j u s t s t a y t r u e

Red.

2011-07-19T20:01:00.000+01:00

Click for large photos.

From Cody Meyer..

2011-07-15T09:04:00.002+01:00

"With the recent influx of mediocre, if not straight-out, talentless hacks permeating our beloved industry as a whole as of late, the attention of us professionals has been turned onto these "scratchers", avoiding the true problem if one were to ask me. This menace is not, contrary to popular opinion, the scratchers themselves, but rather the general population of tattoo-seeking individuals, who today, despite the overwhelming advances in tattoo practices and the technological methods available to discern good from bad, simply seem to refuse to educate themselves on what used to be considered common fucking sense.

If it were not for the sheer laziness and cheap mindsets that presently dominate our American society, us professional tattooers, who by all means, dedicate our lives to this passion, to this artform, this lifestyle, then we would not have the problems which face us today. No, the true plague of the modern-day tattooer is not the swelling of the tattoo ranks, perpetrated by less-than competent artists, but rather in the increasing stupidity of the average person today, who easily dismisses what we true professionals do as ordinary and not unlike any other job one might assume in the workforce today. This is just plain ignorance and its abounding through every facet of our society today, not just the sacred force of tattooing. Your average person on the street these days seems to give little thought into anything regarding permanence; they want what they want because they've been manipulated by a structureless society, conned into believing themselves as special, and find it nearly impossible to display patience for anything. There is no doubt whatsoever that we are presently living within the context of a disposable, throw-away culture, and for the majority, this seems perfectly normal, if not the pretext for just breathing and being alive today. This will be this country's downfall, and quite possibly, contribute to tattooing's own rapid decline.

Obviously, this does not include everyone; there is a small faction of enthusiasts that do understand the importance of true art, no matter the form it takes, whether it be drawing, painting, writing, or what-have-you. These people are the saviors of all that is presently being lost and we can only hope through higher education and a resolved will, that we pros can somehow turn the tide of this dumbing-down of all that we hold dearly. The underlying problem of this also, in my opinion, is the simple fact that the average tattooee has little knowledge or respect for us or what we do; they seem to assume that what I can do, the guy down the street can do just as well, and for a better price. To anybody with half of a brain, this is a ridiculous mode of thinking. I can only parallel it with the thought that all doctors are the same, that all lawyers do the same thing, have the same knowledge and practice their chosen profession all in the same manner.

So, while I could easily continue this rant into further avenues, I will leave it at this: I believe in brutal honesty, no matter the cost. In a world full of lies and manipulations, the truth is all we have left to defend ourselves against the rapidly growing advancement of degradation I see all around us, not just in the tattoo community, but with the world in general, and most certainly in this country. This issue is just the tip of a much larger problem and will most likely never be solved until us pros all band together and take a stand against these travesties which walk into our shops/second homes on a daily basis.

I began this note due to a post from a fellow tattooer, who lightly suggested that we start charging these people over the top to fix the mistakes, that they themselves were willing participants in. We all begin with a choice after all..you can either be a wise consumer and do your research into whatever topic you're debating, or you can be a mindless drone who just wants something for as little next to nothing as possible. I myself agree with that principle, and I believe maybe thats really the root of all of our problems: that modern Americans have no principles as a whole. We have nothing which binds us in solidarity..which I think is why most of tattooers split from that sect of society and tried to live a more beautiful, spiritual life where we controlled what is important; we just could not stand the dictation by the norms any longer. And where are we today? Threatened with extinction by a bunch of radical nobody's who wouldn't even have this prestigious power had they not had willing participants to trade their skins and dignity for $40? Sadly, that's what it appears like out there on the horizon.

Obviously, tattooing is not going anywhere, but it is being threatened with the television shows and ad campaigns and clothing lines and how its being marketed to the masses that up until now were almost unaware. And ironically, though it should be more open and honest with the rise of its popularity, more informative, it is only being spoiled and degraded into just another job. This is not a job to us. It is most matter-of-factly our lives these people are fucking with. It's our food on the table, the roof over our heads, our dignity and pride, our love. It is everything to us, and I for one cannot stand to see it so unmercifully surrendered to a bunch of halfwit retards with no business being here in the first place, most certainly including the ones who allow this to happen: their "clients". If it were not for these cheap, unethical patrons, I would not be typing this and the scratcher down the street would not be making better money than me today. But, you can bet he is.

