Thinking about a tattoo...input?

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.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x...ke-LeucyBP.jpg

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

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

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.

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.

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?

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'

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!

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

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.

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Originally Posted by Argentra

What's the pic on your foot, blueapplepaste?

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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! :D 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!

I'm actually thinking of a very similar snake tattoo, but on my shoulder blade. I would advise you not to go too small -- a good sized one will have more detail and it should fit the body part well. I have 3 tattoos. The ankle hurt the worst. I have bony ankles and feet, and you can feel the vibrations in the bone, which is the most painful part of the experience to me.

Tats feel like your skin is being burned. It isn't intense pain, but I have sat there for 4-6 hours and after that long it does start to take a toll on you. Tattoos do hurt some just a lot more then others.

Here is the one I have a Ball Python. It is on my left leg about 5" x 5" in size. It is B/W with shading and a little white added for accents. This one cost me $400 and took about 4-5 hours to complete.


It didn't "hurt" at all. Take a fork and scratch the same area for 5 minutes will give you the same feeling. First it tingles, then burns, then goes numb. You end up with a scab that you have to keep moist fo 4-5 days then you are good to go.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/IMG_0700.jpg

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Originally Posted by 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.

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I'm not sure I agree with that, because I see tattoos as a permanent snapshots of a moment in time. Sure, I may change over the 50 or so years I hope I have left, but they always bring me back to exactly where and when I was whenever I look at them. I guess I would analogize the idea of deciding not to take pictures on your vacation at universal studios because you might like disney world better next time you go to florida.

All that said, I do think you should pay particular attention to where on your body you put them, and who you get them from. Getting LOVE and HATE across your fingers, or a tribal from your chin to your forehead will most likely limit your professional opportunities later in life, and you obviously want someone who can draw AND not infect you with some nasty disease.

It really depends on the area of skin that you get it on, with regard to pain. I had nothing but minor discomfort and scratchiness when I got the one on my upper bicep area; now, my ankle HURT! But it was right on the bone.. it'd be tolerable and then when he (my then-boyfriend, now-husband) went over that ankle bone.. owie..!
My husband does tattoos at a shop in Buffalo on the weekends. If you felt like doing a road trip :) A typical price for him would be about $150 for a 6x6-inch piece with some detail that took about 1-2 hours. but it is very hard to generalize about tat pricing; you pay more for great artists and some don't even quote a price until it is over and you pay what they tell you to.
Please feel free to post any tats done by artists you are looking into. I can have Mark tell you if they are good or not.. many flaws are never noticed by the general public (subpar shading; shaky lines, etc) and I can tell you what to look for in them.

You should go to www.inkednation.com and do a search for artists near you. You can look at a ton of portfolios of artists in your area without leaving your house. From there you can go in and have them draw up a design for you and answer any other questions you have.

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Originally Posted by Ginevive

Please feel free to post any tats done by artists you are looking into. I can have Mark tell you if they are good or not.. many flaws are never noticed by the general public (subpar shading; shaky lines, etc) and I can tell you what to look for in them.

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I was just a little confused by this... If the general public doesn't notice and you like the artist's work, does it matter?

Great idea jake gave you. which should be your first thought when thinking of getting a tattoo. DO RESEARCH. and lots of it. look at tons of portfoilos and from all different shops near you. Personally i wouldnt have one artist tell me if anothers is bad or good.. you will know when you see them if they are. I seen tons of tatt portfoilos and been in a few shops and have family memeber that are tat artists and some do better then other at certain kind of tats. celtic knot work, portraits, faces, shading ect.. you just need to find an artists work that YOU like.

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Originally Posted by PythonWallace

You should go to www.inkednation.com and do a search for artists near you. You can look at a ton of portfolios of artists in your area without leaving your house. From there you can go in and have them draw up a design for you and answer any other questions you have.

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Originally Posted by darkangel

I was just a little confused by this... If the general public doesn't notice and you like the artist's work, does it matter?

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It matters to me! I'd much rather have quality work, myself.

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Originally Posted by SarahMB

It matters to me! I'd much rather have quality work, myself.

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Quality matters. My point is if there's an artist whose style and work you love, and that's definetly the person you want to do your tattoo, what would be the point in having it 'approved?'

I don't see anything wrong with getting a second, or even third opinion on something that is as permanent as ink. You certainly can choose an artist based purely on your own tastes, or even have your own child draw a picture. But for those who are looking for work that is impressive to other ink freaks as well as meaningful to themselves, I think Jen's offer is a nice one.

