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Getting a First Tattoo

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Getting a first tattoo ... it's really not so bad at all!

It's been about 2 years since I got my first tattoo. Dad and I were talking about Tim Russert and how his Son created a tattoo in remembrance of his parents - Tim Russert ("Meet the Press" Anchor) was not a fan of tattoos but he was genuinely moved. Tim died unexpectedly not long after. My Dad had colon cancer at the time that was Stage IV and right after my Dad died on May 13, 2009, I had both of my parents initials added to the rose as a tribute and a remembrance. I will always hold my parents close to my heart! R D & A D That first tattoo has just become all the more meaningful to me. Mom is still alive and active and putting her life back together without Dad. It's difficult for all of us ... but the reminder is right there, over my heart.

I'm brand new (well, now I have 2) to the topic of "tats", "ink", tattoos" ... whatever you want to call them. If you have never had a tattoo, are contemplating one or are brand new to the idea (like I am), you've come to the right place.

While I would never condone adding a permanent marking to your body without thought and reflection, I DO condone living a little on the edge, going about the act of getting a tattoo in a fun way that will be memorable for you, and doing it with a clear mindset devoid of alcohol and drugs. Once you have made the decision that a tattoo is right for you, let the opportunity strike you when it will.

For me, that opportunity struck around a cool Summer day in 2007 (9 Aug) wandering through the resort town of Lake George, New York (a town that is geographically near to me but that I remembered from my childhood doing some fun, spontaneous things). The experience was meaningful and was done with someone very meaningful in my life.

I wish a similar experience for you. :)

P.S - Notice how this picture shows the tattoo site a bit red and swollen? This was a pretty common reaction (I took a Benadryl once I got home). This picture was taken the day of the tattoo. The swelling/redness was gone the next day.

Contents at a Glance

New Table of Contents
My "First Tattoo Experience" V...
June 2008 - Second Tattoo - "Indomi...
Ok, so what does it feel like and does i...
What is the Tattoo machine like?
How deep does the needle go?

My "First Tattoo Experience" Video

I decided to take 5 minutes and share about my experience with getting a tattoo.

I am so glad I did it and wear it proudly!

Getting a First Tattoo - by an Ink Virgin: by gkygrl | video info

9 ratings | 6,456 views

curated content from YouTube

June 2008 - Second Tattoo - "Indomitable Spirit"

Getting Ink for the first time is kind of an addicting thing (and I was warned about that). So, it was only appropriate that almost a year later I ventured and got a tattoo that was unique to me and one that I had created to me by a Chinese Tattoo Artist (named Ying Ying). She did the translation and the original calligraphy art work. My tattoo artist "Seneca" did the actual inking in Lake George, NY.

I love it.

I have ventured into martial arts and love it because it challenges me. I try my best and maintain the "indomitable spirit" which can be translated as: "The spark that gives you the power to persevere".

The tattoo contains 4 Chinese characters and means indomitable spirit. I placed it on my foot so that I can see it and also because my feet are the things getting me through life -- the symbolic "walk".

I was told the foot was sensitive and read some horror stories about the foot. Personally, no big deal at all for the pride of VERY COOL ink!

Ok, so what does it feel like and does it hurt?

I'm speaking for me and although I give myself a shot every day for my MS, I think that I can say that it really is not bad at all.

My experience involved a 2" rose design near the top of the breast (the picture you see which is the tattoo I got about 4 hours ago). Other locations on the body may sting less or more. Overall,

I did not consider the experience bad at all and the process was done in about 20 minutes. My Artist had such a steady hand, I was amazed!

Here are some descriptive words to describe it:

- like a mild sunburn
- like fine sandpaper being rubbed on the area
- like a minor scrape

The outline of the rose design was detailed and involved some re-tracing. The retrace felt like a cat scratch or sunburn. Filling in the tattoo with color felt like sunburn too.

The feeling was not like a needle you feel when you go to give blood. The fine needle here does not go that deep.

Several hours after the tat was completed, I did not find that it hurt anymore. A day later (and constant A & D Ointment later), I am finding that it is not hurting at all.

