who/what style to do a hip hop Hip Hop sleeve??

Hey Gabe and others....I had a question for your expertise. Who would you get to do a hip hop sleeve? Ive pretty much got it narrowed down to two fellas.... I was just looking for some different opinions and insight. Okay, Im already rocking a traditional Japanese sleeve. And a somewhat traditional american chest plate (with two guns, heart with arrows and banner). Rodney Raines: New school style tattoos with tons of detail and color. If he did the sleeve, I'd just tell him I want a boombox, maybe one or two sexy hip hop chicks, and let him run with it. Advnatages: Very detailed, great artist, good looking modern style pin-ups, great with musical design. Disadvantages: None really...maybe his sleeve wont hold up as good as Seths, just because of the use of colors. But Rodneys type of art will always progress and go on to be beat...in the sense its not timeless. Seth Ciferri The man when it comes to pumping out super clean, bright, long lasting sleeves (at least thats what I hear). I dont know, all I hear is good stuff about this dude. Of course, if he did it, it would have more of a traditional american feel to it, and the designs would come out looking much more old school and retro, as well as the chick would come out looking like a classic pin up. The boombox would have a 80s feel to it, and I'd probably get him to throw an owl in there, sitting on a day of the dead skull. Advantages: It'll be super bright, long lasting, have a retro feel to it, and done in a traditional timeless style. Disdavntages: It wouldnt be near as intricate. Im looking to get my ribs done by Joe Capobianco.....and Rodneys chicks look at lot like Joes...but they have their differences. I know its really up to me....and I havent seen a lot of Seths work because his site doesnt show it....but from what I hear he does that traditional stuff really, really well. Of course....Im looking for the desired feeling, and could see it working out either way.... Im just trying to plan it out properly..I got a while before I get it. Thanks...!

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Personally, I would run with the Rodney Raines version. Ive been meaning to catch up with him and get him on tattooNOW for a while. Seth would also do a great job. I kinda understand what you mean a little about how non-traditional work might look "dated" in 10-20 years an an artist progresses, but I dont think Rodney's art would suffer that fate. Indeed, tattoos capture a place and time, and even though an artists work may progress, those old tattoos are still important to their body of work, and should stand the test of time. You and your artist will hopefully be around for a long time too, and depending on the relationship you build with the artist you could always have them go back into the arm and "update it" in 20 years. For a hip hop sleeve, I would also check out Jesse Smith dunno how much father of a drive he is, and his waiting list is long I believe, but his work is definitely worth peeking at. One things for sure, doing your homework like this, finding a truely great artist, and letting them run with ideas is the best way to insure getting a top notch long lasting unqiue tattoo. Let us know how it goes!

Thanks for the advice.. I still think Im leaning a little more towards Seth. I guess Im attracted to that traditional american a little more. I really want my owl in there....so.....I think it'll make for a crazy sleeve. Only problem is I havent seen but so much of his work...its super clean, but other than that Ive only heard good things about him. Hmm.... I still got plenty of time and planning....who knows? I know Rodney would do a spectacular job...but gotta remember, a sleeve is a lot of space. If it was a Japanese piece, its best to keep it simple and big... Anything with color, you wanna really fill it up, and I just dont want to make it too large scale. The traditional style can throw a lot of little things in there, Like the owl, day of the dead kull, neo traditional jesus and or coffin, pin up chicks...... Any more ideas? Thanks guys.

thanks for the kind words. while i think your idea is awesome, and i could probably do a good job of it, i feel there are several people who would do an OUTSTANDING job, and it would be really cool to see it truly get the treatment it deserves. it's seriously consider having rodney do it for you, or, perhaps he and i could do it as a collaborative project. we're friends, and have worked together in the past, and i have plans to go to his shop asap, (im having some laser work done in charlotte) so perhaps that could potentially work out. the guy's illustrative skills are truly amazing, and i think that you should have him involved with it one way or another, be it by himself, or as a collaborative project. oh,i have some pics up on my site now, and we're updating about once a month.. www.sethciferri.com thanks! seth

ok I'm gonna put in my 2 cents worth....JOB....you are soooo lucky man! god I wish I had some blank skin left cause I'd definately be parked at both of those guys shops throwin money at em and beggin fer ink! Helluva choice tho! I think you should consider seths idea about a collaboration ...WOW!!!!! the best of both worlds!.... Any way make sure ya get the finished work posted...we can't wait to see it...good luck and great tattooing!!!! Taz