I truly feel like I'm starting to understand some things. As much as I'm able to articulate, I'm beginning to stop myself and realize the nuances of this craft are truly hard to put into words. So I'll do what I can and zoom in on some thoughts, lessons, and revelations:

Lining works when you know it'll work. Well, within reason. What I mean is that once the subtleties and finesse come through occasionally, it can all be harnessed when known it can. The mind works like this.

Just as the mind works; there's also a margin of error to be calculated to make it do so effectively. Often I'll be dead on in my head, but the result is slightly askew. I'm learning how to correct that by finding the mean. For example: I'll feel strong and sure about using my 7 liner. So much so that I foresee the solid line in firm. But upon pulling the line, it'll be slightly weak (visibly not as dense as it should be). Be it skin conditions, machine voltage, or whatever, I quickly adjust and figure out how to compensate. Sometimes it may mean telling myself to pull slower and think meaner. After a few lines, I'll start to understand what I should do and even think differently the entire tattoo... whatever works. It's a relationship really.

Clients have more influence than they think. I may pride myself in manner and courtesy, but if a client comes in concerned or with negative thoughts, the process is definitely effected. I don't like to admit it, but this is an ebb and flow. A lot of what I do is translation. I hear what you're saying and I'm making choices. How much of what I translate do I keep for you to attach yourself to the tattoo? And how much of my understanding to apply to my version of your vision? Or, hell... do I just exert myself and apply more of my vision than usual? All of this is dependent on my reading of you. I should post more about this sometime. It's complicated, but I really enjoy the topic.

Trust coupled with doubt is healthy. I know what I can do. But I don't know why something is the way it is. What I mean is that I've heard certain "absolutes" from artists. And some of them make sense. But why are things that way? Test, test, test. And not just that kind of thing. Question everything. It's great to know where you stand and why you stand there.

On that note, the most obvious breakthroughs I've achieved have been by mistake. One situation led to another which led to trying something different... and suddenly a break through. So looking for it, doesn't seem to work for me. But knowing it's there and being able to recognize it does.

Oh, oh. I can put on a stencil really well now. It'll still take another try or so sometimes, but the quality of each stencil is solid. I love Stencil Stuff. But even without, doing the daily grind has taught me how saturated the skin should be with certain products. I'll smoothly apply and work it to the spot that gives me about five seconds of drying time.

So most of what I consider a change or positive alteration has not happened suddenly. This may seem obvious. But time has slowly drawn me closer to being a craftsman. As much as I've wanted to push what I see into what I tattoo, the ability to have fundamental skills and control what's happening is much more important. Once that's developed, the tools will be in place to do whatever the hell you see fit.

Yes, I'm tattooing! And I realize my schedule seems all over the place. So I'll be posting the current month or so over on the sidebar. I'm always trying to make extra time within the schedule for more tattoos. So even if I'm booked, I may be able to work something out. (especially if I like the idea)

I've no problem admitting a struggle. It's just an unusual profession where concealing problems makes sense. As confident as I am, I make mistakes. I have so much to learn.

I was worried. Immediately I attributed it to the big change in my schedule. That maybe all the traveling and less time spent tattooing was directly effecting my work. It made sense, but it's not really like me. So I asked around and did some research... what was the difference? Why an uphill battle now... three years in?

I even called my buddy Monte. It went something like this...

"So, Monte, I'm having troubles, man. Like out of nowhere."
"What's that?"
"Either I'm completely lost, or I'm chewing people up."
"Hahaha. Good!"
"Good?"
"Yeah good. Assholes like you just come in and are doing well off the bat. You need a little struggle."
"That's great advice, thanks."

We talked some more but the only thing that stuck was his, "good". It helped me to look at the situation differently. I was in the middle of progress. It was up to me to change, learn, push myself or plateau.

Once my attitude changed, my search for answers was more effective. I had to deconstruct and go back to how I had learned. I was raised on 9 mags and 5 rounds. So I went back. I had only used Kuro Sumi outlining ink, even for my wash. Had my hand movements changed? Absolutely. Figuring that out was tedious. How was I running my machine? I'm sure it was different. Obviously, there were so many variables.

Was I staying in a spot too long? Before that wasn't a problem.

I was getting closer. But still wasn't absolutely sure. Then I read an old interview with Guy Aitchison. He had been tattooing awhile and, based on a quick conversation with somebody, Guy realized his needle depth wasn't right. Instantly it made sense to me.

My shading happens with washes, hand speed, movement, and needle depth. Slowly, over time, I've pulled out of the skin more and more. The next day I left more needle out. My machine hits kindly, so the extra depth was okay.

Thankfully, the change was instant. The answer was simple, but the process getting there was a challenge. I was tattooing deeper and the skin was holding it. Redness was minimal and fades were smooth. To top it off, that tattoo came back two weeks later and it had already peeled with no scabbing. The shiny new skin was on its way to strengthening.

It's behind me now, thankfully. But I look forward to my next lesson...