So, if we want the scratchers to stop, the tv shows to die horrible, dishonorable deaths and the public to become more aware of what great tattooing is and looks like, it has to start with us, ourselves. We should charge more to cover these messes; we should refuse to make ourselves petty and give into bad ideas. We need to fucking say no. Maybe we need to make the tattoo shop a scary place again. Then, possibly, we can get back to and resume what we all loved about this art in the first place and we wouldn't be allowing any of this nonsense to walk all over us; none of us took this hard, winding road in hopes of writing out names and pop culture phrases on the tops of silly girls' feet or pretending to be interested in peoples backstories or the implied meaning behind the tattoo..it was for the art and doing something better than anybody else could do it. It was because it was a hard thing to do and took being clever or lucky to find your way in and even more difficult to remain safe within its bosom. It was an honor to be a tattooer and not an easily accessible one at that. It required diligence, total devotion, hard work and a lot of skill. I myself can't believe I'm still around sometimes with all the talent out there today, but am proud that I am. These people I speak of, the hacks and their devotees who keep them in business have no pride. Let's at least show the latter what it looks like. That's all we can do. Tattooers united!

Hearts & Attacks,

Cody"

Jack Ruddy on TLC's "Tattoo School"

2011-07-14T22:50:00.000+01:00

"Jack Rudy “Good Time Charlies Tattooland”
Official Statement
Re: TLC’s show Tattoo School
I think this new tattoo school show that TLC is about to launch is the biggest bunch of bullshit I have ever heard in my 36 years of tattooing. I guess it’s not bad enough that tens of thousands of unqualified, untutored, “wanna be” tattooers have flooded this industry largely due to the bullshit tattoo shows that have already been on TV for years, because they inadvertently encourage people to get in to tattooing by making it look infinitely easier than it actually is.
Well, now enter the newest addition to this tattoo cesspool, TLC’s show, following a bunch of less than amateur people that actually think they can learn how to tattoo in a couple of weeks. There’s no telling how many thousands more people will want to get into tattooing after seeing this load of horseshit. There is just absolutely no way in hell that people can even learn a fraction of what they need, to tattoo with any competence whatsoever in a two week period. This practice of turning these people loose after a couple of weeks in downright dangerous. They leave with a false sense of security that they can do something that actually takes many years to become proficient at. So all this show is going to accomplish is make a bad situation must worse by encouraging thousands of more people into doing something they have no business even considering.
I encourage other professional tattooers who give a shit about our livelihood to not sit by and be fucking complacent, cause this is going to affect us all. Take a stand and let these people; the sponsors, the show, the advertisers know what you think."

Almost one whole year after it got outlined..

2011-07-06T21:35:00.000+01:00

We got to start shading..

Click for large photos!

Running Wild.

2011-07-06T21:32:00.000+01:00

Peony covering the arm bracket, "Running Wild" and the skull with background, done today. The orange dragon was not me. Full sleeve in progress :)

The Mexican Koi

2011-07-06T21:29:00.001+01:00

The Koi fish was there already, I done background and inner arm :)

Ps. thanks for the Mexican Wrestling Mask!!!

Get L0w!

2011-07-01T20:37:00.001+01:00

LowLife Uk... It's got euro, jap, rat, tuck, poke, stance, stickers, shiny wheels, old wheels, better than my wheels... And loads and loads of WIN!

Now go buy a sticker. Makes you go faster.
Apparently.

I like skulls.

2011-06-30T00:25:00.000+01:00

The Bull in the Basement..

2011-06-24T23:34:00.000+01:00

This is well worth a read!!

Basically, a man want's a Lamborghini Countach in 1990, then decides "Fuck it, I can build one!".. It was done by 2008... Not bad!

The Bull in the Basement

Epic.

2011-06-19T12:45:00.002+01:00

This is awesome.

2011-06-17T23:48:00.000+01:00

Stop stroking my arm- How to piss off tattooed people

Mega Lol'z courtesy of Mel Noir.
..I wonder what her real name is......

6 hours to complete :D

2011-06-17T21:15:00.000+01:00

Photos look a bit dark here.. Click for bigger photos! It's needed!!!!

Who says I can't do colour..?!

2011-06-16T20:22:00.000+01:00

Soz I haven't updated in a while...

2011-06-14T22:35:00.002+01:00

I promise I will try better....

Here's hopin'!

New Japanese Work II The Big Koi.

2011-06-14T22:29:00.000+01:00

Stay tuned..

New Japanese Work

2011-06-14T22:24:00.001+01:00

Watch this space...

