| Tracey's Back |
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1st Sitting
After years of procrastination about getting a tat I finally decided that my 40 th was time. The initial idea of something quite small grew to almost my whole back.
This was my first tattoo so I had no idea what to expect and how I would handle the pain. When Trev put the tracing on and said, ‘OK this is it, once I start I have to finish the outline today' I freaked out a bit. There were a lot of lines!
Once he started it was better than I expected. The session lasted 5 hours – the last hour I was feeling pretty ordinary.
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2nd Sitting
It was one week later, the outline had settled down by day 3 and I was looking forward to getting some colour.
I found the colour more painful than the outline because the design had a lot of shading, so those areas are tattooed more and get tender.
The result was great after 4 ½ hours.
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3rd Sitting
Again this was one week later. Having had so much work done over the previous sittings I was hopeful that we could finish this day. The colour went quicker than I expected. The work on the spine was jarring and uncomfortable. But 4 ½ hours later we were done. I could hardly believe what I had attempted for my first tattoo - but I was really happy with the end result.
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| Dan's Back |
I was born and bred in New Zealand and have been tattooing for 7 years. I have been living in Melbourne for 1 ½ years and working at Tattoo Magic with Geordie Cole.
I like Trev's style and couldn't image anyone else for the job. I had an appointment every second Tuesday and booked Trev out for the day.
Pretty excited about starting after seeing the drawing.
My first appointment was everything and more than I hoped for, and now we were on our way.
All sessions were around six to seven hours except for the first one which was four and half hours.
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Feeling naked
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Stencil on didn't hurt a bit!
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Session 1
I'm not a big fan of being tattooed and I am known to complain a bit but I think I did ok today.
Trevor only told me to shut up a couple of times, in four and a half hours, so I surprised myself.
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Session 2
Aarghhh, rib area! But the shading was ok, got punished all day today, Trevor asked me if I was ok to drive home, must have looked a little green around the gills Ha Ha . Probably more like a frightened lamb.
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Session 3
Fark I've had my arse kicked so many times but never like this, my inside legs killed but making big progress now. I had really had enough by the end of the day.
Went to a friends for dinner straight after, stood by the heater feeling ill, skipped dinner and went straight to the shower.
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Session 4
Dragged my feet a little to this session, really feelin pretty shocked after these long days, and sitting half on half off chairs for three days was difficult but here we go again.
Yes that hurt as much as last time and yes Trevor asked me if I was ok to drive again but the lamb limped home once more.
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Session 5
How's that! All outlining and background in four sessions. Only colour which shouldn't be too bad....................
When Trevor pulled out a 14 round and put it in one of his liners I should have known better. Arghhh…
Every scale was like being bit by a wasp.......and there are a few scales.
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Session 6
More scales but I have to admit I'm kinda gettin used to this, seem to be healing better, recovering better as well.
Definitely pays to keep up the momentum. Awesome to see some colour!
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Session 7
Two weeks and I'm here again, having your tail bone tattooed is like putting your tongue on a nine volt battery.
Things are comin along fast and after a couple of days I can't wait to get back in the chair. It does take a couple days to feel like this though.
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Session 8
Another long day today but Trev thinks one more and where through, really coming together now.
Good to finish the arse but I think Trev may miss it!.....Ha Ha....
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Session 9
Holly shit its over. Kinda doesn't feel real, I guess I was kinda on auto pilot......every second day off was a trip to dynamic..........
so so stoked!
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Once the eyes went in everything came alive. Kinda bummed I won't be havin my days out at dynamic...........Trevors not as bad as everyone says........but seeing as his new studio is round the corner I can hang over his shoulder any time I want ha ha ha ha , like that one Trev!!!
Seriously though this was a very big thing for me personally and professionally and thanks so much for the work, wisdom and encouragement.
You are a true master of your craft.
Dan.
Trev's comments:
Thank God he's finished! Ha Ha, Doing big work like this can be very intense for both customer and artist. Tattooing Dan was a pleasure and along the way we had many memorable conversations and moments. Dan is a real talented tattooer and a hell of a nice guy and I'm honoured that he asked me to do his back.
And Dan as for you hanging over my shoulder, I don't need a supervisor on the job, informing me on how my machines are running. Ha Ha
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| Warrens Back |
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I've been getting tattooed by Trev for about 8 years now and hailing from NSW I'm used to doing a couple of days straight. Having done arms, chest, shins and feet I thought the back would be a piece of cake but I was mistaken.
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Day 1.
Started the outline, it was quite painful especially the lower back.
This made it difficult to regroup when we got to normally easier parts but got through that.
Approx. 5 - 6 hours including lunch.
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Day 2.
I was a little worried at the start of the day knowing I had 2 full days in front of me but we actually breezed through the shading although the lower back caused some more gnashing of teeth again.
Approx. 7 hours.
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Day 4.
Back getting a little bit more bruised and sore, it was going to be a long day.
