My tattoo history and tips! (Body Tattoos in general)

Member Name: Ame_Pinhead83

Product:	Body Tattoos in general
Date:	13/10/08 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: They look super purdy!

Disadvantages: They hurt like a motherbitch!

Wow, where to start! Tattooing is my life, I immerse myself in the culture, art and the industry itself. I LOVE it! All my tattoos mean a lot to me though none were done for specific emotional reasons and there isn't much story behind them. However as most of my tattoos were done by my best friend I guess they all hold something special and it was "good times" getting them done.

So I first really got into tattoos aged 17/18, I'd always liked them but it was then I started reading tattoo magazines and reading up on the internet and starting to familiarise myself with the bigger picture. Age 18 I met Charlie (the bezzie) and Kiran on the opening day of their new tattoo shop which happens to be just down the road from me , my boyfriend at the time landed a tattoo apprenticeship with them and we started going to conventions, I have learnt so much from Both Kiran and Charlie and I am so thankful to them!

All of this gave me a really good idea of what I should've expected from my first tattoo and what to get, I thought long and hard and was determined to get something that was "me" Charlie eventually came up with a design for me, it was a green skull with sweets for bows on its little pink bunches and crossed candy canes underneath, it tooks 3 and a half hours to do and although that was long for a first tattoo I will never regret it! I absolutely love it to bits!It's on my calf , i forgot to mention that bit!

My second tattoo was of a PEZ dispenser which again was about 3 hours work so after that I thought I was definately ready to step it up a notch, I then got my chest started OHHHHH the pain! yes it hurts on the chest but the result was fab as you can see in my profile pic. I am constantly updating my tattoos, since then I've had my lower left leg almost covered and a lot of coverage of really beautiful Sailor Jerry designs on my left arm.

My whole body is more or less planned out! So, my tips?

1. Think long and hard before not only just your first tattoo but every single one, only get something you know you will love in years to come. Avoid getting your own name or someone elses, bands, brand names, symbols of faith. (I got a stright edge tattoo age 19...a few years later and I've broken edge, still love the tat though)

2. Don't get a tattoo because it's fashionable tribal/celtic/british bulldogs/arabic script/tattoos on hands and neck which are fashionable such as Cheryl Coyles hand tattoo, you may go off it in years to come!

3. Pick a good artist, and by that i mean DON'T go off the word on the street, lots of people talk about tattoos like they know what they are on about however your best bet is to seek advice from people who are really into the industry and know a lot about all local tattooists which you may be picking from so they can offer you an objective view.
Also, don't be afraid to visit lots of different shops to have a look at the tattooists work, good tattooists always have pictures of their work close to hand and will be happy to show it to you and have a talk with you about what you want.

4. DON'T pick a tattoo based on price.

5. DON'T be afraid to look further afield than your local area.

6. DON'T be afraid to visit tattoo conventions for inspiration, conventions are for EVERYONE including the public and it's a great way to see lots of different styles and artists working, it's also a great place to meet people with similar interests!

7. DO wait til you are over 18, not only will you be able to make a more informed decision but you will also be a fully gown adult size by then, you don't want your tattoo to strech when you grow do you?! haha!!!!

8. DO be aware that tattoos do hurt so be prepared and don't move/jump/fidget or the tattooist cannot do it properly and may make a mistake and this will be YOUR fault not theirs.

9.A silly one , but don't get a tattoo on a drunken day or night out, certainly do not get one under the influence of drugs, any changes within your body will effect how much you bleed and will push the ink out, impair healing and also, again, you are more likely to move you jackass!

10. And finally...DO look after your tattoo, read (and rate) my review on Bepanthen nappy rash cream, it's a super tattoo healer! if you dare pick your tattoos not only will you have to go back to have them re-hit but I will also smack your wrists nawty nawty!

I hope this is a good help to anyone and maybe slightly enlightening in ways!Thanks for reading!

Summary: Worth it, do it :D