Thinking about getting a tattoo

[Mike]

I have always wanted a tattoo since I was a teenager. I like the thought that it is something that will be there forever. I was thinking that if I get one that I would get it on my upper arm area. I have been debating about what the tattoo will be, it will probably be medium sized (3-5 inches). What I want to know is 1) how bad will it hurt?  and 2) what is the price range for something simple like an FFA logo?

 Mike

[Timmay]

I want one too but the Wife Says NO!....should I listen to her or just send her off to a spa while I get a tattoo?

[Mike]

I say send her off to the spa and get a tattoo. My wife said she doesnt care one way or the other, as long as it aint hideous.

[Timmay]

I wanted to get a Betty Boop tattoo on my back thigh....LOL

[buuckkweet]

I'd like to put the Sly Bald Guy logo on my shoulder but Mrs. BW thinks I might need some therapy.

[Ryan]

I'm also working on a design for my upper arm.

I can't say what charges would be like where you are, but where I am they charge by the hour -- usually $100-$150/hr, and something the size of the top of a pop can is liable to take at least an hour.

As for pain, I only have my own experience to go by... the bonier the area, the more pain involved.  But really, it's more like it's itchy and hot at the same time, just enough that you're aware of it and ignoring it isn't really an option.

But think about the number of people that get them done... it's really not as painful as we psych ourselves up to think it will be.

[dog20]

I would like something tough on my neck, so people will think I'm bad  .  They got "tattoo paper," so I may just get that and print out my own tats.

[GASlick]

I have three.  A small one on my left upper arm, a medium on my right chest and a fairly large one on my right upper arm.  The pain for me wasn't that bad.  I should tell you though - my wife thinks I'm a borderline sadist. 

So, I can only say pain doesn't really bother me to bad.  Here's my right arm.  it is currently the biggest I have.  I am going to get an armband as soon as pool season is over.

[Ryan]

Mine is in a similar vein as yours... still a work in progress, as I'm determined to get it perfect.

[GASlick]

That's going to look nice.  I considered a Celtic Cross, but the artist I used drew that up freehand.  I really enjoy totally custom art.  It gives the artist a chance to express their creativity.

He drew it up on paper and free handed it.  It is my favorite tattoo.  Can't wait for my armband.  I am really excited, but I am just to much of a pool guy.

[Vash]

I have 7 (technically) tattoos. Covering pretty much ALL of my right arm, and a good portion of my left arm. You can see them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vashjustvash/sets/72157605953009229/

I have even more done on the "Spooky tree" tattoo seen in these pics (more pics coming soon).

I can tell you that any good artist will let/help a design grow organically through conversation with you and a basic design of the image. It may not be exactly the way it looked on paper, but if the artist is worth his salt, it'll be something you'll be happy and proud to wear for life.

Designing your own piece is nice, but asking an artist to copy your design line for line is along the lines of asking a singer to sing a song EXACTLY the way you think it should be. or asking a painter to do a portrait in a way that YOU think is bets. Remember, that a good tattooist is an artist, like any other and and you should find one who's work speaks to you. Then take him your design and be open to his/her interpretation of it.

Just my two cents...

[Ryan]

You make a good point.  I'd always taken the stand that it's my art for my body, but as I'm not quite skilled nor dexterous enough to tattoo myself, it will be a collaborative effort regardless.  Might as well let someone with more experience in tattooing have a little more say in it.

[Brkeatr]

I got 2 tattoo's on my upper arms a long time ago when I was in the military.....they were a lot cheaper then......I think I paid like 25-30 bucks per tattoo.....got my first one in 1970 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and the 2nd one a year or so later in Hong Kong.....I think they use better ink now days as mine have faded over the years...

[gidbg]

Its always been my experince to come up with the basic idea for your tattoo and then let the artist put there own spin on it. This way you end up with something unquie and i have never had them draw something i didnt like. Far as pain goes depends on how long you have to sit.

[Timmay]

I was only teasing about Betty Boop