Zaftiggurl

So my Mom is 70, and we also have a rather complex relationship. However, she very nearly died on me two weeks ago, was in the ICU, and now she's still in hospital. I've been visiting nearly every day. Despite the complexity of our relationship, I realized how devastated I'd be if I lost her (my father passed away when I was 16). Now I am considering (if I survive my first tattoo) getting something for her - not a literal "Mom" tattoo, but maybe a hummingbird, her favourite bird. As an aside, she's been delirious for a while, and I'm so happy that her mental capacity is coming back. Yesterday she suggested that instead of getting a tattoo, I should commission the artist to draw me something nice on paper.

I keep having literal tattoo nightmares! The funniest one was last night... I dreamt I went to the studio, they sketched the design and told me to come back, and when I did they handed me these really ugly temporary tattoo like sheets to put on my body, because it was a new method that didn't hurt. And I was like, "NOOOOOO", I want my tattoo and I need to experience the pain that goes with it. Pretty messed up, lol!!!

Thanks for the advice, I will do that... except for the over thinking part, that one is really hard! It only took me about 10 years to decide on a tattoo :)

This is interesting, I found that scale on the web, trying to make sure I haven't picked the worst spot for my first tattoo (upper right shoulder). I'm hoping I can make it for three hours without having to take too many breaks... I have given birth and dealt with some bad pain in my life, so I'm hoping, but I've never been tattooed, and I'm guessing the pain is different for everyone?

Hi everyone... I found this forum while researching for my first tattoo. I looked at Pinterest (I know, but I didn't know anything about tattooing) and I actually liked the dandelion turning into birds tattoo (see above, I now know better)... Then I realized I was seeing hundreds of images of the same tattoo all over the internet, and I found this forum while trying to figure out what makes a good versus a bad tattoo. Anyway, I reverted to my original design idea, a lotus flower on my back/ upper shoulder. I had my consult with my artist last week (she tattooed roses on my sister in law and does amazing work with flowers), and she told me point blank "the bird thing is the new tribal armband"... So anyway, I'll see the sketch on April 25 before she tattoos me. Her idea is a lotus with some filigree work, and the filigree will hold my children's birthstones (boy/girl twins, sapphire stone), and the center of the lotus will be the same colour, to symbolize them coming from me. I'm really excited and nervous, and I can't wait to see how it turns out. Thanks to everyone on this site for providing such good info!