I only have one tattoo, but I didn't really think it hurt all that much. My parents own a shop and they have never used any creams or injections so I really can't comment on that. For the most part it seems that people are able to take the pain as I have only seen one or two people who quit in the middle of a tattoo.

As for finding a good artist - I would suggest talking to people whose tattoos you like and asking them where they went. Then go into the shop and make sure the shop is clean and they are using new needles and everything. The artist will probably be willing to show you pictures of his work and maybe you can even watch him work on someone else. I don't think you should let price enter into the equation as you don't want to go bargain hunting when you are talking about something that you will wear forever.

I got my tattoo about 10 years ago and it hasn't really faded, but on some people they fade fast. I am not a tattoo expert by any means, but I think this can happen if the artist doesn't go deep enough.

My biggest piece of advice I can offer is make sure that you really really want whatever you have placed on your body as it will be there forever.

Good luck and you should post a pic of your tat if you get one done.

lovemachine said:

Thanks for answering me! I'll probably get one done of a

moon and sun on my foot/ankle.I was thinking of the

symbol from lovesexy but I can't decide if a Prince related

tat is cheesey or not. Oh well if I get it done I'll post a

pic! What's your tattoo of and where is it located?
[This message was edited Wed May 21 17:38:26 PDT 2003 by Sweeny79]

I love my ink.

You should think long and hard about a design, and feel sure for a long time before you do it. You should ask the shop how they clean their needles (correct answer: autoclave). You should make sure they put your ink in a little single-use disposable tray, or a metal autoclaved one. You should ask to see samples of the work of the artists there. If you don't like their work, walk out.

The artist should put a temporary tattoo thingie of your image on first; they should not free-hand it. You should feel comfortable asking the person to change the placement. Once they have started the tattoo, you should feel comfortable saying if you think it isn't looking how you expected. Once they are 'finished', you should feel comfortable telling them if YOU don't think it's finished.

And yeah, I thought it hurt. But a small design, especially if it's just one or two colors, is over before you know it. It's a very bearable sort of pain.

NO Don't do it!!!

PURPLEJACKSON9 said:

Yeah, Prince said it is wrong

tackam said:

I want a very small tattoo, in just black so I dont think it will take a long time to put on,I'm just scared of the pain. Can u compare the pain to something else, a migraine abad tooth ache? what is your tat of? where is it?

PURPLEJACKSON9 said:

Why not? It's my body and my money!

lovemachine said:

Screw Prince!

lovemachine said:

Sweeny79 said:

It's couze it's a sin. I'm not a JW, but Prince is right in that tats are a sin, they're idols.

PURPLEJACKSON9 said:

Whatever

Isn't this your second post in a few days about this?

INSATIABLE said:

Nope I dont think so,this is the first thread I started about it.

Nope just checked this is my first post about it. U must have me confused with someone else.
[This message was edited Wed May 21 18:12:20 PDT 2003 by Sweeny79]

Sweeny79 said:

U asked!

Sweeny79 said:

o-tay. i have 3 tattoos...two of them are here. yes, tats do hurt, but it really depends on which part of your body you're gonna get the tat done on. as 4 anesthetics, all the places i've been 2 go get tats i've never seen or heard of such things. this is a new thing 2 me, hearin about gettin anesthetics 4 a tattoo. thought folks just sat and took the pain. but really, tattoos aren't all that bad...


this is easy: go 2 several different tattoo parlors and look at each of the artist's portfolios on what tats they've done. they'll have them sittin out in the lobby or someplace, usually they'll be in binders or photo album-type books. or, u can tell a tattoo artist what u want done and they may sketch up some art 4 ya. betta yet--if u have a friend who can draw, ask them 2 doodle somethin up. heck, i designed all of my own tats.


years, i suppose. i got my first tattoo about four years ago, and it still looks awright. i only have black ink tattoos (my first one has a bit of red ink in it, tho')...colored ones u gotta keep up on a bit more, as far as retouching goes, so they'll still keep their color.


yup--cuz tattoo ink is imbedded into like the 1st layer of skin or so and laser removal will scar your skin. it may get rid of the ink but the outline of the tat will still remain. that, and laser removal is like super super expensive, from what i understand. make sure u make a careful choice as 2 what tat u get so u won't have 2 worry about dislikin it and removin it.


u can, but it's super-super rare. be sure 2 check out some tattoo parlors and how clean they are. all legit tattoo artists should have separate, sterilized needles and tattoo guns--all of the places i've been 2 the artists always unwrap the needle in front of u. plus they should have an autoclave on site (an autoclave's like this oven/safe-type thing that's used 2 sterilize stuff). professional tattoo artists are big on keepin everything clean--if you're unsure about the cleanliness of sumfin, don't hesitate 2 ask.



...i ain't an expert on tats by any means, i'm just sharin what little i do know. i've always thought about becomin a tattoo artist myself one of these days or workin in a tattoo parlor, so this stuff's pretty interestin 2 me.

hope this helps some, and good luck!!!

lovemachine said:

eh, mr. nelson can kiss my ass and my tats...

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

Handclapsfingasnapz Did u have any sort of cream or

injection be4 they did your tats? How bad did it hurt? can

u compare the pain 2 something else, bad

cramps ,migrane,toothache? As previously stated I'm a big

baby I'm scared of the pain!

Sorry I didn't see ur post up there !
[This message was edited Wed May 21 18:23:20 PDT 2003 by Sweeny79]

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

Tats are wrong, no matter what that little occultist says!

PURPLEJACKSON9 said:

If u feel that way don't get a tatto then,but if I want one I will get one.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

I like your tats! You can really Draw!

I want something simple and small though. I'll let u know

how it goes.

Sweeny79 said:

nope, just went in and got it done.


it's like a paper cut, times 5.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

Owwweee, Ouch sounds like it hurts! Judgeing by your pic it

looks like yourtats are on your arms or legs. I want mine

on my foot. That means it will hurt more cuz it's not as

fleshy there right?

Sweeny79 said:

both of the tats i had pictured are on my left and right arms. and exactly where are u gonna have the tat done at on your foot? like an ankle tattoo??

Get one! But make sure its a reputable place (certificates etc). Let a biker do it, they know what they're doing.


shit that hurts edit
[This message was edited Wed May 21 19:25:08 PDT 2003 by rdhull]

Well i am the biggest baby in the whole world but i got my first tattoo last year on my right upper arm of a dolphin.It's still in really good shape.When i got it done it did sting for the first couple minutes but then ur skin goes numb.I would do it again.

SoulSanctuary said:

that's the best frickin part of gettin a tattoo done, that weird massage-y feelin after it's been worked on 4 a while...i love it

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

me too... i LOVE the feeling

i know this is gonna sound really sissy but i like the wash-off tattoos. painless and easy to change

XxAxX said:

yeah, but where's the fun in wash-off tattoos? they hardly stay on 4 a long time as it is...














...wussie