Hi. I am very curious about getting tattoo on my lower back. I have had this idea for quiet a few years and at one time had it drawn up by a friend, though I have lost the image over years. I am 22 now and been wanting this since I was around 18 and the image has had a few things added to it because of some important events in my life.

Let me explain the design and then I can ask the question I have about it. I want to get the Asian tiger snarling faceing up but I would like it to be a white tiger with the darker stripes behind the tiger is the waves of water in a slightly circular pattern on the opposite side is a lion in the same pattern but the mane and tush of the tail is flames. The lion I want going down to the tiger going up and behind him darker flames of either red and blue. So in a way this is like a big cat ying yang. Above the cats though is an asian dragon cirling out of the sun more close to the center between my shoulders while the cats are lower on my back.

Now for my questions. First I am a bigger person and I am wonder if by some mircale I do loose a lot of weight will effect the look tattoo considering it is on my back?
Second question with color tattoos do you have to go and refresh the color after a few years?
Third about how much time and money by a respectable artist would I be looking at?

Thank you for taking the time to look at this an any and all feedback would be greatly welcome. For the record I live in Anchorage, Alaska so if it would be best for me to go to a local artist to discuss this, I would be more then willing to but I love the art on the show and thought it would be best to ask you guys.
Thank you again.

Kim aka Tora

Hi Kim,

Sounds like an awesome idea for a tat.

Depending on the artist that ends up doing that piece for you, you'll find individual ideas will vary. I'm not a tattoo artist, but let's see if I can help:

Firstly, it sounds like for all of the ideas you want to incorporate you are going to end up with a full back piece. That in itself is a massive job and will take multiple sittings to complete. Average cost for a decent tattoo artist is around $150-$200 per hour. If this is a first piece - you are a brave person!

"First I am a bigger person and I am wonder if by some mircale I do loose a lot of weight will effect the look tattoo considering it is on my back?"

Unfortunately, this is a hit or miss. Depending on the elasticity of your skin as well as where the weight will come off it may distort the shape of the tat. Some people are affected, others aren't

"Second question with color tattoos do you have to go and refresh the color after a few years?"

Depending on the ink that your artists uses will depend on whether or not the colour is going to fade fast. Also whether or not you are going to expose the tat to sun in it's lifetime and general care. All tats will thicken over time (outlines etc) but colour should be ok if you take care of the tat.

"Third about how much time and money by a respectable artist would I be looking at?"

As mentioned above, most 'full back pieces' and other significant work will be charged by the hour. A complete back piece can take anywhere up to and beyond 10+ hours depending on the artist and the detail. Average industry prices are around the $150-$200 per hour, however some highly sought after artists charge a lot more than that.

Good luck with it Kim!

Sounds like and awesome idea, but you've never had a tat? Honestly, it seems like a lot of art for a small area, unless you plan a large whole back piece. Plus, dispite what others may say..umm tats hurt! LOL! I have a large tat on my back, trust me. The end result is worth it, but I think your idea is a bit ambitious for a first. Just a thought, good luck!

great idea!! i wish the friends i draw stuff for were that creative =P anyways just a comment on the picture distorting bit
if you are concerned a lot about that and know that you are going to lose the weight then i would suggest waiting to lose the weight then get this done.
besides as others have said that is a lot for a first so why don't you get maybe something smaller to know what it's like lose the weight save the lots of money then get your piece =)
good luck

HI,
I'M LOOKING TO GET MY FIRST TATTOO. I AM INTERESTED IN GETTING A DRAGON, FIERCELY FEMININE BUT NOT FLUFFY, ANY IDEAS?

hehe your like me i wanted a tattoo for ages and i went for my first one pasted out and didnt go back but easter friday i went and got a tattoo done and didnt past out i was well happy. i would say if ur getting one have numbing cream its so much better

hi...im from the philippines. and i really love watching the show...and i also have this passion for tattoos. now, i am planning to get my first ever permanent tattoo, as a gift for my graduation and birthday ...but i cant think of any design yet... and i wish there's a place here in our area that does tattoo as awesome as miami ink does!