop.

Josh [email removed] www.immaculatetattoo.com www.insanetattoos.com [email removed] [email removed]

thanks! that's a good starting off point for me. the websites are really great too since they provide some images of their work. now all i need to do is learn my way around this state to get to their shops and discuss ideas (if they've time to do so). have you had any work done at these locations or by the specific artists that you mentioned?

Check out Paolo@Divinity tattoo

check out any artists at club tattoo

I haven't been tattooed by any of the artists i mentioned..what style of work were you looking to get?And who was the artist in Jersey,that passed away.

The artist was Bob Montagna (owner of Fusion of Styles in Malaga NJ - near rt.40). There's another thread on here in regards to him. I'm not sure what style you'd classify it as, I never was good at keeping track of it. You can kinda see it on the TattooNow Family website. It's very bright and colorful, not quite cartoony, but definately not realistic looking -- so far it's two giraffes rubbing noses w/mountains, trees, etc. I guess I need someone who's good at animals but knows how to add a bit of playfulness to it. (the next section of this sleeve was planned to be two elephants with their trunks intertwined -- see a theme?) I really just like bright, fun, and even a bit wacky. for example -- I really want to get a scene of a praying mantis eating the head of her mate (with the brain all exposed). yummy! I actually don't think i'm going to hit the elephants/that arm for a bit, I'm still trying to get used to the idea of someone else finishing that. Plus I'm thinking of flying back to nj next summer to have Bryce Lippincott work on it (if he's willing), he was Bob's apprentice. But I would like to start on the other arm soon. soooo many ideas. so little skin.

I would also check out Divinity Tattoo, all the artists there are awesome. Also Pheonix tattoo company and Sage...

i actually went out today looking for all of these shops. i've been hearing a lot of great things about Paolo, Sage, and Divinity -- however i can't seem to find any of them? I'm going to try googling them and then mapquesting that way next weekend I can hunt down the shops. i'm still trying to get used to the area, and people's idea of giving directions is telling me to go north or south -- if it wasn't for gravity i wouldn't be able to tell up from down probably!!!! i'm directionally challenged and always get lost. i passed a bunch of shops today on Glendale Ave in Glendale and Peoria... I stopped at the one in Peoria because it had an interesting look to it. I went inside and... well. I walked right back out, not clean (i'm picky), and no one spoke english. Normally I don't care about language differences, but I'm not ordering a pizza -- this is permanent and I want to make sure that the artist and I are on the same page. I still have plenty of time yet, but like I said before, I want my research done and be in the planning stages... i'm very weird about this stuff. most people i know just walk in somewhere and say "i want this, in these colors." i go in and say "this is my idea, what do you think? do you think we should tweak it in anyway?" and then i'm a real pain in the ass because i want to see at least a sketch or two before the beautiful tattoo machine comes near my skin. (whoa. long post. i need to stay out of the sun so i stop babbling)

[email removed] would do a nice sleeve.. Matt Geiogamah,Taylor,[email removed]

thanks for all the help guys! going by the artists' sites alone there are three that really have my attention (Matt Geiogamah, Paolo, and Sage). I still plan on checking out the others though because I know websites don't give you a complete idea. so now next weekend i will mapquest so i can find the shops and check the places out. and hopefully if they're not off-the-wall busy introduce myself etc. thanks again! really appreciate it

may bob rest in the most intensely peaceful of peaces. what an incredile and kind person this planet has lost and Heaven has gained. i hope bryce will still pursue his art. he's an awesome artist and an awesome dude. he's done just about all my work across from bob's station and with bob's kind input on the fire on my left arm.

Jay, I really can't see Bryce retiring just yet. ;) I don't know if he's started up appointments again yet, or if he hasn't when he intends to do so. But, you could always call him up and ask, or cheat and send him a myspace message. Here's his page: http://www.myspace.com/brycelippi BTW, couldn't help but notice that you're a Rowan kid.. how's that area doing, calm down at all over on main street? I lived across the street from Main St. Bar until Jan.

Ya know when somebody dies everyone usually says the same stuf..."oh he was a nice guy and loved children and small animals" Well in this case...Bob was all that and much more...I don't think I have ever heard a bad word about Bob...ya just can't understand unless ya knew him...Now I can't say I knew him well but I've spent time talkin to him on many occaisions and this man was the nicest guy I believe I have ever met...he truly loved people... This world is just a little darker and a little colder without Bob in it!! TAz

CLUB TATTOO off of 51st in glendale ask for NATE, i promise he wont let you down