The sketch process- behind the scenes of the design

All tattoos start with the sketching process.
In my case they are very crude. My sketches are messy and rough.
I mean this in a good way. As an artist, I am critical of my art and to compare my sketches
to others- well, I have seen some very awesome, perfect, clean, killer sketches and sometimes mine are that.
But humbly, my sketches for the most part are really really, well, sketchy. Super not tidy.
I like sketching rough and messy, it gives my hand and wrist freedom to literally move fast and in different ways that tattooing does not allow. Tattooing frankly, kills the wrist after awhile. Especially if your lining all day long.
So, my sketches these days go down with a sharpie pen. They will smear and smudge and be juicy and leave a mess on the tracing paper. But it feels good to me.
When I show my clients the sketch- I say, bear with me, this is rough but I wanted to get the idea of what we are thinking...I always explain what is what and the way the placement will work out- possibly anyway...The real test is once it's on the skin.
Since my customers have been with me a long time, they are such good sports about going through with the "bones" of the design and allow me to work away and create the tattoo, sometimes with the end result look, not even developed but we make it happen.
This is my favorite. I love testing peoples openness to going through with the tattoo-
See, this is the thing- no one knows what the piece will look like til it is done. I can predict and offer up what it may look like but you just don't know til it is done. You must go through the process.
I know, I know, ya'll are so nervous and anxious when you come in, as you really do that to yourself.
If you are not up for what it may or may not turn out like...perhaps you shouldn't subject yourself to the unknowing in the first place.
You must be brave and surrender. Allow your artist to be the artist self that they are to create the best piece for YOU. Your piece is of the best interest and it will be awesome if you let it.
I hear ideas all day from people, I get these pictures in my mind- I see these awesome pieces, that were inspired by what you dreamed up to commemorate whatever it is that is dear to you.
I think getting past the first step of the nerves when looking at a sketch and being supportive to your artist and not a nit-picky-boss about it, your artist will really shine for you!
Hope this helps!

Here is a piece that is one session in, so we will have another on it for sure. 

All tattoos start from some where- All artists map things out differently and I still think my method is really rough considering. So I am super appreciative of all the clients that are supportive and are always down to go with my process and TRUST me. (praying hands emoji here)

***Aftercare***

It is always good to do a refresher on the ol' aftercare treatment or if you are new to getting a tattoo, it's good to get the run through in the first place.
Some people have 'heard" many ways to take care of their tattoo- lot's a different ointments and lotions...
It is best to listen and do what your artists recommends~~~
I actually say often "less is more"
and I say, if you ignored it and did nothing, it will probably heal best too.
That is because when people get a new tattoo, they won't stop touching it! And people tend to put too much stuff on it! Suffocating the poor, beautiful new piece of art.
So, just leave it alone!

Here is the quick basics-
Take the bandage off after the instructed time- I say a few hours is suffice usually, unless you were a bloody mess = longer time.
Once bandage wrap is off, rinse it with water.
Water once in a 24 hour period or once or twice a day is good.
WAIT about 2-3 days before putting stuff on it-
These days people like Aquaphor or if you make an awesome all natural product like I do for the shop- (it is pure shea butter and coconut oil, not petroleum)
And people like plain, fragrant free moisturizer like Aveeno, Cural brands)
The trick is to not over do this!
In most cases, putting the ointment/lotion on it once per day is good too. Just enough to help a little with the itch and help smooth out the dryness.

 Healed work over a year old on Spencer. Black always heals easier in most cases.

 Here is some roses on Mia, that is about 4 days old from when we did it. No redness or irritation.

 Here is the balm we make. Very calming!

My lovely client and sister gardener's tattoo experience...

I recently received a client who was recommended to me by an old client of mine I have had like 15 years ago...I was smitten with her as soon as she arrived and when she told me what she wanted- photos emerging from her pack, a handful of pictures that she took herself of these lovely swallowtail butterfly's that she raised herself in her native back yard garden.  I was so inspired by her doing this, being a gardener myself.
I could tell her heart was so in this. So, I wanted to to the best job I could for her. It was her first tattoo ever, which I know takes great bravery. She was patient for me and she didn't pressure me with art reviews- my schedule rarely affords this these days.
Either way, she sat lovely and was patient with the whole process and I just really enjoyed working with this special lady.
She is a writer and teaches-
So here is a link to a sweet piece she wrote about her experience:

On Teaching, Depression, and Tattoos – Teaching with Trust

By Jen Hurley of Alameda, Ca.

Good bye to 2018....

