My First Tattoo!
I honestly had considered getting a tattoo for some time, but figured I would be too daunted to actually follow through. Getting "marked" with one particular piece for life was quite an overwhelming concept to me. However, it fascinated me greatly; around the age of 17 I began contemplating the idea. When I turned 18, I considered changing my social media bios to "18" the most significant "milestone", that is until getting a tattoo was once again brought to mind. Therefore, I, being the extremely impulsive person I am, went right out and got one.
Step 1: Determine What You Really Want
I have made up my mind! I am going to get a tattoo! But... of what???
I was aware of the consequences that would surface if this question was not answered with utmost certainty. It periodically popped into my thoughts for about 6 months but I couldn't, for the life of me, reach a decision. My plans gradually subsided as I gave up on the pending decision.
A short while ago, I took up journaling. My mom bought me the most adorable journal and I write/ doodle in it every day. I began noticing that when I "doodled", a single word repeatedly flowed from my pen: "hope". Now I am not one to openly discuss my feelings whether they be happy, sad, angry, or another; I just feel the need to translate what this word means to me.
Hope is defined as:
I've since been enlightened. Thanks greatly to the help from my family, friends, and Jesus Christ. Being brought up in a very Christian home does nothing to shield you from the harrowing encounters this world hurls at you; I regrettably lost my faith due to the relentless extremities that I faced in the past 8 months.
There's an excerpt from a poem written by Russell Kelfer that I love so much. It states:
Life goes on, there is hope, the tattoo I got will forever be a reminder that hope will subdue, I will never forget that again.
Step 2: Do Your Research
I neglected to follow this step which resulted in minor disappointment upon arrival at the tattoo shop. My initial vision was to get a one to one and a half inch word "hope" with a heart connected to the end of the "e" (just like the doodle) on the top right corner of the inside part of my wrist. As shown in the picture to the right. However, the tattoo artist at Lotus Tattoo, which was the first shop I ventured to, completely shut it down. He was, in my opinion, extremely disrespectful and over opinionated. I had little to no knowledge regarding tattoos and was well aware of the fact that this man did; he crossed the fine line between professional opinion and personal insults. When I told him my idea he said it would look "stupid" and he refused to do it for me because of his pride. So, I left.
The next place my friends and I tried was Provocative Tattoo. The artist there respectfully shared his opinion, based on experience, about smaller tattoos. He informed me that over time (5-10 years) the ink spreads and such a small word may turn into an unreadable blob. After much deliberation and help from my friends, I finally made up my mind on a new location, angle, and size.
If I had done my research, I most certainly would have discovered this information beforehand and saved the artists lots of time and trouble. You live and you learn, am I right?
Step 3: Get the Tattoo!
My friends understood what I was explaining but for some reason the artist did not! I said I wanted the word "hope" written in long, wispy, cursive, with a small heart connected to the end of the "e". My assumption is that tattoo artists are so used to such complicated and extravagant pieces, so he could not comprehend my simple idea. In the end, I sketched the "design" myself and he used my actual handwriting which is pretty awesome, in my opinion!
Once the paperwork was signed and I was waiting for him to finish prepping the station, my stomach began twisting and turning. I was so nervous! After what seemed like forever, he called me over and my friend sat beside me so I could squeeze his hand. (which I did) It honestly was not as painful as I had anticipated; of course it hurt quite a bit but it wasn't excruciating. The only horrible comparison I can make is it felt like someone pushed the tip of a pen into your arm and slowly dragged it around. That sounds awful but I expected a chainsaw in the arm so I was pleasantly surprised.
The entire process from sitting in the chair to paying was only about 15 minutes! The tattoo itself was finished in what felt like 5 minutes but I didn't necessarily keep track of the time; I was too focused on not jerking my arm and screwing everything up.
The total was a whopping $80, but if you think about the fact that this is a permanent marking, almost like a lifelong accessory for under $100, it seems worth it.
