Tattoo FAQ

[Aidron]

Research is one thing, but I'd really rather hear from everyone else here. Been thinking about a tattoo on and off for about two years, but there's still a lot I don't know and until I do know it, no ink is going on my skin. So, answer the following if you can, please. ;)

1.) I know it depends on the artist's work, but on average, how often does a tattoo need to be re-done? Color plays a factor in this I've been told, so consider it a two-fold question, one for a colored tattoo, and one for a black one. Also, if size or positioning (which I'm sure the latter is important) factor into this, please elaborate.

2.) What sort of skin-care does a tattoo require from the rest of your skin? Do you need to take new precautions, such as with sunscreen if you readily expose that area to the sun? Are there things you are never allowed to do to your skin afterward, such as certain soaps, lotions, or other products being prohibited?

3.) I'm sure it depends on the individual and the degree of tattooing, but on average how long is the area sore or the tattoo in need of special care after you have just gotten it?

4.) In terms of removal, how effective has science become with this? Not that I would select anything that I hadn't wanted for at least a year (to be sure I'm going to want it forever), but just incase and out of curiosity?


I guess that is a start for now.

[zehava]

Research is one thing, but I'd really rather hear from everyone else here. Been thinking about a tattoo on and off for about two years, but there's still a lot I don't know and until I do know it, no ink is going on my skin. So, answer the following if you can, please. ;)

1.) I know it depends on the artist's work, but on average, how often does a tattoo need to be re-done? Color plays a factor in this I've been told, so consider it a two-fold question, one for a colored tattoo, and one for a black one. Also, if size or positioning (which I'm sure the latter is important) factor into this, please elaborate.

2.) What sort of skin-care does a tattoo require from the rest of your skin? Do you need to take new precautions, such as with sunscreen if you readily expose that area to the sun? Are there things you are never allowed to do to your skin afterward, such as certain soaps, lotions, or other products being prohibited?

3.) I'm sure it depends on the individual and the degree of tattooing, but on average how long is the area sore or the tattoo in need of special care after you have just gotten it?

4.) In terms of removal, how effective has science become with this? Not that I would select anything that I hadn't wanted for at least a year (to be sure I'm going to want it forever), but just incase and out of curiosity?


I guess that is a start for now.

i'm not sure about 1 and 4, but for the others:

2- skin care i use on my tattoos is usually a little extra skin cream... especially when the weather is dry. and definitely sun screen - but i think we should all use that tattooed or not ;) i don't know of anything that's prohibited forever on the skin after the tat heals.

3- from my experience it really depends on the area you get it in as well as your own personal healing levels. the tat on my lower back took longer to heal than the one on my ankle. but the one on my ankle stung for a week afterwards and i just could not have anything touching it at all.

i *think* in general a tat takes about 2 weeks to do all of it's itching and scabbing before it starts to feel normal again. anyone else?

-z

[Yasmine Galenorn]

Research is one thing, but I'd really rather hear from everyone else here. Been thinking about a tattoo on and off for about two years, but there's still a lot I don't know and until I do know it, no ink is going on my skin. So, answer the following if you can, please. ;)

*coughs* *coughs* You can always *mumbles* read about this in my book Crafting The Body Divine, you know. ~grins~ But here are a few answers free of charge (and being the bearer of close to $4000 worth of work on my body so far, I know tattoos).


1.) I know it depends on the artist's work, but on average, how often does a tattoo need to be re-done? Color plays a factor in this I've been told, so consider it a two-fold question, one for a colored tattoo, and one for a black one. Also, if size or positioning (which I'm sure the latter is important) factor into this, please elaborate.

Depends on a lot of factors. I have mostly color mixed with some blackwork. If you stay in the sun a lot, your tats will fade faster. If you go swimming in chlorine a lot, they will fade faster. Those are probably the biggest factors on fading--as well as how you take care of your skin. In six years, my snake and panther and peacock have barely faded. The inks they're using now are a lot more sophisticated than the ones they used to use. So if you treat your skin carefully, moisturize, stay out of bright sunlight, and drink lots of water and eat reasonably good, your tats should stay pretty looking for a number of years. Now, some people will find their skin doesn't want to hold color and that's a genetic thang that can't be helped. My skin sucks it up like crazy.



2.) What sort of skin-care does a tattoo require from the rest of your skin? Do you need to take new precautions, such as with sunscreen if you readily expose that area to the sun? Are there things you are never allowed to do to your skin afterward, such as certain soaps, lotions, or other products being prohibited?

I always use a lot of sunscreen anyway, but extra on the inked areas. I use a lot of lotion and moisturizer but that's something I do anyway. If you get large tattoos, such as mine (here are a few pics of some (by far, not all) of my tattoos: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showpost.php?p=692054&postcount=25 ), you may find that the skin develops a texture, almost like you can 'read' parts of the tattoo in braille. Kind of cool. This is all, of course, after it's healed up.



3.) I'm sure it depends on the individual and the degree of tattooing, but on average how long is the area sore or the tattoo in need of special care after you have just gotten it?

Okay...here are how my tattooists have always had me treat mine, and I've always healed up quite quickly from it:

1: for two weeks, absolutely NO swimming, NO sunbathing. Do not soak your tats...yes, you can take a shower but don't use anything but a VERY light washing of antibiotic soap on them and dry them quickly without rubbing.
2: keep them very lightly moist at all times...and here tattooists will differ, but mine have had me use Bacitracin with zinc...I keep a very light layer of the antibiotic ointment on it and do not let it dry out.
3. The skin will scab over, do NOT pick or you can ruin your tattoo. When it starts to itch, don't scratch. The time honored way to treat them, and what I've found helps the best, is to give the tattoo a quick sharp slap. The sting makes the itch go away (no I'm not kidding).
4. I wash the tattoos twice a day, once in the morning, once in the evening, using a paper towel, cool water, and antibiotic soap.
After about two weeks...give or take a few days, the tattoo should be healed.


4.) In terms of removal, how effective has science become with this? Not that I would select anything that I hadn't wanted for at least a year (to be sure I'm going to want it forever), but just incase and out of curiosity?

Yes, it can be done but hey, it's going to hurt ten times worse than the actual tattoo, and it will not remove large tattoos or some colors completely. I had a friend get a wrist tattoo removed and she stopped when it was still a little bit there because the pain was so bad and the cost, very high.

