Want to get a tattoo but would like advice...

So I've decided I'm an adult and I can get a tatto if I want, dangit...most likely something snakey related.

Anywho, what advice can you give me on:
- body location: I was thinking on the ankle.
- how to shop for a tattoo artist/shop.
- best practice for looking for/creating a design: I kinda don't want a "cookie cutter" tattoo since I don't want to see someone else with the same thing but I'd like to hear best practices for working with the artist to get what I want.
- how much I should expect to pay: the design swimming in my head is, I think, pretty simple. Maybe 2" x 2" all black silhouette of a stylized snake. Thoughts?
- how should I prepare the skin or other physical attributes to prepare for the actual tattooing: wash/don't wash the skin, shave/don't shave, drink lots of water, take advil?

Thanks in advance!

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Originally Posted by cassandra

So I've decided I'm an adult and I can get a tatto if I want, dangit...most likely something snakey related.

Anywho, what advice can you give me on:
- body location: I was thinking on the ankle.
- how to shop for a tattoo artist/shop.
- best practice for looking for/creating a design: I kinda don't want a "cookie cutter" tattoo since I don't want to see someone else with the same thing but I'd like to hear best practices for working with the artist to get what I want.
- how much I should expect to pay: the design swimming in my head is, I think, pretty simple. Maybe 2" x 2" all black silhouette of a stylized snake. Thoughts?
- how should I prepare the skin or other physical attributes to prepare for the actual tattooing: wash/don't wash the skin, shave/don't shave, drink lots of water, take advil?

Thanks in advance!

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Hey,the ankle can be a little more awkward to get a tattoo on as it has the bone there(doesnt hurt but you feel the vibrations of the needle)
The shoulder,belly area or the lower back are common areas to get a first tattoo on,and easy to get tattooed there.
as for finding an artist to do the tattoo for you,dont go for the first one you find or the cheapest.look around and find someone who has a good rep, and plenty of experience in the business.sometimes a cheap tattoo is a bad tattoo by someone who hasnt had enough practise.
as for preparing the skin for the tattoo, just keep it clean as you usually do.the tattooist will shave/clean the area before the tattoo is done anyway so really you dont have anything to worry about there.
take your time in looking for an artist,and ask to see some of his work before you commit to getting them to do one for you.
ohyeah,,dont take any painkillers unless the artist advises you to,some of them can make you bleed more making it harder for the artist to do the tattoo for you.as for working with the artist,all you have to do is make it clear to him/her about what you want,but be prepared for them wanting to make changes to the design if they feel it will look better.

Hope this helps.

Well when you found the artist you want to tattoo you, the best thing about having a tattoo artist is he is an artist. What most people do and the artist usually prefers is you give the artist the idea so he can blow it up for you. Usually works out for the best. As far as prepping your self, just make sure you have the money ready is all. The artist will explain everything else.

Judd

Only thing i can add to this is to take your time and really think about what you want and were you want it. and look through ALL the artist portfolios that they have, it really gives up a good idea as to what there good at tattooing.

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Originally Posted by Reptile_Man

Hey,the ankle can be a little more awkward to get a tattoo on as it has the bone there(doesnt hurt but you feel the vibrations of the needle)
The shoulder,belly area or the lower back are common areas to get a first tattoo on,and easy to get tattooed there.
as for finding an artist to do the tattoo for you,dont go for the first one you find or the cheapest.look around and find someone who has a good rep, and plenty of experience in the business.sometimes a cheap tattoo is a bad tattoo by someone who hasnt had enough practise.
as for preparing the skin for the tattoo, just keep it clean as you usually do.the tattooist will shave/clean the area before the tattoo is done anyway so really you dont have anything to worry about there.
take your time in looking for an artist,and ask to see some of his work before you commit to getting them to do one for you.

Hope this helps.

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One more thing ALL TATTOOS HURT. Ive been getting tattooed for years and every tattoo i have hurt.

