Heavier clients?

[kate]

Hi, I apprenticed for 8 months at a local tattoo studio, happily learned alot, however I didn't agree with my mentor tattooing severely under the influence so I left. I had only completed a dozen tattoos at that time (under guidence) all on thin to medium sized people.

My problem is this, I was asked to do a tattoo on a heavier man's arm. I had to outline and color twice, then to a 6 week touch up. Any suggestions on how to adjust for heavier folks to get the inlk to stick and avoid possibly overworking the skin?
Thanks,Kate

[ink_freak]

i have relizeed that big people stretch a lot more than thin people so make sure u stretch that skin like a mo fo

[Capt. Calzone]

Hey Kate,

positioning can also play a factor.. for example working on a lower back
back piece. I have found it much easier to sit the client on a high stool rather than laying down. since they're hunched over on the stool, there's less stretching to do on my part. Also, are you doing a three point stretch?

[kate]

thanks for the quick replies!
I am using a three point stretch technique, and can manage the lower back with the positioning you described; the two "fatty" spots I've had the most problems with are upper arms, and chests. Arms (if bulky) being the hardest to get a comfortable stretch on.
Thanks again,
Kate

[FORGIVEN]

Hey Kate ...Welcome !!!! I found not only do you really have to strech the skin on bigger clients but it also helps if you press down as you stretch takes a little longer (shorter lines ) but it works for me (and on me :shock: ) and dont hesitate to have THEM help strech if possible !! good luck !!

[Capt. Calzone]

you can definitely have the client help stretch just as GIVEN said. BTW GIVEN is a cool guy with tons of info! For chest.. your clients can definitely lend a free hand to help with the stretch. For upper arms have the client reach over his or her shoulder. example right hand across chest and over left shoulder if you're tattooing the right arm and vice versa.. works well for me.

[skullman]

Hey there, This ia a very common streching issue. You can grab the fat under the arm that loose saggy lump of meat and grab and pull. It will stretch just like the scruff of a puppy or kittin.

[gremlin]

and if all else fails or they are (omg! its coming this way huge,) you can a tow chain and a monster truck stretch that puppy and go to town!!! :P

[kate]

Thanks, I hadn't asked for help from the client (beside position) and I'll definitly try the grabbing the "scruff" technique, I really appreciate it, since I've got another big guy inquiring about a band..
thanks a million,
Kate

[Grafx]

I've had similar situations with clients that are generally just out of shape with not much muscle tone or not firm and quite stretchy. I just grab, pull, stretch, as hard as I need to to get the skin where it needs to be to get the job done. Be as firm as it takes, short of pulling their skin off. Stretching will also cause less trauma, and some have told me that it actually can take their mind off the needle. lol, GO figure. I agree with everyone. Good Luck Girl!

[BigDaddyInks]

as a member of the bigger client group I feel I must respond.... Talk to joseph big bear, he is my mentor and tattooist. I am currently 440 lbs fown frm 478 thank you very much!!! any way... He has no probs tattooing me so he would be of great assistance i'm sure. cause my tats are the shizzle!!!!!

[FORGIVEN]

There is a HUGE (huge ...get it ?? :lol: )difference in tattooing someone who is large and firm , and tattooing someone who is large and lets just say "not firm" ,now with the "not firm" ones I use the Vulcan Death Grip !!!!!! :shock: They may squirm a little ,but its better than having to spend unecessary time in the skin .

[Ladedeth]

I have to say I have some saggy arms. My husband grabs the sag and pulls so hard..it hurts more than the tattoo (so yes it does take your mind off the actual tat). But it gets the job done and that is what counts.