A couple things you didn't ask that you should know:

ALWAYS make sure your tattooist autoclaves (sterilizes) their instruments. WATCH them open the packet of fresh instruments. Make sure they change gloves every time they touch something other than your skin and the tattoo gun. Look at their portfolio before. Talk to them to make sure you're comfortable with their energy. You get what you pay for--cheap work usually looks cheap and a bad tattoo is not something that's fun to be stuck with. Look for a studio that's clean, and look for a tattooist that has training in HIV transmission/protection.

I love my tats, have never regretted them, want more and am getting more, but you have to be smart because in the end, it's your body and you have to live with it once you get it.

Cheers and hope this helped,
Yasmine :colorful:

[PeleRising]

These are the exact instructions i got for my tattoo and its care...


45 minutes to an hour after receiving your tatttoo hop in the shower with the bandage still on. Allow the bandage to get wet, then remove it. Wash your hands with a non-scented, antibacterial soap. Apply soapy lather to the tattoo, and gently massage with your fingertips. Rinse well, then pat dry with a clean towel. After washing apply a thin layer of bacitration, or triple antibiotic. Continue to use 3-5 times a day for about 3 days, then switch to using a non-scented lotion. Continue to use the lotion every time your tattoo is dry, until it is fully healed. You will know when it is healed because it will feel like the rest of your skin again.

I believe it took 2-3 weeks for my tattoo to feel "normal" again...I had very little scabbing... One little area where someday i will need to have it touched up. I notice the spot but hubby doesnt see it... :)

[Sylvan]

Quick question of my own, and I actually have tats! :)

http://mysticwicks.com/showpost.php?p=679588&postcount=20 contains pics of mine. you can see that the moon is pretty detailed, but the detail has seemed to be blurring together over the years.

Should I get the lines re-done? Maybe having white filled in around the edges to make it cleaner-looking would work? Or am I doomed to a blurry moon? :(

[Aidron]

Very informative, and still, I'm left with wanting to know more. :lol:

First off, I never go swimming... ever, and if I do, our pool is shut down permanently (not that we ever used chlorine) and I do not sun bathe under any circumstances. I'm going to get enough sun damage by the time I'm 60 without adding to it by simply checking the mail, considering what bad shape the enviroment is in. I moisturize completely after every bath and shower, though not all over as it seems some parts of my body are perpetually smooth and silky (and it's not the soap, as I've switched a lot over the years).

How big of a factor is clothing in terms of affecting tattoos? Causing them to fade and in terms of healing? I most definitely would want to keep any tattoo I got free of clothing as much as possible while it healed, but I'm not sure on positioning yet. I was thinking about my shoulder, but being so thin I'd have to put something very thin there just to accomodate my body size.

In terms of moisturizer and sunscreen application (which I'm going to start doing regularly, just because everyone should even though my facial lotion contains and SPF 15) how often do you apply it? Secondly, what SPF do you recommend? Most dermatologists recommend SPF 15 from my research, but things are worsening-again, enviromentally speaking.

I was really hoping to get something rainbow-like, either an actual rainbow or something in rainbow colors, so in everyone's experience which colors fade fastest or are the most difficult to deal/work with?

When it comes to 'slapping' the tattoo to prevent itching (which I theorize deadens the nerves temporarily, thus preventing itching) has anyone ever accidently knocked a bit off the scabbing off, causing your tattoo to be ruined? In other words, is it better to slap around the area of the tattoo instead of the actual tattoo?

I figured removal would be far more painful and costly, which is why I'd pick out a design and think on it for no less than a year to be sure, or that's the plan anyway. Also in regards to the HIV and cleanliness issue, there's no way you're coming anywhere near me without gloves on, and if you touch anythng else, it's another pair of gloves or I'll have the work done elsewhere. I'm huge on sanitary conditions when it comes to procedures like this.

Their portfolio, though, what is that exactly and how would I go about looking at it?

[PeleRising]

Most reputable tattoo artists wont mind you coming in to see their shop... asking them questions... and looking through their book. Like many artists... they keep a book or 2 or 3 of the work they have done. :)

[Sylvan]

You really shouldn't have to worry about your clothing ruining your tat as long as you go by the instructions you get when you are inked. You'll keep it covered for long enough that it'll be starting to heal when you expose it to the air. My artist recommends coating it with bacitracin while it heals.

My tats are all at least 6 years old. I don't moisturize nearly often enough, but I am a 45 SPF girl when it comes to sunblock. I burn easily anyway, and so stay covered up most of the daylight hours, and use 45 SPF if I have to expose any skin at all (Umbrellas are very useful for when you don't want to be all greasy).

The colors that will fade fastest will be the lighter ones- yellow will fade real quick, as will white. You may also want to look out for ink allergy- I know a woman who got a sunflower, and was allergic to most of the ink. It got badly scabbed and most of the ink raised right up out of her skin and now it just looks nasty. My uncle was allergic to the red he had done as scratches on his arm where his panther tattoo climbed. The scratches looked genuinely bloody until the day he died.

something else that will fade your ink is the mobility of the place you get it. Most places won't do palm tats partly because you do *everything* with your hands, and it would have to be retouched so often (not to mention holy OW!!).

Slapping is a great way to relieve the itch. Don't worry about slapping off the scabs, if they're ready to come off with just a few slaps, they were ready to come off anyways.

The portfolio will be an album of the artist's work, so you can see what kind of tats they are capable of doing. Don't just look at their "flash"- the drawings they have up- look at actual pictures of tats they've done on actual flesh. See if they've done any cover-ups, and how well those were pulled off. Most artists will have either their portfolio readily available, or will have pics up all over the studio for you to look at...

[Aidron]

You really shouldn't have to worry about your clothing ruining your tat as long as you go by the instructions you get when you are inked. You'll keep it covered for long enough that it'll be starting to heal when you expose it to the air. My artist recommends coating it with bacitracin while it heals.

My tats are all at least 6 years old. I don't moisturize nearly often enough, but I am a 45 SPF girl when it comes to sunblock. I burn easily anyway, and so stay covered up most of the daylight hours, and use 45 SPF if I have to expose any skin at all (Umbrellas are very useful for when you don't want to be all greasy).

The colors that will fade fastest will be the lighter ones- yellow will fade real quick, as will white. You may also want to look out for ink allergy- I know a woman who got a sunflower, and was allergic to most of the ink. It got badly scabbed and most of the ink raised right up out of her skin and now it just looks nasty. My uncle was allergic to the red he had done as scratches on his arm where his panther tattoo climbed. The scratches looked genuinely bloody until the day he died.

something else that will fade your ink is the mobility of the place you get it. Most places won't do palm tats partly because you do *everything* with your hands, and it would have to be retouched so often (not to mention holy OW!!).

