Tattoo Art Forums » Questions for the Pros

**need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 12/13/2005 8:25:02 PM

ive been tattooing for some time but ive only done tribal an letters so i cant shade to great or just cant get it the way i want it can anyone help...do i need more of a shader flat or what?

Posted: 12/14/2005 4:26:08 PM

How long is some time?Where do you work?

Posted: 12/14/2005 4:28:32 PM

sorry bro. there's no way anyones gonna answer that question in this forum. you need to go into the pro forum, but prepare to have to show credentials. god knows that information should only be given to people who already know. otherwise you might not pay these people thier $10,000 for a friggin apprenticeship. It's too bad that poor struggling artists, true artists, can't learn tattooing in its most simplest form even. instead, they'll bitch about all the "scratchers" out there. the only reason there IS so many "scratchers" is cuz those pricks wont give up ANY of their precious information. personally, my opinion is that the people that will stick it out (tattooing) will be far and few, even if the information is readily available. just like all the other trends out thier so there's really no need to worry. most of the newbie's will either get sick of it real quick when they see how much WORK is really involved and the rest of us will just get better. but until we become good enough to even be able to step on these current PRO'S feet, they'll be ready to retire and step aside for the new crop of us to roll in. It's just so cheezy to me how much pressure they put on the littlest bit of education in this industry. Personally it makes me sick. Money hoarding bastards.

Posted: 12/15/2005 8:27:00 PM

At first,I though your anonymous reply was going to be a respectable one...Then I read further.First of all,NO!No one is going to GIVE any information out.We all had to earn the right to perform this art.It was'nt just handed to us.One thing that sickens me,are those that think that the world owes them something.And if they can't get it thier way(with out earning it)then they want to bitch about how greedy,and mean we are.And it's not fair,because I don't want to do anything for the info I'm asking for.Please...Have you ever gone to college?Or any other school,for that matter.Education is not cheap,or free.I've got an apprentice.I chose him out of several others that wanted the same thing.I'm also not charging him a dime.So think about,and KNOW what you're talking about before you speak.And as far as stepping aside?For a new crop to step in?You need to earn your way in,Jr.This is a life long career for most,of us not some damn hobby.It's just so cheezy to me how much pressure they put on us by trying to weasle out the least little bit of information they can get. Personally it makes me sick.And pretty chicken sh!t of you to post these comments anonymously.And as far as "stepping on feet",as you so put it.You could'nt fit our shoes.

Posted: 12/15/2005 8:47:01 PM

Boy.This has gotten under my skin.If this is just a trend.Then why would any of you want to consider this line of work.To be "cool"?To "get chicks"?To "get rich"?This is a 5000 year old trend.And I'm sorry that you allow your feeling to be hurt by the fact that no one will tell you what you want.If it's taht readily available,then why does it anger you so not to be told how to do it? A poor struggling artist would find a way to recieve the apprenticeship,if they wanted it bad enough to do the leg work.And if he had the artistic skills required.This ain't no art class,son.This is real life.It ain't TV.So if you think that you're going to go through life,and people are just going to hand you everything.Then you are saddly mistaken.

seanebones · Posted: 12/16/2005 4:38:15 AM

lol :lol:

I'm not even sure how to start. Viking, just for sh*ts and giggles, give us some background.
1:your age
2:some of your artwork on paper
3:why your marking someone for life and don't even know what your doing
4:how you sterilize your equipment

kitakazoo · **Re:** Posted: 12/17/2005 2:54:02 AM

Boy.This has gotten under my skin.If this is just a trend.Then why would any of you want to consider this line of work.To be "cool"?To "get chicks"?To "get rich"?This is a 5000 year old trend.And I'm sorry that you allow your feeling to be hurt by the fact that no one will tell you what you want.If it's taht readily available,then why does it anger you so not to be told how to do it? A poor struggling artist would find a way to recieve the apprenticeship,if they wanted it bad enough to do the leg work.And if he had the artistic skills required.This ain't no art class,son.This is real life.It ain't TV.So if you think that you're going to go through life,and people are just going to hand you everything.Then you are saddly mistaken.