I pretty much decided to not do any writing for the year of 2018-  kinda felt bad about it because there was so many awesome things that were happening at the shop, but in honor of staying focused on the clients and what was going on with Toni and the other crew, I just couldn't get to it. It is challenging being able to execute everything that you want to, especially when the creative ideas are brimming or dying to come to fruition.

I found myself repeatedly 'steadying' myself.  I had a mantra~ "easy woman, it will all happen, it will all get done."

And most definently, a lot of projects did get done indeed.

In the future I am planning on writing more, so I can use my Instagram page as a pictorial without having to write so much explanation for pieces. But it shows up, time and time again, that the people wanting to get tattoos need continued education, if you will.

My whole idea is how to enjoy the tattoo process for both people. The collector/the wearer and for the artist. Your artist needs to trust themselves with doing the tattoo not just the client trusting the artist.
More on that whole thing later...

2018 was one of the best years Valkyrie has experienced. The amount of tattoos we did this past year was so many- our Saturdays were jammed at the shop! It was such a magnificent year, full of love, creativity and inspiration. We picked up so much momentum at the shop, it was quite the buzz.
Toni, my apprentice started tattooing after spending over a year or more just being the intern.
Truly a very exciting time for the shop. The current crew is so happy to work with each other, it has been a easy going crew for sure.  I love it when the shop has that feeling of everyone gets along and is motivated to work hard and is inspired and inspiring each other and trusting each other- more trust, more bonding, for everyone who enters the space = better tattoos.

Here is some recent pics of Toni, working away- she's becoming a killer tattoo artist, very quickly in my opinion :)

This is a sister gardener named Jen who, raises these butterflies in her garden! She took those pics!

My viking brother Harry, I finally tattooed a "helm of awe" on him. He deserved it. He got clean and sober and had been hittin' the gym and exercising like the true badass warrior he is, so here is his (AEGLISHJALMUR)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Skal! Skal! Skal!

Best of 2018!!!!!!!

It's been way too long and I have a lot of time to think about this but I have wanted to lament on what a killer year it has been for Valkyrie!
It was such an honor to be named Sonoma County's best tattoo shop in our local paper~ the Bohemian for 2018!
That alone floored me a bit and was very exciting for us. We are feelin' the love. It was really nice going to the shin-dig they put on and we really enjoyed their appitizers and live band, in the fancy museum. Next time I will be sure to wear a dress. :) Anywho, that was in March...

We have been so productive and inspired this year- After wanting to tile our shop entrance for almost 5 years me and Toni put plans together and showed up at 7am on a sunday morning to do it! We have never done anything like that before and it was like we knew what we were doing! We are pleased with how it turned out: 

Color vs. black and grey tattoos

Here is all color- Lot's of mixing here- Black, blue, white, yellow and water to blend this the way it is. 

It occurred to me that I haven't written more about the differences between color tattoos and just black and grey tattoos- there is actually a big difference between the two, from the technique/application and healing process.
Some people know right away if they are a color person or black only-
I will get right to it.
Black ink on skin is way easier to work in and heal. The black ink is very watery and goes into the skin easily. Healing it is usually very easy going too. The skin processes it  within a few days to a couple of weeks and generally has a thinner 'scab' then color. Although the dry semi-crust on your tattoo during the healing is dead skin that falls off to reveal fresh rejuvenated skin. Black pigment is like tattooing water in the skin compared to color, which I refer to being like honey. When you put color pigment in the skin- the pigment is so full-bodied that it's like pushing honey into the skin, the skin has way more to take in, and process/heal which takes longer- a fully saturated colored tattoo can easily take two weeks to two months to heal and cure- as I call it.

Here is a client photo- I love these. This is a black and grey piece that is actually an opaque grey- adding white ink to the black thickens the pigment, thus this technique would be considered to be more on the color side. I also used mild white high lights in it for another dimension. 

This piece is done in all black ink with water.

 The colored ink needs to get adjusted and settled in the skin, which can take some time. Ink is pretty foreign to the skin but our bodies are used to a certain amount of toxins these days from pesticides to hair dyes (chemicals) to free radicals and pollution. So a healthy person with healthy skin can heal ink no problem. A lot of the times just straight water rinsing once or twice a day will ensure a good heal- moisturizing it when it dry once a day is a nice move too.
Anyway, lately these days there is a big call for just black tattoos, like line work only. That's a nice look and maintaining it, re-doing it, or touching up, is really straight forward and when they grey out in the future it looks kinda primitive and natural. Some people don't like how color tattoos 'fade'. But really over time they all do. However, if you have color and you have to get it re-done for normal preservation some don't want to go thru the process again.
At the end of the day it is all about personal preference and you should just choose to do whatever you'd like. If you have super sensitive skin, it may be easiest to go with black and grey...

