Advice For First Time Tattoo Collectors

[@jakestatefarm7327]

I like the new background it’s almost as if James withee is withmee

[@Alex-zl5ht]

Out of all the tattoo collectors I've talked to, they're only regrets were the placements they picked

[@stevenf5902]

💯

[@Sunspotss]

that first point about exposing yourself to different styles and imagery is super important! By the time my tastes as a collector were fully formed I already had a handful of very visible tattoos that are either not a style I'm into or done by artists who weren't as technically sound as the ones I seek out now. I did minimal research and stayed local when I started getting tattooed, if I had come across a video like this that encouraged me to slow down and spend a while 'instagram shopping' it would have helped me big time!

[@TheCrybabyOtaku]

Glad to see you back on KZbin my dude

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks bro. I’m trying to get new content going but had a hell of a year and fell off

[@a2garage415]

I am a victim of "not realizing how cool the tattoo can be" 😭 my chest piece I do regret...

[@Oonagh72]

Your home is beautiful and I really like the lighting.

[@iwantsleep8079]

This video couldn’t have came at a better time Also the new set up look great!

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks! Looks and sounds way better to me

[@jkugelman]

This background is a lot more interesting to look at. You've got a really nice kitchen. Big thumbs up on the change of location!

[@JstvR706]

When I got my first tattoo, this helped me prepare mentally. Getting my design, and finally seeing it before and then 2 hours after. I subscribed and have been following his videos since!

[@JamesWithee]

Thx for watching! These type of comments are what keep me making new videos

[@dougmedina4619]

Always informative James. Going for my third tattoo in a couple months. As an older man its very stress free. I know what I want.

[@JamesWithee]

Nice. Yeah older people always sit good and are usually really laid back about the whole thing

[@1234-m3n]

Oh shit! Welcome back James.

[@JamesWithee]

Glad to be here!

[@samanthanicholakis]

Kitchen background is cool, seems more personal especially since you're sitting as well. Appreciate the video and audio update but regardless of the literal video quality your knowledge and articulation is the real value :)

[@Jordan-slmo]

Im getting my first tattoo soon and this has been the best informational video ive seen on the subject. I felt like i had to have the specific design in my head already for the consultation but you’re right. The artist’s imagination will be much broader and give me something i wouldn’t have been able to think of before. This takes away some of the stress for me of having to know exactly what it should look like

[@krispassmore]

Love the videos. Been watching for the last few years and my favorite is obviously tattooing darker skin. Found an artist who has actually done color on black clients and have a marvel sleeve scheduled to start next month! Wouldn’t have been able to know what I was looking for without your videos!

[@JamesWithee]

Fuck ya dude I’m glad u got some benefit from these. Knowing that my content is useful to people is part of what keeps me interested in continuing with the channel. Thanks for watching

[@mariyahj8609]

Happy for you that’s dope ! His videos are definitely informative & he gives it to us honest .

[@fishnsyd]

Not confusing at all! You do a great job explaining things. And your new background makes it feel like I’m getting advice from a friend.

[@taebias]

Really great points. thanks, man. I'm 3 tattoos in, planning my 4th and I made similar mistakes as you mentioned, with my first 3 tattoos. I just happened to get lucky and am happy with my tattoos thus far. I am doing much more research now, because i've decided I want to be more heavily tattooed. I don't think placement has been an issue yet, so this video is very helpful to me now so hopefully I can continue collecting tattoos without running into any big hiccups! thanks again. Your info is very comprehensive and well worded.

[@hashtagslim]

@ 8:32 I went with my moms favorite quotes with butterflies (because she loved them) instead of her birth/death dates she hated the ideas of her kids getting what she called “r.i.p.” tattoos 😂😂😂

[@vagrantastronaut]

Really valid and useful points delivered with great articulation. I love how you often "signpost" in the middle and end of longer videos so we can remember what you've talked about. Clear presentation!

[@spidey_things]

Every tattoo I have so far is customized. I have three dragons on my left collarbone that I did send a reference for, and the tattoo artist drew it in his own style. Bubbles on my right collarbone that I drew myself. A rose on my wrist which was some flash art. And a huge floral piece on my thigh that I had the artist make himself. And now I'm getting into drawing my own tattoo designs, I already drew one that I'm super proud of (I keep coming back to look at it). And the other ones I want to get are in my families writing (four hearts, each one drawn by my mom, dad, and two brothers. And my great grandma's name in her writing from a christmas card three years ago). I really want to have a patchwork kind of look when I'm done

[@jayslaughter1441]

I like the new background! I’m glad to see you uploading again!

[@kya7236]

Dropping a thumb up for how well-spoken you are, Sir.

[@holdenphillips4286]

Liked the video. Good tattoos are going to cost $ and some people are going to think it is a waste of money however, it is not. It is an investment for nice body art. Spent around $2,000 on my tattoos so far and going to be spending more in the future lol .