Slapping is a great way to relieve the itch. Don't worry about slapping off the scabs, if they're ready to come off with just a few slaps, they were ready to come off anyways.

The portfolio will be an album of the artist's work, so you can see what kind of tats they are capable of doing. Don't just look at their "flash"- the drawings they have up- look at actual pictures of tats they've done on actual flesh. See if they've done any cover-ups, and how well those were pulled off. Most artists will have either their portfolio readily available, or will have pics up all over the studio for you to look at...


Ahh, okay. There is a tattoo and piercing parlor here in Shelby, but I wouldn't get a tattoo there to save my life. I saw the work done on the girl who stretched my arm and I had to lie through my teeth saying it looked good just so she would stretch my ears in the least painful way possible. Plus, they had no pictures of work they had done on actual flesh that I could locate, something I'll be sure to ask for when and if I go get one done.

Is there any way you can discern if you will be allergic to inks, or if your genetic make-up will cause you not to take ink will without actually getting a tattoo? I'm betting no, but I figured I would ask anyway.

The deal with yellow fading a bit sooner than other colors, which truthfully I expected, is making me second-guess any sort of rainbow tattoo, however.

[Sylvan]

Well, you could forgo the yellow and just have orange, it lasts a bit better than yellow.

And that shop is one giant red flag, just awful. The poor girl with the crappy tattoo!

I can't imagine that there is any way to tell if you are allergic unless you get one. Though I plan on staying away from red inks just in case. ;) I wonder if it *is* a genetic allergy?

[Yasmine Galenorn]

Quick question of my own, and I actually have tats! :)

http://mysticwicks.com/showpost.php?p=679588&postcount=20 contains pics of mine. you can see that the moon is pretty detailed, but the detail has seemed to be blurring together over the years.

Should I get the lines re-done? Maybe having white filled in around the edges to make it cleaner-looking would work? Or am I doomed to a blurry moon? :(

You can get lines re-done...I plan on getting my snake on my arm more detailed and the lines made sharper. Ask your tattooist if they think it's worth it (a good tattooist will give you an honest answer). As far as the white...I think that might muddy it up a little, but that's JMO.

Yasmine :colorful:

[Sylvan]

I'm glad I still have the original design for it then. :) I can probably ask the guy who did it what he thinks. Thank you!!

[Aidron]

Well, you could forgo the yellow and just have orange, it lasts a bit better than yellow.

And that shop is one giant red flag, just awful. The poor girl with the crappy tattoo!

I can't imagine that there is any way to tell if you are allergic unless you get one. Though I plan on staying away from red inks just in case. ;) I wonder if it *is* a genetic allergy?

If I had a rainbow done in any shape or form, yellow has to go in there. It's one of my favorite colors in the rainbow. :hehehehe:

Well she apparently loved it, so I guess that's all that matters. I wouldn't have hung a picture of that faery scene (and I adore faeries) up in my room, much less have it tattooed upon my body.

Most allergies are genetic. ;) For example, I am not allergic to poison ivy or poison oak, and 'supposedly' I would have a very lessened reaction to a Black Widow Spider bite, due to my mom having been bitten several times in her lifetime and her build-up to it being passed on to me, but I'm not about to test that bloody theory out.

[Yasmine Galenorn]

Is there any way you can discern if you will be allergic to inks, or if your genetic make-up will cause you not to take ink will without actually getting a tattoo? I'm betting no, but I figured I would ask anyway.

The deal with yellow fading a bit sooner than other colors, which truthfully I expected, is making me second-guess any sort of rainbow tattoo, however.

You might want to have them do a test with a light colored ink in a place that won't show, just a tiny area, and see how your skin reacts to it. (maybe your initials or something).

My yellow and white haven't faded much in six years. I've got very fair skin...but on some folks it does. I also, though I'm a sunbunny at heart, keep out of the direct sun and use a lot of sunscreen. I don't burn easy but I don't want leathery, wrinkled skin when I'm older.

Yasmine :colorful:

[Yasmine Galenorn]

Most allergies are genetic. ;) For example, I am not allergic to poison ivy or poison oak, and 'supposedly' I would have a very lessened reaction to a Black Widow Spider bite, due to my mom having been bitten several times in her lifetime and her build-up to it being passed on to me, but I'm not about to test that bloody theory out.

I have a lot of allergies, but apparently not to tattoo ink! LOL, and boy am I glad.

Yazza :colorful:

[Sylvan]

Well, there ya go. Anybody in your family been tattooed and allergic to the ink?

[Yasmine Galenorn]

Well, there ya go. Anybody in your family been tattooed and allergic to the ink?

ROFL...one of my sisters has a tattoo on her back, but it's pretty rough and was done in her kitchen...a long time ago. And that's about it.

I'm the black sheep of the family re: tattoos, totally freaked out everybody but that one sister, but hey, they expect things like that from me now. Big whoop...I'm 43, I own my own life, and none of them ever went as far as I have in my life so that's their problem.

Yazza :colorful:

[Aidron]

You might want to have them do a test with a light colored ink in a place that won't show, just a tiny area, and see how your skin reacts to it. (maybe your initials or something).

My yellow and white haven't faded much in six years. I've got very fair skin...but on some folks it does. I also, though I'm a sunbunny at heart, keep out of the direct sun and use a lot of sunscreen. I don't burn easy but I don't want leathery, wrinkled skin when I'm older.

Yasmine :colorful:


Hmmm. A test. That's what I was thinking, but I'd hate to be stuck with a dot forever. :lol: Still, it is a lot better than a full blow tattoo that is crap.

I'm very pale, according to my mother, but I think I'm pale to medium pale, personally. I do not burn (or for that matter, tan). Long story short, my mother turns Hawaiian brown by just stepping outside for five minutes, and if my father stepped outside for the same amount of time, he burned.

She has three tattoos, and two were originally red but have faded (as she doesn't care to keep them up at her age now). One is on her wrist and one on her neck, and yet her white and black one on her leg hasn't faded really at all, so I'm wondering if perhaps my body would not take red ink that well.

[Aidron]

I have a lot of allergies, but apparently not to tattoo ink! LOL, and boy am I glad.

Yazza :colorful:


Outside of my mother's three tattoos, I can't name anyone in our family who has ever had a tattoo. We're the black sheep of this family too.

When it comes to allergies I'm only allergic to pencillin (fatally), codine (fatally), and asprin (though that may have faded entirely as I've gotten older).

