Thinking about a tattoo...input?

[Argentra]

Here's the deal: I'm thinking of getting my first real tattoo soon. The only things that might keep me from doing it would be not finding a trustworthy place, and the estimate costs being too high...I am a student after all.

I've been talking with anyone I can who has one (or more) tats already about how much it cost and, especially, what it felt like. I'm very afraid of needles, but have been told the tat needles don't penetrate like a hypo. If they're more like being pricked repeatedly by sewing needles, then I think I can handle that.

If I decide to go ahead with it, it would be a ball python in 'S' position, some shading but no color, on my right ankle. Sort of like this little guy, but with a pattern.



So, what does everyone think? Please give me your input and any opinions or experience you might have with tats. Thanks.

[DSGB]

i think it would look a little plain. id get one with a pattern. or have it wrapped up around your ankle.

tatts arent too painful. its nothing like getting a shot from a doctor.

and if u want a quality tattoo do some research on the artist first.

just my 2 cents

[ladywhipple02]

I'd go talk to a couple of artists, have them draw something up for you. They can even place it so you can see it on your body. Seeing it on paper, seeing what it might look like as an actual tattoo always helps a bit.


And getting one on the neck really didn't hurt at all. A little bit behind the ear, but not as bad as I was prepared for. Have one on the outside of my thigh, too---a dragon---and it didn't hurt, either.

Here's what I've heard: the foot HURTS! My sis says so, my best friend who has ten tats (one on both feet) says so. The back of the calf hurts (again, from the friend who has ten). Back isn't too bad.

I'm afraid of needles, too, but tats aren't like getting a shot. It's kinda feels like getting scratched... and kinda heals the same way.

[Blue Apple Herps]

It's more annoying than painful, though I have a pretty high tolerance of pain. I have two, one on my back and one on my foot. The one on my back was no big deal, when he was right on my spine that was irritating, but not painful. The foot was painful though. Not unbearable, but a lot more than irritating.

I will say this, make sure it's something you really want. I got the one on my back when I turned 18, more of a "I'm 18 and I have to get a tatoo". It's some random design that means nothing to me; I only got it because I could. Do I regret it, no? Do I get excited looking at it, no. The one on my foot I absolutely love and always get pumped whenever I see it.

So make sure it's something you really want before you do it. Oh, and I agree, that snake would be too plain as is with just the white, but that pose of another morph would be awesome.

[Argentra]

Thanks, ladywhipple02, that sounds a lot like what I've been hearing from others as well. Heck, even my MOM got a tat (butterfly behind her left shoulder) and said it didn't really hurt. I suppose it's reports like those that are the reason I'm really thinking of doing this. So the pain isn't as much of a consideration now...but the money still is a big one.

BTW, the snake would have a pattern, I just haven't found a patterned pic in that pose yet.
I like the sound of that dragon. What's the pic on your foot, blueapplepaste?

Thanks for the input so far... anyone else?

[python.princess]

i've heard getting a tat described as feeling like someone is scratching your back kinda hard on the same spot over and over. that's about right. my first tat (i was 19) is between my shoulder blades. i had no problem with the pain. when it got to the ends on the blades, it was a lot more irritating but nothing that most people can't handle. same with the one on my lower belly on the right side. when it got to the hip bone it was worse but still manageable.

how big are you thinking about getting it? my first was pretty small because i was worried about the pain... now i'm thinking about adding on to it! i think you should try and position your snake into the pose you want! snap a bunch of pictures and take the best to an artist for a quote! that way it's more personal and you can tell people 'this is MY snake'

[wolfy-hound]

I've stated my opinion on tattoos before. It hink you should only get a tattoo if you are REALLY sure. You won't be able to easily change it or get rid of it, so be sure it's not just a whim to get a snake on your leg.
I have two, and I don't regret either one, they make me happy. Both of mine are on the upper arm. Fleshy areas are less painful than boney areas. That's why feet hurt worse. The feeling is more like a scraping than anything else. My first one didn't hurt at all, and the second one was uncomfortable, but wasn't bad. Being female, I'll tell you, be sure you are not on your period, as I'm pretty sure that's what made my second one worse, and my friends said the same.
The hygeine of the shop is above all else most important. Make sure they have a tattoo-only room. Make sure they will open sealed packs of needles in front of you, and that they have proper equipment for sterilizing. Also, take proper care of it afterwards!!!
I'm planning a ball python tattoo for me too, but mine iwll most likely be a pied in color, I like color in my tattoos.
I am planning one black and white only tattoo, but it won't be a family-friendly one. The next tattoos will be one thighs, and posibly more on one arm.
Good luck!

[Enve]

The pain all depends on where you get it, I have a BUNCH of tats and i'd have to say my worst was the back of my calf and wrists were pretty unpleasant. As for artists and pricing you need to be very picking on your artist it took me 4 years and a few horrid ink jobs before I found a great artist. Price wise, you pretty much get what you pay for. Around my parts (MA/NH) going price for a decent artist is around $150-175/hr

[raptorslovepuns]

A good rule of thumb is to wait at least a year with the same design in mind. You wouldn't want to get a ball and then later discover that your favorite snakes are womas.

[Blue Apple Herps]

What's the pic on your foot, blueapplepaste?

It's a sabre. When people see it and ask what it's for I always jokingly tell people it's because my ancestors were pirates. I love it when they actually believe me! For me it represents colorguard. As lame as it sounds I owe so much to the activity. And I really like having a sword on my foot!