I understand where you are coming from... After you have paid your dues it just seems rude to be told you are being a bastard for expecting others to do the same!

Kita

www.kitakazoo.blogspot.com

**Re:** Posted: 12/17/2005 7:28:20 PM

...One thing that sickens me,are those that think that the world owes them something.

...could not agree more with that sentiment, have the same thought at least once a week. If you don't have the drive to pay your dues you are doomed to a life of mediocrity.
nuff said.
-j

Posted: 12/19/2005 5:23:03 AM

Go to a Blacksmith, and ask him to hand out his secrets. Go to a carpenter, and ask him as well. Or perhaps a glassblower, a sword swallower...You cannot gain what they know by questions. This is a trade as ancient as time. The only way you get the knowledge is through self sacrifice. Do a little research and you'll learn that in many cultures, a single tattoo MASTER will take on an APPRENTICE who is worthy, and the EXPERIENCE they gain takes YEARS.
You may be the best artist this world has ever seen, but if you lack the attitude and commitment (tattooing is not a hobby), your chances are nothing more than a flicker.

Posted: 12/19/2005 5:25:40 AM

Learning to tattoo is a spiritual event if you will...Act out, get off your ass, go out and find that meaning instead of sitting behind your screen waiting for the answer to come to you.

**i agree** Posted: 12/25/2005 5:16:55 AM

if you focus on tattooing it will become your reality
pay your dues!!

Ghostdog · Posted: 1/17/2006 12:15:22 AM

Hello everyone 1st and for most.
I know this is the wrong place to make my newbie intro but I wanted to tell the guy asking the question something.
With much respect to you. I have asked for apprenticeship thru my local Tatttoo shop were I get Tattooed at. At the time they are not but my artist is generous enough to answer question from time to time. My thing to you is to Read, Search, Strive, Ask, and concentrate on what you want. If it is meant to be you will just become it..if you understand what I am saying.
I am learning by reading any books I can get my hands on, Drawing and learning new techniques to drawing, I am tracing even. Tattooing on fake skin, pig skin, oranges. Anything Untill I feel I have achieved a level were I feel comfortable to put down my art on some willing Victim. Sure I have people asking now because I have all the equipment, but it's not a matter of just having the tools for the job. It is haveing the respect for those tools and respect for yourself and other who you will mark. I have a family and I am paying my dues and if the good Lord wants me here for life it will happen.
Don't knock yourself when Pro's won't just answer your question's outright. Search for yourself. Self knowledge is more power full than you know. "Will it" I started the martial arts at 5yrs old. I am 32 and starting my heart felt carreer. Have patience.

Posted: 1/17/2006 2:42:23 PM

wow people on hear think thier all that and a bag of chips a now that is funney !.... but i think who car3es what they think if they dont have the answer then dont reply ive viewed most of this site and think that thiers only a handfull of so called pros hear its a life style if you got you got it if not try something else

**How to shade** Posted: 1/17/2006 3:00:25 PM

:idea: I know how you can learn to shade :shock: ... get one of Huck's catalogs order one of the biggest mags you can.... slap that flash transfer on the old thigh, and go to town :? ...see its simple :lol: ....Ron...

Posted: 1/17/2006 3:53:15 PM

All that and a bag of chips,eh?It's funny how people react when they don't get what they want.If you're tattooing then you should KNOW HOW TO SHADE.If you can find someone that's willing to help you,then that's cool.But the internet is no place to pick up "tips".That's something that has to be done,face to face.If someone chooses NOT to share info with you,they either don't feel the need to do so or they don't see the ability in you.You have to earn the respect of these people and earn your way into tattooing.

Ghostdog · Posted: 1/17/2006 7:28:44 PM

Keep searching it will come. It took me 2 years b4 I was excepted to train with some of the guy's who trained with Bruce Lee. It was worth the wait and the journey. If your a good person someone will lend a helping hand with your goal.

Posted: 1/19/2006 4:25:41 AM

The secret to shading:

Use your machine like an airbrush, it's much in the same motion of doing reverse dagger strokes.That's what I do. That probably didn't answer your question, I guess you'll need to seek out an airbrush apprenticeship. You could always teach yourself airbrushing like I did. Then if your lucky you too can serve an 8 week apprenticeship, then tattoo your mentor.