Some black only pine needles. Very simple. Less is more often times.

New stuff

Well, I have thought about my blog the past year and a while back, I kinda thought I gave up on it and since I post on Instagram from time to time, and I have no idea who really reads this anyway, I was like, fuck it. But then an old friend came in recently and said I read your blog, and I thought to myself, I shouldn't give up on.
It has been 11 months since I have written on here, and quiet a lot has changed really...Some really wonderful things goin' down 'round the shop.
I am really lucky to work with such rad, fellow artists here at the shop- my brother Harry, has been with me from the start of Valkyrie- the past almost 10 years. He is such a incredible, energetic, strong person and now I am lucky again to work with John Kulikoff. He worked at the shop the first year  I opened Valkyrie and now that he moved back to Sonoma County, he is back at Valkyrie- what a cool, full circle happening! Also, I can not forget to mention my sweet, loyal assistant Toni Stirling, who is always up for whatever weird creative-project- ideas- I get on whims-

I just feel so honored to work with such wonderful artists at this shop. It has been a wild and fulfilling ride! I just want to have this armada rolling--- still!!!
My mind set is completely different than what it was from the start- In the beginning when I created Valkyrie it was from this vision I had- I wanted a place that was solid and grounded where I can practice my craft and be hospitable to my clients and be a viking! Can't forget that.
But back then, I put in so many hours and worked really really hard, like every day to keep the doors open, to make my dream happen, but it all changed when my daughter came along. Being a mum required more energy and strength and marrying that with tattooing and running the shop was a juggling act. I realized the conservation of energy and body was priority. I have re configured things a bit and my mind set is this now- with great focus and a steady mind- steady streams of thought that my vision will continue no matter what and if I just stay calm then it all will flow to me as it should and I do not have to try so hard or work so hard- I am in the seat of allowing and if I am here, then the clients will flow here and I do not need to 'effort' in getting them here.
This mind set has freed up many things for me, I am in a state of- I am here to relax and see what the tide brings in and I am willing to be of service to those that want to work with me...After all this time, I still love doing what I do and almost 20 years in this trade, It is a relief to finally know that it is easier not hard, if this is what I allow...
I think getting your ass kicked in this trade is a rite of passage, comes with the territory kinda thing, but Fuck, I am so grateful that my vision of Valkyrie has came through for me in this way...

TATTOO BY JOHN, MY AWESOME CO WORKER

IN PROGRESS BY JEN

MY SPAWN-SONJA

DOWN AF FOR THIS PLACE

Me and my crazy companions, Sonja and Odin

As this winter is actually a real winter here in California for once in a decade, it's created for some interesting energy and mind sets to say the least. Maybe it's me or perhaps not but as it's been cold with weather that is dampening the earth, it seems as though the spirit has been dampened as well. Many of my clients have been needing tattooing in a different, transformative, loving way in which your damn right, I can deliver. I told my Oracle today who I see every Thursday (I gotta stay on my toes too) that if I have too much unnecessary bullshit in my life then I am not as present for my clients or my daughter and that is the main indicator that something has to change. I take pride in my care for my clients and they need me more then ever. And I need them too! I am  noticing when I am spending time with these amazing people that I tattoo, if we open and allow we talk about humanity and for me to hear many different types of people throughout the days- teachers, nurses, linemen, mechanics, paper pushers, hair dressers, coast guards, college students, stay-at-home moms, disabled people, cops, you name it. It often comes back to humans and how we feel and what we think. In a nutshell I will summarize that we all need and want to love and be loved. We are all just trying to be ourselves. We need to accept ourselves as we are and be comfortable with the way we choose to live. Everyone just wants to be happy but with so many outside compounding influences, people are feeling the weight. Not to mention if one is a bit off their center or never found it in the first place your like a fish out of water...what does all this have to do with tattooing, you might ask. Well, I have to pinch myself ever day that I get to sit with these people that share with me something that they are going though in the inside, and they want it portrayed on the outside of their body. A tattoo on the outside of the body can convey so much as to how one might feel in the inside and if you take a moment to calm your mind- you look at something, it can reveal so much to you if your not going a mile a minute in your cranium.

I am so honored and flattered that people find me trust worthy and they invite me into their lives. It's not even about the tattoo sometimes. The fact that there are so much humans out there that are whole hearted, trusting, appreciative, genuine and loving- and they are so different from me. That is what keeps me feeling so proud to be a human here. Despite all the negativity and hate that goes sadly around, there are people from so many different walks of life that are all communing in my presence, in my world. In our world. That alone is worth everything.