[RubyRose]

Research is one thing, but I'd really rather hear from everyone else here. Been thinking about a tattoo on and off for about two years, but there's still a lot I don't know and until I do know it, no ink is going on my skin. So, answer the following if you can, please. ;)

1.) I know it depends on the artist's work, but on average, how often does a tattoo need to be re-done? Color plays a factor in this I've been told, so consider it a two-fold question, one for a colored tattoo, and one for a black one. Also, if size or positioning (which I'm sure the latter is important) factor into this, please elaborate.


Well I've heard on the grapevine a tattoo only has to be redone once every 20 years, but I suppose that all depends on where it is. Mine being on my lower back is almost always covered by clothing.



2.) What sort of skin-care does a tattoo require from the rest of your skin? Do you need to take new precautions, such as with sunscreen if you readily expose that area to the sun? Are there things you are never allowed to do to your skin afterward, such as certain soaps, lotions, or other products being prohibited?


Um, apart from the initial care after I first got it, I haven't done anything out of the ordinary.



3.) I'm sure it depends on the individual and the degree of tattooing, but on average how long is the area sore or the tattoo in need of special care after you have just gotten it?

Well mine only hurt while it was being done



4.) In terms of removal, how effective has science become with this? Not that I would select anything that I hadn't wanted for at least a year (to be sure I'm going to want it forever), but just incase and out of curiosity?

I guess that is a start for now.
Sorry, I wouldn't know about this

[Sylvan]

I've got the most tats in my immediate family, with my dad at a close second with a whopping two! :lol: My sister has one, as well. Mom and my other sister are too Christian to ever get one. Though the parlor I go to has a big sign that reads "And the Lord set a mark upon Cain".. :lol:

Now my dad's sister (my aunt) has a whole landscape emerging all over her body- all vines and dragonflies, and has no problems with any of her colors. And it was their brother who had the non-healing panther scratches. Huh. Maybe he was the milkman's kid, to be allergic to red.. Come to think of it, even his son, who got an identical tattoo when he got older, didn't have the problem with red... :foh: Maybe it's *not* genetic...

*wanders off to bed, singing to self*]
"Lydia, oh Lydia, say have you met Lydia, Lydia the tattooed lady..."

[LadyOak]

I have a tat on my left forearm I got 20 years ago. The red is fading and the yellow is gone. The green is still fairly bright but the blue is starting to blur. I have never really worried about it, used sunscreen etc.

As far as pain...It really wasn't too bad...the single-needle hurt worse than multiple needles tho. It also depends on where you get it. How thin the skin is, whether it is over bone etc. I have one on my left ankle(tiny one) that hurt like a bi*** because of how thin the skin is there and the bones.

[CloakofStars9]

Research is one thing, but I'd really rather hear from everyone else here. Been thinking about a tattoo on and off for about two years, but there's still a lot I don't know and until I do know it, no ink is going on my skin. So, answer the following if you can, please. ;)

1.) I know it depends on the artist's work, but on average, how often does a tattoo need to be re-done? Color plays a factor in this I've been told, so consider it a two-fold question, one for a colored tattoo, and one for a black one. Also, if size or positioning (which I'm sure the latter is important) factor into this, please elaborate.

2.) What sort of skin-care does a tattoo require from the rest of your skin? Do you need to take new precautions, such as with sunscreen if you readily expose that area to the sun? Are there things you are never allowed to do to your skin afterward, such as certain soaps, lotions, or other products being prohibited?

3.) I'm sure it depends on the individual and the degree of tattooing, but on average how long is the area sore or the tattoo in need of special care after you have just gotten it?

4.) In terms of removal, how effective has science become with this? Not that I would select anything that I hadn't wanted for at least a year (to be sure I'm going to want it forever), but just incase and out of curiosity?


I guess that is a start for now.
1= it totally depends on you, if you didnt take care of it while healing or sunbathe then it will have to be redone as often as you wish it to be, size or position doesnt matter

2= well if you sun bathe your tatt will def fade, therfore making you need to retouch, i know that right after you get a tatt you need to only useanti bactierial lotion on it but after you heal it really doesnt matter what you use

3= totally depends on the person and your skin, usually takes about 2 weeks as long as you take care of it and dont pick scabs or anything, everytime i have gotten a tatt, i soak it in warm water for about 20 min then pat dry and the next day i start putting lotion on it constantly, but every tattoo artists has thier own instructions for healing

4=right now removal is quite possible, unless the tattoo is huge of course, and white ink is not removable....however it is painful and takes time and is expensive

[Garnet]

ALWAYS make sure your tattooist autoclaves (sterilizes) their instruments. WATCH them open the packet of fresh instruments. Make sure they change gloves every time they touch something other than your skin and the tattoo gun. Look at their portfolio before. Talk to them to make sure you're comfortable with their energy. You get what you pay for--cheap work usually looks cheap and a bad tattoo is not something that's fun to be stuck with. Look for a studio that's clean, and look for a tattooist that has training in HIV transmission/protection.

This is the best advice! I got my first two before people worried about Getting HIV/AIDS from tattoo needles...one was done in somebody's kitchen. The last two were done in a place where they showed me their autoclave as well as opening the packet of needles in front of me. The wee cups the colors are in should be disposable. If the artist doesn't want to show you how they clean their equipment, or fluffs off your questions with some sort of 'We've never had any compaints' answer, LEAVE!!!!

You don't want to deal with any 'artiste' ego, either. My last tat was a Star of David & a Celtic-styled moon. I designed the star myself. The parlor had a Celtic moon, but I altered the face on it to make it more feminine (it looked like the fat Stooge). If the artist starts beating you with his/her ego that designs are sacred & they don't allow their designs to be altered, or won't use yours, say good-bye & find a parlor with nicer employees. It's your skin!

As for pain, the tats on my ankle hurt the most (less padding over the bone); the one on my breast hardly hurt at all (but that one's the smallest).

I've been told that tats fade faster on people with fair or dry skin fade faster, & I have both. The one on my breast has been recolored; the colored one on my ankle is fine.

If you are going for an extensive design, the artist might not do the entire thing in one session. While I was having my last one done, a guy was in having old gang tats covered with a design that would cover his entire arm. The artist was doing the outlining/blackwork, & was making him heal for a few weeks before the coloring was done.

I've had my oldest one for 25 years, & I've never regretted any of them. One last word of advice...tattoos are like potato chips. You can't have just one!

