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I think you've gotten some good advice: waiting until you are sure on a design and placement you can live with, placing the first where it can be hidden (until you decide you are ready to 'out' yourself to the non-tattoo world), and in being fairly warned that they can be addicting. Some folks I know have gotten temporary tat where they wanted their first (especially if it's a small design) to get a feel for the look of it. Might be an idea depending on how concerned you are abotu placement. The only additional advice I'd give is to get references from local friends to find the right artist for you, inspect the parlor to be sure they abide by the common sense rules of the trade (sterlized needles, individual disposable miniature ink cups, and latex gloves for their own protection - most do, but criminally there are still exceptions), look long and hard at the artists book of ink, and don't be afraid to walk out of the parlor if you aren't comfortable. Also very important, is to be very careful how you treat the wound (afterall that is what a new tat is) until it heals. I usually use neosporin for 1 day. then switch to a scentless moisturizing cream for 2-3 weeks. Avoid getting it overly wet in the bath/shower as that may cause excessive scabbing. You artist should be able to give you specific directions as well , each tends to have their own favorite healing techniques. oh, almost forgot - DON'T SRATCH IT WHEN IT ITCHES! lol I have several tats, all of which are custom art except one piece of flash which I chose becasue I liked the design and, more importantly knew it would effectively cover up my first tat (which I thought meant alot to me at the time but 14 years later was simply an eyesore and a waste of valuable 'real estate'). I must say I am rather happy with my body art at the moment. I am working on a custom full back design with my inkguy currently, though I'm not sure when I'll be able to afford to get it done. I'm a large man, and we're estimating between 40 & 50 hours of ink or more including the outline, coloring and shading (it will be a mix of B&W and color). I'm probably looking at between 10-15 separate sittings once I begin, oh joy! Thus far the longest I have sat under the needle was 5 1/2 hours at one time. I was fine for the first 4 hours, but the last hour and a half the endorphins had long worn off and eventually I just wanted to knock his teeth in. LOL Your body is your temple... why not decorate it? Mod5
< Message edited by ModeratorFive -- 3/17/2005 7:11:30 PM >
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