My other crazy comrades, two birds one stone kinda thing. 

Another painful initiation for this rad chef. Father to a sweet daughter. 

A first timer here choosing the lion as an emblem to honor his up bringing. 

Hopefully I can finish this soon. She was a sweet mama.

I leave this right here. I hope this sentiment consoles any uncertainty. 

Falling into winter

As the nights grow longer, darker and colder, it is time to be in doors more- which I have been doing, which means painting season! The shop does have an art show coming up in Petaluma over the next month and I have decided to play with the moon cycle idea- the phases. I will have about 5-6 paintings would be my goal and hopefully I'd sell them all! :)

More news on that later...

Everything has been cool at the shop- busy seeing clients through out the day, enjoying them to the fullest and also enjoying my lovely co-workers. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by such awesome, alive, fun-loving people! As the year winds down, I think that Valkyrie has once again moved forward and through another year- we'll be coming up on our 9 year anniversary in '17 so, I am feeling a bit sentimental, inquisitive, and prepared to do something new. Changes are vital to all existence. And I want a beautiful year of growth, abundance, love and creativity.

I have been in a pretty deep meditative state lately, working on some conjuring-
as the cauldron within, brews and bubbles, I use my skills in visioning what I would like my art path to provide for the next coming year.

I have learned over the years, the more energy and positivity into my art, I am able to manifest my true desires and the older I get, the better I am getting at this. I believe it is because when one is in 'their place of power', for me that would be me creating art, I am able to relax, let go and get in touch with my most inner being (also zen) and that is where I can release my energy to the world around me and ask for what I am wanting or needing. Hence, manifesto!

This is a very powerful thing and I think it is a very important for artisans to work on this- artists are creators from nothing really. You have to make something from scratch, from your mind- if you want something that is your emotions, your feeling, your world. There is inspiration everywhere, from outside your door to the world wide web. Being creative and tapping into that source is what can help artists heal and strengthen themselves.

Oh ya, I had my 18 year anniversary tattooing that month! Fucking Lifer!

Here is some things that were inspiration for tattoos- 

Emily drew a heart

A few months back, I experienced the death of a dear sister, friend, and client. Her name was Emily Drew. I met her a few years back right after I had Sonja. She was referred to me by my cousin John, and we hit it off instantly. Every time she would come and see me, it was like dropping in a special world with a goddess sister. An artist herself, she supported me in the best way anyone can- give me freedom to create as I see fit for them. As the years went by we became closer and closer. Really connecting in spiritual ways and as friends...We started bridging from client to friend- messages to each other in between appointments, thinking about each other...

 When I heard of her death, it gutted me! We had plans to get together for a fun date and I just couldn't get over how happy and excited we were to have a date. The last time I saw her, I went to her restaurant and she fed me! She fed me this wonderful meal that ended with this amazing gluten free key lime pie.

I knew instantly this was going to be a hard one. I knew all her friends and family were going to be devastated to say the least. I knew deep down this is not what she would want. Emily was full of life and was doing the best she had been doing. She was fucking gorgeous and had an amazing dog, Athena that she loved.  Emily sparkled like no other. Pure radiance.

The last tattoo I did on her was "love and be loved". I drew it for a flash page I did around valentines day and I personally connected with that quote. It was me working out my own thing and when she told me she wanted that above her priestess we did, I was amazed. It was a complete honor to tattoo that on her.

I am just so saddened by her death. I think about her, and it just pains me. There is nothing that can fill an emptiness that death causes. It's an ache that just stays...All I have been able to do is go through the waves of pain and sadness on the heals of her death and then as the shock wanes, her memory remains. I was lucky enough to do all these memorial tattoos in her honor.
It was emotionally challenging at times. Doing the tattoos and knowing it was for a friend of mine that died, it hurt but I feel that it was important for me to be the one to tattoo her dearest friends. We all needed each other. I am grateful for all of this, even with all  the pain.

Rest easy sweet Emily Drew. You will never be forgotten and your radiance and love burns on. Thank you everyone who has been supportive to me in my time of loss and thank you everyone who got tattooed in her name. I am not showing all of the pictures I took of her and her friends and the people that got tattooed...Thank you, I am in complete gratitude.

Gemini priestess on the wonderful Emily. I miss her.

Memorial for Emily on Beatrice. Celestial and sparkly, just like Emily. 

On Emily's boyfriend, Kyle. We tattooed the mandala on the back of her thigh. "Emily drew a heart". 