(Oh and no tattoos suffered during this time, just the healing process sucked)

I've been with Bluebird Tattoo for over three years now. Going in ignorant, I started from a position of serving and soaking and have, over time, worked my way up. From the beginning, the guys have been nothing but kind... even loving. Somehow, within our world of tattooing, they created an environment of encouragement, achievement, and continual growth. Every man with his own take, we were able to bounce ideas and experiences around.

I'm trying to say that I was able to flourish with their help and at my own pace. And for that I'm forever grateful.

Also during the process, I've experienced more life changes than I could have imagined. At the beginning, my little man (Xavier) was born premature. His birth and the stress of life in the NICU-along with the weight of unimaginable hospital bills-prompted my departure from the world of freelancing. I loved the freedom, but my situation wouldn't allow me to push through the cloud of inconsistency.

Xavier found a way through his own turmoil though. He fought extraordinarily. Hell, he always does. He came out little but strong. And even the little was short lived! He was chubby and thriving in no time.

Then came a resurgence of life. At least an effort to find some sense of normalcy. And we did so... kind of. But it also shook some of us up deeper than we knew. Then came even more. Over the past couple of years we faced a horrible death in the family, pain, more sickness (Xavier faced a rare form of Salmonella), drain, and ultimately the end of my marriage.

I type this with tears streaming down my cheeks, and it makes me feel small. Small because my best laid plans don't really matter. Because the love between two will dance and swing and find itself an irregular beat. So how am I to suggest a pattern more stable when wonder lives in such displacement?

But the love between parent and child is different: it rivals that of any story told or romance known. For it is unconditional and knows no bounds. Where there was irregularity, there is correlation. When once I found security in actions and knowing, I now stand confident in an unfaltering unit: father and son.

On that note... I post this to say I'm changing everything.

My son needs me, so I'm dropping what is comfortable and will be taking more time with and for him. I'll still be tattooing, but will do so on a different routine and with more ability to select the works I'll undertake. I'm certain it'll effect my schedule and may make me less available for current clients, but it has to happen.

It's a little daunting, but I look forward to the change.

I'll now be tattooing at Insight Studios in Chicago every other week and I'll also be available for my East Coast friends as a monthly guest artist at the amazing Baltimore Tattoo Museum.

Right now I'm posting photos of the Hell City Columbus experience. Well... my version at least.

Hell City '09

I'm sure I look like an idiot holding my iPhone up to everything in sight. But that's okay!
I'll even try and post decent descriptions as well.

Oh! I had a cancelation for Sunday, want to jump in and get tattooed? Email me: david@allentattoo.com

Denis took these of himself... some wonderful shots of the work we've been doing this weekend.

Not sure if it's an official post (whatever that means) but I've just posted some photos in the iPhone Photos section of the gallery. Some are in progress, while others are just quick shots. Enjoy!

I'll be tattooing the Hell City Tattoo Festival on May 29th-31st in Columbus, Ohio. Somehow, I'll be sharing a room with some of the best artists in the world... I kind of just want to get tattooed, heh.

So I'm taking appointments if you're interested... email away: david@allentattoo.com

I've always been able to open up and share. But there are some areas I deem too important, too personal, to mention... let alone go into detail. You see, around the time the post frequency started to dwindle around here, something was going on in my life.

I have appreciated the emails asking me to post more! I love hearing how Allen Tattoo has somehow helped other people that are going or have went through this incredible process. I'm not sure what I did do deserve such incredible readers, but I can't thank you enough.

So...

Once my marriage started to not only show cracks, but actually crumble, it was only right to give the site lower priority. The process was and is painful. Obviously. Seven years and I watched myself walk, crawl, run, and stand confused through a divorce. As difficult as that process was, nothing matters other than my little man: Xavier Michael Allen. The process is continual for him and we're both doing all we can to maintain a strong sense of love, solidarity, and safety.

Now I'm figuring out a schedule. I've certainly poured myself into my first love, art. And I've watched my pieces grow in complexity and execution. I've such a long long way to go, but I know I'm on the right path. With a new routine being developed, I have to make a point to not get sucked in. Sure, I love tattooing. In every way, the pursuit could take me over. But I cannot let it. There has to be balance. Even if I despise discipline; I know it will make me better in the end.

And somewhere in striving for balance, I'm already discovering more about myself than I knew. Tattooing has strengthened my confidence. I hurt, but doubt never creeps in. I wonder, but never worry. It seems my approach is different. I wouldn't say self sufficient, but I can trust in myself and my ability to handle the near future.

When Nathan Kostechko was tattooing me, he said something that stuck. I don't think it was the words, but more the implication behind it...

"I'm following that ghost line, the one that doesn't exist, but is about to."

While he said it, he looked at me a little inquisitive (in his eyes), but way more matter of fact (in his brow). His words hit me. He articulated the mysterious mental and physical process perfectly. I just got it, so I smiled back.

And so now I realize I'm doing the same. My goal is to be a wonderful father, to love people and put my all into everything I create. I've a long way to go on all accounts, but I know I'm in the middle of a process. It's my turn to follow that ghost line - the one that doesn't exist, but ...somehow and someway... will, eventually.