Hella sore tattoo

2011-06-14T22:23:00.000+01:00

Got a bit bored and done this on my friend :)

Lillies are cool

2011-06-14T22:22:00.000+01:00

Signed. Sealed. Delivered.

Teh webz.

2011-06-14T22:21:00.000+01:00

There's a little spider in the middle, it was there originally. Freehanded webs, with a little signature here and there :P

Roses

2011-06-14T22:19:00.002+01:00

Can't go wrong with some roses :) and a little signature in there too <3

Dales Koi

2011-06-14T22:17:00.000+01:00

Looks a bit dull in the photo, but I promise it is more vibrant. Coverup finished.

We has new cards

2011-05-15T17:03:00.002+01:00

I like to take photos and shit.

2011-05-11T23:45:00.000+01:00

More photos on my Facebook here.

This chick looks like Jesse J.

2011-05-11T23:43:00.000+01:00

She really does.. :)

Another coverup

2011-04-25T11:02:00.000+01:00

This chap originally had a Taz and some tribal, but wanted it covered. After me admittedly being stumped for a while, I came up with this. It's only outlined so far, and all freehand design (I hate that term..).

Watch this space!!

Quickest sleeve!

2011-04-25T10:56:00.000+01:00

This dragon has a story.. Not sentimental however lol. all freehand design, outlines about 2 weeks ago. Coloured over another 2 sessions, days apart! Guy sat like a champ! It's also a coverup. And the old chick tattoo will get recoloured soon, think it's older than me!

Cherry Blossoms

2011-04-25T10:52:00.000+01:00

Sometimes It's nice to just do little flowers that have no "meaning"...

Marks sleeve

2011-04-25T10:50:00.000+01:00

This was a sleeve I started a few years ago, I think.. Anyway, what with moving shop and other things, it got left behind. Finished it last month. It wasn't untill I was doing the final touches and whatnot that I stepped back to look at it, and you can see am ever growing progression in my style, and technique. So I'm pretty happy witht he outcome, but I just wish I could have been as good as I am now, back then! Still, progression takes time..

Tigers head

2011-04-25T10:47:00.000+01:00

It's a dull photo, but you get the idea.. Done this a few weeks ago now. I suck with updating this...

As you can see, I done some work above this, we're working our way downwards, 2 hour sessions at a time..

I totally need one of these in my life! <3

2011-04-12T19:19:00.001+01:00

Beardhead.com - Beard Hats, Beanies and Caps with Mustaches

Opps

2011-03-30T22:39:00.000+01:00

Soz I haven't posted anything in a while.

Quick update.. Attended the 1st Annual Scottish Tattoo show in Edinburgh at the weekend. Was amazing. Got tattooed from el Bara from Madrid!

Good times.

Drew this up today also..

Peace :)

Love for the blossoms

2011-03-13T18:30:00.001Z

Wasn't even polite enought to scream once.... Pity.

Horny frog

2011-03-11T22:04:00.002Z

Done this today on the dude I work with. :) will finish in a few weeks.

Bit of Polka Trash styling..

2011-02-23T20:53:00.001Z

Done today :)

Based off the style originated by Buena Vista Tattoo Club. They're awesome. Click it and get excited.

That really is a bad photo, will get a healed shot soon.

A leap of faith

2011-02-20T10:45:00.000Z

I was a tad worried about doing this one.. Glad I done it though! :)

Fine line script Latin

2011-02-18T23:41:00.002Z

Had a closer photo, but it was blurry :(

2011-02-18T23:40:00.001Z

She made me do it....

2011-02-08T21:47:00.000Z

Black n Red Polynesian

2011-02-08T21:44:00.002Z

Finished!

2011-02-08T21:37:00.000Z

another crap quality photo....

Teaser

2011-02-01T21:51:00.001Z

Im not giving anything away just yet, but I've been planning a little side project lately, as a few people know.

It's called...

ThunderBox.

And thats it! I'll reveal more in due time.... Maybe.......

3 hours on the Ryan..

2011-01-28T10:04:00.000Z

Swirly flowers..

2011-01-28T10:03:00.000Z

Loves a rose coverup :)

2011-01-28T10:01:00.001Z

I did have a photo of the other side, but it was too blurry to use

2011-01-21T21:34:00.000Z

Done some Maori a week ago..

2011-01-21T21:16:00.000Z

Ricky Gervais owns America

2011-01-18T19:53:00.000Z

Some script

2011-01-17T23:28:00.002Z

Click for full size, yo!