Started off with Trevor working out the wind design on top of shoulder, once he got that the way he wanted we started again.
Same as yesterday, not too bad going up the sides and top but lower back still very tender.
Approx. 8 ½ hours.
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Day 5.
(Next trip to Melbourne)
I was a little more mentally prepared this time and it wasn't too tough of a day, even the lower back wasn't too bad.
As usual I'd had enough after an hour but we slogged through about 8 hours.
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Day 6.
Only had the Warriors' coat to do, though it would still be a big day.
The problem with the back is you can't see what is being done so the fresh parts sometimes feel like it's been done in the same spot over and over.
It was another long day but when Trev finished off the eyes and told me to get up and have a look all the pain was worth it.
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The following day I met Trev so that he could photograph me, I then drove home, straight through to central coast of NSW.
Very tender.
A True Masterpiece.
Thanks once again Trev,
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| Daves Back |
I seen some of Trevor's work in the magazines and I decided that this was the guy that I wanted to do my back.
I had some laser removal done to lighten a tattoo that I had got years before.
I travelled from Perth and booked Trevor out for a 6 days straight first trip to Melbourne.
Like most people who get tattooed, I have only ever sat for 3 to 4 hours in the chair and then had a break.
When arriving in Melbourne I really had no idea if I could handle 6 days straight and 40 hours of pain.....
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Day 1.
Was an easy day, all work was concentrated on the upper back.
Approx. 7 Hours
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Day 2.
Hips outlined and the tiger was the first taste of what its like to get your ass tattooed. Ouch !!
Approx. 6 to 7 Hours
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Day 3.
I was still feeling pretty good, today was all the ass and lower leg.
The backside really is the most painful to be tattooed.
Approx 7 Hours
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Day 4.
All on the lower back, tiger stripes and shading around the tiger.
Had a bad day today, was in a fair bit of discomfort
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Approx 6 Hours
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Day 5.
After day 4 I thought I might not be able to continue, but after a good nights sleep I was feeling ok.
Today it was the right side of the ass and leg, not a good day for me, allot of pain and my body was saying that's enough !
7 Hours
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Day 6.
Day 6 was shading the dragons head. By now, I had had enough.
I was booked in for one more day but decided not to get any more done.
My body had ached with pain for two days, after we finished I was bruised, battered but extremely happy with the outcome.
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Day 1.
Second trip to Melbourne
I knew this would be worse than the last time as there was no need to draw or stencil.
It was purely all day shading with half an hour break for lunch.
The day went well for me, I find the upper back not that painful.
7 Hours
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Day 2.
Much like the previous day.
6 ½ Hours
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Day 3.
I was hurting all day on the lower back.
It was a long day too.
Approx. 7 ½ to 8 Hours
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Day 4.
Another long day much like the previous day.
Total back finished ahead of schedule by 2 days
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Approx. 7 ½ to 8 Hours
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I would like to thank Trevor and his family for putting up with me.
I've never met a tattooist who works as hard as Trev,
Thanks Trev.
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| Daves Right Rib |
Trev finished my back 2 days ahead of schedule so I begged him after tattooing me solid for 4 days to go home that night and draw up my rib so that we could start that the next day.
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Day 1.
Outline the head and background shading on the chest. Felt OK I am so relieved that my back is finished and that Trev is working in a fresh area.
Did it pretty easy today.
6 1/2 Hours |
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Day 2.
All the outline from chest to the thigh all the back ground, water, clouds and all shading.
The last two hours my body was shaking and in shock. Forty hours of tattooing done in 6 days. I had reached my limit. It was the longest day for both Trev and I and he had been up until 3am drawing as well. We were both physically and mentally exhausted. He'll be glad to see me go home.
10 Hours |
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MY NEXT TRIP TO MELBOURNE
Day 1.
Coloured the snake head and it felt pretty good, no drama's.
6 Hours
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Day 2.
From chest to hip, colour and shading feeling good.
6 Hours |
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Day 3.
Hip to thigh colour and shading and all those finishing touches.
Thigh hurt today but overall ok.
Glad to have another piece finished. This is my favourite piece so.
6 1/2 Hours
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Again, finished ahead of schedule and now we are going to start my other rib tomorrow, Trev's going home to draw it up ready for another long day. Trev once again has amazed me on how much skin he can cover in such a short time.
I feel a bit of a woose only getting 4 days done this trip, due to commitments.
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The Next Day
7 hours non stop
We usually always take an half hour break for lunch but not today.
Whole rib outlined and all lines
bumped up..
Feeling excited and happy that
I am going home with more work than I expected.
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All outline on the rib and thigh completed today.
Very exhausting without a break, both of us eager to get as much done for this my last sitting for this trip. |
| Daves Left Rib |
Next Trip to Melbourne
Here’s our staring point this rib was outlined on my last visit to Dynamic Tattoo.
Day 1.
