Things are really picking up in Lucky Cat. We're all so busy. The busier Kev gets, the more work I have to do for him, and the busier I get, the more I have to do for me. Sometimes you get that feeling that you're stuck under an avalanche; there's always a pile of stuff to be done! I've also taken over running the shop two days a week, which does give me some extra cash, which makes life a bit easier, but it also means a lot of the time I'm running the shop, dealing with customers, and doing work for Kev. So, I've been a busy bee!
I'm starting to realise that tattooing most definitely isn't a nice easy 9-5, or 11-6 job. It does take over your life, entirely. You're always thinking about work, about tattoos you've done, or you're about to do. Tattoos that you'd like to do. Artwork you need to work on, how you could have made something better. There's always something going on. Plus, as I get busier, with more appointments, there's a lot of work that I have to take home with me, that I would have done in here a few months ago.
I'm not complaining though! I honestly wouldn't be anywhere else.
SO. Since last time. The Scottish Tattoo Convention. It was great. It was a very very very very long weekend for us... We were the last team to leave the convention both nights, now that's dedication. We didn't get much sleep, and we were on our feet all day. Kev tattooed until 10pm on the Saturday. It was awesome though, we got a really good response, and the first Scottish convention couldn't have happened at a better time for us. The first convention, our first year. There was a real buzz all weekend. It was good to have a wander round too, there were some amazing artists there!
The following weekend we were featured in the Scotland on Sunday's 'Spectrum' magazine! A while back, myself and Kev were interviewed and photographed, and were in an article written about tattoo culture and the convention. It was a great article, and we were chuffed to be chosen for it!
So, tattoos! I did these wee cherries on Honor, who I've tattooed a couple of times before. She loves these and I was really happy with how they turned out. I'm really happy with my shading, after a long time of freaking out about shading, I'm finally ok with it! I need a cherry tattoo, must do something about that!!!
My flatmate's friend Alyssa was visiting from America, and while she was staying with us, I persuaded her to get a tattoo ;) She'd be thinking about it for a long time. I did this in a grey ink, so once it had healed it would be more subtle and delicate than if I'd used black. I really enjoyed doing this, as I've not had too many opportunities to work in tiny little sketchy lines. I love drawing in this way, so it was cool to have a shot at tattooing it!
I did this chain on Karen's foot, another returning customer! We were going to make this go right around the ankle, but she has some tattoos there already, so we finished off the chain with some more blossoms. I used grey again to line this one, which is funny to do. It's quite difficult to see the ink going in as you tattoo, especially with a stencil underneath. Practice makes perfect though!
More Cheshire Cats!!!!! I am a cat lady, so any cat tattoos, I love! Especially something fun and bright like this! We'll be finishing Sarah's off soon, and I'm sure it's going to be added to as time goes on! I loved the polka dot cherry blossoms!
This tattoo was a challenge... on so many levels!! Ken competes in Strongman competitions... He's a big boy, and I'm only wee! It was quite ridiculous to see! I'd also never done any proper text before, so was absolutely bricking it before this! Then, about three lines in, I wiped the ink away, and the stencil underneath just disappeared... This is bad. Especially with lettering! Daddy Kev came to the rescue though, and helped me get the stencil back on, and I carried on, slightly harassed, but was very happy... and shocked... at how well it turned out! Anything is possible!!
Laura, one of Glasgow Roller Girls, had been in touch about getting some old school stuff done. She seems to have a list of things to work on, so this is good for me! I love anchors, and she'd seen one on my blog that I'd drawn, and wanted something similar. So this is what we came up with...
Excuse Laura's derby bruises! It wasn't me!! I was dead chuffed at how this turned out, I had good fun with the colours, adding some highlights here and there, and being a bit more playful rather than frightened to do anything!!
This next piece has been planned for ages, and had to be rescheduled a couple of times, but in the end, I'm glad! I wouldn't have been able to do this justice a few months ago. I really enjoyed working on this, although it did wipe me out afterwards! I really do like working with black and grey, and adding a little bit of colour is always fun. I also used white ink in this in the highlights, for the first time! White always comes up more when it heals, so I'm looking forward to seeing this piece again! Thanks Martin for letting me give you your first tattoo!!
Who knew octopuses were so fascinating... They have three hearts!!! I don't even understand!! And they die after mating...!?!?! Anyway, facts out of the way, this ROCKED! I loved doing this octopus on Sarah, another Roller Girl! Obviously, our as yet unnamed friend, still has a lot of colour to be done, but he's looking good! It was great to get practice at some longer lines, and have the chance to do a bit of freehanding too! I'm really looking forward to getting this piece finished in a couple of weeks.
I've had a bit of a quiet this week, I suppose it's a nice change from running about like a dafty all the time! I've managed to quit my other job, which is amazing, having night times and weekends to myself for the first time in I can't remember how long! I'd been working there for four years, and they gave me a nice bottle of rum and a Vivienne Westwood voucher... get in!
Patsy's building up her laser removal clinics now, which take place every second Saturday. The laser is great, the results are really good. It's horrible to see people who are upset or unhappy with their tattoos, so it's nice to be able to offer them a solution. Although, I don't think I'll be getting it done any time soon!
As usual, I will end my blog with an appeal for anyone who wants a new tattoo and has some spare skin for me to play with to get in touch with me at the Parlour! info@luckycattattoo.co.uk
For now,
Frenchie xxx
