First tat...any advice?

[kevinb]

lol if the only reason you want to get it is to show others you have the balls then its not worth it and I wouldnt recommend it.

That's not the reason at all. I mean its an added bonus but not why I'm getting it. I'm on my way to becoming buddhist.....I've been studying the religion for 2 years but I still don't feel my mind is in the proper place to call myself buddhist just yet, the koi fish symbolizes many things, and that's why I'm getting it. Not for some stupid reason like some people do.

The only thing I can relate tattoo pain to is like drawing on a bad sunburn with a ball point pen. It's not always about tolerance but endurance. Be sober, don't take pain meds (they won't help anyway). Go to a reputable artist with clean equipment. Bring some water. And be sure you have the design you want to scale and that the artist and you are on the same page.

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Thanks for the tips

Don't scratch it, when it itches.

Trust me I know not to do this, a kid I went to HS with got stars on his foot and had them colored in...not even 2 weeks later they were all messed up because he would itch and pick at the scabs...

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[ChrisS]

Just get it man, dont think about it. The pain will go away after a little while and you'll have what you want where you want it. I have my ribs and the inside of my upper arm into my armpit done, and I'm wanting to get my other side done. Oh, and post pics once its done.

[DananaPants]

I'm really skinny so when i got my ribs tattooed it was not only painful, but the vibrations travel through your whole body. It's quite uncomfortable, but tolerable (if you take breaks). Once you get it done, all other tattoos will seem quite mellow!

[TheWoot]

Don't take a break .. Ever. I've got probably a good 50+ hours of work and I've only taken a single break. I'll sit for 6 hours of drilling on my inner arm / armpit before I'd take another break.
Just go and get it done and don't dwell on it. Oh and a cool wind on fresh ink is the greatest most soothing thing ever.

[warlord]

rib tats do hurt more than others but if u go into expecting the worst it wont be that bad...tattoos arent as bad as people make them out to be and if you have a high pain tolerance u will be fine, taking to many brakes is also not that good it will give your skin time to breath and start settling down a bit and than right back to tatting will actually make it hurt more

[kevinb]

I plan on doing a lot of meditation during the process, very relaxing, and sometimes alomost out of body feeling. I am really skinny, 6' and 168# so I guess we will see what happens, personally I'm excited....ill have a piece of art and.meaning ingraved in my skin.

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[Daybreaker]

I have six tattoos, including pieces down both rib cages, one on my wrist, and a full sleeve in progress and I'll say make sure you go to someone who you're comfortable with (the artist), have a good feel of the shop (if you don't have good feeling about it when you're there then go somewhere where you're more comfortable), drink LOTS of water before and during the tattoo, and eat something beforehand. And as always, keep it washed and clean after and try not to wear restricting clothing on it before it gets to the peeling stage.

[zach_24_90]

for your first tattoo i wouldnt condone koi fish on your side haha

1) You dont know how you will handle the pain
2) The ribs are a LOT of pain
3) Koi fish are 90% outline and they have to use a larger round (basically shading needles to get the thicker outline) since its so much outlining and that = more pain

so if you want to get it... i would move it to a different location.. here are my koi on my back

[Tzeentch]

For me, it was not the needle that was bad, but after a few hours the artist was rubbing the ink off the skin and it burns.

When I get my tattoos, I put on the headphones and get lost in the music, it gives you something to take your mind off it.

[PolishPython]

I cant tell you from experience about getting your ribs tattooed about pain, I only have my arms, back, chest done, BUT my wife who is a complete SISSY has two big flowers and some tribal designs going from her armpit to her waist and she tolerated it in two sessions. Trust me if she can get it you will be fine my man !