The Man and His Ink
From Nik (Mike's Tattoo Artist)
Mike originally came to Island Ink Tattoo Studio looking for a big black and grey Dragon back in October of 2005. He told me that this was a birthday present from his (grandmother?). I drew one up based on the picture he brought but he didn't like it. I was thinking to myself that he was going to be a "problem customer", one that wants full control of the tattoo without letting the artist do what they believe is right. I redrew the design and I have to say, I did like the newer verion better!
We set to work on an almost 10 hour tattoo, done in two sessions. He was tough! That's a lot of work and this was to be his biggest piece ever! He said he'd even make sure his Chief would keep him out of the pool to let it heal. The piece turned out awesome! Everyone at the shop loved it and several people want to see it in a magazine.
The completed outline of the dragon sleeve.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
Detail of the dragon head.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
Detail of the dragon body.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
Completed shading and fill.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
Detail of the completed dragon head.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
The finished sleeve, all healed.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
Mike came to me for several other designs and we did two of them before his passing.
The Pre-Phoenix tattoo. (Who's that little blond Kiddo?)
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
The completed outline.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
Detail of the Phoenix head outline.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
Detail of the Phoenix head with shading and fill completed.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
The completed Phoenix.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
During the Koi tattoo, he was on call for work and had to run. We finished it up a few weeks later.
The completed Koi outline.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
The completed Koi tattoo.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
The Man Himself and His Ink.
©2005-2006 Photographs Copyright Nik: Fluid Ink Tattoo
A third was supposed to be done as well, but we ran into a scheduling/design conflict, so we postponed to a later time to ensure we had enough time for it. That was the last time I ever saw Mike. I heard that he was ill during the appointment and I never got to say goodbye, even before I moved.
After I got settled in, Marty emailed me with the news. It hit me pretty hard. I didn't want to believe it, I was in denial, I suppose. I've made it a goal that every time someone wants a Koi, Phoenix, or a Dragon, That I put a little bit of Mike in each one of them, to let Mike live on. And do them as I would if it were Mike getting them - I give it my all. —Nik
Mike originally came to Island Ink Tattoo Studio looking for a big black and grey Dragon back in October of 2005. He told me that this was a birthday present from his (grandmother?). I drew one up based on the picture he brought but he didn't like it. I was thinking to myself that he was going to be a "problem customer", one that wants full control of the tattoo without letting the artist do what they believe is right. I redrew the design and I have to say, I did like the newer verion better!
We set to work on an almost 10 hour tattoo, done in two sessions. He was tough! That's a lot of work and this was to be his biggest piece ever! He said he'd even make sure his Chief would keep him out of the pool to let it heal. The piece turned out awesome! Everyone at the shop loved it and several people want to see it in a magazine.
Mike came to me for several other designs and we did two of them before his passing.
During the Koi tattoo, he was on call for work and had to run. We finished it up a few weeks later.
A third was supposed to be done as well, but we ran into a scheduling/design conflict, so we postponed to a later time to ensure we had enough time for it. That was the last time I ever saw Mike. I heard that he was ill during the appointment and I never got to say goodbye, even before I moved.
After I got settled in, Marty emailed me with the news. It hit me pretty hard. I didn't want to believe it, I was in denial, I suppose. I've made it a goal that every time someone wants a Koi, Phoenix, or a Dragon, That I put a little bit of Mike in each one of them, to let Mike live on. And do them as I would if it were Mike getting them - I give it my all. —Nik
posted by mikeysfriends at 12:58 PM
5 Comments:
I'll scheduled to get the phoenix tattoo done on Oct 20th--Nik sent me the origional drawing, and I have found a tattoo artist in Vancouver that will do it justice...Thanks Nik...I'll be sure to post the pics a soon as I get it done...Mikey had set me one appointment with Nik in the past, but I chickened out...didn't really know what I wanted....now i do!
I've got tattoos older than most of you on these posts. I remember the little blonde kid (his first after HS graduation)....plus I have a Phoenix on my back dating back to 1979!!! It quit looking like a Phoenix in about 20 years. I told Michael, the big ones really HURT. He must've gotten the fever 'eh'. Well, Marty, good luck darling and remember....its gonna hurt.
Show 'em what ya got.....
Michael's favorite aunt
Mikeys tattoos look uber awesome... i was just catching up to him too... Im designing the memorial tattoo for the family... im gettting mine on my chest of his wings and his name.. i cant wait! this is the best way for me to remember him by, we always talked about tattoos.. the whole family is into ...ok so minus a couple but thats cus we rule and they dont.. ha.. jk
You did awesome work dude he was so proud of them!!! I miss him.....
* mikeys favorite cousin
-Bianca
Jay, I've got pics but don't know how to post them. W/O Bianca I'm IT challenged. I've been scanning today and sending pics to Marty but the upload process is jinxed I say!!! Can we hook up somehow?
MFA,
Lynnell
Hey this is Bianca!!!
I GOT IT GUYS!!!
I got mikeys memorial tattoo...hurt like a mug but it waws totally worth it!!! ill post pics as soon as i can get my hands on a camera... i still cant believe that i finally got it!!! i was just waitin' to save enuff money to get it! Mikey would be proud of it!!! I LOVE AND MISS MY MIKEY~!!!! now every morning when i wake up to get ready for whatever and i see it there it reminds me of all my fond memories of him.
well got to go guys its late
laters
Bianca
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