Back piece session - half or full day?

[Sarah]

The tattooist that is doing my back piece is based in a different city from me, but is going to be doing a guest stint in a local studio for a week. She's being fabulously accommodating and now I have to decide whether to play safe and opt for a half day session (presumably to be followed by a trip to her home studio later) or to opt for a full day and get as much done as possible. She's more than happy to do the full day if I'm game.

Anyone endured a full day of tattooing? Should I go for it or be a little more restrained?

[Sarah]

Had some walk-in work done by my back-piece artist yesterday - I didn't realise she was going to be at the local tattoo convention (and nor did she, it seems), so I dropped in to say hi and, of course, decided to get a random mermaid done on my inner bicep. Now I've heard that inner bicep can be one of thye more uncomfortable places for a tattoo, but this wasn't too bad. Stung a little near the armpit though. Erin reckons I should be fine for the back piece...though we only had time for 45 mins on Sunday and are planning a whole lot more in February.

[Mike]

Kudos to anyone who can sit for a full day. My longest session was 4 hours, which was plenty. I actually enjoy the process, and I'm certain the enjoyment would wear thin over 7-8 hours or more. Having said that, I REALLY want work from Vyvyn Lazonga in Seattle, and making that trip would probably entail multiple long sessions, so we'll see.

[Erin]

in situations where travel is involved, it is really important to sit for multiple long sessions! it is just a matter of being prepared for it. it may not be fun, but it is worth it in the end.

[Inktman]

You guys maybe, but I certainly can sit a lot longer when the studio is quiet and the artist can concentrate. The guy that did my backpiece and a lot more (and he is good!) owns the studio, so deals with all the hassle of running a business. His sidekicks and apprentices walk around on a wooden floor, loud music and a zillion phonecalls. I'm fed up with it. No more. Maybe I'm getting too old.

[Mike]

That's probably why I've never been tattooed at a show . . although sometime I'd like to try it, just to say I did it. But the experience is part of the fun of getting tattooed, and a quiet zen-like environment goes a long way. Part of the reason I prefer shorter sessions, because they just don't drag on so long that they become intolerable.