Note: The Miami Ink mailbox is now closed. Enjoy the crew's responses to your questions below:

Ami James | Chris Garver | Darren Brass | Chris Nuñez | Yojiro "Yoji" Harada

Q: My son has an awesome idea for a unique tattoo, but it seems nobody will do it because he wants the outline to be in silver. The tattoo he wants is to be on his back. He wants angel wings. When he stands with his back to you and opens his arms up in the air, it will look like angel wings. He wants the outline done in silver, but up here in Canada everyone says it has to be in black. He watches your show faithfully, so I thought I would take a chance and ask an expert and see if in fact it can be done. 

He also wants the wings to look like they are really coming out of his back. He had a really close friend die from cancer at the early age of 18, and it had a really big impact on him. He says this will be a testament to his friend that he is the angel on his back always watching over him. This would be a great story line, don't ya think? I'd really appreciate any feedback you could give. Love the show, and I hope to hear from you soon. A proud mother in Canada.

P.S. I want Ami to do this tattoo because you totally intrigue me, dude. - Susan

A: Susan,

There is no such thing as silver ink. It’s a great idea, but I would suggest doing it in a black outline with soft gray shading. There are a lot of good artists in Canada that you should look at. Make sure you look at their work and portfolios to see the quality of work.

Q: How many women are you currently juggling? Room for any more? - Russell

A: Russell, I don’t kiss and tell.

Q: Yo … What's happening, man? I have seen your show, and it's so HOT!!! Wait. I mean, you’re so hot! Anyway, to get to the point ... I don’t have a tattoo, since here where I live I see nothing but crap artists. After seeing Miami Ink, I have new hope in finding a sexy tattoo artist that can really ink my skin as good as you can. Well, Ami, I don’t have any questions. Just wanted to tell you I love your tough guy attitude and your art. You are really the star of the show.
- Nathalie

A: Nathalie,

Thank you very much. I appreciate your email. Hope that you keep watching the show and enjoying it.

Q: I was wondering if you regret having the Buddha tattoo because it is visible on you and others see it, or if you just regret having it period. If it was on another part of your body not so visible, would you still regret having it done?

I don't have any tattoos, but I if I ever decided to get one, I would love for you to do it because you are an awesome artist. I also can see that you have a sensitive side to you. I think that's nice. Best wishes.
- Debs 

A: Deb,
As it goes for my Buddha tattoo: I love my tattoo, but I don’t like the grief that I get from people who don’t look at it the same way I do. I wish the world was more understanding about tattoos, but it is what it is. I have a few tattoos that I wish I didn’t have just so I could get better ones in their place.

Q: Hi Ami, Well, I said I would never get another tattoo. Never say never. My daughter and I watch your show and are intrigued each week. Amanda is a very emotional young lady, and loves the idea of us getting a tattoo together. As I said, I would not have considered this. However, it means so much to her that I am willing to do it one more time. The only catch: we have to come to Miami to have them done by the best. We live just outside Toronto, Canada.

My question to you is, what would you recommend as a tattoo for a mother and daughter? Can you please give me a few ideas, then I can make them my own with adjustments. I am just stuck for any idea right now. Could you also tell us why you do not like to tattoo on the neck? Amanda is thinking of the back of the neck; I don't think it is a great place for a beautiful young woman.

Again, we love the show and believe you will all be successful long after the show goes off the air. You all seem to have a great passion for what you do, and it definitely comes across. All the best to you and your team. Take care,
- Teri

A: Teri, in reply to choosing a mother/daughter tattoo: You should get something that means something to both of you. There are probably plenty of things from your life together that you can incorporate into a tattoo. I think it’s a great idea.

As for my neck tattoo, I love my tattoo but I don’t like the grief that I get from people that don’t look at it the same way I do. Getting a tattoo — as long as it's small — on the back of your neck is not bad if you have longish hair. That way you have the option to cover it.

