I'm Considering Getting A Tattoo. Please Tell Me Anything!

[DistressedAmerican]

Does anyone have advise for someone considering a tattoo? Is there anything in particular to look for or avoid in an artist? Is there a particular hard liquor I should choose for the event?

Here is the image I'm planning to get on my upper arm. It is an image from one of the four known ancient Maya Books.

It shows the change of the New Year with the new patron deity for the year(in this case the Maize god, who brings good fortune, crop fertility etc.) being carried in on the back of a possum that represents one of the four Bacabs, Old deities that were believed to hold up the sky. They also served a role as the "Yearbearer".

[Beaverhausen]

1. the amount of pain felt is inversely proportional to the amount of alcohol

you consume beforehand.

Cool design!

[Book Lover]

2. Very cool

And pretty complex for something that has to fit on your bicep. Are you thinking of any coloring?

Most parlors have a book of work the artists have done; take your time and leaf through it. Don't be shy about walking in, saying that you are thinking about getting inked and would like to see some previous work.

on edit: Before I got mine, I asked my sister-in-law how painful it was and her description was pretty accurate. "It's like walking outside on a cold day in a skirt, and you get snapped on the skin by a really sharp twig, over and over again." Myself, I had yellow outlines done, and the artist went over them 6 times to get good color in; the pain didn't start to get really sharp until #5.

[DistressedAmerican]

5. I Don't Think I'll Go With Color Right Away. Maybe Down The Road.

I may also photoshop out some of the really fine detail cross hatching etc.

I will be selective. I have seen some bad ones over the years. The good thing for me is that I am not shy about potentially pissing someone off in the selection process. If they have a problem with my shopping around, they do not need my bucks.

My pain tolerance is pretty low. I expect I'll be pretty sad. I do understand they do not like you to drink because it thins the blood. Is that true?

[Book Lover]

31. As folks have said below

I agree, don't drink beforehand. When I went (with two friends for support) the woman asked "OK, who here smells like a headshop?" (it was one of my friends) and she gave me a close lookover to see if I was high, which I appreciated (I wasn't).

I don't know what to recommend regarding the cross-hatching, etc. You can get some delightfully fine details on the skin, but you do have to think about the effect long-term blurring. But you're the scholar, so you know what can be removed and what should stay to maintain the image's integrity. Now, when are you going to get the calendar on your back?

[DistressedAmerican]

33. I'd Have To Be Pretty Drunk To Make That Move.

It is a great monument but, it is Aztec. We Mayanists do not get along with those Aztec folks. I would never live it down among my colleagues.

[Book Lover]

34. Oh! Is my face red!!!

What can I say? I wasn't paying attention when I read your original post.

[Technowitch]

8. Yes, what BookLover said, plus--

If you can, try to see some of the artist's work on someone's skin. There is some skill involved in getting the ink at just the right level. Too shallow, and you'll have drop-outs in the tat; too deep, and the ink will literally migrate, causing the art to blur.

DO take your time in finding the right place, and the right artist. Have a look at the parlor, too. It should be clean, well-lit. The equipment should be clean as well. Be certain that they wear gloves and use fresh needles. Be sure that you're comfortable with the artist, too, and that he or she is willing to take the time to do the job right.

Do NOT go there drunk or on any sort of mind-altering substance. Also, it's a good idea to abstain from aspirin and ibuprofen for the 48 hours prior to getting inked (they both mess with blood chemistry). Alcohol does it, too, so you're right, you shouldn't drink before getting inked.

Afterwards, follow their directions to care for the new tattoo. Do NOT pick or scratch at it, even if it itches. Keep it covered and out of the sun for *at least* six months. Apply a good hypo-allergenic moisturizer several times a day, until it is healed.

I've posted this before, but here's my ink, which I got about ten months ago. It's about 8-9 inches from end-to-end, on the outer part of my right thigh.


------------------------
Good luck!

-Technowitch

[DistressedAmerican]

13. That Looks Really Crisp Imagewise. I Always Worry About Fuzziness

Sounds like excellent advice. I'll definitely take my time looking for the right place. I'll stay sober too Damnit!

[Technowitch]

19. Yep, blurred art is most unfortunate, given the permanent nature of it.

And as I said, that most often happens when the ink is put too low in the skin layers. The mark of a truly skilled tattoo artist is one who not only knows just where to put the ink, but can also adjust as needed to the individual person's skin. (Still, I'd rather have touch-ups than risk a tattoo that's flawed from the start.)

