Permanent Art: Tattoo Tips From Personal Experience
In my opinion, tattoos are both a beautiful and satisfying addition to your body. I personally love getting them and despite the pain, I have had very pleasant experiences. Saying this, I am going to explain some tips that I wish I thought about or information that I feel is important to know before and after getting a tattoo. I will share both the good and bad experiences that my friends and I have had while inking in the past.
1. Research your artist.
I am going to stress this; this tattoo is going to be on your body for the rest of your life. Please, oh please, research your artist. Make sure that you are familiar with their style and that you would be happy with their work on your body.
The best place to learn about the artist and the experience is from people who have already gone through what you’re about to. Look at the customers. Look at the result after the tattoo. Make sure to review their social media, and also look at the designs several months on. It is easy for a tattoo to look alright a few days after being done, but what about several months after? Most tattoo artists will post pictures of the designs several months after being done to prove this point. If they do not, it’s probably a red flag that usually means the design does not hold up in the long term.
2. Accept the pain.
All tattoos hurt. Accept it is going to hurt, no matter where it is on your body. Some will indeed hurt more depending on the placement. My first detailed tattoo was on my ribs. Yes, it hurt, a lot. I remember squeezing my sister’s hand the whole time.
Usually, the tattoo hurts more where the bone and muscle are more present, which is why the ribs are one of the most painful places to get it. But it all depends on your pain tolerance. My advice is to accept it is going to hurt and to be aware that while this pain is temporary, the art is permanent.
3. It’s all in the preparation.
As well as researching the artist in terms of the preparation, I am going to detail what you should do on the day of your appointment. First, make sure you eat a full meal before getting the tattoo. It is very important because you sit for a long time, and being on a full stomach will prevent you from fainting. Second, do not drink alcohol 12 hours before the tattoo (trust me on this one). I have had a tattoo on a hangover, and it is not fun. I do not recommend it and in fact, the process is somehow even more painful. Third, make sure you are on time if not early! There is nothing worse than being late to a tattoo appointment. They have the right to refuse you or charge you for the time wasted. Fourth, on the day make sure you bring a drink and deodorant. Deodorant not only helps you but also the artist, they do not want to sit with you for hours, sweating and smelling. And lastly, chose comfy clothes to wear, again since you will be sitting for a while. It is also easier on the artist as they can get to the skin where you want the tattoo.
4. Be prepared for the judgment.
Not from the artist, but from friends, family, strangers, everyone. Unsolicited comments from people at work, random people touching them on a night out, it is a lot. One thing I have learned from getting tattoos is that there are always a lot of questions from those around you and you cannot escape it. People have made it known to me that they do not like my tattoos, and they want me to stop getting them. Do I listen? No. Except for eye-rolls, expect judgment, accept what is going to come. But if you chose the right tattoo for you, expect it to grow with you and for you to love it.
Bonus Tip: Some important notes to keep in mind.
I am about to get deep, so prepare yourself. You are the only person who is a constant in your life. Now I love my tattoos, because they mean something to me, and only me. That means no one can take that away from me. Plus, it is fun when people ask and I create a new reason for the tattoo (I make them weird because I find it funny). I have had a bunch of criticism for getting tattoos at freshly nineteen, but this is the way I see it. Nobody knows how long we’re going to be alive. I do not want to die with any regrets. So, if I die covered head to toe in tattoos, know I was happy. Life is far too short for regrets, so if I want art on my body, I will. In a sense, having the tattoos actually made me love my body more. If you are happy with your tattoos, then you should not let anyone else touch you. I appreciate myself more. I picked something for me, and no one else. I love myself for my choices and that is all I need.
Petition of the Month
Stop measuring the height and weight of children in primary school!
Children in Reception and Year 6 currently have their height and weight recorded by school nurses to check whether their BMI is over or under weight. They then receive a letter home for additional help with this. I believe this scheme is detrimental to children’s mental health.
Children’s health has to do with more than their BMI. Weighing children at 4/5 can instill into them a belief that their weight is important NOT their health. Children at 11/12 are far more aware and can discuss their results with their peers, which can perpetuate the problem further. I believe this scheme does more harm than good.
Given the impact the pandemic has had on children’s health, action needs to be taken to protect the mental health of children.