Sketches I did for Emily. She was so fun to draw for. 

mmmm, key lime pie

Emily

This is on Terry. It is her first tattoo. Emily wrote a lot of letters and drew a lot herself. This heart and always is in her own writing. Tattooing her writing was hypnotic to me.

Doing what I do...

After taking months off from writing  tattoo articles- The thing that seems most important to write about is something we collectively are experiencing at the shop; the demands of the clients. Ultimately, I write this to help out everyone, the clients and particularly the artists.

I have written before tips on how about getting a tattoo. They are in the archives of this blog. You may look it up to work with this segment. You then will be bound for a GREAT tattoo!
(This is great advice for beginners!)

First off, the recommended steps for getting your tattoo would be; STEP 1: KNOW WHAT YOU WANT!
Once you know what you want- you have either done online research of tattoos and art that are along the lines of what you are thinking and or you have gone into your local shops, checked them out or got a referral. Bring your reference printed out with you. Narrow it down to a few examples. Not 10. Printing them out yourself shows that you have figured it out and your not showing your artist what you want on your phone, which has a tiny screen- showing them multiple images of tattoos you like, because you couldn't put your phone down while you were waiting in line at the DMV or something. You must be clear and concise.

Once you have consulted with your artist about what you want and they are on board with working with you and your idea, the artist will ask for a deposit to do your artwork (artwork can take lots of time) Allow your artist the time it will take to do your piece- they may ask you to make a appointment anywhere from weeks to months.

It is pretty normal these days that artists have their email address on their cards now. We do a lot of PR this way now. However, this by all means DOES NOT MEAN you could or should abuse the privelage by emailing them all these questions and things about changing artwork and whatnot. A question or two is fine if you forgot to ask a question during consulting. But a problem we are having is people are sending all these images that are different then the original artwork than that was discussed before. If you do this, you will lose us. We are in the business of being positive and sure of what we are doing.
See, tattooing is a heavy responsibility.

If we get nervous since the client is being wishy-washy, then we will decide not to work with you. In which case after drawing and consulting and more email consulting, you will lose your deposit. This is why we ask for a 50. deposit because before the tattoo is even done, we have already spent lots of time on YOU!

Tattooing is a VERY personal thing. We want to talk person to person, face to face about what you are wanting tattooed on your body. We are trying to keep it old school here. If you live miles away and have to consult via email/telephone we can arrange it.

Please know that your tattoo is important to us, and if you are not supporting us in the way that we deserve, it really hurts our feelings.

Tattoo by my main man, Harry Tucker

By Jen H.V.I.C.

By Jen

 I will tattoo any subject matter in most cases, and live by a tattooing rule " if I can make it look good, do it." Spiritual, religious matter, whatever. I am usually down for it. 

I can be reached at Valkyrie Tattoo in Penngrove Ca

jennifer@valkyrietattoo.com

IG :jen_untalan

Too long

I always feel guilty when too much time passes by without writing- as if what I am saying, conveying is uber important. I've just been doing what I do- tattoo a lot, draw, karate training, rear my child and run the shop...I recently have started quite a few new projects I can't wait to bring home.

succulents in progress on a lovely lady

Bruce Lee inspiration

 Lot's of really wonderful people coming into the shop. Some people that that make me smile the whole time working with them. They support me and give me freedom and trust my judgement. They trust me that I want to do the best for them. They believe me that I have their best interest in mind and they KNOW that I want to and will kill it for them! This is who I want to be working with.
I always say it is not what you tattoo it is who you tattoo that is important.

Vintage roses for a special soul

Besides my stuff as usual, Valkyrie is doing well, moving right along, sailing the seas of tattoo bliss. Got my main man, Harry Tucker on my side, and my sweet bird, Annelise Kinney working hard, laying down tattoos with vigor. My manager Anabel has got my back like no other and doesn't get sensitive on me when I'm ordering things about. I can't forget to mention my handsome Samster who is forever cleaning tubes...So, ya I am in a stoked flame of inspiration.

My girl, Annelise handling it!

artwork by my man, Harry Tucker

Man, while I am mentioning how great everyone is, I should take this moment to honor the now, late- Lemmy! So sad to see a metal God journey to Valhalla!

What a lame bummer! Love you Lemmy, one of my most favorite capricorns!

Officially, in winter the rains have been coming down soaking my back yard, creating a fungus frenzy. Inspiring indeed, since I have a sleeve coming up that will feature some mushroom majesty.
If time permits, I will share more in progress works that hopefully will keep the inspiration However, it may be likely I will be returning to write in the spring!...xxoxoxox