First Dragon of 2011

2011-01-17T11:10:00.000Z

Coolest tattoo all year lol

2011-01-11T19:38:00.001Z

Happy new 2012

2011-01-01T19:28:00.001Z

Congratulations, we all made it!

Anyway.

As of January 4th I'll be tattooing in Vendetta tattoo & body piercing studio.

13a Carnegie Drive, Dunfermline.

01383733544

Come in, phone, email me ( itsjustgizmo@googlemail.com ), facespaz me, whatever for appointments!

..bye! :)

First annual Scottish tattoo convention!

2010-12-15T13:07:00.001Z

Scottish Tattoo Convention 2011

Fuck yes.

Ice ice baby.. sorry.....

2010-12-10T11:35:00.001Z

Crispy white snow.

2010-12-01T21:02:00.001Z

My doggy.

This is why I'm not pushing ink..

2010-11-30T15:53:00.001Z

It's so lovely though..

(soz for the sideways photo..)

Introducing..

2010-11-25T11:22:00.001Z

..my "puppy".

He's not really camera shy.

True. True.

2010-11-23T11:31:00.001Z

Another crappy photo

2010-11-22T22:02:00.001Z

Looks a bit dark there..

Ruined.

2010-11-16T12:55:00.001Z

Some.. numpty broke my best/fav tattoo machine on Saturday. Pretty gutted. So after contacting the lovely man that made it for me in England, I've sent it down so he can work his magic on it :O

Hopefully it'll be back soon enough, i feel slightly naked without it..

Stars.....

2010-11-14T12:21:00.001Z

Just like a certain famous someone.......

Big dragon fly

2010-11-14T12:20:00.001Z

eggs

2010-11-01T20:07:00.000Z

Coolest photo in the world...

drraw

2010-11-01T20:05:00.002Z

skull

2010-11-01T20:02:00.002Z

Just wanted to add

2010-11-01T20:00:00.000Z

Omgyes.

2010-10-21T09:47:00.001+01:00

Shauns arm pt 2

2010-10-21T09:43:00.000+01:00

Spent some more hours on it last night, more to go..

Rawr...

2010-10-14T00:24:00.001+01:00

I have so many drawins I need to catch up on :( paah.

Slowly learning that finding a human being that's dedicated, deserving and talented enough, but yet still aproachable, has the 'look' and understands what they're gettin into, to be an apprentice, is pretty impossible to find.. fuck you Jodie Marsh.

Think you've got balls or fancy wasting more of my time for a "job" (such an ugly word) then email me. My email address is splattered around this page somewhere..

And the photo is of my best friends dog..

Greeeeeen.

2010-10-11T21:18:00.000+01:00

"its a temporary tattoo.."

2010-10-08T19:30:00.001+01:00

That's what this lady was told.. 9 years ago.. what a dick.

Really enjoyed doin this one, lotsa colour. Enjoyed making sure my client wasn't about to hit the floor 10 mins in lol glamorous indeed.

:)

In the clouds..

2010-10-08T19:25:00.001+01:00

The "josh" writting was done by someone else, unfortunately I don't have the photo. I fixed it, added clouds and done the same stuff on the other arm :)

Crappy photo..

2010-10-04T20:02:00.001+01:00

Done last week. More to come.

Cheeky...

2010-10-04T19:43:00.001+01:00

Keekaboo

2010-10-01T09:58:00.001+01:00

Hello.

Say what now..

2010-09-25T08:35:00.001+01:00

If only slipknot were as good as this tattoo.. Got to do my own twist on it so yeah. Thanks buddy! Other emmm tattoos on the arm were defo not by me :)

Ps. Remember n get that johny cash album

Red.

2010-09-21T14:52:00.001+01:00

Just like the photo..

Opps

2010-09-21T14:51:00.001+01:00

Forgot to put this on the other day! Soz Rabert!

Roses are red..

2010-09-19T18:07:00.001+01:00

Ma nigka gareth. Done the roses a few nights ago, recoloured the stars. I done the Russian text, chestpiece (unfinished) and left arm. :)

True.

2010-09-07T01:23:00.001+01:00

Hold on tight n sit down safely, shock announcement... I read the Da Vinci Code over the weekend.

Amazed. My already sceptical, and questioning eyes, have most certainly been opened.

That's all I have to say.

Night.x

Today I done...

2010-09-02T20:06:00.001+01:00

..some tribal. Completely freehanded design. "Ste" was already there, I just coloured it to match. All done in one sittin, good guy ;)

Twas lovely...