This one friend of mine had a lovely Celtic band on his forearm, and the thing looks almost like it was drawn on with magic-marker, then roughly wiped at. He's been trying to figure out what to do about it, maybe incorporate it into something new.

It was with this in mind though, when I went for mine, that I not only asked to see the artist's portfolio, I also asked to see some of his work on another person's bod. Fortunately, one of the other artists there had a couple from him.

Anyway, about the pain thing? It's really not so bad at all, unless you have it done at a sensitive location (necks are the worst, I hear). I was under the needle for close to 2 1/2 hours, and only the last 30 minutes became bothersome -- and I have exceedingly sensitive skin. In fact, when my guy first started doing the outlines of mine, I said, "Is that it? I thought this was gonna hurt!"

Thanks for the compliment. I definitely got a good one. Good luck with yours.

best,
-Technowitch

[hippiepunk]

3. You will have to deal

with a million fucking people asking what your tattoo means.

[DistressedAmerican]

7. Being As It Is My Stock and Trade, I Never Mind Talking About The Ancient

Maya or their religious beliefs. In the circles I travel, a lot of folks will recognize it right off.

I like that it is an old god. I figure the older I get, the more appropriate it will be.

[Orsino]

9. No one gets a tat like that monstrosity...

...without wanting to be asked about it.

[mark414]

53. hahaha

i have my family motto in irish (gaelic) on my forearm, so people always see it and ask me what it means...ergh its frustrating sometimes but then its alright when its a conversation starter with a cute girl...

going in to get the family crest on my other arm next weekend...can't wait!

[jeff30997]

4. Once I was really drunk and I walk in a tattoo parlor...

The guy ask: What kind of tattoo do you want ?

I reply : I don't give a damn as long as it comes from outer space.

He said OK.I will tattoo Uranus.

I ran out screaming...

[RebelOne]

6. All I can say is don't do it.

You will be sorry later on in life. I'm sorry, but I could never understand why people would want to mutilate their bodies with tattoos.

My ex-husband had my name tattooed on his arm. Well, he regretted it after our divorce and 2 wives later.

[DistressedAmerican]

11. Do You Have Pierce Ears? I Never Really Understood That...

This wasn't a drunken impulse purchase. I have been thinking of this for years. I have taken my time picking out a design. I doubt I'll ever regret it that much.

Besides, Like I noted above the image is of an old god. The older I get the more appropriate it is. Not like your ex's mname. I see how that could piss you off down the road.

[RebelOne]

28. I do not have pierced ears. I have enough holes in my body. n/t

[DistressedAmerican]

29. At least you are consistent. I'll assume the standard number

of holes then...

[ronnykmarshall]

10. Very cool design

1. DON'T Drink. If a tattoo artist is any good they will NOT tattoo you if they even suspect you're drunk or tipsy.

2. Before you just see any tattoo artist, ask people you know with tattoos where they got them done. I always asked guys at my gym that were super hot and then had cheap sex with them. Oh wait, we're talking about getting a TATTOO not getting laid. No really, if you see someone with a very cool tattoo ask them where they got it.

3. Grit your teeth and deal with it ya big baby!!

4. Clean it, clean it, clean it. Do everything they say. If you are a sun dog like me, make sure you use sun block on it or it will fade over the years.

Good luck and we want pictures when you get it.

It DOESN'T hurt that bad.

But I'm into that kinda shit so don't ask me.

[tubbacheez]

12. My advice is: NEVER gain or lose weight.

Gaining fat (or if you're lucky, gaining muscle mass) under your tattoo will stretch it in uneven ways.

Losing weight (or muscle mass) under your tattoo will wrinkle it.





Also beware of heavy metals (no, not the musical kind).
http://au.health.yahoo.com/050314/3/3pqu.html






Peace on your path.

[DistressedAmerican]

14. I'm Really Pretty Level On Weight. Weigh now about what I weighed

when I was 18. It flucutates some but mainly aroung the midsection. Don't think my arms change too much (that I've noticed anyway. Getting more muscular is not all that likely. Too lazy to bulk up like that.

[tubbacheez]

17. You may be a good candidate then.

Of course, a tattoo is like any long-term commitment in that it places bets on the future.

