Guy Aitchison Journal

May 20, 2026

What Can I Do About My Sore Tired Back

, from Ryan: I'm a little over 6' tall and I find it extremely difficult to tattoo without leaning over. Because of this I've developed constant back strain that even multiple different chiropracto…

May 20, 2026

How Do I Educate Myself As A Collector

, from Dale: Hi Guy! I am a collector and have had 3 tattoos now for about 15 years. In the last year, I decided to update my current tattoos and add to them to create much larger more elaborate bo…

May 20, 2026

The Big Question How Do I Break Into Tattooing The Right Way

, from Ryan: What is your take on tattoo schools? Ive been drawing forever and have been seeking an apprenticeship for about a year. Most tattoo artists I speak to say the school will ruin my chanc…

May 20, 2026

A lot of artists I know are switching to disposable tubes. I have tried them …

A lot of artists I know are switching to disposable tubes. I have tried them a couple times and am not sure if I like them. What's the deal with disposable tubes, and do you recommend them?

May 20, 2026

I'm fifty and want another tattoo. I went to a shop on the Islands and the ar…

I'm fifty and want another tattoo. I went to a shop on the Islands and the artist I spoke with made a negative reference to older skin. I decided not to work with her. I am not a sun worshipper, bu…

May 20, 2026

What Causes Bad Healing

From Alex: I’ve had four tattoos done now by the same artist here in town. It’s a good shop and I like the work I’ve been getting so far. The last session was a little weird thoug…

May 20, 2026

I am a apprentice and i was taught also to work with the least amount of volt…

I am a apprentice and i was taught also to work with the least amount of voltage. Sometimes when i set my voltage low and the machine sounds good, when doing the tattoo colour it seems like the nee…

May 20, 2026

I was wondering what type of markers you use to draw on the skin? Your drawin…

I was wondering what type of markers you use to draw on the skin? Your drawing are fairly well detailed before you begin... how do you get it to stay on for long periods? I'm having trouble finding…

May 20, 2026

Layering colors seems to be an effective way of getting a painterly look to y…

Layering colors seems to be an effective way of getting a painterly look to your tattoos, but how do you know when the skin has had too much before you start chewing it up and running the risk of s…

May 20, 2026

Do you use a power suply with digital readout? If so, what would be your typi…

Do you use a power suply with digital readout? If so, what would be your typical power settings for lining, shading and coloring? If you use this type of power unit, I'd appreciate your suggestions…

May 20, 2026

I would like to talk to someone about becoming a tattoo artist. How would I g…

I would like to talk to someone about becoming a tattoo artist. How would I go about doing it? How did you get started?

May 20, 2026

I wondered if you have any good idea how to handle the skin on those more sen…

I wondered if you have any good idea how to handle the skin on those more sensitive areas, i.e. the inside of the elbow joint/lower arm, the shoulder just above the crease of the armpit, the back o…

May 20, 2026

I know this has nothing to do with education, but I'm curious. I've heard you…

I know this has nothing to do with education, but I'm curious. I've heard your name pronounced ten different ways... what's the right way?

May 12, 2026

Markers on Todd

May 12, 2026

Time lapse of today’s markets on Todd

May 3, 2025

If you are in the Southern Illinois area this morning come drop by the @unionstreetarts art festival in the…

If you are in the Southern Illinois area this morning come drop by the @unionstreetarts art festival in the Marion town square. We have some prints and originals and it’s just a nice vibe overall, live music and vendors. Runs till 2:00. It

April 29, 2025

More of these. This pattern is called The Vortex and will ultimately be in mad color. Drop by @gallery111.art at 111 Mad

More of these. This pattern is called The Vortex and will ultimately be in mad color. Drop by @gallery111.art at 111 Madison St in Marion Il and take a jumping selfie in front of The Vortex, tag #111jump

April 28, 2025

Making our mural. This has been an epic undertaking, lots of design time and prep plus two days of just priming the wall

Making our mural. This has been an epic undertaking, lots of design time and prep plus two days of just priming the wall. 1500 square feet is serious. Working with @michele_lotus and @kaias_art_world with a generous grant from the @illinois

April 7, 2025

Great waterfall action yesterday at Ferne Clyffe, how blessed we are to live so close to so many inspiring…

Great waterfall action yesterday at Ferne Clyffe, how blessed we are to live so close to so many inspiring natural gems

April 3, 2025

About to roll. Thanks @rawpigments @monsterkreations @cheyenne_tattooequipment

March 22, 2025

@briangeckleart is in the house

March 18, 2025

Great session today on Joseph. More tomorrow, stay tuned! Working with @cheyenne_tattooequipment @rawpigments @monsterkr

Great session today on Joseph. More tomorrow, stay tuned! Working with @cheyenne_tattooequipment @rawpigments @monsterkreations

March 12, 2025

Couple days ago getting ready to get cranking on @tonykellytattoos using @cheyenne_tattooequipment…

Couple days ago getting ready to get cranking on @tonykellytattoos using @cheyenne_tattooequipment @rawpigments @monsterkreations

March 2, 2025

If you’re in the central/southern Illinois area and want to see me chat about my paintings at a beautiful…

If you’re in the central/southern Illinois area and want to see me chat about my paintings at a beautiful contemporary gallery setting, come join us Sunday March 2 at 3pm central time at the @cedarhurstarts in Mount Vernon Illinois. I’ll be