[CloakofStars9]

just make sure your tattoo artist is licensed for being a sterile enviroment

and dont be afraid to ask questions

[Garnet]

Also...if you see a tattoo you really like on someone, go ahead & ask her/him where it was done. I do this a lot. Ask if they liked the employees, if the place was clean, etc. It's a great way to get recommendations.

[Tzhebee]

1.) I know it depends on the artist's work, but on average, how often does a tattoo need to be re-done? Color plays a factor in this I've been told, so consider it a two-fold question, one for a colored tattoo, and one for a black one. Also, if size or positioning (which I'm sure the latter is important) factor into this, please elaborate.

2.) What sort of skin-care does a tattoo require from the rest of your skin? Do you need to take new precautions, such as with sunscreen if you readily expose that area to the sun? Are there things you are never allowed to do to your skin afterward, such as certain soaps, lotions, or other products being prohibited?

3.) I'm sure it depends on the individual and the degree of tattooing, but on average how long is the area sore or the tattoo in need of special care after you have just gotten it?

4.) In terms of removal, how effective has science become with this? Not that I would select anything that I hadn't wanted for at least a year (to be sure I'm going to want it forever), but just incase and out of curiosity?


I guess that is a start for now.

1. As far as tattoo's needing to be touched up (rather than redone) there are a number of factors. Color vs black is only one of them. Detail is very important, and position can play a factor in it. I've had my tattoo (black, grey shades and red) for 8 years now and it still does not need to be touched up. My sister has one she got 2 years ago that is solid color, even the outlines and she just had it touched up this year. IMO she didn't need it touched up, but she likes her colors bright. My SO has a tattoo that is all black which he got about 4 years ago. It is extremely detailed and IMO could use a little touch up just to redefine it.

For me, possition was the #1 issue. I wanted someplace that was both easily hidden and easily viewable. I was also concerned about how it would look years from now. I had a friend who got a tat on her belly-then got pregnant. Let me tell you that stretched-out then shrunken up tat's are *not* a pretty sight. I chose my shoulder blade. Even if I gain or loose 50 lbs my shoulder blade isn't going to blow up or shrink down.

2. The only special skin care required is for the first few days (weeks, depending on how fast you heal). After that it is standard skin care: moisture, SPF, etc. Things already gone through in detail. Color tends to fade rather quickly in direct sunlight.

3. How long the area is sore is based on how much of a "tuff-guy" you are *and* where you get it. Places with very little muscle (ankles, wrists, etc.) tend to be a little more painful. Just like sensitive areas (underside of arm) or area's with high concentration of nerve endings. My shoulder had very little pain (discomfort, yes) until the tattooist got near the tip of my shoulder (away from the spine, closer to shoulder joint). Being as the muscle was thinner there, it was a lot more painful.

My sister has one on her lower back right on her spine and she said it wasn't too bad at all. Especially compared to the one right near her ankle bone. The second tattoo was 1/4 the size, 1/16 the detail and 8x the pain.

My SO, who is a self-described *sissy* when it comes to needles, said his arm hurt like a MoFo, and he didn't have the underside done.

4. I have no idea. :)

Here's a couple things to think about though. I have an artist friend living with us right now, and he really wants a tattoo. But being an artist, he's afraid that as soon as he gets one, he'll draw or find something he likes better. So, if you are uncertain of what to get or where to get it, you may consider Henya art. Test a few styles or locations and see what you like best.

[Kahlan]

I use to design Tats at a place in Maine. But I havent done it since I got out here. I have one tat which since I had my daughter needs some touch up wor becuse its on my back.

[Aidron]

Here's a couple things to think about though. I have an artist friend living with us right now, and he really wants a tattoo. But being an artist, he's afraid that as soon as he gets one, he'll draw or find something he likes better. So, if you are uncertain of what to get or where to get it, you may consider Henya art. Test a few styles or locations and see what you like best.


I'm the same way to an extent, and I have tried it. Of course, it's not easy to come by so I simply said to hell with it a few years back and started drawing all over myself with an ink pen if the mood struck me. :lol:

There are a few things which are unchanging in my life that I adore, and would consider getting a tattoo of, such as an astrological sign, my chief totem animal (the raven), the significance of the number three, and rainbows, which is what I'm really leaning toward. I'm not about to get anything tattooed onto me unless I am absolutely crazy about it and can see myself being in 'awe' of years from now.

I was thinking my shoulder blade too, since I'm so thin and my upper arms would really not be ideal unless I wanted a very 'tiny' tattoo (which I don't), but again because I am so thin I'm a bit nervous that the pain would be too much to bear, given that there isn't much between my skin and most of my bones. :lol:

[pagan_majik]

ya know, after reading all this, i think i have decided to get a tatt when i get older, i think this has been very informative.

[Kalika]

Research is one thing, but I'd really rather hear from everyone else here. Been thinking about a tattoo on and off for about two years, but there's still a lot I don't know and until I do know it, no ink is going on my skin. So, answer the following if you can, please. ;)

:lol:


1.) I know it depends on the artist's work, but on average, how often does a tattoo need to be re-done? Color plays a factor in this I've been told, so consider it a two-fold question, one for a colored tattoo, and one for a black one. Also, if size or positioning (which I'm sure the latter is important) factor into this, please elaborate.

I've had mine for.... a little over a year now. Been in sun, pools, oceans, etc... and it hasn't faded. Where I went though, they will retouch the color for free if you need it, which I thought was great. Its on my lower back... I don't know if positioning affects anything or not.


2.) What sort of skin-care does a tattoo require from the rest of your skin? Do you need to take new precautions, such as with sunscreen if you readily expose that area to the sun? Are there things you are never allowed to do to your skin afterward, such as certain soaps, lotions, or other products being prohibited?

When I first got mine... I put neosporin on it several times a day until it healed. This helps keep it from getting scarred and bumpy. After that... you don't really have to do anything special. Putting lotion on it makes it "stand out" more, but that's about it as far as I've noticed.


3.) I'm sure it depends on the individual and the degree of tattooing, but on average how long is the area sore or the tattoo in need of special care after you have just gotten it? Mine was sore for about a week and a half. After that... the care is the same as the rest of your body pretty much. Like I said above... I put neosporin on it several times a day... which I think was a HUGE help.


4.) In terms of removal, how effective has science become with this? Not that I would select anything that I hadn't wanted for at least a year (to be sure I'm going to want it forever), but just incase and out of curiosity? I think that the newest technology is laser removal... and I've heard it hurts like @!#$@!. But... I've heard that they've made it so that scarring is minimal, so it winds up being worth it in the long run if you want it removed. My step-dad is considering getting this done, so if he actually does... I'll let you know!!