Things like changing jobs or starting a family have been known to trigger weight changes. Accidents and illness can really thin a person out, though I wouldn't necessarily plan for such things.

Increasing muscle mass is less common, but could happen if you get interested in a new sport.




But if your arm is likely to remain the same shape for decades to come, you might be one of the lucky few.

Rock on!

[ForrestGump]

15. Make sure to feed him at LEAST twice a day

[DistressedAmerican]

16. Now That Was Funny!

Is the little guy even still alive?

[ForrestGump]

22. Nope. Poor little dude.

He killed himself in the early '90s.

He was a keen artist, too. His health problems, depression, and alcohol intake became too much for him and he shot himself.

[DistressedAmerican]

25. Seems Like The Kind Of Trivia I Would Have Stored For Future.

Guess not.

I really didn't remember a suicide being involved. Poor little guy indeed!

[HawkerHurricane]

18. I never saw...

a picture I liked so much that I decided I had to wear it for the rest of my life.

Are you sure about this? People have a prejudice against tatoo wearers, it could affect your job chances and promotion chances in certain fields.

[DistressedAmerican]

21. I Am An Archaeologist That Studies The Maya For A Living.

ANyone looking to hire me would most likely be familiar with the image and we are a notoriously liberal crowd. So, I do not fear job blowback. It is going somewhere it can be covered if needed.

As far as the image is concerned, I have let it kick around my head for years and I still love it. Admittedly not as long As I plan on wearing it but, it has at least had a mental trial period!

[SmokingJacket]

38. I think having a professional tattoo is VERY cool.

I don't have any tattoos, never wanted any, until I read an article about chef's tattoos: a guy with a set of knives on his forearm, and another guy with a picture of Alice Waters on his body!

I started daydreaming about getting one that would symbolize my own career...

I LOVE yours!

[Scout1071]

41. That's one thing I like about mine

I'll be sitting in a meeting in a suit with a bunch of suits and I can just feel better knowing that I have it! It's like my little secret you know? I think to myself..."yea..you can make me dress like your freakin' monkey, but you CANNOT control this little piece of me!"

[Technowitch]

24. He's talking upper forearm, not his face

Long sleeves would take care of any interview situation.

Also, tattoos are amazingly common in some areas of the country.

For mine, if I happen to wear a short skirt, I just get asked, "Are those patterned stockings? Where did you get them?"

Me: "Um, 'Staircase Tattoo', Santa Cruz..."

[Mrs.Matcom]

20. I agree

with Technowitch and ronnykmarshall, do not drink, it will cause you to bleed more.

I have two tats. The second one I just got in Sept '04 in FL. The guy is a true artist, had a new way to take care of them. His method is a little more painful, but the results are perfection. If you would like to know just PM and I will be happy to explain. All I can tell you is, the difference between my two is like night and day.

Good luck!

[DistressedAmerican]

23. I Actually Did Know That Much. Just Love The Stereotype Of The Drunk

spontaneous tattoo. This is by far not one of those.

I had a friend that was in your boat. She had one that she really liked. Got a second and it was so much betterthan the first she soured on it.

Maybe the key is only get one...

[Mizmoon]

26. Oooof ...please reconsider

I know it feels like all of the know-it-all spoilsports are raining on your parade, but please listen to them anyway. Don't do it!

[DistressedAmerican]

27. Bad Personal Experience Or Just Don't Like The Very Idea?

[Mizmoon]

30. my sister works in the operating room

She said it's kind of amusing to see a 70 year old woman with what's left of a Rolling Stone's lips tat on her ass. They get ... uh ... flabby and funny looking after a few decades.

I've also seen too many mistakes that can never be undone. Too many blurry ones, too many trashy ones.

I know it sounds lame, but people make their judgements. we all hate it, but it's true.

Just telling you what I would tell anyone I cared about who was considering the same.

[DistressedAmerican]

32. Same Job Made A Friend Of Mine Give Up His Motorcycle...

Certainly no offense taken. I was just curious.

[Auntie Bush]

56. Very good advice...Don't get one...you'll regret it.

They make one look low class and trashy! Did you ever see a Dr. with one? Did you ever see a truck driver with one? Kind of like Paula Jones or Pop Eye!