Glad to be back to finally finish my rib.
Today, Trev did the shading and colouring of the thigh section.
A good day but a long day…
71/2 hours |
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Day 2.
What can I say, 7 hours on my rib,
not a pleasant experience at all.
Glad that day is over.
7 hours
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Day 3
Filling in the blank space on my chest
today.
Trev outlined the flower and all of the
shading and colouring is just about complete.
Not a bad day but starting to fade.
7 hours
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Day 4
I was really looking forward to today
finishing my rib. Some final shading
and colouring.
A painful day as we had with link to enlarge
to go over some of the work from the previous day.
Just 4 hours today an easy day… Ha ha
Trev has to go home tonight to draw for my lower leg so my body suit will flow from my rib to my ankle.
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Dave pushes me to the limit, or maybe it’s the other way round, I really enjoy working on Dave but I am exhausted after he has gone it only takes you 3 days to recover… hey Dave …well it takes me 2 weeks mmm.. maybe we will have to dig those needles in a little deeper next time.
Dave don’t go booking anymore flights to Melb for a while ok. |
| Craig's Story |
I've been interested in tattoos since mullets were kool the first time round, although I waited until I was 24 to get my first. I wanted my arm sleeved since 2003 but being in the army it just wasn't an option with being away and with all the bush time we did.
I first seen Trevor's work in mags a few years back and I thought that his style was the best I had seen....
His portfolio speaks for itself, I knew that I wanted him to do my arm.
So then, I emailed the shop and the emails went back and forth until a date was set, and then I arranged my plane ticket and accommodation. I knew Trev would be busy but he understood my situation and tight schedule and was very obliging...I got the feeling that I would be walking into a shop that knew exactly what I wanted and would be able to give it to me.
I was a little apprehensive about the whole deal, having only communicated to thru emails, but more so, wondered if we were going to get along ok for it was going to be a long 3 days.
When I walked in the door I was happy with what I saw, the shop was bright, clean and it was easy to find.
I had an appointment to meet Trev and to discuss my drawing. I was feeling confident and ready to get into it. With in 5 mins of chatting with him I knew he knew his shit. The difference between me "the collector" and Trev "the artist" really came out with his twist and variation, to which he explained the reasons why, of what I wanted. I was happy, as I knew a shit load of thought was going into it from him.
The 3 days I was there Trev had clients dropping in to say Hi and I got to meet them and see a lot of work that I had admired on his web site.
I have been in contact with the gang there every week since getting my arm done. Trev has even posted me photo's and movies....I went in to get a tattoo done and left with an awesome sleeve and some new friends. |
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Day 1.
Got in early Trev showed me the drawing and explain how it was all going to fit, we spoke about colours and he put on the stencil...and it was game on. First day wasn't that bad, I'd had a big breakfast as advised, but the worst part was I skipped lunch and I was bloody starving. (message to self don't skip lunch again)
I was actually getting into it...just excited to be getting it done.
Trev was kool, we talked shit about everything from politics to football. He explained everything along the way and was always conscious of how I was going.
I felt totally hammered at the end of the day mainly due to the positions and concentration of trying to sit still for hours. We got the top half of the sleeve done and the peonie flower just blew me away. Trev took me to dinner which I think was more of a chance for him to keep his eye on me after such a long day in the chair. After that, all I wanted was a shower and some sleep and to crack on with Day 2. 9 Hours |
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Day 2.
Another early start and the goal was set ..the rest of the outline done and all the shading.
This was definitely the hardest day for me as my arm blew up with fluid over night, which Trev had warned me to put on it but it didn't help that much. So he had to hit hard to get the ink in... it f*ckin cained all day. I was over it big time by the end of the day, but I knew the more that got done the better the overall look was, I was happy to see it all coming together. Again today we spoke about everything but there was a very silent periods where I was battling a few demons.
Trev was kool enough to pick up on this and he changed positions for me or hit another area without me saying anything... He just knew what I was going thru. Again at the end of the day I was faaaaaaaaaaarked...but over the moon with what was on my arm Day 2 definitely the worst.
9 ½ Hours
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Day 3.
The last day I had a plane to catch at 7pm so there was no mucking around, straight into it. Today's aim was colour and touch ups. My arm is still massive from swelling and I was a little worried about how hard it would be for Trev to work on it. The shop was busy and that gave me more opportunity to stretch my legs and to admire it in the mirror...Hehehehehe.
I got to meet more of Trev's customer's and it was really kool getting wrapps from them about my arm. Again Trev was conscious of how I was feeling all day, but Day 3 was a breeze compared to Day 2.
At the end of 3 days I was stoked with the sleeve, and already talking about my other arm and making plans to come back later in the year, when I get more time to visit home again.
What I got was way, past, my expectations.
Photo's were taken, hands were shook and I left the shop with Trev putting me in a taxi, and the feeling that I was welcome back anytime.
8 ½ Hours
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