I guess that is a start for now.

:) Be sure to look around... and find someone who is willing to show you pictures of their art and will be patient with you if you get a little freaked. A lot of artists now do things free-hand, which I think is really cool and unique. :) Good luck with whatever you decide to get, if you decide to get one!!

[Kalika]

I'm the same way to an extent, and I have tried it. Of course, it's not easy to come by so I simply said to hell with it a few years back and started drawing all over myself with an ink pen if the mood struck me. :lol:

There are a few things which are unchanging in my life that I adore, and would consider getting a tattoo of, such as an astrological sign, my chief totem animal (the raven), the significance of the number three, and rainbows, which is what I'm really leaning toward. I'm not about to get anything tattooed onto me unless I am absolutely crazy about it and can see myself being in 'awe' of years from now.

I was thinking my shoulder blade too, since I'm so thin and my upper arms would really not be ideal unless I wanted a very 'tiny' tattoo (which I don't), but again because I am so thin I'm a bit nervous that the pain would be too much to bear, given that there isn't much between my skin and most of my bones. :lol:

Just remember... the bigger you get, the longer it takes. :) And if you get a VERY big, VERY detailed one... they may make you come back a few times.

As for the pain... yeah, it hurts. At first. After awhile, you kinda go numb and its not so bad. Take a friend with you to distract you... it helps. :)

I'm actually going to get another one in two weeks! :lol: This just reminded me of how much I want it.

[Sylvan]

An idea of the pain:
Imagine an Xacto knife. Vibrating like it has an electric shaver attached. Being dragged through your skin. On fire, at some points. Staccato against your bone, bringing tears to your eyes one moment and being totally numb the next...

The parlor I go to says that if you pass out, they flip you over and tattoo W's on both buttcheeks (they don't actually do this- my cousin fainted and they just got her some water..).

[Kalika]

An idea of the pain:
Imagine an Xacto knife. Vibrating like it has an electric shaver attached. Being dragged through your skin. On fire, at some points. Staccato against your bone, bringing tears to your eyes one moment and being totally numb the next...

The parlor I go to says that if you pass out, they flip you over and tattoo W's on both buttcheeks (they don't actually do this- my cousin fainted and they just got her some water..).
:lol:

Most places I've been to with friends are pretty decent... they'll stop and let you get a drink... or take a few breaths... whatever you need.

Like others have said - if they aren't willing to work with you - WALK.

[bellamandu]

what about pain when it comes to the lower side of your back? thats where i was thinking about getting mine done. ive had sort of a halway answer. some said it hurt moreso than others, some said it hurt the least....

[Kalika]

what about pain when it comes to the lower side of your back? thats where i was thinking about getting mine done. ive had sort of a halway answer. some said it hurt moreso than others, some said it hurt the least....

I have mine on the lower right hand side of my back... pretty much right on my hip bone in the back. It hurt... but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I'm pretty small, so I don't have much padding back there. I would say that I can definitely think of worse places... ankle, shoulder blade, under the arm... that I can imagine would hurt worse.

You really just have to determine whether or not the pain is worth it. :) 20 minutes to an hour+ of pain for a lifetime with the ink.....

[Yasmine Galenorn]

I was thinking my shoulder blade too, since I'm so thin and my upper arms would really not be ideal unless I wanted a very 'tiny' tattoo (which I don't), but again because I am so thin I'm a bit nervous that the pain would be too much to bear, given that there isn't much between my skin and most of my bones. :lol:

I've had tattoos on my upper arms, forearms, top of shoulders, breast/chest, and from knee to ankle. Some hurt more than others. Some felt like a swarm of bees were stinging me over and over again. Until it went numb and I got high off the endorphins, which kick in after about 20 minutes or so...most of my sessions have lasted 2 to 2 1/2 hours in the chair each time. Trust me, that much needle work, it's gonna hurt. Over the wrist bone and on top of my hand hurt the worst. On top of the shoulder and down by the ankle were a close second. I talk about pain control in Crafting, too, btw...it's a matter of breathing. Give the pain up to the gods as an offering--because if your tattoo is spiritual, it's like a rite of passage and the price you pay is the pain far more than the money.

Yasmine :colorful:

[Dextra]

When it comes to tattoo pain, I'm kind of an oddball. I just go into a meditative state and just tell myself that i'm not feeling pain, i'm having a deep scratch itched. Those little electrical impulses that tell your brain you're in pain can be tricked. ;)

Also, I would advise going and talking to the artist more than once before actually having work done. This is someone that's going to be making permanent changes to your body. And make sure that they have a photo portfolio of their work, and customer references. That's the best way to find out what kind of work your going to get.

I speak from experience on that last bit. I had the itch one day to get a tattoo. A BAD itch. I just had to get it done, so I went to the first person I could find. My impulsiveness was rewarded with a tattoo that was rather disappointing. And what irritated me the most was that it was a piece of my artwork that was made into a shoddy tattoo. So be careful.

[silverwolf]

i have a great tattoo of a celtic knot on the small of my back


silverwolf

[Krystall]

My only advice is to be perfectly sure you'll never be sorry.

I only got mine summer before last, (I'm 47 now), and I wish I didn't have it.

It's pretty - it's a picture the tattoo artist took out of one of Z Budapest's books of her mother's goddess statues. He made a picture about 2 1/2 inches and it's on my sternum in blue, shaded with gray.

The problem is now I don't really want it, and I can't afford to get rid of it, even if I was willing to go through the pain, which I'm not. It hurt terribly the first time.

Every blouse I have is v-neck, and while not at all low cut, it still shows. It messes up my outfits if I want to wear a necklace.

I had breast cancer at age 42 and had a mastectomy and an implant on my left side so I wouldn't have to wear the prosthesis, and I thought the tattoo would kind of compensate for my lack of bosom, but I just really don't want it and wish I hadn't gotten it.

I can't add any more to the advice you've gotten regarding the care of the tattoo when it's new. If you get it done at a good place, they'll teach you everything you need to know.

Good luck with your decision.

Peggy

[morrigen]

Apparently, red ink has something in it that causes more allergies than any other color...and the allergy may not show up for years.

allergies can occur when you are in contact with something foreign to your body over a long period of time...or when something is absorbed into your bloodstream....

This happened to me...many years ago, I used cheap jewellery in a not-yet-healed piercing...I absorbed the metal salts, and developed an allergy to all metals that leach metal salts (silver included, tho the jewellery in question was not silver, but stainless steel.) So now, everything I wear has to be gold...