Posted: 1/21/2006 5:50:50 PM

I dont think people who just get into working realize how hard it is.The market is saturated with rookies trying to get into tattooing...I tried for a solid year to get an apprenticship.Even my best friends told me tv has made the market unbarrable.now i have 3 owners of very great shops who will help me in anyway i ask,,,but none will take on a person who already has a carreer and is doing it for the love of tattooing not for the money...I can see the frustration of someone in a different spot than me,whos trying to learn and keeps getting shut down...it was just worded a little unrespectfull..Respect thats whats demanded

Posted: 1/28/2006 10:38:33 AM

:D

**to technical** Posted: 2/17/2006 3:54:15 PM

if questions for the pros , are to technical for the forum than why have the questions for the pros??
because it seems to be edited quite often!
i agree that some of the topics are a little to much info for some one who has not paid there dues!!so why not post rules for questions being asked?

Posted: 2/19/2006 8:24:07 AM

Some of the things I would like to see no replies to are " equipment supplier info,operation and tuning/repair of machines,Techniques in application...Basically aynthing that instruct someone." If they have a question on design,or would like to know what to look for in a shop.Or even drawing tips would be cool.Just keep the technical stuff to the pro's section.

**cool** Posted: 2/19/2006 9:07:33 AM

cool

Posted: 3/9/2006 3:07:57 PM

:e vil: hey,this person should consider themselvs lucky,gettin scolded on a computer screen,that aint bad,walk into the wrong shop at the wrong time,talk to the wrong person wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!... FUCKED!sorry guys,this aint the f,in girl scouts.hehheh! i KNOW theres sombody out there who understands this. :wink:

bodyworks · Posted: 4/23/2006 1:55:11 AM

You know something i have been laying ink for 4 years now and consider my self to be a newbie yet. i am not in it for the money, i dont work at a shop. i do it in my home to a selected few people. i have a seprate room all tile made for tats, there is nothing else done in there. all my equpt. is sterile and run through the same process as any shop. (cleaned,autoclave,bagged, equ bagged, dax in the tat area and firnture,the hole 9 yards) i am very health consicious. i learned all my aspects of the from a pro willing to give me a chance with out an apprenticeship. i way lucy enough to meet someone who really understands what it is to be a true artist and is not in it for the money. i remeber how hard it was to get into the lifestyle and seeing this site made me happy at first. i thought to my self "wow a way to develop the talents of young artists with out them hacking someone up " but now that i see what really goes on in here i am ashamed. i consider my self an artist. i have been an artist all my life and this is just another medium for me. i know that make alot of people angry but you have to do what you love. so for anyone out there that tries to hold some one back from what they love just because you feel thsy have to pay thier dues. STOP. you are hated and just another reason this indstry gets such a bad name. look back at why you are in the buss. and mabey youll see the truth . if it hurts you that bad to tell a newbie how to properly shade mabey you are in the field for the wrong reason.................

Posted: 4/24/2006 12:48:03 AM

Let me ask this.What makes everyone think they can get the info they need,here online?You've been fortunate enough to have someone that's willing to SHOW you what needs to be done.And how it needs to be done.That can't be done over the internet.You need face to face time with an experienced artist.What if everyone that tattoos,were to teach a few people,each,how tyo tattoo?Would'nt that completely flood an already saturated market?I feel that my only obligation is to my clientelle.Not to some dude that wants "overnight"knowledge.Earn it,is all I have left to say.

**wheres the pics** Posted: 4/24/2006 3:31:36 AM

bodyworks; one question up front where is your gallery so we can see your work, then your bitch or at least your gredability as a Tattoo Artist would be there for all to see. Also a pic of you studio room would add gretly to who you are on this site and to what you say. Many Professional Tattoo Artists have a Studio at home, I still don't think most of them belive that the internet is the place to teach one how to Tattoo or where to trade advice and so called tricks of the trade. Post your stuff bodyworks and join in on the professional fourm. Looking forward to seeing your Art 8) Ron

