My experience with Outer Limits Tattoo began about 1.5 years ago, when I first reached out to Kari to request a spot on her waiting list. I’d been thinking about my piece for years, and had scrubbed all manner of reviews, portfolios & “Top 10” lists both in California and out as I looked for the perfect artist to take it on. One name that popped up again and again was the “World Famous” Kari Barba.
After a series of simple email exchanges, she agreed to take the job if I was willing to wait until the following year on her waiting list. The piece was to be a black & gray leg sleeve, an octopus with tentacles reaching upwards to my thigh.
As it’s difficult to estimate the number of hours such a piece will take (healing speed, skin tone, etc. are all variables), we booked 12 appointments in advance, figuring I’d visit once a month and finish the piece sometime within that year.
I was able to get in a few months early, due to a cancellation on her books, and recently finished the piece.
Kari was incredible – I felt privileged to watch as she freehanded the outlines of the piece each session, she was sensitive to the more painful areas around the knee & shin & went above and beyond to ensure I was comfortable throughout each long day. The other artists seemed to treat her as something between a friend and a mentor, which says so much as each of the artists are tremendously talented. The atmosphere was comfortable & friendly, with the receptionists never failing to offer food & refreshment as we took the occasional 15 minute break.
As for the tattoo itself, It’s better than I could have imagined – the texture looks something akin to a photograph if viewed up close. I’m stopped regularly 1-2 x/week as passersby ask to view it, one of the progress shots was featured on the front page of Imgur, and most of all it carries incredible significance for me.
My wife will be visiting JoRell next month to start an incredible water color tattoo (see his portfolio, the vivid colors & linework are amazing), and I’m already looking forward to my next piece with Kari.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about my experience, I’ve nothing but a 10/10 to give my experience at Outer Limits Tattoo. The photos below are in-progress, and casually taken. Will post healed photos of the completed piece when I can.