Mine are mine and mine alone (Body Tattoos in general)

Member Name: taker4376

Product:	Body Tattoos in general
Date:	18/10/08 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: look great. permament

Disadvantages: cost, aftercare, permament

I decided i wanted a tattoo when I was 16 years old. I was told that if I had an adult with me then I would beable to get a tattoo. I am now extremely glad that whoever told me that was misinformed as no matter what tattooist i went to they all told me to come back in 2 years. At 16 i was not old enough to make the decision and know that I would have gotten something that I would have regretted.

My grandfather thought it was slightly amused but also quite worried that I would end up with an anchor on my arm or something. But he told me to make sure to go to a proper place as otherwise It could go very wrong. My Grandad died quite soon after.

When I turned 18 the first thing I wanted to do was go and get my tattoo. I had been searching for a while for a celtic cross that would be small enough to go on my chest near to my heart. I went to a small tattoo shop, that absolutely reeked of disinfectant and so I knew it was going to be clean. He told me my design would cost £50 as he would have to draw it up there and then and it was very intricate. I was a little shocked at the price but was desperate for the tattoo and so handed over the money my Nan had given me for my 18th. He then drew it up and put the carbon over my chest so I could see what it would look like. I was horrified at how huge it looked on my chest and he suggested it would look much better on my back. I quickly agreed and so it went on my left shoulder blade.

I sat down, was told to relax and given a glass of water. He told me not to move at all as it would ruin it (no pressure lol) if I needed to stop to tell him first. He said it would be painful as it was all outline. I didnt want any colour. And then he started. The "pain" is hard to describe unless you've experienced it. I didnt think it was too bad, the worse bits being when he went over something he had already done. But I got through the whole thing without flinching or stopping. Some people actually enjoy the pain of the tattoo and I have to say its quite cathartic. He showed me the tattoo and I was really pleased. Its so beautiful and I am soooo glad I did not have it done on my chest.

Funny story is that I had taken my friend with me and she decided to have her ear cartiledge pierced after my tattoo. So when it came to supporting her with that I nearly passed out but hadnt batted an eye lid during my tattoo.

I wanted another straight away but restrained myself. I didnt want to rush into anything. It was quite strange catching myself in the mirror and seeing something black on my back for a while. My mum hated touching it to but cream on it as for a while its quite raised where the ink hasnt settled down. I had to put vaseline over it when in the shower and to keep applying savlon until it heals. I was very luck in the fact that I didnt scab or itch at all.

Two years later I decide to go ahead and get my next one done. I went to a different place this time which was much more professional. In memory of my grandad I had the chinese characters for "guardian angel" tattooed on my right wrist. I researched this extensively before getting it done so I did not end up with baked beans on my wrist or something. I wanted a delicate design to underline it and let the tattooist make something up and 10 minutes later it was all done. Again no scabbing or itching. It looks very delicate and I absolutely adore its symbolism. However I rushed into the detail and have often regretted it. I have decided to go and have it added to so that I am happy with it.

Tattoos are a fantastic way of expressing yourself and making yourself an individual. This is one of the reasons I would suggest designing your own tattoo as many people may have the ones you see in the tattoo studio. DO NOT rush into anything. They are permanent unless you want to spend a fortune on laser removal. Think about where you're going to have it done, are there any occasions where you would have to or need to cover it up? dont just go to any tattoo parlour. Go in and see what you think of it. If they say they can do you something straight away that would send off alarm bells for me. A good tattooist will be booked up for weeks or months in advance. This may sound inconvenient but its proof that they are good at what they do. Dont be afraid to ask about sterilisation if they dont tell you. Make sure you understand the tattoo aftercare. Dont go swimming for a couple of months and dont expose it to too much sun light for a couple of months.

Remember a tattoo needs to be something you will enjoy looking at for the rest of your life. Get something meaningful.

Summary: A big commitment are you ready to make it?