Memoir Tattoo

All it took was six grueling months to finally book a date with Kim Saigh. I have two tattoos of origami cranes and I want this third piece to be done by Kim specifically. Despite the fact that she was one of LA Ink artists- I thought I'd never get a session with her. But again-I thought it wouldn't hurt to try? So I went ahead and emailed her. I heard nothing for first three months, then her assistant got back to me. The feeling I had was beyond victory- much better than winning a competition or a bet.

We contacted back and forth and got a date. Then I had to cancel and her assistant informed me that she won't be booking 2012 dates until the year comes in. I was so bummed, with all that looking forwarding I did just went into the trash chute. All of the sudden- Kim herself responded to the email saying "Yes, when would you like to reschedule?" and the next thing I knew was I was laying down inside her private tattoo studio, enjoying every poke from the tattoo machine.

The process of "during" before getting tattooed by Kim looked like this: 

We did phone consultation the week before January 13th (it was on Friday, the 13th) a perfect Friday to get tattooed. Dad and I went out and took the trip to LA on I5- a rural interstate but I found it to be relaxing. We stayed at a some nice urban-ish hotel in private property (thanks HotWire) and explored a bit of Santa Monica. I enjoyed this with Dad since it's rare for just two of us to go on a mini vacation.

On the 13th, I was in a very good mental shape- too excited to meet Kim and get tattooed. Dad wanted to stop by High Voltage Tattoo home of LA Ink- we went and I ended up getting a note from G-SPOT (shop manager) for Kim. Loved that, shows how close-knit the tattoo community is. I arrived at Memoir Tattoo studio and learned that it was locked, went out for a cup of tea then Kim texted me to knock the door. I knocked and heard footsteps, Kim opened the door and greeted me with a friendly "Hi!" This is it, finally! I thought in my head. Her studio is BEAUTIFUL, the proof is in the pudding:

Turns out that she shares the studio with her beau Shawn Barber who is a legend in painting world and he also begun tattooing roughly 3-4 years ago. He IS extremely talented with tattoo portraits as you can see how his work is all over the wall. By all means, Kim does also paint- her work is intensely good!

Anyways, spent first half hour talking to Kim about the piece and she quickly sketched the crane up. I noticed that she did not sketch the pattern- meaning? She's gonna freehand on this piece and I became even more excited. I spent over two hours on the table with ONE bathroom break. It was the most peaceful and spiritual tattooing experience I ever had. Nobody was walking in and out, we didn't talk. However it hurts really bad, well..all tattoos hurts! The last leg of the work (about 20 minutes before finishing up) Shawn came to the shop. I found myself even more stoked to meet him in person, it was as if you met Van Gogh! Shawn seemed nice and very down-to-earth, fits with Kim well. When Kim was done- she and I talked for a bit. I asked her some stuff related to yoga and that wrapped the appointment up well. I left with a great feeling and a great work etched onto my skin forever. Kim and I are still in touch and I'm up for another project with her. If you are looking for a decent work- customized work that is worth the money, and getting tattooed without interruption. I'd say go to Memoir Tattoo.