Excited but incredibly apprehensive about first proper tattoo

[cavies]

Hello there!

I am booked in with a local artist for my first proper tattoo, a full sleeve featuring my wonderful pets; my hound/collie cross, my three guinea pigs and two budgies :) I am absolutely certain on my chosen subject(s) but I had a dreadful tattoo experience just over ten years ago, including some horrible laser removal and it absolutely ruined anything to do with tattoos for me, plus the darn thing is still on my arm!

Anyway, after dealing with some mental health problems last year, I decided to start to try and enjoy things again and I found myself looking up tattoo artists who specialise in the bright and the bold. Fortunately I have found one fairly local to me and his work (I feel) could add the element of fun that I'm looking for to represent how much joy my animals bring to me, but... I'm genuinely worried that it could be exactly like ten years ago, when I got home and burst into tears at how terrible it was! I know its different this time, this artist actually has talent for a start! and the studio has a very good reputation but the doubts still linger.

I have even woke up in the middle of the night thinking "what am I doing?!" but the excited part comes in and reminds me of how crap things were last year and that those little animals got me through each day and how amazing it would be to have a dedication to them. I must admit, I do wonder if I'm the "right sort" of person to have a tattoo by which I mean, I can get hung up on very small things that to a regular person wouldn't really matter.

If you have any words of wisdom/advice it would be truly welcome!

[marfil98]

9 minutes ago, cavies said:

I can get hung up on very small things that to a regular person wouldn't really matter.

Trust me I know the feeling. It's very easy to obsess over every little slip or tiny shake in the line work, I still do sometimes, but the best piece of advice I was given on here was "it's the little imperfections that give it character" "It's art, not science" And remember, most of the time we're the only ones who notice the little mistakes because we're looking so closely. So, if you like the design, and you've seen your artist's portfolio and like his/her work, I say go for it! 

[cavies]

Thank you for the reassuring words marfil98  I love the "its art, not science" advice, I'd never thought of it that way before. The artist I have chosen seems to be capable of a wide range of styles, from the absolute bizarre to the incredibly adorable, but it's his bold line work and strong use of colour that has really won me over.

I am booked in for a full day (including consolation) on the 8th of feb. The only good thing I can say about my old crappy tattoo is that I don't remember it hurting, either that or I dealt with the pain well , which hopefully will come in handy for a long sitting

[marfil98]

3 hours ago, cavies said:

Thank you for the reassuring words marfil98  I love the "its art, not science" advice, I'd never thought of it that way before. The artist I have chosen seems to be capable of a wide range of styles, from the absolute bizarre to the incredibly adorable, but it's his bold line work and strong use of colour that has really won me over.

I am booked in for a full day (including consolation) on the 8th of feb. The only good thing I can say about my old crappy tattoo is that I don't remember it hurting, either that or I dealt with the pain well , which hopefully will come in handy for a long sitting

I wish you the best of luck. And don't forget to post a pic on here when it's finished!

[Hands On]

You should definitely check out the LST Animal Lovers thread and share some photos of your bundles of joy.

Even after that horrible sounding experience 10yrs ago, it sounds like you've grown and already made the step of booking an appointment. As far as following thru and going for it, this is completely up to you and how you feel. None of us can speak to your mental state. As tattoo lovers, of course, we say "go for it!" But you're the only one who knows if you're really ready. If you're having any doubts, it's up to you to analyze them and either succumb to or overcome them. If you're ready to be tattooed again and you've chosen an artist who does solid work, there should be nothing to worry about.

Good luck with your decision!!

[Dan]

On 1/4/2017 at 1:48 PM, cavies said:

Hello there!

I am booked in with a local artist for my first proper tattoo, a full sleeve featuring my wonderful pets; my hound/collie cross, my three guinea pigs and two budgies :) I am absolutely certain on my chosen subject(s) but I had a dreadful tattoo experience just over ten years ago, including some horrible laser removal and it absolutely ruined anything to do with tattoos for me, plus the darn thing is still on my arm!

Anyway, after dealing with some mental health problems last year, I decided to start to try and enjoy things again and I found myself looking up tattoo artists who specialise in the bright and the bold. Fortunately I have found one fairly local to me and his work (I feel) could add the element of fun that I'm looking for to represent how much joy my animals bring to me, but... I'm genuinely worried that it could be exactly like ten years ago, when I got home and burst into tears at how terrible it was! I know its different this time, this artist actually has talent for a start! and the studio has a very good reputation but the doubts still linger.

I have even woke up in the middle of the night thinking "what am I doing?!" but the excited part comes in and reminds me of how crap things were last year and that those little animals got me through each day and how amazing it would be to have a dedication to them. I must admit, I do wonder if I'm the "right sort" of person to have a tattoo by which I mean, I can get hung up on very small things that to a regular person wouldn't really matter.

If you have any words of wisdom/advice it would be truly welcome!

I have 2 tattoos for 2 dogs that I have loved and had in my life,my dogs are very important to me too,I love the 2 tattoos I have for them and,well,once I have gone through the process of getting a tattoo,I have never looked back or regretted one.ur,uh,well except for a tattoo for an ex wife which is covered up now.One of my tattoos for a dog I had is one I get compliments for all the time even from plain skins.

[Devious6]

Welcome to the forum!!

[Devious6]

Double post. Ugh.

Edited January 7, 2017 by Devious6