Posted: 4/24/2006 4:51:19 AM

First a big hello, My name is Showtime, I am an artist/business owner..... Im shocked, seriously!!!! My first time logging on and i read this, lol Well my 2 cents...hackers/scratchers are like sex offenders there out there and ppl dont like them, BUT would u rather live next to a treated sex offender or non treated one???? Teach ppl the right way!!! I ink a lot of high profile ppl, athletes, musicians, etc... Anyone asks me and ill deliver proper instruction..ppl want to play that hard role, makes me laugh.. Ive seen this silence and secrecy sh$t, ill be upfront i watched a guy for about two weeks all, day picked up a machine and went to town, .. PPL ask for help be helpfull!!!!!! Common sense is the key.. Im up for any rebutle, only time i thought it was a secret was when i was on my 12 yr bit, at cci dahmers former residence hiding from the officers gettin my first single needle cassette motor job, get caught thats 180 days in the hole, thats a secret.....

**all talk and no pics** Posted: 4/24/2006 2:01:51 PM

Well, well now we here from one more, all talk and nothing to show, well where are the pics. Love to see the studio you own and always love to see good Tattoo work, now don't show me any of that homemade machine, melt some plastic to make the ink, crap. A real studio, and Tattoos the like I see in the galleries on this site in the featured section. Then what you say may be more than BS. :( Ron

Makedon · Posted: 4/24/2006 2:35:13 PM

Well i well like to say that i was thinking something else abouth the profesionals in this work,help the people who like to know how to tattoo,there interest is what it counts and if there are not good then they well see on they self.Dont be afreid somebody to be good tattoo is steel an art there are no winers in art

**Maybe give you ...what** Posted: 4/24/2006 8:21:28 PM

Some of you maybe just don't know the cost to become a professional anything, you just will never know. After youve spent a good 2 to 4 years and have a portfolio of 100 plus good Tattoos save your money because to open a respectable studio maybe you can get away with $10,000 US but really you need more. After youve' done this a couple of years join the APT and a few other professional organistions (sp) then come back and give all you've learned away on the internet to someone you've never met or who could care less about you. RIGHT don't think so and by the way stealling Flash on the internet is just as bad but what the heck Profesional Tattoo Artists don't need to eat or pay rent. You guys bust me up! :shock: Learn a little respect, try to earn what you get, and you'll go a lot farther. 8) Ron

Makedon · Posted: 4/24/2006 10:28:51 PM

Well is not that bad as you say it is.If you are in Macedonia and there is only a tradicional tattooing(single needle no tattoo machine) no profesinalisam at all and you know that you are good but noubody is here to help you then you have only Internet to see how everithing is goin on why not somebody helps you.I think that the internet is for the people so everibody well be in contact to help each other.I know the best abouth that trust me...

**Travel** Posted: 4/25/2006 2:10:46 PM

Makedon; My friend I understand your problem, but in Art as many other things you must be shown how and practice under subervision, this has been true for thousands of years not just in Tattooing, but most art forms. I see that you are a young man and understand that many of the things I take for granted are not aviable to you, but if I could give real advice it would be travel, this is how you can realy meet people, not the internet the way we are using it makes the internet only a toy. If you have Art to post here I would do it , as you never know who might see it, but I'm sure you would have to travel to get a real break. I'd be more than happy to comunicate with you and help where approbrate, stay in touch. A good adatude and persiverance will get you there. :D ... Ron

Makedon · Posted: 4/25/2006 9:38:42 PM

Ok I understand about the traveling and meeting people I do that as often as I can but we in Macedonia have a big problem with Visa pass for other countries especially for USA and EU countries so the best for me in the moment is Internet that’s how I’m closer to my friend who are not in Macedonia. Also I well like to say that I’m working for 15 years and I know that my work can be better then now but some problems what I have in tattooing must be told by some artist who is experienced in that area. My best tattoos for now are tribals but I’m trying to learn the shading with different colors and I have a lot of problems. All my equipment with colors are from good companies and I know that there is some trick with that shading so where well I find help.
Thanks for understanding

**cont.** Posted: 4/26/2006 1:47:43 AM

Makedon; went to your web site all I got was front page it won't open, also your gallery on this site where is it listed ? If you submet your credintals to the web site board or pics of your studio with cleanr room you can join in the professional forum, you might findhelp there as there a many ways to shade and mix colors. 8) ...Ron

