One week today

In one week I'll be getting my daughters portrait done at Hope Gallery Tattoo by Julio Rodriguez.. man am I stoked! It'll be my first.. prob cry like a little girl (just to start a new war :)) but I'm psyched! Can't find any good 'caring for your new tattoo' threads.. any around? Craig www.creativecutgems.com

Well, I don;t know if posting a pic is a sore subject around here, but I wouuld love to see!

RE:TAKIN' CARE OF THE GOODS Posted by Doctor John from IP: 69.209.184.36 on 08/05/06 Fraser,Mi USA And here I thought you were already off enjoying yourself! Great job on the Tazfest poster, very good (of course) Now, as to your questions...yes, moisturizing your skin (tattoo) will 'help'as it off sets the 'drying' effect of showering and Lubiderm is a good one to use, so is cocoa butter by the way. Naturally a Good SunScreen is critical and I do not think Zinc Oxide will dull the colors out except perhaps while 'on' as it does seem to'mute' the color while on due to it's properties and Zinc Oxide does not wash off 'easily' which is why it's used for diaper rash (ya shoulda remembered that, Daddy) but, for tattoos, that's a 'plus', doesn't sweat off as quickly. I don't have any personal knowledge re:spray ons but would think any containing alcohol would NOT be a good thing as alcohol dries things out. Be advised that some folks are allergic to Zinc so if ya get little red bumpies, wash it off-quickly with soap and water. As a 'rule' Coppertone puts out very good products, they've been around a LONG time so I'd think they are safe AND good. Naturally, put it on frequently when you're going to be in the sun for prolonged periods and when using it to protect your tattoo and still want to 'get color' from the sun 'elsewhere', be careful to just put it on your tattoo or you'll end up with a 'weird tan'- if ya follow what I'm saying?

posting a pic of a Julio tattoo is a great idea! i am betting he will do it himself when the tattoo is done ;-) I remember when he tattoed gabe the tattoo was online before gabe even left the shop, it was geeky fun to have gabe call to say he was on his way home and be looking at his arm on my computer!

Julio is an awesome artist and fellah. Lucky you! Tell him I says hi!

Did you see the tattoo Julio did for his wife? Absolutely gorgeous! You will love Hope Gallery Craig. Good luck with your first tattoo.

Hmmm, is it posted?

I'll definatley post a pic.. my daughters damn cute! I'm already planning my next piece and will try to get him to give me an appt while I'm there.. dunno if it'll work but worth a try! Craig www.creativecutgems.com

Julio's page 1,image #2. Mucha

It's done! Well, it was done tuesday but didn't get a chance to post.. Julio did a freakin sick job on the tattoo.. it looks EXACTLY like the picture I gave him! Julio at Hope Gallery Tattoo is an awesome artist and nice guy.. I'd recommend him to anyone.. although I won't because it might make it harder for me to get another appt :). I'll get some pics going when it heals up.. I can't wait to get my next one (not that I have the exact piece I want yet).. Craig www.creativecutgems.com

coolio!!!! glad to hear it was just what you wanted!!! did your wife decide what she is gonna get?? keep us posted, and can't wait to see the pic, or better yet maybe we'll get to see the tattoo in person one of these days :-) -the ripley's

I got one from Julio myself and just set up an appt with Joe C. I've been in many shops to get work done or just to check it out I have to say Hope has the nicest feel of them all and the artists to rival any shop!

Simply put, Hope Gallery is one of the best studios in the country. I have gotten two tattoos there and hope to get more. ha.

How long did you have to wait from the time you booked the appointment?? I am soo jealous, julio's artwork is bad ass....

I just booked Feb. with Joe C and I think I read on their message board that Julio is booked into the new year as well

I had to wait about 2-3 months for my appt. It's hard to wait but I definately wanted him to do the portrait. Craig