[@bigbarkingdog2010]

Good content and style. Consistent, engaging and honest. Keep creating and sharing. I almost always listen to this guys videos from start to finish. I can't say that for many other KZbin channels. Thumbs up.

[@mimik6388]

The video looks and sounds good. I hope you get back to posting regularly, I missed your content!

[@Kpop_Metalhead]

I see you fam flexing on us with the nice open kitchen and the artwork in the background!!

[@Jgraham87]

Awesome video. I love the new background and the audio improved significantly. I didn't realize how much until I watched a video from 2 months ago. Keep it up.

[@cityrat3237]

I’m starting to build up my collection and even though I Love all my tattoos so far. I do become a little self conscious about them sometimes ONLY because the styles differentiate from each other. I’m sticking each style to certain spots on my body so the styles don’t clash but one arm is traditionally while the other is more newer styles. Lol

[@bretth7371]

An interesting Idea, I'm kind of running into the same thing. I'm working on slowly building up one arm with a bunch of smaller pieces that fit in a similar style, while saving up to complete a full sleeve on the other arm. An interesting dynamic but it's cool to see how everyone does it differently

[@katik4208]

I think that's normal though. I mean who wants to have the same style on the whole body? It's like collecting just one type of pokemon lol

[@cityrat3237]

@@bretth7371 yeah I figured, as long as not putting all traditional a on one arm and other similar styles in other parts, makes sense to do it that way

[@MegaSkinnybuddha]

Love the new setup! Anything that keeps the content coming!

[@mariyahj8609]

Good informative video.🙂👌🏾 I have 18 tattoos and all of my tattoos look well crafted and Beautiful. I tend to stick to the black and gray tattoos. On my caramel skin I feel like they hold up better & look rich .

[@vthomlinson]

Love to see you making new videos.

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks for watching buddy

[@brandonlongo420]

I'd say that my only "trendy" tattoos are my American traditional. And even then they are still all custom and not flash style american traditional.

[@Incathealc]

Your delivery when you talk is perfect and funny to me. Don’t change you and your videos are great. Really appreciate the info

[@nadabozovic28]

Getting my Skalli tattoo on Monday (norse mythology) and I literally can't wait :)

[@dahliatarver5509]

The new set up looks great 👍🏽

[@JamesWithee]

Hell ya I’ll be using this and also switching it up from now on

[@alderfae9898]

I wasn't exposed to a lot of 'good' tattoos when I was younger - and by that, I mean I didn't see a lot of styles to my taste. I'm glad I waited a while and did a lot of research on artists and styles of tattoos. I'm in a place where I'm collecting exactly what I want.

[@randyholloway920]

Love your kitchen!

[@dejanpolic6822]

Thanks friend ,regards from Serbia!

[@ivettesilvas697]

Glad your back! Always clear, concise, and sound advice.

[@mimik6388]

You’re back!!! Hell yea!

[@devanelkins4468]

Heck yeah man I'm getting my tat in June iv been watching all your vids and I subscribed

[@JamesWithee]

Good luck! Thx for the sub

[@devanelkins4468]

@@JamesWithee no problem man loving the vids

[@WolfEffectzz]

i came from your '10 Tattoos I Wish People Would Stop Asking Me For' video, and i was just astonished on the amount of criticism you got in the comment section, it was full of idiots who couldn't be subjective and handle an opinion from a pro. thanks for all this advice, im looking to get my first tattoo in around 6-9 months and wrapping my head around styles and picking out the artist i'll definitely bide my time on. cheers

[@aquana]

New setup looks great! I might be imagining it though but I feel like you emoted a little more while in your previous setup - right now I feel a bit like I'm sitting in a lecture hall with a very strict, formal professor lol. Advice is great as usual though!

[@NotYourTypicalMermaid94]

Love the set up!

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks :)

[@mkt3041]

I love the intro very creative and original. Professional quality sound, and the music selection is 🔥🔥🔥. Great job and good advice

[@heatherbaker3903]

I like the new set up, it's good to see you in your own space. Really, whatever is most comfortable for you is what works. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and breaking it down for the everyperson so well.

[@Simplicity1207]

Everything u said here made alot of sense. Thank god i found this video. Great job bro!

[@kimski1875]

I'm far from a first timer but I'm binge watching your videos and i always pick up something new! You're awesome! By FAR the best tattoo related channel on KZbin.

[@lordreign187]

Hi man love your videos

[@jenniechan3587]

U make the best tattoo info vids! Keep it upp 🙏

[@loganplonski922]

Your videos are always very professional. I'm a fan of the new setup.