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 9/16/2009 9:26:53 AM

i do understand this guy it is hard to learn how to tattoo but u can always do like everyone else does when they dont have a pro sitting next to then start off with a tattoo that should be colored and try shading it first ,u will need some one that knows what u r doing to do this but if it dont come out right the color it likr it should be and if u suck that much that it dont come out right again then there is a pro that is going to be willing to fix it and get a laugh at ur sucky as$

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 11/18/2009 6:15:40 AM

who knew tattooers were soo stuck up, poor guy asks a question on a tattoo forum,gets nothing but harrassed

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 12/14/2009 1:18:11 PM

I'm new here- been tattooing for 17 years. Paid my dues all that jazz. Now I'll answer your question- yes you need a shader, since there many many types. For many diffrent uses I couldn't answer that question on a website even if I wanted too. If you have any questions aout sterl boundries, blood bornes, or contamination ask away- least you'd be safe.

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 3/26/2010 10:02:16 AM

Well, like ole'' boy up there said draw up a peice and tatt it on yourself and go to town. I'm a totally self taught tattoo artist. Everything I know I learned from books and experience tattooing myself. Check Amazon there is alot of books out there on the 'secrets' of tattooing. As far as I'm concerned there should be no secrets, tattooing is in artform and you should be able to express yourself in that way whether your a 'trained professional' tattoo artist or a scratcher. As long as your not jacking up peoples skin and just plain aren't a good artist to begin with. Then MORE POWER TO YOU. ARt is art, let people express it!

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 5/24/2010 9:44:14 PM

well you see shading is a magical way to disperse pigment into the skin and you need to be taught the arcane alchemical components to making gray and colorwashes and dispersing the pigment in a microdot pattern like an ink jet printer... you need a magnifying crystal ball and special octarine contact lenses to see what you're doing... and the machine runs on unicorn piss... so good luck

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 6/12/2010 6:31:56 AM

What I find interesting is nobody mentions learning to draw !!, you need to go and study art long before you Tattoo. Drawing is the foundation of any good Tattoo. To Tattoo without a good knowledge of art is crazy, a lot of 'pros' get Tattoo skills and drawing skills confused, Tattooing is a medium, drawing is the core skill !!.

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 9/14/2010 11:04:00 PM

lol this site is a hoot. i really love the unicorn piss comment. but im here to give some adivce on how to shade. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE and then when you think you may have it practice more. im no pro at least not yet. but i do work in a shop and i am a tattoo artist
and i also understand where your coming from. you want to know as much as you can as fast as you can. and learn it any way you can. but you also need to understand where pros <---(hate that word) are coming from shading isent somthing we can demonstrait threw a forum post. its somthing that you need to see a hundred times over and then you need to practice it forever. and i say forever cuz every tattoo is practice and you will never really be done learning new tricks skills or tecniques. find someone who can show you how its done (not tell you) and then take that and make it your own.

i can say this there are 2 other artists in the shop other then me and every one of us has a different way of shading we all hold our machines different we all move our hands different. tattooing is as much a passed down skill as it is somthing you develope on your own.

john lynch
Lost Art Tattoo
603 McHenry Ave.
Modesto CA.
check us out on myspace at
http://www.myspace.com/lostarttat or my home page
http://www.myspace.com/johnnypaullynch

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 9/29/2010 9:08:01 PM

i think its all bullshit if you want to pay your dues these asshole jus dont want to show anyone anything so how are you gna learn when 90 % of artist are pricks so i asks this again how are you to pay due i like tatoos because someone wants me to tatt them it is an honor to me