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Originally Posted by cassandra

So I've decided I'm an adult and I can get a tatto if I want, dangit...most likely something snakey related.

Anywho, what advice can you give me on:
- body location: I was thinking on the ankle.

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Will hurt thin skin close to the bone will you live through it yes. places that don't hurt arms, shoulder, calves chest.

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- how to shop for a tattoo artist/shop.

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find a place that is clean and friendly. Most places will talk with you and even let you look around. They want you to be comfortable they want your business.

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- best practice for looking for/creating a design: I kinda don't want a "cookie cutter" tattoo since I don't want to see someone else with the same thing but I'd like to hear best practices for working with the artist to get what I want.

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take pics of patterns colors and body positions of how you would want it to look. Then get one of the artist to draw it out. Might cost a little more than a wall flash tat but it'll be your and no one else's

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- how much I should expect to pay: the design swimming in my head is, I think, pretty simple. Maybe 2" x 2" all black silhouette of a stylized snake. Thoughts?

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black and grays run around 60-100 depending on how complex. remember the smaller the tat the less detail you'll be able to get.

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- how should I prepare the skin or other physical attributes to prepare for the actual tattooing: wash/don't wash the skin, shave/don't shave, drink lots of water, take advil?

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NO! pain killers or alcohol they thin the blood and will cause more bleeding and will lessen the amount of ink that stays under the skin.

Shower good first, shave the area the artist might do it again to remove any minute hair that might get in the way. After your done get "drum roll please"
Preparation H to put on it for the first day or two. Hint in removes swelling in skin and allows the ink to hold it place better. Then just triple antibiotic ointment. They'll give you an after care sheet.

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Will hurt thin skin close to the bone will you live through it yes. places that don't hurt arms, shoulder, calves chest.
.

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The chest was a terrible pain, remember all tattoos hurt but man did the chest hurt. Of course i have my whole chest done. It still hurts real bad the ribs too.

LOL..i never heard of that. the place i went to this last time just recommends plain sentless body lotion. they wrap the tatt in plastic wrap and say to leave it on for the first 2 days. but my brother in law is a tattoo artist out of arizona he did all but one of mine, said to use that triple antiboitic ointment you mentioned..just goes to show everyplace is different i guess...i think if my tatt guy told me that i'd laugh....but hey it just might work..

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

After your done get "drum roll please"
Preparation H to put on it for the first day or two.

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PREPERATION H????? wow i wouldnt personally but i guess all artists give differnet advice....

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Originally Posted by juddb

The chest was a terrible pain, remember all tattoos hurt but man did the chest hurt. Of course i have my whole chest done. It still hurts real bad the ribs too.

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I was meaning more in the pectoral muscle area. The ribs were bad my worst one was on the under side of arm close to the pit. :eek:

And thats where my Artist/friend started the outline...:eek::mad::eek::mad::mad::eek:

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Originally Posted by juddb

PREPERATION H????? wow i wouldnt personally but i guess all artists give differnet advice....

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That "Tattoo goo" is basicly the same as Preperation H reduces swelling helps with the discomfort for the first couple days.

Tell ya what i got my forearm done and that was pretty much pain free, and my first one was on my shoulder blade and it was the same. pain free for the most part, but my back holy cr*p now that hurt....BAD..

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Originally Posted by jar2476

said to use that triple antiboitic ointment you mentioned..

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See the basic idea is to keep the scab moist so that it doesn't dry out, crack, and flake of early and pull ink out of the new skin underneath, Lotion, Coco butter will all work.

you ever have yours wrapped in plastic wrap?? my forearm was and it has the best color out of any of mine...it really cut down on the scaps and dry skin..it lock the moisture in i guess.

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

See the basic idea is to keep the scab moist so that it doesn't dry out, crack, and flake of early and pull ink out of the new skin underneath, Lotion, Coco butter will all work.

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Originally Posted by jar2476

you ever have yours wrapped in plastic wrap?? my forearm was and it has the best color out of any of mine...it really cut down on the scaps and dry skin..it lock the moisture in i guess.