Q: I recently got a tattoo on my lower back, and now I'm trying to lose a little weight. Will this have any effect on my tat? Thanks for your time. Keep doing what you do best! I really enjoy watching you and everyone else on your show and the AMAZING art you do!
-Emily

A: Emily,

Sometimes when you lose weight your tats change — sometimes they don’t. Like with stretch marks on a woman who gets pregnant — some get lucky, some don’t.
 

Q: What was the most intricate tattoo you've had to do, and how long did it take you to finish? Love the show. Also, have you ever refused to do a tattoo and what was it?
-Rhonda

A: At this point, I can’t remember after doing thousands of tattoos. I’ve done a few really nice intricate tattoos, and when done right it can be a beautiful thing. About refusing tattoos, sometimes we have to for different reasons — whether it's something we don’t think is a good idea or that we won't be able to put 100 percent into.

Q: Ami, I got a tattoo of a ladybug and the red doesn't stay in it. I have had it fixed twice. The artist told me it was because I am so fair-skinned that I cannot hold red ink. But I had another artist tell me that bad ink was used, and that is why it won't stay. Have you ever heard of this?
- Thank you, Melissa.

A: Melissa, There’s no reason the red should not hold up on your skin, especially if you are fair-skinned. I would suggest finding a better artist.

Q: 
a) Have any of you had a "formal" arts education, or have you simply developed your very obvious skills and talents through years of practice and much trial and error?

b) How long did you train before you were considered skilled enough to take on living (non-dead-pig-type) clients?

c) Did your friends and family encourage and support your decision to make tattoo art a career?
- Fae

A: Fae,

I have never been to art school, but I’ve always been drawing and that led me into tattoos. When the opportunity came by, I found a way to make money and enjoy what I do for a living. I learn every day more and more; the day I stop learning is the day I will stop tattooing.

Q: What's the meanest thing Lou made you do when you were his apprentice?
- Felicia

A: He used to smack me in the face in front of the customers while I was tattooing.

Q: Hi Ami, First of all, I love your name. Second, my boyfriend and I love watching Miami Ink and we both have Polynesian tattoos. We were wondering if you have ever considered learning/tattooing Polynesian style? It's just that you're a great artist, and it would be neat to see you doing something like that. Just curious! Mahalo and keep up the great work!!

- Robyn and Kev

A: Robyn,
Thank you for watching the show. I hope you keep watching as long as we go. As for Polynesian tats, it’s my favorite form of tribal tat. I do tend to dabble in it here and there when I get the chance. The thing is not many people come to me for that type of work. But if you want to send me a book with Polynesian tats, I’d love to have one.

Ami James | Chris Garver | Darren Brass | Chris Nuñez | Yojiro "Yoji" Harada

Ami James | Chris Garver | Darren Brass | Chris Nuñez | Yojiro "Yoji" Harada

Q: Do you find cover-up work to be challenging? Or, do you just not like it? 
- Dragonlady1964

A: Bel, I find cover-ups challenging, but I enjoy them if I am not limited in design by the customer.

Chris

Q: I saw a BEAUTIFUL pirate ship that I thought Chris did on a recent episode. Can the public purchase your flash? Thanks so much, and I am lovin' your show!!!  
- Paula 

A: Paula, glad you like the show.  Darren did the pirate ship and it was pretty awesome, huh? You could buy my flash at tattooeliteinternational.com.

Thank you,

Chris

Q: I am an aspiring tattoo artist (I've been tattooing for about three years). From what I understand, you spent some time living in Japan. What as an artist was your greatest influence while there, and did you ever meet Horiyoshi III?

I am amazed by the high-quality tattoos that the artists of Miami Ink create. The show is really enjoyable; I love that the tattoos are given so much focus in the show. I would love to do more accurate, well-researched Japanese tattoos. Are there any resources/books you recommend? - Chuck B

A: Hey Chuck, I was definitely influenced from my trip to Japan. I actually did meet Horiyoshi. I was tattooed by him and also by his apprentice, Horitomo. You can find more information on Japanese tattoos by doing a search at any popular search engine. Glad you enjoy the show.