I think having good workmanship depends on the circumstances. For instance, I have a little snakey-dragon on my leg. Nothing special just black outline, and the lines aren't really even at all... to look at it, you'd probably wonder why I got the thing.

The significance for me lies in the fact that I got it in Prague, Czech Republic. A group of us decided we wanted mementos to take with us forever (we were all studying the language there for a month together---it was a great time!). I had been wanting to get a dragon tattoo for awhile anyway, and, even though it's not perfect, and not really anything spectacular to look at, I love it!

BUT... if you want something that's planned out and pretty and perfect, definately go to different artists and check out their work. Don't be afraid to ask questions or even for references... pictures of previous work. Kinda like buying a het... ;)

your right sarah it is a nice offer.... but how can you have someone you dont no approve, look over, or whatever, a tat and you dont even know him or his work, and if you do see his work(pics) how do you know its his.. and even then if you talk/ look at in person his work, it just might not be what the person is looking for.i mean shakky lines.. not notice by normal people....a shaky line is very noticable and is way beneath subpar.. i just think like you that it is a nice offer but i wouldnt have someone i have no clue about look/approve it...just sayin..
if i like the work i see i have that artist do wok on me..

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Originally Posted by SarahMB

I don't see anything wrong with getting a second, or even third opinion on something that is as permanent as ink. You certainly can choose an artist based purely on your own tastes, or even have your own child draw a picture. But for those who are looking for work that is impressive to other ink freaks as well as meaningful to themselves, I think Jen's offer is a nice one.

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Um....ok? I'm not sure what your point is, really. Jen made an offer to have her husband, who is a tattoo artist, look over and critique an artists work if someone is doing research. No one ever said you have to take her up on it. I'm not seeing what the big deal is, here.

Yowzah! You guys were really posting up a storm last night...THANKS! :D

I love all the responses...and thank you very much, Jen, for that offer. I have been looking all over the internet at artist work from shops that have good reps and have a few in mind already. The prices are rather frightening to a student living on loans, but hey, you get what you pay for.

I will give 'inkednation' a look and see if there are other artists I haven't found yet. I'm also limited by where I can get to by bus, so location of the shop is important. Also, that idea to see if an artist can do something based on pix of Nagini is really cool...I'll have to see if I can coax her into some nice poses for me in a few days.

As for the getting of something meaningful, no worries there. I have a special, lasting love for BT Skinks and Ball Pythons, and a skink wouldn't be that easy to picture. :) Location wise, I'm sort of restricted out of respect for my BF/partner, who is rather turned off by tats. So as to not offend his tastes, and still get something I want, we agreed on the ankle.

Now to keep looking at artists, send some samples to Jen, and figure out what sort of pose to get. :) Thanks so much, everyone. Keep the opinions coming!

Oh, BTW lord jackel: that snake of yours is really nice.

i have both my feet done and neither one hurt at all. my elbow was not a happy place to have 3 hours of work done on though. (i have a spider web on it)... the 'pocket' (your inner elbow) is a b!tch to have done... hurts, bruises up and is hard to heal.

my calf didn't hurt much at all. had 5.5 hours of work done in one sitting... the bone in your calf isn't a great place to have work done though.

i expect that an ankle bone would be another ouchie spot...

you could always start with a smaller tat somewhere else... and see if it's a pain you can tolerate/handle. i know of people who just can't handle the sensation of being tattooed at all... and others who don't mind it at all.

and... remember... there's always laser removal if you don't like it... and the way technology is progressing... i'm sure it'll be nothing to have done in another 5 years :P

(so far i have both feet, my calves and a full sleeve on my right arm tattooed)... more to come!

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Originally Posted by recycling goddess

i have both my feet done and neither one hurt at all. my elbow was not a happy place to have 3 hours of work done on though. (i have a spider web on it)... the 'pocket' (your inner elbow) is a b!tch to have done... hurts, bruises up and is hard to heal.

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Funny story, that started as a prison tattoo for white supremacists. I'm glad it's been appropriated to mean something else though, because I think it looks really pretty.

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you could always start with a smaller tat somewhere else... and see if it's a pain you can tolerate/handle. i know of people who just can't handle the sensation of being tattooed at all... and others who don't mind it at all.

