It really is mind over matter. Talking while I'm getting tattooed helps a ton. Some areas are worse than others. Definitely use lotion; too dry otherwise. Sleeping can be at most uncomfortable, but I'd avoid a tshirt and just sleep on old but clean sheets. What else....? What they said. Good luck and report back!
as for what to add to it: the lion is *the* most powerful image, the rose is subsidiary. anything you add below the rose is going to have to compliment them, not compete with them. I think the owl isn't that strong as compared with the lion. but I'm 2 beers deep here, and no artist!
I use Cetaphil from day 1 and would definitely recommend you switch to a regular moisturizer at this point.
And lol it's probably best to always use lotion....
Spine, rib area, back of armpits: brutal. also tough were the muscles behind the shoulder blades: amazing how much tension you hold in those areas!
Ass was like, whateva, though the ass crease really stung.
Fun times....