[@ivan.457]

From the first tip in this video... Sometimes you just have to go through it to actually learn what you supposed you knew. I have 4 tattos now, and as a 3rd tattoo I had a couple of white cranes on my chest, right side. But i wanted to add more, like a background and enviroment. So finally after 1 year i was able to get tattoed again (by the same artist, he's amazing) and I KNEW i had to think the design through, i KNEWW how great it could be in the end. But, idk i guess i was so excited (i just came back to my home country bc of COVID). I was so excited... But we took only 5 mins with the artist to decide for something that looked cool you know, looked nice in the tablet screen, but that's about it. I see my chest now and it looks good, it doesn't look bad at all, but it could've been so much better...

[@markjohnston5831]

I'm like yeah I got few co workers be like I got an infinity on my foot 🤣

[@markjohnston5831]

Meanwhile my back is covered

[@thomassantomartino7337]

I've gotten most of my tattoos simply negate I like them. I don't agree with people who say every tattoo needs to have a meaning. I love classic American Traditional tattoos, particularly Sailor Jerry. I love picking flash and having my artists customize them for me.

[@hashtagslim]

I’m glad I learned early on with terms and vocabulary trends and styles that helped me pick my tattoos I stick with relatively similar styles (American traditional Japanese traditional or simple black or black and grey thick lined) and I’m in love with my patch work sleeve 🙏🏼💕

[@dannyboy5531]

Good to have you back!! Thank you for a vid that is super relevant to me! :)

[@thisissam3835]

Super helpful man, thank you for the video. Your videos before this one helped me find my first artist and tattoo and I love it. So glad I found a good artist and told myself to trust them. They did a fantastic job for a personal abstract piece.

[@sleepyasfuk101]

Appreciate you spreading the knowledge James! Great stuff!

[@treg1116]

Glad you’re back on KZbin! Really want a Poseidon piece from you at some point🙏🏽

[@mathomodithebe2970]

Great advice

[@angelwatson9859]

Love the vids! Super helpful w/planning my sleeves! How about some vids on maybe things NOT to say to a tattoo artist or things NOT to do during your tattoo sessions as to making sure you’re doing your best to support your artist for the best tattoo outcome as the client? Or any vids on advice on how to make it through long tattoo sessions? Those would be so awesome to see in the future!👏🏻🙌🏼😊

[@donnabennett4075]

Your videos are so helpful! I was going to get a memorial tattoo for my grandma with just a name (her nickname). After watching one of your videos, I thought about it more in depth and came up with a really cool idea that’s more personal and doesn’t include just a singular word.

[@botanicalstuff]

Loving the new set up!!! I have 14 tattoos (yours will be my 15th)... Shoot I feel like I should have watched this last week! It might have saved me from the nightmare I'm currently in. 💔

[@JamesWithee]

Why what happened?

[@botanicalstuff]

@@JamesWithee Horribly done tattoo from a "high end" tattoo studio owned by a well known artist.

[@JamesWithee]

@@botanicalstuff ah that sucks! Ink master is overrated tbh. I’ll try to give u a good piece to get u back on track

[@botanicalstuff]

@@JamesWithee That's means a lot! ❤

[@justinkd]

Love the new setup bro and like always love the content. Always learning something new from you 👌🏼👊🏼

[@ericmitchell9331]

Great video, James, cool new video environment. Lots of good content in here.

[@belmullet72]

Great to see you back James! You talk so much sense. Thanks!

[@julieghim7846]

I dig the new setup! the picture is much improved, the sound is a bit peaky but I’m sure you’ll be able to fiddle around with settings and it’ll be right as rain. Missed your content! You always have something helpful to add to the conversation.

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad to see you’re still watching. What do u mean by peaky? It’s too high pitched?

[@julieghim7846]

@@JamesWithee haha I don’t know the technical term for it but when your voice gets louder the audio sounds a bit..buzzy?

[@JamesWithee]

@@julieghim7846 distortion is what it’s called. I’ll try to get it figured out. Thx for pointing it out I’ll try to see if I can recreate it on my speakers

[@dejanate25]

Love the new set up!! 👍🏽

[@jorgebarrios3913]

Video is crisp! Im half deaf so idk about sound

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks for the feedback

[@KRO-222]

Love your new setup, it looks great!

[@SJ23og]

Just got Roman numerals done for the the birthdays of my wife and and daughters 😂😂 not something I would change at all, but thought it was funny you used a tattoo I just got as an example. Love your content btw 👍🏽

[@RobVespa]

Nice video. Good advice.

[@Obsidian1022]

Video looks and sounds great dude!

[@delelelele_whooop6194]

Yaayy, I’m glad you’re back

[@pitanguirj]

Thank. Great content.