Does this mean that your experience will be the same as mine? Probably not. Everyone deals differently with pain and defines it differently. I am just sharing the way that it felt for me and how I can best define it.

My tattoo is relatively small -- but I think the area is sensitive. What was nice is that the artist ran the needle over the area without ink so that I would know what it felt like (and if I would find it tolerable).

No problem whatsoever.

What is the Tattoo machine like?

http://people.howstuffworks.com/tattoo.htm

Modern tattoo machines have several basic components:

* A sterilized needle
* A tube system, which draws the ink through the machine
* An electric motor
* A foot pedal, like those used on sewing machines, which controls the vertical movement of the needle.

Artists create tattoos by injecting ink into a person's skin. To do this, they use an electrically powered tattoo machine that resembles (and sounds like) a dental drill. The machine moves a solid needle up and down to puncture the skin between 50 and 3,000 times per minute. The needle penetrates the skin by about a millimeter and deposits a drop of insoluble ink into the skin with each puncture.

When you look at a person's tattoo, you're seeing the ink through the epidermis, or the outer layer of skin. The ink is actually in the dermis, which is the second layer of the skin. The cells of the dermis are far more stable than the cells of the epidermis, so the tattoo's ink will stay in place, with minor fading and dispersion, for a person's entire life.

How deep does the needle go?

"A tattoo needle only goes into the 3rd layer of your skin (1/16 of a inch). A good tattoo artist will try to make sure that it goes in just deep enough to be permanent, but not so deep that a scar can occur. Tattoos that are done too deep also look faded right away because you have to look through more layers of skin to see the tattoo. If I were to tattoo a cheap paper plate, the needle should go in enough to dent the other side but not rip all the way through."
- For the Love of Ink

"Today, a tattoo machine is an electrically powered, vertically vibrating steel instrument that resembles a dentist's drill (and sounds a little like it, too). It is fitted with solid needles that puncture the skin at the rate of 50 to 3,000 times a minute. The sterilized needles are installed in the machine and dipped in ink, which is sucked up through the machine's tube system. Then, powered by a foot switch much like that on a sewing machine, the tattoo machine uses an up-and-down motion to puncture the top layer of the skin and drive insoluble micrometer-sized particles of inks into the second (dermal) layer of skin, about one-eighth inch deep."
- http://www.dahs.srvusd.k12.ca.us/john/tattoo.htm

"A tattoo is a puncture wound, made deep in your skin, that's filled with ink. It's made by penetrating your skin with a needle and injecting ink into the area, usually creating some sort of design. What makes tattoos so long-lasting is they're so deep - the ink isn't injected into the epidermis (the top layer of skin that you continue to produce and shed throughout your lifetime). Instead, the ink is injected into the dermis, which is the second, deeper layer of skin. Dermis cells are very stable, so the tattoo is practically ermanent."
-http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/safe_tattooing.html

How To Survive Your First Tattoo

By: Karen Hudson - About.com Tattoo & Piercings Guide

Getting your first tattoo can be pretty scary. Here are some hints on how to make it a little easier on your nerves and to prepare yourself to make it a good experience.

Here's How:

Pick a day when you have plenty of time and won't have to rush, to keep stress down.
Be confident in your artists' abilities.
Bring along a friend if you want, but don't bring your kids.
Take along some reading material or music for distraction.
Focus on something relaxing, like a picture or a thought.
Suck on hard candies to keep your blood-sugar level up.
Take slow, deep breaths to calm your nerves.
Think about how great your tattoo will look when it's done!
Ask your artist for a break any time you need one.
Ask questions if you are concerned about anything your artist is doing.
If it is painful, try not to watch. Sometimes that makes it hurt more than it really does.

Tips:

Don't haggle over the price with your artist. That only shows disrespect and creates a bad relationship from the start. If your artist is annoyed, they may not be as gentle with you.
You may, at any time, get up and walk away if you are not happy with your experience. Your artist is not in control; you are. If you believe they are not doing satisfactory work, do not let them continue.

Make it count

you will be wearing your ink for a lifetime. Make it meaningful for you.