[RobinA]

65. This Was Going to Be

my suggestion. Go check out some 60-70 year olds with tattoos. If you like what you see, go ahead and get the tattoo. Personally, between Hepatitis and seeing a few too many grandmothers with tattoos sagging off their bodies, my advice to myself when it came to tattoos was to run far and run fast. With health and luck, you will live with saggy skin faronger than you will live with nice, firm, young skin.

[yellowdogintexas]

35. my daughter would suggest you put it on your lower back

least likely spot for fat to gather.

She is an apprentice tattoo artist and that is her opinion.

It is a very cool design, and I plan to show it to her.
If she has any commentary, I will have her add it later tonight, under my logon

[JimmyJazz]

36. Take headphones so you can get in the zone with something

you want to hear.

[prole_for_peace]

37. You can order emla cream over the internet.

You put a layer on the spot where you want the tat, cover it with plastic, leave it on for a few hours and it numbs the skin. at least for a while. I haven't used it but I have friends that have.

[DistressedAmerican]

40. That Sounds Like Some Useful Advice. I'll Look Into It!

Thanks!

[ucmike]

39. cool design. do it if you want.

i have 2 that i'm happy with. my advice is always to think about it a long time. get something that will always have meaning and look around. people love to talk about their tattoos so asking isn't usually a problem. i tell my brothers to wait till their 25, it avoids a lot of the problems with being young and dumb. if you wanted a tattoo at 18 and still want it at 25 its probably right for you.

look on the internet for artists near you. i found a line specialist who prefered working in black. it was exactly what i wanted and i was thrilled with it, the research paid off.

as far as the pain goes just relax and deal with it. i wasn't bothered at all. i actually fell asleep during both. it went pretty numb after a while and it wasn't so bad.

sounds to me that you are pretty well thought out and not being rash or spontaneous. also seems you're willing to do the work and find a professional, clean, artist to do the work.

good luck and enjoy.

[Scout1071]

42. The design is cool, but please consider

this - when you have a tattoo that has alot of black detail like that it has a tendency to fade and over time, becomes kind of blobbish with much less detail.

I'm not saying you shouldn't get one because I have one and I really like it. I'm actually thinking of getting another - WARNING - it does become habit forming. However, I've waited for almost 4 years now for my second...not something to rush into. I didn't get my first until I was 30.

Good luck if you decide to go for it. I'm gonna warn you. I cannot sugarcoat it. It hurst like a MoFo. And the worst part? The black ink. It goes much deeper than the color. Not trying to scare you, just speakin' the truth!

[DistressedAmerican]

43. Sounds More Like What I Expected To Hear People Say.

I have wanted one since I was about 25, looked for quite a while found the design I like and it is still with me now in my 33rd year. I think it will be most satisfying.

The bluring of the black ink is not good news. I'd hate the thing to be a splotch by the time I'm 60. Definitely something to consider.

[Scout1071]

48. Then I say go for it. No harm no foul. Just remember

the blob warning. My grandpa has two that are black and you really can't even tell what they are now. The black ink definitely kind of "bleeds" over time. And the application of the black is definitely the most painful. The other colors feel more like hard scratching.

And it's your body, but I would definitely put it in a place that isn't noticeable in your day to day. I've got one on my lower back (standard chick location) and am probably going to get one on my back shoulder. Can still be covered easily enough if I feel I need to.

Also, get something with a story you don't mind sharing. Because people will be asking you what it means for the rest of your natural born life!

[EstimatedProphet]

50. The bleeding isn't as much of a problem anymore

thanks to new inks. Or so say all the artists I have talked to.

[Technowitch]

62. I hardly bled at all during the process

And not at all afterwards.

[EstimatedProphet]

63. D'OH! I meant ink bleeding out of the pattern over the years!

Sorry!

[DistressedAmerican]

67. I'll Be Sure To Ask Whoever I'm Looking Into About It.

Nice to know it MIGHT not be a certainty.

[ucmike]

66. my black tattoos have faded to a deep dark blue

but the black brightens up with a little moisturizer, after 8 and 6 years. no blurring or spreading so far. i have some detailed line work, a celtic band and a stylized viking dog design. i know lots of people with old tattoos and most of them have held up over the years despite weight changes, sun exposure, etc. most of the blurry tattoos i've seen weren't that well done to start with.

the key is to find a professional shop.