Unfortunately, my system then went haywire and I now have what's known as contact allergy, which means that I can develop allergies to materials that I come into contact with alot...house plants, certain dyes, most metals...

So, the upshot of thiss is that when I spoke to a tattoo artist about it, he said it was highly likely that once the ink was in my system, I would develop an allergy to it.....sigh.....and I've wanted at least 5 of them for years...

I don't wat to put you off...I love tattoos, when they're done well, they're incredible things...
I just thought I'd add in my experiences and info...

If you're not particularly allergic, a test spot may be the way to go...

[Aidron]

My mother got her first tattoo when she was 40, a butterfly on her neck. She got her next one, a rose, in memory of her mother on her wrist. After that she got a comedy and tragedy tattoo on her leg.

I'm pretty sure she regrets the rose, since it's all faded and looks bad, but I'm well aware about regretting things you put on your body and very careful about it, so if I ever get a tattoo it will take me a long time to figure out what I will get, and where I will get it.

My sister Sharon has a couple tattoos and I asked her if she had any with red ink, to see if perhaps there is a genetic reason why the red on my mother faded so fast, so horribly. Her butterfly has barely any red left, and the rose is completely gone, as if her skin was never even tattooed. Unfortunately, my sister Sharon and I have a different father, and she takes more after her father's side where as I take more after my mother's side, so I can't be sure I'll take red any better than my mum did.

Allergies worry me, and I'm unsure if I would be allergic to the ink or develop one. As of right now I'm only allergic to a few medicines, but whose to say what I may develop in the future.

[Yasmine Galenorn]

My mother got her first tattoo when she was 40, a butterfly on her neck. She got her next one, a rose, in memory of her mother on her wrist. After that she got a comedy and tragedy tattoo on her leg.

I'm pretty sure she regrets the rose, since it's all faded and looks bad, but I'm well aware about regretting things you put on your body and very careful about it, so if I ever get a tattoo it will take me a long time to figure out what I will get, and where I will get it.

My sister Sharon has a couple tattoos and I asked her if she had any with red ink, to see if perhaps there is a genetic reason why the red on my mother faded so fast, so horribly. Her butterfly has barely any red left, and the rose is completely gone, as if her skin was never even tattooed. Unfortunately, my sister Sharon and I have a different father, and she takes more after her father's side where as I take more after my mother's side, so I can't be sure I'll take red any better than my mum did.

Allergies worry me, and I'm unsure if I would be allergic to the ink or develop one. As of right now I'm only allergic to a few medicines, but whose to say what I may develop in the future.

Allergies are a good reason to worry--I have multiple allergies, though I've never had any problem with the ink so far and it's been six years now. Each body is so individual that it's hard to say how something's going to affect you long term...whether it be metal or tattoo ink, or medication. Now, I'm very sensitive to medication and have to be cautious on anything I take. And I'm very cautious about herbs because I am allergic to a number of plants. I'm not sure what you would do to find out if you have a potential allergy to ink, other than a small spot test.

Yasmine :colorful:

[Yasmine Galenorn]

My only advice is to be perfectly sure you'll never be sorry.

I only got mine summer before last, (I'm 47 now), and I wish I didn't have it.

It's pretty - it's a picture the tattoo artist took out of one of Z Budapest's books of her mother's goddess statues. He made a picture about 2 1/2 inches and it's on my sternum in blue, shaded with gray.

The problem is now I don't really want it, and I can't afford to get rid of it, even if I was willing to go through the pain, which I'm not. It hurt terribly the first time.

Every blouse I have is v-neck, and while not at all low cut, it still shows. It messes up my outfits if I want to wear a necklace.

I had breast cancer at age 42 and had a mastectomy and an implant on my left side so I wouldn't have to wear the prosthesis, and I thought the tattoo would kind of compensate for my lack of bosom, but I just really don't want it and wish I hadn't gotten it.

I can't add any more to the advice you've gotten regarding the care of the tattoo when it's new. If you get it done at a good place, they'll teach you everything you need to know.

Good luck with your decision.

Peggy

Yep...good advice. I waited seven years before getting my tattoos.

I'm sorry you ended up changing your mind. Is it the symbol you don't like, or just the idea of having the tattoo?

Yasmine :colorful:

[Aidron]

Allergies are a good reason to worry--I have multiple allergies, though I've never had any problem with the ink so far and it's been six years now. Each body is so individual that it's hard to say how something's going to affect you long term...whether it be metal or tattoo ink, or medication. Now, I'm very sensitive to medication and have to be cautious on anything I take. And I'm very cautious about herbs because I am allergic to a number of plants. I'm not sure what you would do to find out if you have a potential allergy to ink, other than a small spot test.

Yasmine :colorful:


Whenever they tell you to 'test' a product on yourself before using it to see if you will have an allergic reaction, I never do. I just never seem to be allergic to anything outside of codine, pencillin, and asprin (which may no longer be true). I'm not even allergic to poison ivy or poison oak. Not that I would, but I could probably eat the stuff and have no problems... other than wanting to throw up cause it tastes bad. :lol:

I definitely plan to ask any tattoo artists I visit how common an ink allergy is and consider the spot test, but also the first tattoo I get (if and when, mind you) will be small. I'm thinking of the symbol for libra on my lower back, outlined in black, filled in with grey (though I've never seen grey ink in tattoo form). I'll always be a libra, I'm all about balance, and I don't think grey and black will cause me to worry about allergies much.

[Yasmine Galenorn]

Whenever they tell you to 'test' a product on yourself before using it to see if you will have an allergic reaction, I never do. I just never seem to be allergic to anything outside of codine, pencillin, and asprin (which may no longer be true). I'm not even allergic to poison ivy or poison oak. Not that I would, but I could probably eat the stuff and have no problems... other than wanting to throw up cause it tastes bad. :lol:

I definitely plan to ask any tattoo artists I visit how common an ink allergy is and consider the spot test, but also the first tattoo I get (if and when, mind you) will be small. I'm thinking of the symbol for libra on my lower back, outlined in black, filled in with grey (though I've never seen grey ink in tattoo form). I'll always be a libra, I'm all about balance, and I don't think grey and black will cause me to worry about allergies much.

I've never had a problem with the ink. The only problem came when I accidentally dropped hair developer on my fresh tattoo and it bubbled up in tiny bubbles for a few days...it was stupid for me not to wear gloves--I did when I was putting it on (this is in the days when I colored my own hair instead of letting my hair dresser do it), but forgot to wear them when I washed it out. A classic D'oh moment.

