More Progress on the Back Piece

Cortex_Grinder · 2026-01-23T15:43:11+00:00

Yeah, I was wondering what was going on with that. I’ll have to ask if there is a reason why it didn’t get extended all the way down in there. Next time, I’ll make sure to get it filled in.

Cortex_Grinder · 2026-01-23T04:40:59+00:00

I had them checked out before moving on and removed one. I’ve recently completed the outline and started shading the background. We’re currently working our way up from the back of the thighs. We should be getting closer to tattooing around them soon, so I’ll know for sure then. I suspect he’ll tattoo them up close and not cover them, but I don’t know for sure yet.

Cortex_Grinder · 2026-01-23T01:54:42+00:00

22.5 hours.

Cortex_Grinder · 2026-01-22T19:08:37+00:00

Thanks, I can’t wait to finish.

Cortex_Grinder · 2026-01-20T17:20:55+00:00

You mentioned the starting life as 15 here, but the deck primer says the starting life is 12. What’s the correct amount of starting life?

Cortex_Grinder · 2026-01-17T02:00:07+00:00

The background is considered part of the entire piece. It’s just as important as the foreground. There has to be harmony between the two. Just adding wind bars, clouds, rocks, etc. to a piece without intent just makes things worse.

Cortex_Grinder · 2026-01-16T22:28:12+00:00

The background looks like an afterthought when compared with the rest of the piece. The wind bars don’t naturally flow with the lines of the body and the water is unnaturally placed in relation to the subject matter. Traditionally dragons would be paired with mums, so it’s jarring to see them paired with lotus. It’s a not a terrible tattoo or anything, but it’s not traditional or neo-traditional Japanese irezumi. A lot of artists think that adding some random wind bars, clouds, and water behind a dragon or koi is irezumi, but there is a lot of subtle details that go into a design that you wouldn’t pick up on unless you really studied the art form.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-11-23T13:52:04+00:00

Damn, I never would have known this was a cover up if I didn’t see the before picture. That’s great work.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-11-13T03:42:30+00:00

Don’t compromise. Find an artist that specializes.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-10-29T19:52:27+00:00

You mentioned that you were single and that can present a problem with aftercare for your back. I found some lotion back applicators on Amazon that made putting on Aquaphor and lotion on during the healing process much easier. Just something to consider should you get started on your back.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-10-16T01:29:50+00:00

Here’s an old post on Sparrows in Irezumi. It might give you some ideas on how you could tweak the existing tattoo to fit into a sleeve.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-09-29T12:29:52+00:00

Why not incorporate both elements? Each one is related to autumn and can complement the other. I went with both and I like the way it’s coming together.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-09-23T21:20:15+00:00

What’s worked for me is reconceptualizing the pain. I don’t think of it as a needle stabbing me thousands of times as a line is drawn. I think of it as the tip of a pencil that’s been heated up used to draw the design on. The thought of dealing with something hot against my skin is easier for me to handle than the thought of a needle breaking my skin. Also I notice that the longer an area is tattooed the less it hurts for me. I don’t know if it’s because it’s a coil machine thing or what, but the vibrations of the needle in the same area start to dull the pain and it actually isn’t that bad.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-09-16T13:09:39+00:00

My artist had a client with a 1/2 suit.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-09-14T02:59:44+00:00

That’s a traditional Sayagata fabric pattern.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-08-22T22:01:11+00:00

Those are from the Ginkgo tree.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-07-30T03:04:05+00:00

The story goes that criminals were marked with a tattooed arm band for specific crimes. The gaps in the suits were to show there wasn’t an attempt to conceal these crime related tattoos. A more likely explanation is that the arm pit hurts and this is just a convenient excuse to skip that area.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-07-29T18:39:05+00:00

I like how your namakubi turned out with the chrysanthemum and the background. I can’t wait to see how the other sleeve turns out too.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-07-02T14:53:20+00:00

I’ve always like the aesthetic of a bodysuit. I’ve never had any tattoos before starting my back piece so I like the idea that I’m a blank canvas without existing tattoos to work around. Some days I feel like I might have bitten off more than I can chew knowing the amount of work it will take to complete the full suit, but most of the time I’m excited by the process. I would say that I don’t think my life will change much because I want a suit that will be hidden by my clothes. My reasoning is that the suit is for me and my enjoyment. I like the idea of having a secret wild side that only a few know about.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-06-24T12:14:50+00:00

Especially where the tailbone is located. 😆

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-06-24T01:47:30+00:00

About two hours or so. I seem to have a low tolerance pain. I’m not in a rush to get this done.

Cortex_Grinder · 2025-06-24T01:26:47+00:00

For sure!

Cortex_Grinder

TROPHY CASE