Tattoos...

sazza

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I am booked in to get my tattoo on the 28th of this month. I must admit, I am scared! Can anyone share any advice? I would also like to see pics if possible!
 

crittermom

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Good luck and we want pics
I have 3 of them.I have a cross with a rose wrapped around it on my right shoulder blade, a Indian Dream Catcher on my right ankle area and then a Bulls Skull with a Tomahawk and a Spear behind it on my left ankle area.
I have some pics of them here somewhere.I'll look for them and see if I can post them.
Also, if you search this site for a post of Tats, you should find a few of them.
 

kittiesx2

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I don't have one but my husband has two and say's that it feels like getting stung by a bee many, many times
After awhile you go numb and it doesn't hurt so bad. My sister has five (last count) My Mother-in Law just got her first as a birthday present for herself (she's 60) I'm just a big wuss
I'm afraid that I'd get tired of my Tat and want to get rid of it
I can't find a design that I'd be happy with when I'm 80.. so I'm waiting until I do. Good luck
 

crittermom

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I would compare them to a HOT razor blade being put into your skin.NOT trying to scare you!!!!!
After a while, the stinging stops when it gets numb.
 

zissou'smom

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It depends on where you are getting tattooed. Say, an inch long banner up your spine is not a good idea unless you're into that sort of pain. Your arms and legs tend to hurt less. Ribs hurt like a, well, they hurt alot. Wrists and feet too, and also they bleed a lot. Shoulderblades medium-pain.

Artists are usually quite happy to give you a second to catch your breath!

How big is your piece? Honestly a lot of larger ones end up hurting less, because as crittermom said your body starts responding and you end up feeling a little naturally high by the end. Small ones you don't get that chance so they just plain hurt.

Just so you know, the outline tends to be worse by nature, so don't give up hope!
 

lakeriedog

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I have a few tattoos, my advice is;

1. Be sure to research your artist, and the shop they work out of. Go in ahead of time, and look at work they've done. Most will have a portfolio of their finished work.

2. Ask about their sanitary/health practices.

3. Know what you want when you go, even better to have a picture or drawing of what you'd like...try and stay away from flash.

4. Don't be afraid, it really doesn't hurt that bad.

5. Don't go in drunk, a reputable artist isn't going to tattoo you in that condition.

6. Be sure to choose the location of your tattoo carefully...my sailor chain and anchor ankle bracelet is very USNavy but not cute. I still love it, but it doesn't match every dress that I wear, so I end up looking for opaque tights when I am getting dressed up.
 

gingersmom

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It really is different for everyone, because we all have different tolerance levels for pain. For example, the two tats on my left leg (hip & outer-thigh area) hurt WAY more than the 8 x 10 inch tat that went directly over my spine on my upper back.

Personally, I pop a Percoset (SP? saved from previous injury) while the artist is preparing the inks, and that helps take the edge off for me.
I'm a big huge baby, but I have 6 tattoos, LOL.

BTW, Sicycat, I just LOVE that line art tat of a cat!!! That's awesome!
 

dixie_darlin

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I have 3... It stings like a bee for about the first 10 mins, then after that your body's endorphines kick in and blocks out the stinging. I actually fell asleep while I was getting the one on my lower back


What are you getting?
 

laureen227

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i'm thinking of getting one this week, too. i have a friend in Austin who has a couple, & i'm going to visit her. if she knows a reputable place, i may end up getting one. i'm thinking of getting one of Mouse if that's possible. if not, i'll look to see if there's some flash i like of a cat, like Sicycat's baby phat one.
 

twstychik

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You've gotten lots of great tips so I don't have anything to add but pics.

The first one is actually a culmination of 3 separate tats. Yes, they hurt but across the small of the back doesn't provide much fat or muscle. This is my pride and joy because I designed the last part which is the tribal and celtic knot.

Next is my very first tat... piece of cake. In fact, because of where it is and the fact that the guy was good i barely felt it.

The next 2 on my shoulders were pretty good. Not too painful but the dragon (right) was pretty time consuming.

Then is my ankle. Hurt like
in part because I have thin ankles but also I wasn't reacting like girly girl so the guy had to try and make me react by burying the needles (which did hurt) and in the process really messed it up. I scabbed really bad and lost a lot of ink. I had it re-touched later.

Last is Matt's ankle. He got it the same time I got the last of my back done. It was my b-day present to him. It's still his only tat but mostly just because we don't have the money to go for more.




 

hilda>^..^<

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Here's mine...



No, its not a tattoo! I'd be too chicken to get one! This is a beautiful rose vine that my oh-so-talented son drew on my arm while I was watching t.v. Thank goodness it was not made with permanent markers! LOL! I'm too old to have something that big on me!
Still, I think its very pretty!

Good luck with yours!

Hilda>^..^<
 

catloverin_ks

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I have 3
I honestly dont think they hurt that bad. At first it will tingle, or tickle(mine did anyways)

Good luck with yours.


Heres mine:


My second one.


3rd one, sorry it looks so dark. It is one with my kids names.


I cant get any good pics.....*grumbles* I have one on my right ankle as well. It was my first.
I will try and get some more pics up soon.
 

angel

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I have 2 cat tatoos all triy to post tham this weekend what is the bast way to do that any one know
 

hilda>^..^<

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Originally Posted by angel

I have 2 cat tatoos all triy to post tham this weekend what is the bast way to do that any one know
Do you have a place to host your pics...like a photobucket account? I think many of the members here have one and it makes it pretty easy to post pics...plus its a free service, which makes it even nicer!

Hilda>^..^<
 

artharitis

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I have 12 tattoos and am planning on sleeving my already heavily tattooed arms. The tips that have already been said are excellent. I wouldn't recommend taking any medicine to ease the pain of the tattoo, most artists will ask you if you have taken anything and a lot will refuse to tattoo if you have.. your blood is more thin and you will bleed more while being tattooed. Most reputable shops will also have you sign a release form saying that you have eaten within 4 hours prior of the tattoo and that you have not taken advil or any other meds. Eating is important because when being tattooed your blood sugar will a lot of the times naturally drop. If you are worried about that chew some sugar tablets before you go. When finding an artist make sure that the shop is licensed and that the artist has been practicing for a number of years.. some people may dispute this but tattoo art is a field where people get better with more practice. Don't worry about the pain, I have tattoos everywhere and none of them were particularly painful. Some spots obviously are more sensitive than others. Go to the tattoo shop prepared with what you want, but once you find an artist you like (make sure to look through their portfolios, if they don't have any its not a good sign), listen to what they have to say about placement.. good artists know what works and what doesn't, sometimes its a compromise of what you want and what will work once its on your body. I'm going tommorow to get another tattoo. Very excited. Good luck and if you have any questions feel free to post. I'm a tattoo nerd.
 
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sazza

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Oh WOW! Some really great advice!

I have been thinking about getting a tattoo for quite some time now. I have researched artists in the area, and discovered a design I really loved through myspace of all places. The girl told me where she got it, and I went into the shop. They then designed me something similar.

When I went into see the design, I wasn't happy with it, so the girl did another! I am pleased with this one! I don't have any pics of it though but I promise to post pics of the finished tat!

It isn't too small either! Its approx 4" x 3". I am excited about getting it. Here is a link to their website - some fantastic artwork there. www.tribetattoo.co.uk if you go into their forum, you will see even more art work. Heather has designed my tattoo and will also do my tattoo.

I wont be drinking or taking anything before I go, but I might have a drink after it! My friend is also going in to have a back piece finished after me!


Just to add, here is the link to the design mines is inspired from. http://www.tribetattoo.co.uk/ink/heather/14/
 
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