First tattoo - advice wanted

[soundbeltfarm]

Getting my first tattoo tomoro across my chest.
any tips on looking after it / or any donts i shouldn't do
cheers

[rachprice]

what ya getting?

[98tls]

Whjatever you get mate take into consideration its there for life and somethings are not going to suit when your a whezzy hairy ole 83 year old.

[soundbeltfarm]

hard to say.

i've given jase the ideas i want .
it sort of a distressed star with bit of design with wings and my two boys names in it

[Monamie]

Don't pick any skin off it-even it is gets really itchy because it will take colour out of it

Also get something that means a lot to you...you will never regret it that way.
Enjoy

[Headbanger]

Just remember, Its going to hurt like hell.

And Tatt's are about vanity. aint nothing going to look good at 83.

[soundbeltfarm]

i'll post it up once it done.
i really cany wait for it now.
jase has numerous awards and it fully booked up till the jan now so he must be ok.
i've seen a bit of his work and it very good.
mine will be all black and i'm sure it'll look the fuckn shizzle

[tbone]

I got my first tattoo about 2 years ago - basically an outline of a horse running and some shading on the inside (black tattoo). Took me ages to figure out what to get, then took a while to draw it up (well, got the base image of the horse from the net then did some photoshop work on it to get how I wanted it).

Ended up getting it just above the heart, reasonably large. Hurt for the first 10 minutes but got a bit better, but still was abit sore! The outlining of the tat was probably worst for me. The tat was covered in bepanthen (nappy rash cream) for about 1 week and always had glad wrap over it. Avoid the sun and water for the first 2 odd weeks.

With the design, I got the horse because what it symbolized to me - more or less my principals which I want to always follow - sort of always there to remind me that no matter what always follow what you believe is right. Sort of like this quote I read a while back - "There are three constants in life... change, choice and principals". Principals can change I suppose, but it's hard work to keep believing in them, but worth it!

[Bikernereid]

I guess as you are a guy it is slightly different. I got my first tat on my breat when I was 17. Yes I regretted it when I developed boobs, stopped being a goth and needed to wear ball gowns. All I would say is if you are in or might be in a job where it may be seen and not looked to favourably on think seriously about where and what you have done.

It has costs me about £800 to have mine lazer removed, which by the way is soooooo bloody painful and smelly!!! And it still isn't finished yet!

If you really are set on getting it done I was told to cover it in lip balm and that worked a treat for mine and it healed really well. I guess anything with a similar texture would work. My friend was walking round with celophane on her wrist recently after getting a tat done!

Hope it goes well and look god when finished.

[Swoop]

The tatooist will give you plenty of information on how to treat it. If no info is forthcoming... complain!

[Oakie]

jase has numerous awards and it fully booked up till the jan now so he must be ok. i've seen a bit of his work and it very good.

It's not about his quality. It's about you having something you can live with until you die. No point having a brilliant piece of artwork if it's not exactly what you wanted. If what he shows you tomorrow isn't exactly what you want, don't be afraid to bail until he gets it 100% right.
Make sure you have a tube of vitamin A cream (Bepanthan) handy to keep it covered and healthy as it heals. Good luck with it.

[outlawtorn]

I have just recently got a tattoo across my chest and it hurt like hell. However it looks cool, just remember that it could impact negatively on your workspace. Make sure it doesn't appear over your neckline, however it you don't give a shit and your workplace is relaxed then go hog wild.

As far as taking care of it goes, just make sure nothing rubs against it whilst it is healing.

Where are you going for it?

[alanzs]

Make sure it's exactly what you want. Have a good nights sleep and eat well a few hours before the tat. Make sure you have seen the artists work and work area. Is it clean? Is the place comfortable? Are the needles sterilized? Does the artist wear gloves? It should be like a surgery in regards to cleanliness, etc.

Many people will undoubtedly criticize you, as tattooing isn't meant for everyone. Some people are sheep and follow others. Some people think for themselves. Tattooing can be an expression of your individuality.

Your artist should be able to recommend good after care treatment. Don't pick at it. You may feel some discomfort, but it passes almost immediately. It's a very transforming process. Enjoy it.

Good luck and please post pics. Take before and after pictures, as you'll never be the same again...

[Pedrostt500]

I haven't found anything that I realy realy Like,
But I've seen some realy bad ones, stay away from names, an apprentice had his name tattoed on his back he thought it was realy clever till he was asked if it was so his boy friend could remember his name, also wives and girl friends may change over the next rest of your life.
Think hard about what trends are happening as they change and in 5 yrs they may look trashy, dont tatto skin that you cant hide, ie backs of hands neck and face, unless it has extreme Cultural relivance to you.

[Headbanger]

Hard case.

I walked into a newly opened tattoo shop this arvo and made a booking, Pure impulse. booked in for tomorrow seeing as his book was pretty empty.

Told him I wanted a skull n cross-bones on my calf, No picture, let him go wild with it.

Should prove interesting.