Later, Chris

Q: Hey Chris, last year my wife and I decided to get tattoos for our anniversary gift to each other. I had been thinking about what I wanted in a tattoo for a long time. I wanted something tribal, but also patriotic — which was kinda ironic and cool. I just happened to get it done on Sept. 11, so it will stick in my mind a long time. My wife got a small heart with two ivy vines stemming from it.

My question is, what makes someone's color and shading look so much different? Like her heart, the red shading is still brilliant and deep looking, and the red I have in my shading is looking more pink now and also somewhat splotchy. This is only after a year's time.

- Jeff and Michelle

A: Hey Jeff, it’s hard for me to answer your question because I don’t know what type of ink they used. Some people might have a different reaction to red than others.

Chris

Q: Do you tattoo on pregnant women? The tat will be on my ankle, but I am not sure ifthere is a policy against tattooing on expectantmothers. Thanks for your time, and keep up the great work! 
- Erin

A: Hey Erin, I’ve never tattooed a pregnant woman because I don’t think it’s a good idea to cause any stress to someone in that condition. It’s best to wait on getting tattooed. Congrats on having a baby.

Q: I heard and saw in a Japanese movie about a tattoo that is invisible but when ur blood pressure goes up it appears. Have any of u guys heard of or seen it before? I heard that they use some powder, chicken blood or breast milk — all three of those are from different people. I was wondering if I can get your input or anything on this topic. Please. Thanks.
- Brian

A: Hi Brian, I’ve heard of that also. But I never saw it, and I have no idea how it’s done.

Chris

Q: First off, I watch the show every week, since the first episode, religiously. I don't think many people know what to tip a tattoo artist correctly. I am in the process of getting a half sleeve, which will be about $1,000 and take three sessions. How much would a generous tip be on something like that? And what is the general rule, so you show your appreciation for the work but not dish out as much as the work itself? Thanks guys!
- Seth

A: Hey Seth, glad you like the show. I’m sure a $200 tip would be quite generous. As a tattoo artist, we also enjoy considerate clients.

Thank you, Chris

Q: Hey,much respect to you all as artists and creators. My question: Can I have the bottom of my foot done, despite the fact that everyone I see says the ink won't hold too well? I wanted the entire foot done, now I only want the arch done. Possible? I don't mind if it has to be retouched now and again.
- Bekkie

A: Hi Bekkie. Tattoos don’t stay very well on calloused skin, so I wouldn’t recommend doing it on the bottom of your feet. Only crude work is possible.
Chris 

Q: I do not heal well from cuts, surgery, etc. My skin often gets bumpy where I have stitches and stuff. How likely is a tattoo to do this on my skin?
- Raphael

A: Hey Raphael, there’s only one way to find out how a tattoo will take on your skin and that’s by getting one. Maybe you should start by getting something small just to see how it turns out.
Chris

Q: I have been wanting to get a tattoo for a while now, but just haven't gone and did it. I even know what I want. But I just had a baby in April and someone told me that I would have to wait two years before getting it now. Is that true, and if not, just how long should I wait before I go to get it?
- Candie

A: Hi Candie, If you’ve already had the baby, I don’t see why it would be a problem getting tattooed.

Q: Have you ever refused to do a tattoo, and what was it?
- Rhonda

A: Yes, I refuse to do a lot of different types of tattoos. Usually if it’s something somebody else would be better at doing, I give it to them. Also, I wouldn’t tattoo the hands or face.

Q:
a) Have you had a "formal" arts education, or have you simply developed your very obvious skills and talents through years of practice and much trial and error?

b) How long did you train before you were considered skilled enough to take on living (non-dead-pig-type) clients?

c) Did your friends and family encourage and support your decision to make tattoo art a career?
-- Fae 

A:
a) I took one year of art school, but my mother was an artist so I learned a lot from her.
b) I apprenticed for six months before I started tattooing clients. I only tattooed over old tats that needed repair.
c) My friends definitely encouraged my decision to become an artist. My family was more apprehensive, but they came around.

Thanks, Chris

Q: Would you date a woman who has both of her arms covered in tattoos? Or do you think that's too much for a woman?
- Felicia

A: Hi Felicia, I suppose I would date a woman who was heavily tattooed, although I haven’t yet.

