(and as an aside, when the heck did I become an ink addict? I never meant to get any beyond the first one....)

Tattoos are insidious that way. I'm living proof. ;-)

Iterative tattoo design is a fascinating process. I've done everything from starting with a vague idea to coming in with what is essentially tattoo-ready flash (all with the same artist) and had them work their magic and make it art on my body.

There was one wonderful occasion long ago when I came into the shop, found that my preferred artist was booked solid, got into a conversation with another artist... he ended up looking at and rejecting my reference material, then spent an hour drawing on my shoulder with a sharpie, improvising a beautiful new design.

Magic.