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Yea its like Sarnwrap(sp). helps close the pores in your skin and hold in ink.

Works great!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Yea its like Sarnwrap(sp). helps close the pores in your skin and hold in ink.

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I just got a snake tattoo about a week and a half ago on my shoulder. It is from a pic of my friend Susan's spider ball. It turned out well and didn't hurt much at all. Most of the pain was on the collar bone. But it was tolerable ;) Now I am ready to go get another one :D Here is a pic of it. This was right after I had it done. Once it is completely healed I will post another pic.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...meeee008-1.jpg

Okay, no painkillers or booze - good to know.

I think I'm more of a sissy about finding an artist than I am about getting the tatt...scary new world. But I'm guessing if I shamble into a studio, they should be attentive to a potential customer, right...and if so, smell ya later...

While I understand the artist's tools need to be super duper clean etc., my only other medical worry is my skin itself. I have both eczema and psoriasis, which makes my skin VERY dry, usually quite ticklish/sensitive and prone to swelling and reddish if scratched. Any of you know if someone with skin like mine should just stir away from tatt's because of potential future skin problems or not to worry?

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Originally Posted by cassandra

But I'm guessing if I shamble into a studio, they should be attentive to a potential customer, right...and if so, smell ya later...

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Bingo they run a business just like Radio shack and Wal-mart. customer satifaction should be prime key ace number one second only to clean.

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While I understand the artist's tools need to be super duper clean etc., my only other medical worry is my skin itself. I have both eczema and psoriasis, which makes my skin VERY dry, usually quite ticklish/sensitive and prone to swelling and reddish if scratched. Any of you know if someone with skin like mine should just stir away from tatt's because of potential future skin problems or not to worry?

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Check with your doctor first and if the Doc gives you the go ahead then just make sure the artist knows so they can adjust accordingly

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Originally Posted by jeffnme

I just got a snake tattoo about a week and a half ago on my shoulder. It is from a pic of my friend Susan's spider ball. It turned out well and didn't hurt much at all. Most of the pain was on the collar bone. But it was tolerable ;) Now I am ready to go get another one :D Here is a pic of it. This was right after I had it done. Once it is completely healed I will post another pic.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...meeee008-1.jpg

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Daang let you tatoo her spider on your body??

Susan I'm mad. You said I couldn't put your name on my bum and here your letting this guy put your snakes on his body. :(

FINE No pie for you!

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Daang let you tatoo her spider on your body??

Susan I'm mad. You said I couldn't put your name on my bum and here your letting this guy put your snakes on his body. :(

FINE No pie for you!

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I am not a guy. I am a woman. lol. and she is my neighbor and bf ;)

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

See the basic idea is to keep the scab moist so that it doesn't dry out, crack, and flake of early and pull ink out of the new skin underneath, Lotion, Coco butter will all work.

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I agree, i only use cocoa butter and triple a ointment for tattoos. Also the plastic wrap is to keep dust or dirt off the tattoo for a few hours.

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Originally Posted by jeffnme

I am not a guy. I am a woman. lol. and she is my neighbor and bf ;)

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My appoligies on the gender mixup..

Susan is great!

Tell her I said hello and no pie for her she'll know what I mean.

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

My appoligies on the gender mixup..

Susan is great!

Tell her I said hello and no pie for her she'll know what I mean.

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no problem ;)

and yea...she's alright i guess :psychotic ;)

I have my whole upper back done now and anywhere near bone or your spine or any "harder" place is painfull, but it's worth it. I went to a lot of places after going through the 18 year old "tattoo me now" phase and I'm really happy with the girl who fixed mine all up. IMO, thrice tattoed and my girl has four and she agrees...girls do better ink. It might just be how the cookie crumbled, but she cared way more for us than any other tattoo either one of us had ever got. She was way more patient, calmer, easier to talk to, professional, cleaner, and was a better artist than any other. My girlfriend said she had the same type of experience with a different woman who did her back. Like I said, It could of been chance, but I don't think so. I've talked to close to forty tatooists before I had my back redone and extended.