Chris

Q: Hello Chris, how are you? I am a big fan of the show and really respect the work you everyone in the shop does. My favorite style of tattooing is Japanese. I see that is a style you are accomplished in. Who are your influences in this style, and who would you want to tattoo you and why? Thank you for your time.

A: Some of my favorite tattoo artists are Horiyoshi, Horitomo and Horitoshi. I’ve already been tattooed by them when I lived in Japan. Thanks, Chris

Ami James | Chris Garver | Darren Brass | Chris Nuñez | Yojiro "Yoji" Harada

Ami James | Chris Garver | Darren Brass | Chris Nuñez | Yojiro "Yoji" Harada

Q: I've seen that you do great lettering. I was wondering if you also do designs around the lettering. Also, would you think it wise to get a large tattoo across the bottom of my back if I plan to have children?
- Thank you, Brittani

A: Yeah, that wouldn’t be a problem at all. I don’t foresee it being a problem, but there’s always a chance.

Q: Have you ever refused to do a tattoo?
-Rhonda

A: I’ve refused to do many tattoos. There’s a number of reasons a certain design shouldn’t be done, so yeah that’s something we deal with every day.

Q:
a) Have any of you had a "formal" arts education, or have you simply developed your very obvious skills and talents through years of practice and much trial and error?

b) How long did you train before you were considered skilled enough to take on living (non-dead-pig-type) clients?

c) Did your friends and family encourage and support your decision to make tattoo art a career?
-Fae 

A:
a) I’ve had some schooling, but most of it is trial and error.
b) Just about a year; I served a formal apprenticeship.
c) My friends were definitely for it, keeping in mind they have most of my early work.

Q:Which is your least favorite tattoo on your body?
-Felicia

A: Felicia, I enjoy all my work. As insignificant as some may be, it’s still a memory.

Q: My name is Chris. I was watching one night and heard you say that you are a diabetic. I was wondering if you could give me any tips on getting a tattoo and the care of getting a tattoo when being a diabetic. I also am a diabetic, insulin dependent. I take three shots a day but am very much into monitoring my blood sugar levels. Should I also tell whoever I may get to do a tattoo for me that I am diabetic, and do most tattoo artists know what to do and advise a diabetic to do? Thanks for your time and any info you may be able to give me!!! I am looking forward to hearing your reply on this topic.
- Chris

A: Chris, I have never had any problems healing. The better care you take of yourself the less you should have to worry. But everybody is different, so if there is a problem with healing I would address that and consult your physician. You should definitely let your artist know. Sometimes doctors don’t exactly understand about tattooing, so don’t let them sway you just because they don’t care for tattoos.

Ami James | Chris Garver | Darren Brass | Chris Nuñez | Yojiro "Yoji" Harada

Ami James | Chris Garver | Darren Brass | Chris Nuñez | Yojiro "Yoji" Harada

Q: My name is Jessica and I live in Florida. I think all of you guys do awesome work and was actually thinking about taking a road trip down to Miami to meet you guys and also have a cover-up. I have a couple of different ideas, but it would require sitting down and talking and drawing it out. So my question is, how many days would it be from the time we sit down, you draw it out, and for you to work on me? I thank you guys very much and love the show. I'm hooked. You guys - every one of you - have talent like I have never seen before. Thanks again,
- Jessica

A: Jessica, I’ll be taking appointments again in January, around the 15th. Send in your ideas. I will review them and try to come up with your artwork

- C.

Q: Which tattoo on your body do you love the most?
- Felicia

A: Felicia, my favorite tattoo is the one my mom did.

- C.

 

Ami James | Chris Garver | Darren Brass | Chris Nuñez | Yojiro "Yoji" Harada

Ami James | Chris Garver | Darren Brass | Chris Nuñez | Yojiro "Yoji" Harada

Q: What is the name of your band, and do you have any music I could hear?
-Adam

A: Adam, check out BloodStainKings.com
-Yoj
Ami James | Chris Garver | Darren Brass | Chris Nuñez | Yojiro "Yoji" Harada