Alright, let’s talk about this GSP tattoo I got. It wasn’t exactly spontaneous, been mulling it over for quite some time, actually. I’ve had German Shorthaired Pointers for years, fantastic dogs, really wanted something to represent that.
Finding the Vibe
First step was figuring out what I actually wanted inked on me permanently. Spent a good chunk of time just browsing, looking at different styles. You know how it is, scrolling through endless images. Saw some super realistic ones, some more abstract stuff, silhouettes. I kinda leaned towards something that really captured the GSP look, that pointing stance, you know? But not like a photograph, more stylized, something with strong lines.
I saved a bunch of images that had elements I liked. Not one perfect picture, but bits and pieces – the way the head was shaped in one, the body posture in another, the intensity in the eyes from a third one. I wasn’t looking to copy anything directly, just gathering ideas.
Picking the Right Person
This felt like the most important part. You don’t want just anyone drawing your dog, especially a breed with such specific features. I started looking up local tattoo artists. Spent hours going through their online portfolios. I specifically looked for artists who had experience with animals, bonus points if they’d done dogs or even bird dogs before. Some artists are great at portraits, others at traditional style, you gotta find someone whose style matches what you’re picturing.
Found this one artist whose work just clicked. They had some really solid animal pieces, good line work, understood anatomy. Felt like the right fit. So, I reached out and booked a consultation.
The Sit-Down
Went into the shop for the consultation. Took my collection of reference pics. We just talked it through. Showed them what I liked about each image, explained the general feel I was going for – that classic GSP intensity and athleticism. We discussed size and placement too. I decided on my calf; seemed like a good spot, decent space to work with.
The artist listened, asked some questions, then did a quick sketch right there. It wasn’t the final design, but it captured the essence perfectly. We tweaked it a little together, adjusting the leg position slightly, making the tail look right. Felt good about it, so I put down a deposit and booked the actual tattoo appointment.
Getting it Done
Appointment day rolled around. Got to the shop, went through the usual paperwork. The artist had the final stencil ready, based on our consultation sketch. They prepped the area on my calf, cleaned it all up, and then applied the stencil. Looked pretty cool just seeing the outline there.
Then came the actual tattooing. Started with the linework. Yeah, it definitely has a sting to it, especially at first. Not unbearable, but you feel it. You just kind of settle into it, breathe through it. Listened to some music, chatted a bit with the artist. The shading came next, which felt different, more like a constant vibration and scratching. Took a few hours in total, maybe three or so? Felt longer, maybe shorter, you lose track of time a bit.
Seeing the Final Piece
Once it was all done, the artist cleaned it up properly. That moment they hold up the mirror… it’s always pretty intense. Seeing it there, finished, dark and sharp against the skin. It looked great. Captured that GSP look exactly how I hoped. The lines were clean, the pose was dynamic. Definitely felt satisfied.
Healing Up
Then started the aftercare routine. Artist gave me the rundown: keep it clean, wash it gently, apply the specific ointment they recommended, don’t soak it, keep it out of the sun. It’s a bit annoying, having to be careful with it, especially with clothes rubbing against it on my calf. It gets itchy as it heals, gotta resist the urge to scratch. Just followed the instructions religiously for a couple of weeks until it peeled and settled down.
Now it’s all healed up. Looks sharp. It’s a cool reminder of the dogs I love. Glad I took the time to find the right artist and really think through the design. Totally worth it.