For now, keep bearing with me while I figure things out around here. I'm always posting to Flickr and Tweeting random stuff over on the sidebar. Let me get past grieving a little and I'll follow through with some old fashioned blog posts.

So I miss posting. I do.

I've been traveling at an ungodly speed. This month has been absolutely new and overwhelming. Next month, March, I'll be slowing down.

This week I just finished up Musink in Costa Mesa. Next week I'll be tattooing the Detroit Motor City Expo, sharing a booth with Monte. And yes, if you're around Detroit, come and visit.

March will come and I'll be back to my normal schedule.

Conventions are so different. They're both overwhelming and refreshing. After my second one, the stress level moved aside and being able to tattoo anywhere has given me more confidence.

I remember the first day I showed up in Chicago for a weekly guest spot... I was nervous and a little insecure. If only because I had no clue what the hell to do in a different environment. Everything was foreign. So I feigned some sort of nonchalance and watched the other guys setup... I remember watching them tape down dental bibs to the surface and realizing it made sense. I just did it different. Analyzing always helps; then I just added my take and was able to create a new comfort level.

Now I throw myself in. Still a little hesitant, but a bit more capable....

But for now I have to run, In-N-Out Burger calls.

I've only tattooed conventions around Chicago, so jumping into the Baltimore convention was new to me. I know the depth of my clientele at home. Who knows if that'll really transfer elsewhere?

A small booth costs money. The travel and lodging costs even more. So it was a small leap of faith; you know, I went all in.

Then, a week after signing up, I got all nervous. What if nobody wants an appointment? Baltimore is loaded with some of the best traditional work around... I don't specialize in that stuff. Hmm... will I even get people walking up? How busy will it be?

So, to ease my concern, I promoted. Nothing incredible. But I made a small post on this site and sent out a Myspace bulletin. It was a matter of taking extra time to say "hey". I'm not too keen on doing it, but I knew it had to be done.

A few hours later I had my first appointment. Days later I was filling up spots. Then, who knew? I was booked solid. Now, I wasn't going to say anything until after it happened. But the response was tremendous.

And I say this not to boast (who cares?), but simply because I had no idea. Some photos, a website, an updated Myspace page and links from a convention site were enough to capture attention. Sure, I work hard on my tattoos. And that counts. But the combination of it all worked. So much so that I wasn't ready for it really. I wasn't prepared for the effort involved in scheduling.

Most contacts started via email. Then it was a matter of staying on top of the ideas and, if I wanted to do it, I had to buckle down and put things in stone. I opened up iCal and kept everything synced with my iPhone so I could have info on me when I was at the shop. I tried to give myself extra time between tattoos because of the environment, but will make a point to allow for more next time.

And, to top it off, I actually enjoyed each client I met in Baltimore. They couldn't have been a better group of people. And for those of you that specifically came up, introduced yourself as a reader, and gave me love... thank you!

I'll be tattooing this year's Musink Tattoo Convention & Music Festival in Costa Mesa, California. (February 20-22)

Tattoos and Music. (Hello, Danzig!)

I've open availability if you'll be around the area - It's Feb 20th through the 22th.
Connect with me through email: david@allentattoo.com

I'm excited to be working in the same room with some absolutely incredible artists. Is it possible to just float around, buy people drinks, and pick their brains? Maybe. But I have to squeeze some tattooing in as well.

Also, it was awhile ago, but I spent some quality time in the land of In & Out. I think I'm going to fly a little early and spend some more with friends.

This guy is awesome. He's headed off in a week and will be going to sea. Yep, sea... heh. He just wanted an eagle and a flag... the rest was up to me.

Sometimes I love that option. Sometimes it's a stressful blank canvas with little direction and a lot of worry. So many customers know what they don't want, but can't tell you at all what they do.

But he loved the idea and sat in the chair for four hours.

...

So instead of just shading shapes, I've been really inspired by Tom (at Insight) lately. He does a lot of his work with a seven. The tiny details with pinpoint accuracy. I made a point to shade big areas, but then come back and add the details with a seven. It was a matter of treating the seven like a mini shader... dipping in wash and applying based on depth and speed as if I was shading. Maybe a seven round would be good too...

Oh, and it's a photo from my iPhone. Luis dropped the Nikon (oh no) and it's in for repair. For the first time it was smart to get the Best Buy insurance crap.

It looks like I'll be tattooing the Baltimore Tattoo Convention next month. I've yet to tattoo outside of my locale, so I'm excited to jump in.

I've open availability if you'll be around the area - It's Jan 23rd through the 25th.
Connect with me through email: david@allentattoo.com

More info here.

It took awhile, but I've just posted some tattoos in a new section of the gallery: Continuation. I'll continue to post new stuff in this section for the next couple of months.

Also, I've added a gallery of photos I take and send from my cell: iPhone Photos. I'm still posting to Flickr, but this area is a little more tattoo and experience specific.