2010-08-31T19:03:00.001+01:00

Through my eyes..

...just because.

2010-08-27T21:52:00.001+01:00

Heh.

"Scissors in a sparrows back?"

2010-08-27T21:47:00.001+01:00

Mint. Inside bicep on ma nigka Blair. Next session- colour!

Ps. "TUTTI FUCKIN FRUITYYYY" ;)

Continue that sleeve..

2010-08-27T21:42:00.001+01:00

Preview of Barrys arm.. can't wait to get cracking on with it!

Is it sore yet?..

2010-08-27T21:38:00.001+01:00

Done this morning, its mirrored on the opposite side of the head too. Looks the same obv lolol I still find it staggering how you can't really feel much, if anything, when getting your head tattooed lol strange. This man never even knew I had started...

Old skull ownd.

2010-08-27T21:28:00.001+01:00

Coverup I done on a guy the other day. Was very sceptical about doing it in the first place! the green parts in the original tattoo was very raised, done before I was even born.... after the new tattoo was done, we noticed the raised parts had went completely flat and back to normal.. sweet! Loved it and very proud..

lawlz.

2010-08-27T20:49:00.001+01:00

I love eskimos. I love turtles.

hah.

2010-08-25T23:11:00.001+01:00

I lol'd.

Makes you wonder..

2010-08-23T22:02:00.002+01:00

www.chrisodonnelltattoo.wordpress.com/2010/08/22/222-opening-party-postcard-1996/

butterflies

2010-08-19T01:00:00.003+01:00

2010-08-17T21:26:00.002+01:00

And on monday it rained..

2010-08-17T13:28:00.001+01:00

Done these two tattoos yesterday..

So sweet

2010-08-16T09:49:00.001+01:00

Been wanting to do a cupcake for ages :) the girls considering makin this a horizontal backside, hence no background yet :B

its been a while

2010-08-08T00:53:00.001+01:00

started this on my cousin months ago, just finished it the other day :)

ZzZzzz

2010-07-30T01:01:00.001+01:00

.It's 1am now. I can't sleep.. Fuck.

Orange.

2010-07-26T21:40:00.001+01:00

Just another fishy in the sea. Was very restricted with time on this one :( still looks good tho?

...taz?

2010-07-26T21:36:00.001+01:00

Stupid taz no more.. half sleeve. More to come.. (done a few weeks ago)

Another fishy in zee sea.

2010-07-26T21:27:00.001+01:00

Done this a while ago, thought it'd be worth showin off. Koi was freehanded on. Another happy chappy.

None

2010-07-24T21:19:00.001+01:00

It's nice to do a wee simple tattoo every now n then.. This is about 6inches tall I think..

j u s t s t a y t r u e

Red.

From Cody Meyer..

Jack Ruddy on TLC's "Tattoo School"

Almost one whole year after it got outlined..

Running Wild.

The Mexican Koi

Get L0w!

I like skulls.

The Bull in the Basement..

Epic.

This is awesome.

6 hours to complete :D

Who says I can't do colour..?!

Soz I haven't updated in a while...

New Japanese Work II The Big Koi.

New Japanese Work

Hella sore tattoo

Lillies are cool

Teh webz.

Roses

Dales Koi

We has new cards

I like to take photos and shit.

This chick looks like Jesse J.

Another coverup

Quickest sleeve!

Cherry Blossoms

Marks sleeve

Tigers head

I totally need one of these in my life! <3

Opps

Love for the blossoms

Horny frog

Bit of Polka Trash styling..

A leap of faith

Fine line script Latin

Had a closer photo, but it was blurry :(

She made me do it....

Black n Red Polynesian

Finished!

Teaser

3 hours on the Ryan..

Swirly flowers..

Loves a rose coverup :)

I did have a photo of the other side, but it was too blurry to use

Done some Maori a week ago..

Ricky Gervais owns America

Some script

First Dragon of 2011

Coolest tattoo all year lol

Happy new 2012

First annual Scottish tattoo convention!

Ice ice baby.. sorry.....

More than worth a read.

Crispy white snow.

This is why I'm not pushing ink..

Introducing..

True. True.

Another crappy photo

Ruined.

Stars.....

Big dragon fly

eggs

drraw

skull

Just wanted to add

Omgyes.

Shauns arm pt 2

Rawr...

Greeeeeen.

"its a temporary tattoo.."

In the clouds..

Crappy photo..

Cheeky...

Keekaboo

Say what now..

Red.

Opps

Roses are red..