I use bacitration for a day and then Bag Balm (sp?) for a week or so afterwards for healing. Mine look new to the day.

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

See the basic idea is to keep the scab moist so that it doesn't dry out, crack, and flake of early and pull ink out of the new skin underneath, Lotion, Coco butter will all work.

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might i add, that all the tattoos i got only 3, but i used bepanthen nappy rash cream on them,,healed very quickly.10 days is all it took.bepanthen , i dont know if you can get in the states but the closest thing to it should be ok,as long as its not too heavily medicated.
all tattoos do hurt,but for me i have a high tolerance for pain so maybe thats why mine didnt hurt me that much.after the first 5 minutes i mean.it gets to be an enjoyable experience getting a tattoo,the sound of the buzzing needle justs puts ya into a trance.deadly buzz.

Well with me after the outline the skin went numb so all I feel is my skin jumping up and down.

Join inkednation.com and do a search for tattoo artists in your area, then find a good one. You can look through their portfolios on there and talk to them. Once you find one whose work you really like, tell him what you are thinking and he/she will tell you what are good ideas and what aren't. The artist who is going to do the work can answer all your questions better than anyone else, and they will know exactly what you want when it comes time to sketch it out.

I'm getting 2 new tattoos done in about 2 hours by Darrin White from NC who's touring the U.S. right now. I talked to him about a month ago when I found out he would be in Illinois and told him what I wanted and set up an appointment. I wouldn't go any other route than that. I'm excited. Darrin's an awesome artist.

www.bmezine.com not exactly a tattoo site,its a body modification site, with alot of links and reports,really good site,has info on expo's and stuff liek that, worth a look.

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Will hurt thin skin close to the bone will you live through it yes. places that don't hurt arms, shoulder, calves chest.

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:O

My shoulder was the worst EVER!!!! I sooo cried and tried to bribe/beg the artist to stop...he totally wouldn't!!!! I did get it all done in one sitting though...it was like 4 hours.

I will agree with you about the arm not hurting though. That was cake! And I say that still having to go back to finish the underneath. Sooo, yeah...I'll probably cry.....again!!!!

btw..by crying I mean tearing up....not actually crying my eyes out!:tears:

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Originally Posted by daaangconcepts

btw..by crying I mean tearing up....not actually crying my eyes out!:tears:

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Riiiight....:giggle:

No pie for you. LOL

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Originally Posted by daaangconcepts

And I say that still having to go back to finish the underneath. Sooo, yeah...I'll probably cry.....again!!!!

btw..by crying I mean tearing up....not actually crying my eyes out!:tears:

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We'll soon find out :tears: :D

For some reason i don't believe you!!!!!

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Originally Posted by daaangconcepts

btw..by crying I mean tearing up....not actually crying my eyes out!:tears:

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Susan I'm mad. You said I couldn't put your name on my bum

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:8:

Fine! I've changed my mind!!! You totally should do it!!! Have you deceided if you wanted "Property of" or just Daaang?;)

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Originally Posted by daaangconcepts

:8:

Fine! I've changed my mind!!! You totally should do it!!! Have you deceided if you wanted "Property of" or just Daaang?;)

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It should totally say "property of Daaang!" :D

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Originally Posted by daaangconcepts

:8:

Fine! I've changed my mind!!! You totally should do it!!! Have you deceided if you wanted "Property of" or just Daaang?;)

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I was think more along the lines of "Daaang was here"... LOL:D:banned1:

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Originally Posted by jar2476

For some reason i don't believe you!!!!!

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Well I mean the tears did actually fall down my cheek. But its not like they had any where else to go! :oops:

I wasn't all huffy puffy can't breath crying!! Gawd!:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by jim020cricket

I use bacitration for a day and then Bag Balm (sp?) for a week or so afterwards for healing. Mine look new to the day.

