I had my tattoo put on my inner left ankle, when I was 20. Because of the placement, it hurt like nothing else I’ve ever felt since then, other than giving birth. Don’t get it on a bone.
I just got my first last friday. It’s a black-and-white redering of the cover of The Unbearable Lightness of Being and a phrase from that book (“Es Muss Sein”, German for “it must be”). It hurt, but not as much as I expected. I have nothing to compare it to, except maybe how a scalding water burn feels, only more localized. I chewed on a plastic bottle cap and that helped me, having something to do (and preventing me from grinding my teeth). Tylenol may have helped, too. I paid $180+tip in Chicago. I did some research and found a shop that had good health practices and had been in business for a while. Of course, I also chose it because it had better parking than the one that a friend recommended.
What I did NOT do well was stand up for myself. I’m assuming you’re a gorgeous young woman (I assume that about everyone on the boards) and that you’ll have less problems. The artists can be intimidating, but just stand up for yourself, make sure the design is exactly what you want, and ask to see the artist’s portfolio. I didn’t, but luckily I still ended up with a tattoo that I was happy with. Only now it’s starting to scab/peel and it itches like the aforementioned MF.
SDMB user baglady pointed me to the tatooing FAQ that I think was invaluable. I believe she had a hand in writing it.
And here’s a picture of my tattoo, and a more complete story about the process, just because.
I think the best advice I can give about getting a tattoo is to make it personal and put it in a place where YOU can see it just as well as someone else. I can’t tell you how many tribal bands I have seen or Chinese symbols (some of which translate into ridiculous things, not what the person had intended or believes them to represent).
When I set out to design mine, I had a purpose in mind, and it materialized from there. I even waited the obligatory 1 year and I still wanted it, so I took it to a guy referenced by a friend, sat in a chair for 45 mins and only cost $75. The sensation I felt it most resembled was having someone scratch you with a push pin, not deep enough to bleed but deep enough to leave a scratch.
Hola, WMN! Congrats on your decision to get some ink.
I’ve currently got four: A celtic cross on my arm, two celtic knot roses on my ankles, and the kanji for ‘geisha’ on my back. My cross is part of a planned sleeve - I’ll be surrounding it with a stained glass and scrollwork motif. If I ever have the money, I’ll likely get a full backpiece as well. Needless to say I’m extremely happy with all my tats. I got them when I was 18-19, and I’m now 23. I work in a very professional environment, and have never had any problems.
You’ve already been given some marvelous advice here, and if you’re interested in any more stories, photos, or experiences BME is a good resource, but I must warn that there are graphic images and information that some may find objectionable or disturbing. That said, it’s about the best compendium of tattoo/piercing information available online.
Yeah, BTW, I am soon to be 36…no child myself. I LUV my tat. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I think it is beautiful not ugly, not foolish, not a fad, not trendy. This is a part of me, permenently. As permanent as my arm. And yes - anywhere near a bone hurts a lot more.