I’m thinking very seriously about getting a tatoo (my first), and i am just a tiny bit nervous about it. I’ve been thinking about doing this a lot lately, and if it weren’t for the fact that everything was closed when i finally decided it was time (about 12am on sunday) i would have had it done. Another thing i must add as well… I have searched for a design i want (not just picking something off of the wall at the shop), and i found a really cool looking tribal i like, and i’d have it put on my upper arm (so, it wouldn’t be that visible really). What do you think? Any experiences to relate? I just want to make sure that i’m not making a huge mistake here…
“Through twilight, darkness and moonrise
My scarlet tears will run
As stolen blood and whispered love
Of fantasies undone”
If you are having second thoughts don’t do it. Don’t do it because you think it is cool. Do it because you want to, and because it will help you define who you are. Thanks to modern laser technology, a tatoo doesn’t have to be permanent, but you need to go into the shop with the assumption that will be permanent.
I don’t personally have one, but last summer I sold temporary tattoos at a Market Place near here. 99.9% of people who would stop by with real tattoos, who were not teenagers or had just recently gotten something done, said they regretted doing it and wished they had never done it. They would point at my board and say, “I should have gotten one of those instead.” So there ya go. I’ve thought about getting one over the years, but now looking back, I’m glad I didn’t, especially hearing from people that summer. Just remember, you may not want that armband, butterfly, chinese writing, whatever, in 5 years, and it’s still going to be on your body, slowly diffusing into the surrounding skin. That’s just my personal take, I’m sure there are lots of people out there who can give you another opinion.
The advice I got from a friend: Pick a design that, when you look at it, reminds you either of something you want to remember, or of a time in your life that was happy. Then put it on your refrigerator for 7 months. If you still like it, after looking at it every day, if it still feels profoundly YOU, go for it. But if you just want to get one to be cool, don’t.
My seven months aren’t up yet, but I’m pretty sure I want to get an Adrinka (symbol art of the Ghanaian Asante tribe) symbol that means “Changing one’s self. Playing many roles.” I’ve also seen it translated as “Life transformations.” It’s sixth from the top. I want to get it to remind myself that I am fluid, if I don’t like something about myself, I can change, and that “this, too, shall pass.” The question now becomes where to get it. Ankle? Hip? I want to be able to see it, so back and shoulders are out. hmmm…
Think about WHY you want to get this done.
A little persistance goes a long way. Announcing:
“I go on guilt trips a couple of time a year. Mom books them for me.” A custom made Wally .sig!
First I’d agree with Adam, go into this with the thought that it’s forever. Imagine in your job now, if someone saw it - what are the implications? What about that dream job you’d like in maybe 5 years - would you show it?
Now, I’m not saying it’s something to be ashamed about. I love my tat’, also a tribal but a one time original. I did have the sense however, knowing my career goals, to put it in a place that is easily concealable. To me, permanently marking my skin was not about ‘cool’ or ‘trends’, it was an expression of my self - a statement that said regardless of outward appearance I do hold myself separate and apart. Same with my piercings but that’s another thread entirely.
Secondly, I cannot emphasis this one enough - do NOT BE CHEAP. Do not let “this guy I know who’s brother is really good” do your tattoo. Spend first the time hanging out in the studio you think you want to get your tattoo from. Watch the artist, review his photo portfolio. See what he is doing now on current clients. Most artists, if you are upfront about it, will let you evaluate them in this way - pending client objections of course. If they won’t - walk out. Review many of the tattoo magazines out there. Get a good look at the various quality of work available, nationally and locally. Finally, if you are confident in the artist, and he has shown you what he can do with your ideas, then spend the money.
I wish you luck, it’s a very intense experience and in my opinion worth doing.
I have two. A small yin-yang with a rose on my shoulder, and a tribal pattern with a rose on the small of my back.
They are both easy enuff to cover for formal events, and the one on my way lower back is kinda fun to show off since I have to kinda drop trou to show people.
I got them in places that gravity won’t play hell with later, and because I wanted to.
It really doesn’t hurt if that is one of your concerns.
I am looking forward to getting my next one, I just have to get the right visual image and have someone draw it for me.
I do like SwimmingRiddles advice though. For me it wasn’t a hard decision, but for those who are on the edge of yea or nea, think hard.
Good luck!
I have a tattoo and I have to agree with MeanJoe about checking out the artist before you have it done. One good way of doing this is to find an artist who is registered with the Better Business Bureau and calling them to see if he/she is reputable. Also, talk to other people you know who have tattoos and find out if they were happy with the person who did them. Look at the art and see if you like it and if it looks like quality work.
When you’ve thought it over long and hard, and finally get into the place, make sure that the needle they use is one right out of the package and that the place is clean. The place I went looked almost like a doctor’s office in the actual room where it was done.
Good luck! I haven’t regretted getting mine at all (I’ve had it for about 9 years).
The best tattoo I ever saw was on a girl who had a little bare-midriff shirt on. Right below her belly button was a tattoo of mistletoe.
I once saw a great red rose with the petals outlined in a glittery gold. My daughter tells me the gold is new and is kind of an unknown element. Is the gold known to be safe?
Just got my second and third. Pick something that relates to you. I have flowers on each shoulder, butterflies around one, and a hummingbird around the other. The colors are awesome, and it’s something I’ll enjoy for the rest of my life, or until it fades away. Go for it, if that’s what you really want. As for the pain, it’s not to bad. If it’s something you really love it’s well worth it.
I just got my first, a little over a month ago. I am quite happy with it. It didn’t hurt too much, but after giving birth to three children without benefit of pain medication, my definition of pain is a little different.
I say go for it, but like everyone else says, go in to it knowing that it’s permanent. Sure, you can have it lasered off later, but you’ll still probably have some kind of scar.
Best of luck to you!
Cristi, Slayer of Peeps
I made my husband join a bridge club. He jumps next Tuesday.
Echoing what the others said… make sure you really want it before you get it. I don’t regret mine - a rather large bumblebee flying above my right ankle - but that’s because it has personal meaning. I did not do it to be trendy or cool. And for heaven’s sake make sure the place is clean and you get a new needle - make her open it in front of you.
And it didn’t hurt at all, 'cept when she was working over the bone in my ankle.
