I this is kinda lame, but yay! I got my first tattoo tonight. My gf and I went to a place in Chillicothe and each got one. It was her first also.
She got 2 clovers and 3 stars on her lower back/side. It’s very nice, the pictures didn’t do it justice but our camera wasn’t so great. She was very excited about getting it, and I’ll explain why I wasn’t there when she got it in a minute.
I found the design for mine on the internet. It was a nautical star with a circle underneath it. I believe the actual image was of a belt buckle. I had the star colored in solid red and had a small black circle underneath it (kind of a wierd way to say it, the pic shows it best). It’s about half inch or so under the collar line in the center of my back. I was scared, but wow! It was exciting, and I love the way it turned out…
Now the interesting story. I drove to the place (about an hour and 10 minutes) and realized I forgot my ID. While gf was getting hers done, I was told I had to have my ID no matter what (even though I didn’t look under age) and I understood. I drove back to my apartment to find my wallet while gf got her tattoo, then started when I got back.
I have two tattoos - my first I got with my father shortly after I turned 18. It’s our union symbol; a family thing. Everyone in my family, as well as my boyfriend and my sister’s boyfriend, is in this union. We each got the same tatto, but in different places - mine on my right upper arm, his on his right lower arm. The second is a music note, in honor of my band teacher who passed away. It’s on my right shoulder blade.
I have several tattoos planned, once I get money (they ARE expensive). Every single one of them means something to me. I would never get a tattoo that was just fashionable, just because of the general permanence of them. And my best friend got her first (and only) tattoo and cried, but I love getting them. I don’t know what it is about me, but I don’t think they hurt that bad.
My dad has a lot of tattoos, most of them relating to my sisters, myself, or my mom. My mom has one, a rose over her hip, with my dad’s name in a streamer over it. Both of my parents’ tattoos involving each other are created specifically so that in case they divorce or have a falling-out, the name can be removed without destroying the integrity of the actual tat. Although they’ve been married 23 years and still act like teenagers in love, so…
In short, I love tattoos, but I always get them in places that can be covered up. Just in case.
Of course, this is why I wanted it below the collar line…I’m sure my student teaching would go over wonderfully next fall if I had it somewhere visible at all times…
When taking pictures that close, you might want to use the macro mode if your camera has one. Usually the macro mode is indicated by a picture of a flower.
Very nice! I’ve been thinking about getting my second tattoo for a while now. I’ve had the idea for a couple years, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to go with it. It’s just a time/money/courage thing now.
I was just going to pop in and say congrats, they look great, and advise you to prepare for a lifetime of other people butting in to tell you they think tattoos are nasty, but I see Clothahump has done the honor for me.
The most important thing is that you did it for you. Any thoughts on adding to the design?
I’m getting the itch for another tat, I’ve got 4 currently with plans for a full backpiece when I have the money and have found an artist I like.
Got my first “and only” one in 2002, and vowed that this was all I would ever want - then got another one last year. At least I’m symmetrical now, sort of.
Well, I’m not going to say that I think tattoos are gross, but I think the particular designs that you two chose are not particularly inspired, nor do they seem to have much relevance for you.
Couldn’t you have just gotten that star screen printed on a t-shirt or something?
Clothahump and wolf in second hand clothing - Thanks. I’ll be honest, I appreciate the honesty…
XJETGIRLX - I have already started drawing a few ideas to add on to it. Mostly basic sketches for now, especially because I don’t have much money right this moment. Payday is 2 weeks away. I know I’ve thought about getting another one, just kind of another design I enjoy, but maybe not until just before Christmas.
jjimm - I’m sure a third would be great! of course…maybe a fourth? heh
Thudlow Boink - and maybe a leperchaun trying to seal all the cereal? I didn’t think about that at first…I may have to get it…jk
I agree with wolf that the designs don’t really float my boat and don’t seem to be very inspired, but the artistry is very nice. The lines are smooth and even and the coloring is rich and even (although some might fade out as it heals and touchups might be necessary).
Though do you mean that the original star on the picture was a nautical star but you changed it to a regular star? 'Cause while nice and symmetrical (I can’t imagine, even with a stencil, how hard it is to tattoo evenly straight lines), it’s a plain star, not nautical.
Still do, and can’t think of anything else I’d have rather had. I also picked the location so that work clothes would cover it up, but that it was easier to show off than an arm tat.
Follow the directions for healing to the LETTER. The artists all seem to have slightly different opinions, but you don’t want it to heal bad.
Ditto this- although those are some nice lines, you should be prepared for an awful lot of people thinking you’re either a second degree Witch or a Satanist.
I got my third one over three sessions (15 hours total) this past spring… I’m pretty much done, I think.
Oops, forgot: that red is definitely not going to stay that nice vibrant shade. It will be really, really important to follow the instructions your artist gave you so you can reduce the amount it fades out.
Yes, I might have phrased that badly, but the original picture was a nautical star. This was just a plain star. I didn’t like the nautical star just because it seemed very busy…all the sections inside…I just liked the plain one…