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Yeah, I was thinking about that. Argentra, I don't think you'll be able to get much detail on your ankle of the ball python. You should try a stylized snake of some sort maybe; it would still look really cool and cost a LOT less than a full blown ball. One of the ultra cool things about snakes (and spiders too for that matter) is that they're enormously important mythic symbols in a LOT of cultures, so finding a culture that you feel attuned too and using their snake symbol on your ankle might be a cool idea. You can always get a HUGE ball later on. :)

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and... remember... there's always laser removal if you don't like it... and the way technology is progressing... i'm sure it'll be nothing to have done in another 5 years :P

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Really cool story, they're starting to inject a new type of ink in microcapsules. The ink breaks apart in the body, but the capsules prevent it from happening. Of course, if those capsules are just heated by a laser, poof, tattoos gone and looks like it never existed! It's really expensive now, but hey, you can remove it for $20.

As for me, I'm thinking about getting Aubrey Beardsley's "Socratic Lament" on one of my shoulder blades. I think I'll get it as a graduation present to myself.

I just got my first in Vegas this year the all seeing eye, on the back of my leg. My husband got one in the same place (diff tat). Mine didn't hurt at until he started shading in the eye my husband has 5 now and he said this one hurt the worse, but he's a big baby:D . I got mine at Diversity Tattoo & Piercing in Vegas (ask for Phil) the man should have his own art show! He had a pic of a very detailed tiger and to show the size he held a dime above it when he took the pic. Mine is about 6'' around cost 75$ but price depends on where you go. PLEASE shop around (DO NOT GET ONE AT THE FIRST PLACE YOU SEE) ask the see a book of there work and make sure they always use a fresh needle per costumer. And yes I know its sick but some places still reuse needles i.e. one place I first went to charged extra to GET a fresh needle they also charged 10$ per color! If you get it done we demand pics!:rockon:

Sounds cool :) The ankle is one of the best female places to get tattooed in my opinion. You can cover it up with a sock if needed, but also it is cute when you go out with shorts or capris and sandals/flip flops too. And if you get daring later on, you can continue the design up your calf and leg :) The one drawback is, I get chided all the time for having "no tattoos" though my husband is a tattoo artist.. usually because I wear jeans/pants 90% of the time I guess and people don't notice the one on my upper arm? I am working on designs for a half sleeve though :)

I guess I'm the odd one here, but I have a 4x3 tat on my lower back, and it hurt WAY more then any shot I've had (and I've had hundreds). I'd swear it even hurt more then childbirth. But don't let me scare you. :) I love my tat [celtic knot of motherhood] and will probably get another one someday.

Cool, but then I've heard that lower back is one of the worst spots...

I still want to get a perm. tattoo of a snake, but for now I'm going to find a good BP pic and get it done in henna to see what it would look like. That way, I can see if detail can be put in on that spot and if I like the way it looks and it'll only cost around $10 instead of $200. If I really like it, then I'll finish my research on artists and pick one out for the real deal :)

When I get the henna, I'll take pix to see what you guys think. Keep the stories coming, tho...I really like reading them.

I got my first tat down in Miami in the beginning of the summer. It's a tribal design that runs across to top of my back, shoulder blade to shoulder blade. From what I've heard from most people with alot of tats is that the pain depends on the place you get it obviously, but also the artist who's doing it.

Call me a wuss... but after everyone told me, "it just tickles a little," along with a combination of a slight sunburn the first line kinda felt like a razorblade going into my skin and slicing it open. After he started I got used to it, no prob. I was also told that my tat was fairly large for a first. Anyway I would reccomend staying out of the sun for a few days beforehand :D

I haven't had it all that long, but I don't think I'll ever regret it. One of my best friends and I both got similar tats across our back. It will remind me of him as well as my first real vacation(w/ out family). Plus I think it's a bad*** design.

I love when people say, "it's going to look so nasty when your old and wrinkly," honestly, by that time I'm not going to care all that much about what my back looks like with my shirt off.

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Originally Posted by Kiramay

I guess I'm the odd one here, but I have a 4x3 tat on my lower back, and it hurt WAY more then any shot I've had (and I've had hundreds). I'd swear it even hurt more then childbirth. But don't let me scare you. :) I love my tat [celtic knot of motherhood] and will probably get another one someday.

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ya that's my point exactly. some people can tolerate the feeling really well and others can't. i'm friends with our tattoo artist and he does have people who pass out, or just simply can't stand it and leave...

it would, IMO suck to have a partially finished ball python on my ankle/calf.