Oh, and then there was the time I sprayed perfume on a fresh tattoo, because I'd had some work added on to an existing one, and forgot about it, to be honest, the tat was healing up so well.

That stung!

Yasmine :colorful:

[Aidron]

I've never had a problem with the ink. The only problem came when I accidentally dropped hair developer on my fresh tattoo and it bubbled up in tiny bubbles for a few days...it was stupid for me not to wear gloves--I did when I was putting it on (this is in the days when I colored my own hair instead of letting my hair dresser do it), but forgot to wear them when I washed it out. A classic D'oh moment.

Oh, and then there was the time I sprayed perfume on a fresh tattoo, because I'd had some work added on to an existing one, and forgot about it, to be honest, the tat was healing up so well.

That stung!

Yasmine :colorful:


That sounds like something I would do, cause honestly, I'm just an accident looking for a place to happen. :rolleyes:

[Yasmine Galenorn]

That sounds like something I would do, cause honestly, I'm just an accident looking for a place to happen. :rolleyes:

I'm usually pretty careful and graceful, but man....chalk one up for not paying attention. Other than that, I've had very little trouble with healing from my tattoos.

Yazza :colorful:

[Aidron]

I'm usually pretty careful and graceful, but man....chalk one up for not paying attention. Other than that, I've had very little trouble with healing from my tattoos.

Yazza :colorful:


I'm lucky to make it through a day without causing a catastrophe. :lol:

Let me ask you (and anyone else who is reading) this-did you design your tattoos yourself? Granted, I'm no longer the lil' artist my mother claims I once was, and while I'm sure I could draw some things quite well for a possible tattoo, there are other things I could not. I imagine I'd give a basic outline and ask the artist to fill it in, giving it detail and life on paper, then keep tweaking it until it is exactly as I want it.

[Yasmine Galenorn]

I'm lucky to make it through a day without causing a catastrophe. :lol:

Let me ask you (and anyone else who is reading) this-did you design your tattoos yourself? Granted, I'm no longer the lil' artist my mother claims I once was, and while I'm sure I could draw some things quite well for a possible tattoo, there are other things I could not. I imagine I'd give a basic outline and ask the artist to fill it in, giving it detail and life on paper, then keep tweaking it until it is exactly as I want it.

Yes and no. I knew exactly what I wanted, but though I do a fair job on my paintings, I knew I couldn't give form to the vision I had. So I talked it through with my tattooist and he designed them around the elements and energy that I described. If there was something I wanted tweaked, he'd re-do the sketch. Of course, I paid more--custom work will cost you a pretty penny, but it's worth it.

Yasmine :colorful:

[Krystall]

Yep...good advice. I waited seven years before getting my tattoos.

I'm sorry you ended up changing your mind. Is it the symbol you don't like, or just the idea of having the tattoo?

Yasmine :colorful:

Both. I had it done when I was pagan. Someone suggested now that I'm Christian I could have it modified to look like an angel. But that's not really the point. Surface things aren't that important to my faith.

But mostly I just think it looks unattractive on me. I'm not grieving myself to death or anything over it, LOL, I just thought I'd jump into the topic.

Oh, and Raven... the best way I found to find a good tattoo artist is to ask people who did theirs. I even asked people I didn't know, standing in line at a grocery or something. Most people are very nice and willing to give you information. There are really no referrals as reliable as talking to people who've had them done.

Mine looks really good. And the guy was a genuine "artist". I mean, he took that photograph out of a book and made it into a tattoo picture.

Peggy

[Yasmine Galenorn]

Both. I had it done when I was pagan. Someone suggested now that I'm Christian I could have it modified to look like an angel. But that's not really the point. Surface things aren't that important to my faith.

But mostly I just think it looks unattractive on me. I'm not grieving myself to death or anything over it, LOL, I just thought I'd jump into the topic.

Oh, and Raven... the best way I found to find a good tattoo artist is to ask people who did theirs. I even asked people I didn't know, standing in line at a grocery or something. Most people are very nice and willing to give you information. There are really no referrals as reliable as talking to people who've had them done.

Mine looks really good. And the guy was a genuine "artist". I mean, he took that photograph out of a book and made it into a tattoo picture.

Peggy

That is a hard thing, but I'm glad you're finding a way to move past it, and that it doesn't leave you feeling too bad.

And yes, the best way to find a good artist is ask around. I've had so many people ask me where I get my work done. In fact, strangers come up to me in the street to talk about my tattoos and ask who did them, and I've even had one guy at a stoplight shouting from his car to ours to ask.

LOL...word of mouth gets around...both ways. If you get a bad tattoo, the artist can get a really bad rep and so a good artist will try to take care to protect his/her reputation by giving out quality work.

Yasmine :colorful:

[Sylvan]

Mine are all custom-ish. :D

My ex drew up my first one, then an artist friend modified it to look more like a tattoo.
My second was found when looking through a tattoo magazine, but it was part of a much larger picture of a person's tattoo. I just took the one detail and used that.
My third was also from a tat mag, but came from the "flash art" in the back- drawings to be used for tats, if you wanted. I didn't likehalf of it and changed it myself.
My fourth is a doodle I did myself. It had meaning, and was cool, and so I used it.

For all of them, I either brought in the drawing or the outline on trace paper..

[Tzhebee]

I drew mine. It extremely basic, but fit me well. I took it into a tattoo shop in town and asked the guy if he could put it on my shoulder. He looked at it and said "You know, this is really good, but it wouldn't make a good tattoo". I don't know if it was the line structure or shading, or what. But he copied it and made a few changes (added a bit, reshaped a bit) and showed me his finished piece and asked if I liked it. That ended up being what I had done.

I was really impressed with the way he handled it. Most people would probably just say "sure I can put that one you" but he didn't. He took the time to help "fix" it, without my asking or agreeing to even have it done. I could have walked out of the shop with the drawing if I wanted to.

[Kalika]

I'm lucky to make it through a day without causing a catastrophe. :lol:

Let me ask you (and anyone else who is reading) this-did you design your tattoos yourself? Granted, I'm no longer the lil' artist my mother claims I once was, and while I'm sure I could draw some things quite well for a possible tattoo, there are other things I could not. I imagine I'd give a basic outline and ask the artist to fill it in, giving it detail and life on paper, then keep tweaking it until it is exactly as I want it.

I drew the general idea for mine (its just a rose and butterfly) and took it in and he made it better. :) It makes it YOURS that way, ya know?