[medeak]

44. I beg you

to watch the following:
http://www.drtattoff.com/tattoo-skit.php

[DistressedAmerican]

49. Two Comments On That Fine Piece...

1) Next to smoking and having sex getting the lowerback tattoo IS the coolest thing a young girl can do.

2) The animation of the aging back tattoo was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Pretty Sad!



Do they make a Turlington's cream for the upper arm region yet?

[medeak]

45. self edit

[BikeWriter]

46. Don't! IMHO, the human skin looks much nicer.

Art is for walls.

[barb162]

57. ditto

[BikeWriter]

58. Thank you, Barb. I've had a couple of exes with them.

I'd have prefered them without.

[barb162]

59. you're welcome

Tattoos are SO permanent. Even those laser treatments don't necessarily totally get rid of them.

[BikeWriter]

64. My second wife's Niece got one at 15...

She was a tall, slim, beautiful blond. She would have made an incredible model, but she had to have butterflies on her leg. The tattoo artist left town when he heard I was looking for him.

[EstimatedProphet]

47. Hey, when the bug bites, it bites

and people that don't like tattoos will never understand them. Like my entire family. Feh.

On my first one, I was under a naproxen subscription. Never felt a thing. However, I don't recommend that...

Personally, all of mine (5) are on my upper arms, and though some of them did hurt, none of them hurt to the point that I wouldn't do it again. Also (if you're inclined that way by chance) don't be put off by the tattoo artist, because he WILL have a bunch of them. Every tattoo artist I have had work on me looked very rough (one of them had metal spikes through their lower lip, like orc fangs!), and every one of them was a gentle, relaxed, cool person IMO-not the biker stereotype at all.
One last thing to remember: The difference between people with tattoos and people without them is that people with tattoos don't care whether you have any or not.

Here's what I consider my favorite-it's the kanji for year of the rabbit/year of the tiger. Depending on which calendar is used, I am either one or the other...

[DistressedAmerican]

51. That is very true. I got the idea years ago and have never shaken it.

I fear no looks. When in Rome. Once I find the person that does the work I want, the rest is irrelevant. Although it is reassuring to know that folks are gentle. I'd think that was a prerequisite but what do I know.

Nice lines on yours. They look like they are holding up well.

My mom is going to flip even though I'm 33, have been married for 10 years, and have a 4 month old of my one. I'll tell her after. She'll get over it.

[EstimatedProphet]

52. I understand that about your mom

Mine hates that I got them, and I didn't get my first until I was 38! But to her, the only people that have tattoos are navy men (which she does respect), prison inmates, and carnival workers.

[Technowitch]

61. I was the same way about mine

I wanted a rose on my leg since I was a teenager. Only later did I decide to add the pentagram.

Only took me until I was 41 to finally work up the nerve to go through with it.

-Technowitch

[mark414]

54. if you're getting it on your arm it shouldn't hurt that bad

i have one, some text that stretches the length of my forearm and the wrist is one of the more sensitive areas of the arm and even that wasn't that bad at all. it feels funny at first, then you just kind of get used to it.

it's basically just like getting one long continuous shot. it's a really different kind of pain though, like nothing i've ever felt before. you will react one of two ways: either it will be too much for you to bear or you will get addicted to it. it's definitely for me a feel good sort of pain and i would personally never do anything (alcohol) to try to deaden it at all. i love the feeling. you should be fine. just make sure to follow the instructions that the artist gives you, don't let it get any direct sunlight for awhile and it'll all be good.

as for what to look for in an artist; ask to see some of their work, all artists should have a portfolio, and make sure they're clean and all their equipment is sterilized...

it's a good looking piece, hope it works out.

myself, i am getting another one next weekend...can't wait!

[chenGOD]

55. It's a nice design...but for a tat, it's a little crowded..

I did read that you plan to photoshop out some of the crosshatching and little details, so that might make it a more workable piece. Talk about that with the artist, if they are any good they will be happy to discuss it with you before hand.

AS for th pain, it shouldn't hurt much at all; you're getting it done on your arm, and it's mostly line-work, not a lot of filling in.

Good luck with it, and show us the result...

[Ellen Forradalom]

60. When the tattooist traces and transfers

the design to your arm, have a real good look at it and make sure you're happy with it.

Looks beautiful. Tats are cool. I have one on my ankle and I don't regret it a bit.