How do I make something feel bright when it's under a layer of skin? How do I make it feel hot? I geek out on finding ways to render complex subject matter like fire so getting to render this campfire on Nick's chest was super fun! Healed on @the_vilardi_party

“I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?” ― John Lennon in progress on the amazing @dremilybessemer

It's always bitter sweet finishing up a project. I tell people it's awkward like a break-up "I guess . . . I'll see you when I see you." I absolutely love getting healed photos though :-) Catch you on the next one, Zach!

"Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?" I loved Indiana Jones as a kid so this hidden temple tattoo made the inner child in me happy :-)

“Sometimes we get through adversity only by imagining what the world might be like if our dreams should ever come true.” ― Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha

Hugin and Munin fly each day over the spacious earth. I fear for Hugin, that he come not back, yet more anxious am I for Munin --Poetic Edda The most metal tattoo on @hmazzaaa Done with @worldfamousink and supplies from @painfulpleasures

One step at a time. I enjoy the process, designing something that fits my clients personality, that empowers them, building the tattoo up from drawing to completed tattoo and getting to know my clients in the process.

“What a Kraken grasps it does not lose, be it a longship or leviathan.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Feast for Crows ...or a golden anchor in this case :-) Healed on @zidlick11

What does the person in line behind you at the grocery store see? One of the most fun and challenging aspects of designing for the body is getting to think about these things and finding ways to make those different angles interesting.

Heather has on of the most metal sleeves I've ever done for sure. Depicting Geri and Freki, Munin and Hugin the ravens and wolves of the Norse god Odin.

Flowers are always a fun time. Tim wanted a variety of flowers to represent his grandparents flower garden. The challenge was to make the tattoo feel cluttered and full but not so cluttered that it would be hard to read and to keep the flow in the tattoo.

The juxtaposition of opposing elements in a tattoo always makes for more fun and engaging work. Contrast is key, contrast in subject matter, contrast in value, texture, and color are all tools. Done with supplies from @painfulpleasures #ryanthompsontattoos @prophecytattoo

Sunny Saturday mornings are for…(you tell me…) #ryanthompsontattoos #prophecytattoo #Saturday #njtattooartist #tomsriver #newjersey #tattoo #tattoos #tattooartist #tattoolife #behindthescenes #studiotour #bts #artist #homeoffice #workfromhome

Ravens have a special place in my heart…as do vibrant, storytelling sleeves & awesome clients that are a blast to work with! Thanks, Kelly! #ryanthompsontattoos #prophecytattoo #tattooartist #tomsrivernj #raventattoo #tattoosleeve #spacetattoo #colortattoo #tricksters #ravens

The best cover ups happen when clients are flexible & collaborative, allowing me to guide the work for the best result. #ryanthompsontattoos #prophecytattoo #tattooartist #tomsrivernj #coverup #tattoosleeve #coveruptattoo #knighttattoo #dragontattoo #realistictattoo #colortattoo

I’ve never shared the entirety of Kristina’s seagulls and hourglass sleeve and it’s too good not to get every view of! Love this! #ryanthompsontattoos #prophecytattoo #njtattooartist #tomsrivernj #tattoosleeve #seagulls #seaside #ocean #hourglasstattoo #customink #customtattoo

We have one more week left of @spiralpathcauldron ’s birthday month— how else can we celebrate this incredible woman? Have you sent her some love yet? #ryanthompsontattoos #Maine #happybirthday #mywifeisamazing #bestwifeever #incrediblewoman #themarriedlifeforme #witchywoman

Living here by the sea means that nautical-themed tattoos never get old, especially when I can sneak a rose or two in! #ryanthompsontattoos #prophecytattoo #tattooartist #tomsriver #tattoosleeve #anchortattoo #rosetattoo #nauticaltattoo #blackandgreytattoo #realistictattoo

I’m in the mood for roses this week & looking at what makes them so classic and beautiful and challenging in all the best ways. #ryanthompsontattoos #prophecytattoo #tattooartist #tomsriver #tattoosleeve #rosetattoo #blackandgreytattoo #realistictattoo

How would you caption this image of Zach’s half-sleeve? What's the very first thing it make you think of? #ryanthompsontattoos #prophecytattoo #tattooartist #tomsriver #tattoosleeve #blackandgreytattoo #liontattoo #floraltattoo #rosetattoo #realistictattoo #painfulpleasures