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 3/16/2011 7:27:02 PM

This realy ticks me off. Some one asks a question as simple as how to shade and it blows outa order with a big Ego twisted story on How I went to school this and i Apprenticed that and I payed my does,,,and the world dont owe you a thing, and this is a 5000 year old trend,,,blah blah blah....Well il tell you what, i never apprenticed and i never went to school, i bought a tatto machine from E bay and i tatto just as well as anyone who ever apprenticed, in fact im booked almost everyday of the week and i learn more and more the more i tattoo, when i want to know something i dont know i think rationally about the problem do alittle research and practice on fake skin, and presto i figure it out,,,if you dont figure it out then this is not your line of work,,,You see some people think that just because they went through some tough apprentice stage or learned from a great tattoo artist that they are better than someone else,Maybe they dont want to tell their secret cause someone will tattally say Oh is that it? thats all i have to do to get this effect?,,,Or because < And this is the main reason,,,Someone will be better than them. and god forbid that someone that didnt apprentice can be a better tattoo artist than someone who did. So if this is realy a 5000 year old trend, Then this art has been passed down from generation to generation to people like you and me to better and learn from our mistakes so that we can learn and get better at what we love to do. The best things in life are free and if someone is trying to pass a fast one on you trying to charge you or try and get rich of an art form thats been here for 5000 years that they never invented and are practising themselves, then this person is symply a poser in the industry,,and is doing it for exactly the things they mentioned, sex,fame and glory.They are in it for theimselves and are driven on the sole benefit of thinking they know a little bit more than the next guy, guarding their secret with ignorence and hostillity, with put downs and comebacks and unforseen knowledge of the apprentice act. I for starters dont think the world owes me anything and most things in life are not free but to deprive someone of a simple question on how to shade is far past the reasoning of such Bullshit. Here is a little trick that you might find handy,,,use a light wash of the collour you want too shade a wash is watered down ink,,if its light you can always put more colour in the tattoo, but you can never ever take the colour out of the tattoo. go over the spot more often to darken it,,,watch not to damage the skin too much,,,if you do you can always wait till it heals to add more colour to it.

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 3/20/2011 8:13:25 AM

Thespectat0r said "Here is a little trick that you might find handy,,,use a light wash of the collour you want too shade a wash is watered down ink,,if its light you can always put more colour in the tattoo, but you can never ever take the colour out of the tattoo. go over the spot more often to darken it,,,watch not to damage the skin too much,,,if you do you can always wait till it heals to add more colour to it. "

Complete and utter bullshit from a no name, no face, no portfolio asshat. This is why you don't give or get advice on open forums. You don't know what kind of moron is on the other side of the keyboard.

You can not learn to tattoo from the internet. Get a real apprenticeship from a solid tattooer or get the phuck out of the biz.

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 4/26/2011 8:25:02 PM

extreme ink is the only 1 that makes sense ... dont tell some 1 becuz they havent paid there dues lol.. secrets were grown mes even if you told him hows it hurt dosnt mean hell even be able to do it or you dont know how your self

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 4/29/2011 10:19:32 AM

Greetings,
I'm currently in an apprenticeship and like you I have done mostly solid color. My artist is teaching me how to shade now. I've been blessed to have some great friends to practice on. I've done two pieces with shade. I think I may have the technique figured out but watching my artist shade I realizethere is so much morethan washing out the ink. Where you put your shade to make it look natural and worth the money someone is giving you. I honesty couldn't explain shading wthout showing youand even then that would be a chalenge bc I am learning myself. Don't getyour hopes down. I agre that you need to work side by side with a artist. Techniques are mastered by practce. Ivehad to make so many stencils I'm surprised my fingers aren't stained, I've had to redraw stencils because I put them on wrong and had to redo them. Practice makes perfect.good luck learning! I wih there was a way to verbally teach shading but its one of those things you've just ota do and be told what you're doing wrong to fix it. You said you're folliowng strict sterilization so don't be scared to practice on yourself. Mistakes are better made on yourself than your clients

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 5/5/2011 9:07:52 AM

^^

**Re: need some tips on how to shade...** Posted: 5/14/2012 9:38:46 AM

Sup..HI MOM! ahahahaha
Im new in this art im tattoing but onmyself so i can learn how to tattoo " You learn from the mistakes"
I Went searching for an aprenticeship but then i said to myself i gotta draw , draw ,draw paint etc. so i could have some basses , so icould ask for an apprenticeship anyways.. The key to success is practice and expirience i havnt tattoed on other people just on myself but theres a long road for me to learn

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need some tips on how to shade...

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