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Ditto on the bacitration then switched to lotion after a few days!;)

Really, the best way to find a good artist is by word of mouth - look at some of your friend's tattoos, find out why they liked the place they went to. I would also pick up a tattoo mag and see if there are any "well known" tattoo places around. You can also find where musicians go in your area.


There are also shops that really focus on custom work - so if you dont want to go through a book and pick one, I would recommend finding a place like that. They tend to be more artistic and have better listening skills than the average "stencil" tattooist.

btw, ITS GOING TO HURT. It's you're first tattoo, you don't know what to expect - no matter where you get it it's going to hurt. So make sure you communicate with your artist and be stern and strict about what he is going to put on your body FOREVER. Don't compramise unless he really feels that in the end, a minor adjustment is going to wonders for the tattoos detail, color, whatever. (and thats another sign of a GOOD artist.)

The after care is simple - keep it moist but not saturated. The point is to keep it from drying out and scabbing/ruining your color. They will probably put plastic wrap around it, but ive never heard of keeping it on any longer than 2-3 hours. You're skin has to breathe, too! Bacitration for maybe a week, than a nice moisturizing skin lotion with some aloe afterwards until its healed.

:)

Tattoos don't hurt that bad. The guy who did most of mine calls the feeling, a bit spicy. The worst place for me was the Achilles Tendon. Areas with tendons, bone and muscle hurt the most. As far as healing, I have never used a thing but unscented lotion. Keep it out of the sun for about 6 weeks too. And when you do go back in the sun, wear sunscreen on it so it doesn't fade. Good luck Cass!

"Moisturing products" are not an issue - I have a whole range of skin cream crap...remember, I have skin issues? Meh...I can tell you which aisle has the hydrocortisone in every pharmacy within 5 miles...

And sunscreen - not a problem. I don't go outside. The sun is scary. Eek!

I know of one artist in town, but only because he's the brother of my former hair stylist. She fracked my hair up pretty good, so don't know if she's a good recommendation. =P

Do a lot of shopping around as far as artists go! I was really eager to get my first tat and didn't shop around enough, the guy was pretty new and I don't think he's even working there anymore. It's pretty faded already and I was never fully satisfied with the quality.

Then I found an awesome parlor at http://www.divinitytattoo.com/ that was WELL worth the drive and does beautiful work. Got my second tat there, plan to get my first one redone there, and hopefully a small third one will be gotten when I get my free retouch on the second in a few months. :) Internet, word of mouth, visiting shops just to look around at each one and see what artist you like best and feel more comfortable with... I think the footwork is well worth it!

And yes, the saran wrap method rules! Way fewer problems with my wrist tat than I had with my bicep one. The care instructions on the link above were fantabulous, and I will be following them for every tattoo from here on in!

As far as placement, I think you should get it where you want it and think it will look best. Aesthetics is higher priority. The pain is temporary, the artwork is forever. :)

Good luck...I'm excited for you!! I do have to say that my worst painful tattoo was the one I have on my lower back, but to the right of my spine. That was my first one, and I could feel it vibrating in my kidneys. When I got my three others after that, the pain was minimal. I don't think I'll ever get one in that spot again, and I've had two children!

It's ok to cry susan, its ok...

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Originally Posted by daaangconcepts

Well I mean the tears did actually fall down my cheek. But its not like they had any where else to go! :oops:

I wasn't all huffy puffy can't breath crying!! Gawd!:rolleyes:

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Good luck on your tat Cass! I definitely hope you have a better experience with your first then I did with mine.

I got a simple tribal that I designed, just wanted black ink...well within 5 months it faded like crazy (I'm like you sun=EVIL) even after doing all of the recommended aftercare. I went back to get it touched up...tattoo artist moved out of town, and they wanted me to pay to get it re-done.

Tis' alright though, I'm going to get a 3/4 sleeve done eventually, and I'll just get them to redo it when I incorporate it into everything else.

-Jason