Considering my first Tattoo

[Sarra]

I've been bouncing this idea around in my head for a bit (hey, it's empty in here, gotta do something with all of the space!), and after seeing a lady with a Treble clef tattoo, I started thinking that maybe I should get a bass clef tattoo. I love bass, if I had time, I would play it more. My favorite bands, musicians, and artists are typically either bass players, have an absolutely kick ass bass player, or are literally two badass bass players and a drummer. I've played bass guitar and string bass for quite a bit of my life, and I would love to have a bit of ink, it's almost like a part of my personality. It's also something very non-offensive, and something I would be proud to show friends, family, public, and my employer.

 

There's a licensed, insured, bonded tattoo place in town with a good reputation, I'm considering that as my first option.

 

Anything I should know before going into this?

[BootlessBuck]

I don’t have any tattoos, but from everything I’ve read, search based on the artist, not just the shop. Look at their work and find someone good. Don’t just walk into a shop and take what you get.

 

Also, think about placement. While it’s not an offensive tattoo, and you might be happy to show an employer, it’s not a great idea to have it in a place you can’t easily cover for work, as you never know what the employer thinks or what rules they might have. While it’s less common for it to be a problem these days, you never know where life may take you. 
 

One other thing to note, if you ever plan on going to Japan, tattoos have a stigma. They’re still tied to gangs, from what I understand. Some places won’t allow you in if you have a tattoo, and if displayed, it might change how some people treat you. If you never plan on going there, or are willing to accept the limitations, that’s fine. Just figured I mention it as something to look into if you think you may ever end up there. 

[IkeaGnome]

On 9/7/2024 at 1:14 PM, Sarra said:

Anything I should know before going into this?

Honestly, it seems like you’ve thought it out very well. 
What advice are you looking for? It sounds more like what to expect?

What size are you thinking with the tattoo? 

[FlyingPotato_is_taken]

I am definitely not a tattoo  fan but getting a temporary one (fancy "sticker" that vanishes after a few weeks) could be a good first step to see if you like it.

 

Keep in mind when choosing position that there are jobs where a visible tattoo is a nogo.

[Sarra]

On 9/9/2024 at 10:02 AM, IkeaGnome said:

Honestly, it seems like you’ve thought it out very well. 
What advice are you looking for? It sounds more like what to expect?

Hmm not really sure. I understand that it's not painless, but my pain threshold is pretty high. I've seen a few videos on second skin, so I know what to expect there.

 

Oh. I have EDS, so I have really stretchy skin that tears easily, compared to regular people's skin. I'm assuming this is something I should disclose to the artist I end up choosing? My EDS is mild, so this isn't a massive problem, but probably something I should disclose at the least.

 

On 9/9/2024 at 10:02 AM, IkeaGnome said:

What size are you thinking with the tattoo?

It's a simple tattoo, so smaller, but not small to the point that it's a problem. Maybe 1 1/2" - 2"?

 

On 9/9/2024 at 12:17 PM, FlyingPotato_is_taken said:

I am definitely not a tattoo  fan but getting a temporary one (fancy "sticker" that vanishes after a few weeks) could be a good first step to see if you like it.

 

Keep in mind when choosing position that there are jobs where a visible tattoo is a nogo.

Yeah. I might do that, but I don't really like how they look when they start coming off lol

 

My job is open for tattoos. It's pretty much the least offensive thing possible, so it really shouldn't be an issue. I mean, my supervisor has a nose ring.

[Beerzerker]

48 minutes ago, Sarra said:

My job is open for tattoos. It's pretty much the least offensive thing possible, so it really shouldn't be an issue. I mean, my supervisor has a nose ring.

I'd hate to be you if you handed him a strong magnet and asked him to check out what it smells like.

Nah - If I wasn't born with a tattoo as part of my appearance package options, I don't need it.
I'll give those artists a few sheets of paper to doodle on instead.

[Sarra]

14 hours ago, Beerzerker said:

I'd hate to be you if you handed him a strong magnet and asked him to check out what it smells like.

Not to be overly negative to you here, but, I'm pretty sure most piercings are made of non-ferrous materials...

 

14 hours ago, Beerzerker said:

Nah - If I wasn't born with a tattoo as part of my appearance package options, I don't need it.

It's fine if you feel that way. I don't particularly care either way. I've known so many people with ink, it's not that big of a deal here.

[IkeaGnome]

On 9/12/2024 at 2:04 PM, Sarra said:

Hmm not really sure. I understand that it's not painless, but my pain threshold is pretty high. I've seen a few videos on second skin, so I know what to expect there.

 

Oh. I have EDS, so I have really stretchy skin that tears easily, compared to regular people's skin. I'm assuming this is something I should disclose to the artist I end up choosing? My EDS is mild, so this isn't a massive problem, but probably something I should disclose at the least.

It’s not painless but depending on your pain threshold it’s not very painful either. The closer to bone it is, the more it will hurt. Places like the inside and outside of the elbow I had to split up on my sleeve, but I was able to lay for 8 hours on the rest of my arm. 

Pinch yourself a little bit in different places and where you’re thinking about getting the tattoo done for an idea on pain. The first couple minutes hurt, then adrenaline kicks in and it stops for a long time unless it’s a whole lot of shading. 

Don’t be afraid to tell your artist what you need. Room too cold? Ask them to turn it up. Starts hurting worse than you thought it would? Mention it to them. There are topical cremes they might have with lidocaine in them to help numb the area a little bit. 

As for skin conditions, make sure to share that with your artist. Parts of my arm that get mild eczema had to be tattooed differently from parts that don’t. Them knowing about it gives them the chance to work around conditions and compensate for it. 

On 9/12/2024 at 2:04 PM, Sarra said:

It's a simple tattoo, so smaller, but not small to the point that it's a problem. Maybe 1 1/2" - 2"?

Depending on level of detail that wouldn’t be bad at all. Anywhere from an hour plus. 

 

Tattoos are a thing where it’s easy to price shop. You tend to get what you pay for. Don’t be afraid to ask to see their portfolio. They should have one. Whether it’s on paper or on social media. You’ll get a much better idea of the work they do than talking to them. 
 

Be sure to eat before you go. That’s on the waiver you’ll have to sign. Do it. If you don’t, the adrenaline will keep you from being hungry for longer than you should. It’s more of a thing with longer appointments than it sounds like you’re going for but I’ve forgotten once and got sick while laying out of hunger. 
 

If you bleed a lot be sure to tell that to your artist too. A little bleeding is normal for everyone but if you know you bleed a lot it’s good for them to know before hand. 
 

Ask your artist their after treatment before you go to get the work done. My artist swears by Aquaphor and it’s what I use too. Every artist is slightly different. Vasoline is good too, but Aquaphor is the medicated OTC version. Helps with scarring. Asking before hand lets you get everything before the drive home. Non scented hand soap. Soft paper towels. If you use scented lotion day to day, they’ll probably want you to have some unscented for mid term aftercare. 
 

I’m sure there’s stuff I’m missing, but that should be a good rough idea.