[@litaf5104]

best advice 💯

[@J3rryswinger]

Love the upgrades

[@CraicDiario]

I didn't really plan my tattoos because I though I would only have one tattoo, but now I've decide to cover a arm and before that I always thought I would never get a tattoo 😁😆

[@charlesxavier2905]

Great video as always!!! 👌

[@workingclassperson2124]

Your a perfectionist... and that’s ok. I’m new to the channel but that’s my two cents. Your helping me though a huge life decision. I appreciate how you go about doing your vids.and ya I wanna get a realistic tat for my first. BUT I’m hear you listen so.... all I’ve done is made up my mind to actually get one.

[@2012kev1]

Yes it sounds really sharp could you possibly put down the type of equipment you use like the camera and the sound system you use to record

[@Amarth13]

Don't go out and get one right out of boot camp just because you have a bunch of money. There's a good chance you'll end up just getting it covered at some point down the road.

[@Ganstababii3]

I've got like 30 tattoos all stem from deep meaning and everything I have has a story, but I have been telling my kids since the day they were born (4 kids is total 16,12,8&7) I love you to the moon and stars and back again to infinity &beyond. Obviously I didn't want that entire quote wrote on me I don't do many letters tats but I went with the cliche infinity sign with my 2 youngest kids names in it. I also added the cliche feather but I also rescue big birds and we have 5 birds in total they are like my own children so I went with a feather from my Moluccan Cockatoo. I was almost embarrassed to even ask for the tattoo to be done but at the end of the day I don't want it bc it's overdone or bc everyone has one I want it done bc it has real meaning to it. So my 31st tattoo will be the first and only cliche tat I'll own 😂❤

[@Motorscor-oi3gg]

Advice on how to approach a tattooist with your own design (I’m a painter and make most of my designs on Illustrator)

[@thomassantomartino7337]

Unfortunately I'm 1999 when I got my first tattoos it was still under ground and there were no resources to see what good.

[@123marksalot]

I’m planning on getting two sleeves but one will be black and gray and the other will be color, I’m just worried that it’ll look weird, does anyone have any advice?

[@sunnik1019]

Helpful and cute x

[@CBS2112]

Any best tips for a 3 hour tattoo session on my upper outer arm for pain

[@katik4208]

Least painful area, I think. Have one as well in a few months.

[@Username-cb4fg]

The praying hands, Only God can judge me, I seen it on so many people

[@Oonagh72]

One of my son’s preschool teachers had a tattoo of his name on his arm. I asked him “Did you get that tattoo because you forget your name?” He said. “Young and dumb. Young and dumb. I keep it to remind me not to do stupid stuff.” 🤣🤣🤣

[@sarahskali8563]

Do you have any tips for someone planning to get a full body piece done, in terms of how the process may be different from getting a normal tattoo? Preparation, timespan over multiple days back to back, things to avoid doing.

[@JamesWithee]

That’s a tough question that would prolly take a whole vid to explain. But I’d just start with a big piece on the upper arm (since that’s the least painful spot) and just build it out from there. How do u eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

[@seanoconnell6735]

Great video, but RE: your "LET GO" issue can be totally BS. I gave my artist many ideas and gave them AMPLE time to give me a concept I could live with. It was a chicken-egg situation......I gave ideas.....he said you need to make decisions........I emphasized ideas...........he said "hey, you need to make decisions".....but then he never gave me ANY kind of vision of my concepts. He was a really great tattooer.........not necessarily a good tattoo artist. What I mean by that is I was asking for a full sleeve piece and he couldn't give me a concept for a full sleeve vision and started piecemealing things. I learned a valuable lesson and everyone should push their artist that if they want a large piece.........full sleeve, back piece, etc.......if you don't get a full concept and design before you have your first session, well, WALK AWAY!!! Luckily I found a different artist that understood my situation but agreed with my premise. She has been awesome with working with me to integrate the rest (75%) of my arm into the unfortunate previous 25% I already have done. I get that people are absolute DICKS and tattoo artists likely spend lots of time up-front on designs without compensation. I feel that is a reluctance of artists to spend time early when they may not get paid. Consider offering money up front to do the design, but suggest crediting that to the first session to get a "skin in the game" agreement. Sorry, just really real and current for me as I am just now working through my sleeve project and transitioning from one artist to another. No regrets (ragrets ;-)) but something to consider. Don't take your tattoos and your visions lightly......

[@SquishyTheVampire]

Any advice for skinny arms 😭

[@HealingSpectrumIntuition]

My tattoo is not a floater…

[@VikingWarlady]

Is a bird breaking out of its cage cliche?

[@HGQjazz]

Great tips! Good info! BTW. If you need a new editor, I'm available!

[@thrifteddrip7442]

I’m a pretty serious collector. And I don’t really go for super custom pieces. I rather have really classic traditional tattoos.

[@whynot6262]

Anyone know any good artists who know warhammer 40k?

[@eastbayartist]

I did a tattoo that said To infinity and beyond with that character from the movie. Haha stupids

[@kavashaman496]

That is stupids

[@faizandrew]

I miss u daddy 😋