Archive for the ‘my experiences’ Category
Interesting redo the classic Love Kills Slowly design by the infamous Sailor Jerry
I read today in a list of things a person should never do without first talking over with their significant other is getting a tattoo of the other’s name. I can understand that very well, that could create a very awkward situation. However, what about getting a tattoo in general, does a person need to talk it over with their lover first? What if they say no, what happens next?
I mean unless it’s a spontaneous decision to get a tattoo it might be good to mention to the person you’re with that you are getting a tattoo, but do you have to ask their opinion, and then act upon what they say, even if they disagree.
I have never been in a relationship around the time of any of my tattoos and I am not sure how well I could comprehend someone saying, “No, you shouldn’t get another tattoo, I don’t want you to,” or trying to just steer me away from it indirectly. I already get that from my mother. No one but my mom can try to steer me away from tattoos, and it doesn’t work for her, so why would I let it fly with a person I choose to be with. I do not think I could choose between tattoos and a boyfriend, even a husband if I had one.
Getting a tattoo is something that shouldn’t be done on a whim. While I can speak from experience and say I decided to get my last tattoo the day I got it, I was attending a tattoo convention that day and had been toying with the idea of getting inked while there and pulled an idea from my stockpiled tattoo ideas I have kicking around my head. (Yes, I do in fact have a stockpile of tattoo ideas in my head that I want. Think of it as a bucket list of tattoos.) I do not regret getting a somewhat spontaneous tattoo one bit.
I can maybe see taking their opinion on the details of the tattoo though. For instance, the placement or the design. But I would not, in my right state of mind, let someone I was in a relationship with stop me from getting a tattoo entirely.
I hear people ask all the time “What is the most painful place to get a tattoo?” Everyone says the on the sides of the ribs. While I have never gotten inked in my ribs but I did recently get inked on my foot. I now think the foot is one of the most painful places to get tattooed. The ribs have more of a chance to have some padding on them unlike the foot. Which is pure bone on the top, the most common foot tattoo spot.
Foot tattoos, while painful, are very fun and easy to show off, especially if you are a girl. Guys, I don’t mean to alienate you but I just don’t see many men with tattooed feet. The only man I remember seeing with one is Ryan Dunn of Jackass and Viva La Bam. Dunn got a math problem tattooed on him for a scavenger hunt in the first season of Viva La Bam.
Foot tattoos are like any other tattoo accept they can take a little extra time to heal. For aftercare I did exactly what I did with my other tattoos. Basically, just follow what your artist says unless you already have an aftercare method of choice. I will soon be posting an aftercare page.
I did use A&D ointment for the first time rather than using ink fix like with my first two tattoos. I think it was slightly irritating to my skin but it still worked even though I did switch to ink fix after I got it back from my friend. Really, it is just a matter of preference.
When going in for a foot tattoo, remember to wear shoes that will not cover the area of the tattoo. Like ballet flats or sandals. And while it’s healing keep the tattoo uncovered. At least for a week or while the major peeling is happening.
Also, like with any tattoo remember to eat shortly before you get it done. They say you will not bleed as much and have less pain. When I got mine done it was still painful and I ate right before I got it done.
With most tattoos the pain eventually subsides a little. The foot is not like most tattoos. It is also not a big place so smaller tattoos are usually what you will get there. This means less time for the tattoo and less pain. Also, make sure to just relax and hold still. My foot kept moving up and down.
Afterwards, there will be swelling up to a few days. The best thing to do is relax and keep your foot up.
My first tattoo was along process. Getting it was the easiest part one I finally turned 18. The hard part was thinking about what I wanted. For years I looked at tattoo designs and tried to think what I wanted it to be.I think a person should put a lot of thought into a tattoo and where it goes on their body. It isn’t like seeing a movie and picking the most convenient theater and time. Picking the artist who does should also have some though put into it. The artist closest to your house may not always be the best artist. Also, just because they are great at portraits doesn’t mean they are great at all tattoos. Most artists have something they are really good at and can still do good tattoos of other kinds. picking the shop and artist, can be difficult. Most shops will not charge a design fee if they draw you a tattoo instead of doing a flash design. Flash designs are predrawn tattoos that can be gotten almost anywhere except strictly custom shops. Pricing varies per shop. many charge per hour, with the clock starting once you get in the chair and they start the tattoo.
The first tattoo is the one where you feel the most pain. When they first touch the tattoo gun to you it will hurt. Do not feel bad about it hurting either. When they outline the tattoo is painful in the first tattoo. When they do the shading It will be a bit better. They do stop every so often to wipe away blood and other stuff with a cool liquid, this does feel good for some people. If you get a second tattoo you will notice the pain is not as pain. I believe it is the hype. The first time you do things it’s always a little scary even if you don’t think you are scared.
Aftercare is important for any tattoo of course, some shops will even do free touch ups knowing that all tattoos fades ver time and some colors do not take as well to all skin tones. Red is one I have seen not always come out as great as people would have wished. Just make sure to follow the aftercare instructions given to you by the artist. Tattoo aftercare is not very hard, Just rub the ointment from the shop, or A&D on every few hours and wash with soap each day until flaking is done . then switch to a extra healing lotion for a month or so then whenever it feels dry. And use a good sunscreen when out in the sun to keep it looking good over time.
I knew I wanted it to be something for my dad who passed away. But I did not want the traditional memorial tattoo. You know, the cross rip, and the dates. I didn’t want a portrait that would look the worst when it faded as I age. I wanted something special, that i could just look at and know it was for my dad, It wasn’t for everyone else to know. I didn’t have them normal parent child relationship with my dad. So I knew a tattoo for him would have to be different. I eventually chose a Red Chinese type Dog with flames coming off of it. He was the Chinese year of the dog. While we are not Chinese we did go out for Chinese a lot. The picture I found off the internet was basically a red lab dog with flames smiling. My tattoo artist redrew and made it look less happy but not depressing. I do not have any regrets about that tattoo over a year later and I know I never will.
I know this process seems long but really, It is very rewarding if you put thought into your tattoo, you will always be able to look at it and be glad you did. Just remember if you want to change the design do not be afraid to tell the artist, it is there job to give you the tattoo you want. For more help on decisions with your first tattoo, “Examining Pop Culture: Body Piercing and Tattoo’s” which is edited by J.D. Lloyd.
artist - Jesse Rix owner/artist secret lake tattoo shop
