Baker and a skyline

Twas suggested to me to share this, so I am. The details of my tattoo artist and experience.



I got it done at Pay 'N' Dues Tattoos. Small, but not tiny, funky parlor with a great vibe. Two guys hanging around. The two main artists are a husband and wife duo. Baker (last name), my artist, and Melissa. The chair was silver metal, very hair salon-esque with some grit and a story of its own. He turned on some very old school music which made me love him. He had a little squeak to his voice, that made him adorable in all his toughness. He had his sleeves blacked out, but with a couple tribal-like swirls. I asked if he didn't like his sleeves anymore and he said that he loved his sleeves and they were badass, but he loves the tribal right now. My favorite, by far, quality was that throughout our short time together he called me "hot rod". I had to sign a sheet giving basic information and and taking claim should anything go awry. I picked him because the place was suggested, but really because when I walked in I knew. There was something about his soul, and quirkiness that I adored. I knew I wanted his experience and story to intertwine with mine even if for that 30 minutes. It was just a basic, simple line - done quick and well. Pain was probably an 8, much more than the first tattoo I got. No tears or whimpers though.


Play-by-play: He drew the outline from a picture I brought. Asked if that was what I was going for. I questioned him about the Brooklyn Bridge. He said I was basically deciding between two tattoos. I chose. He put the sketch up against my foot, showing me the options in comparison with the inside of the foot to the outside of the foot. I decided I wanted the sketch to stop a little before the end. He printed out the final sketch and told me the price. I then learned it was cash only and had to run down the street to the ATM. He prepped while I was out. Black ink, gun, gloves, and stencil. Got back paid, gave him the change as tip and said "I have a feeling you'll deserve it - Baker: I am badass at tattoos (with a smile)!". He informed me "I tattoo really fast" and that i'd be done in less than five more than likely. Discussed with one of the guys who was leaving the plans for the night. "She (his wife) is going to Sassy Ann's, so i'm just planning on drinking. If your down for some drinking let me know!" - "Fuck yeah, we'll talk". He put the stencil on both sides of my foot and let me "dance-around" so I could choose. I picked and he went to town. Puts the ointment over the stencil before going over it with the needle. As he did the first piece of the line he asked if I felt badass. And later asked again after knowing it was at the painful point. He finished quickly and rubbed the ointment across and bandaged me up. Told me to leave it bandaged for 1-2 hours, clean it with soap and water, air dry, then add ointment - just enough to cover it all not globby. Told me to have a good night, I said the same, and our time together ended.