Overall, it was an amazing experience. I am so happy with the results and have absolutely no regrets!
If you want a tattoo, just get it! The only advice I have for you is make sure it is something very meaningful to you and you will also have no regrets.
I would love to know about your first tattoo experience and the meaning behind it so feel free to tell me!
Step 1: Determine What You Really Want
I have made up my mind! I am going to get a tattoo! But... of what???
I was aware of the consequences that would surface if this question was not answered with utmost certainty. It periodically popped into my thoughts for about 6 months but I couldn't, for the life of me, reach a decision. My plans gradually subsided as I gave up on the pending decision.
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| Doodles From My Journal |
Hope is defined as:
"the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best"What I want is happiness. It is so simple. Growing up I was always genuinely happy. (Unless of course one of my sisters took the last popsicle or stole the front seat from me, then shit got real!) I long for that pure Joy again. Waking up refreshed and positive, ready to start the day; cherishing the moments I have with the people I love; focusing on present time, only looking to the future with enthusiasm and hope! It's all about perspective. I was so ignorant and chose to isolate myself with the only thing I to scrutinized, sadness.
I've since been enlightened. Thanks greatly to the help from my family, friends, and Jesus Christ. Being brought up in a very Christian home does nothing to shield you from the harrowing encounters this world hurls at you; I regrettably lost my faith due to the relentless extremities that I faced in the past 8 months.
There's an excerpt from a poem written by Russell Kelfer that I love so much. It states:
No, that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into his likeness you'd grow.The meaning behind his words is overwhelmingly beautiful. We've all faced trauma, or heartbreak, it's hard as hell and sometimes you are convinced that there is no light at the end of the tunnel, or no hope. Well let me tell you one thing I am certain of, there is! I have been to what feels like hell and back, the lowest of lows you can get to, but I am still sitting here today, blessed to be alive.
Life goes on, there is hope, the tattoo I got will forever be a reminder that hope will subdue, I will never forget that again.
Step 2: Do Your Research
I neglected to follow this step which resulted in minor disappointment upon arrival at the tattoo shop. My initial vision was to get a one to one and a half inch word "hope" with a heart connected to the end of the "e" (just like the doodle) on the top right corner of the inside part of my wrist. As shown in the picture to the right. However, the tattoo artist at Lotus Tattoo, which was the first shop I ventured to, completely shut it down. He was, in my opinion, extremely disrespectful and over opinionated. I had little to no knowledge regarding tattoos and was well aware of the fact that this man did; he crossed the fine line between professional opinion and personal insults. When I told him my idea he said it would look "stupid" and he refused to do it for me because of his pride. So, I left.The next place my friends and I tried was Provocative Tattoo. The artist there respectfully shared his opinion, based on experience, about smaller tattoos. He informed me that over time (5-10 years) the ink spreads and such a small word may turn into an unreadable blob. After much deliberation and help from my friends, I finally made up my mind on a new location, angle, and size.
If I had done my research, I most certainly would have discovered this information beforehand and saved the artists lots of time and trouble. You live and you learn, am I right?
Step 3: Get the Tattoo!
My friends understood what I was explaining but for some reason the artist did not! I said I wanted the word "hope" written in long, wispy, cursive, with a small heart connected to the end of the "e". My assumption is that tattoo artists are so used to such complicated and extravagant pieces, so he could not comprehend my simple idea. In the end, I sketched the "design" myself and he used my actual handwriting which is pretty awesome, in my opinion!
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| Getting the Tattoo (pic cred: Buddy) |
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| The Finished Piece |
The total was a whopping $80, but if you think about the fact that this is a permanent marking, almost like a lifelong accessory for under $100, it seems worth it.
Overall, it was an amazing experience. I am so happy with the results and have absolutely no regrets!
If you want a tattoo, just get it! The only advice I have for you is make sure it is something very meaningful to you and you will also have no regrets.