The First 10 Days of my New Tattoo

Day 1: I can't believe I finally did it! I got up the guts and decided to get my first "tat". After signing a release waiver explaining all the risks and waiting for the artist to get the room "prepared" (as sterile as they can get it). I was ready to go. I was not really nervous at all. That surprised me.

The feeling of getting the tattoo was not as bad as I expected, really. It felt like scraping - or like someone using very fine sandpaper on a small part of my skin. Just slightly tender but absolutely nothing I expected. I walk away proud and pretty excited. I really did it! I was told to keep the bandage on for about 1 hour and go buy some A&D Ointment (over something called "Tat Wax" that was way more expensive) and keep the tattoo slathered and moist for about 2 weeks. The tattoo area looks a little raw and puffy around the tattoo. I take a Benedryl since I am allergic to anything that moves - this helps a lot.

Day 2: Any overall tenderness that was present on Day 1 is gone now. I can see the bright colors of my tattoo and I can't believe it. The "tat" is slightly tender to the touch. I use the A&D Ointment and wear some loose clothing to let the new ink breath.

Day 3: The same as Day 2. I keep the ink moist with A&D and go about my day.

Day 4: I notice some first flakes from my tat - nothing too big. Still keeping A&D on.

Day 5: I had my first peel (or most of it) today and I saw ink in the peel. This is totally normal I am told. Still keeping it moist with A&D.

Day 6: It's itching a little as it peels. I am continuing to use the A&D ointment and will keep it moist. The colors are looking brighter as the peeled skin comes off when putting on the ointment.

Day 7: I am still keeping it moist. Starting to itch a little more and peel some more. I used hydrocortisone cream to quiet the itch (it worked).

Day 8: Moisturize, kept out of direct sun. Itching is quieting down.

Day 9: I am moisturizing it using something called Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Stick. This is in stick form and is working nicely. A little bit of itching today.

Day 10: Using the Palmer's. Keeping the ink moist. Looks good (looks cool). I'm proud of this ink in a way that I could not imagine. I've been reading "Chick Ink" and it gives me a COMPLETELY new perspective.

P.S - it has been well over 3 weeks and I love my ink. I feel like it's always been a part of me.

The Itching ..... just SLAP IT!

Chances are, as your new ink heals, you will experience some periods of intense itching. It's very important that you DO NOT SCRATCH. Along with skin, you will pull up some of the ink and that is not a good thing.

So, how do you take care of the itching? I've learned that a nice, intense SLAP to the area will help stop the itch and replace the itch sensation with a little sting.

A sting is WAY BETTER THAN AN ITCH!

It seems that most people deal with itching through the healing process. Think of the times when you may have had a sunburn and it was moving through the healing process. Or think "mosquito bite". That's the kind of itch I have experienced and it can be intense.

Don't worry, and itch is not bad ... it's just your body's way of healing itself and getting ready for a peel.

A+D Ointment - Don't Leave Home without it!

A+D ointment was used on me as soon as the tattoo was completed. It was also recommended to me as part of my aftercare. The consistency of ointment (versus a cream) works to really protect and moisturize. It is very soothing.

I recommend getting some.

A-D Diaper Rash Ointment & Skin Protectant - Original, 4 oz

Use A+D Original Ointment to create a protective barrier on babys delicate skin that seals out irritating wetness and allows skin to heal naturally. What is good enough for baby is good enough for those of us getting inked.

A-D Diaper Rash Ointment & Skin Protectant - Original, 4 oz

Chick Ink: 40 Stories of Tattoos--And the Women Who Wear Them

Chick Ink: 40 Stories of Tattoos--and the Women Who Wear Them

by: Karen L. Hudson

Amazon Price: $7.36 (as of 02/17/2012)
List Price: $14.95

"Chick Ink" Rocks! If you are a woman who is thinking about getting a tattoo or you are an inked woman already -- grab this book. It's extremely inspiring! Reading it I am already planning my second bout with the tattoo machine. They can really be extremely meaninful!

Life. Beauty. Womanhood.

That's what tattoos today are all about. Join the women of Chick Ink in this celebration of the tattoos that grace our bodies, tell our stories, and mark forever the significant moments of our lives. Because if you're a woman with a tattoo, you're woman enough for anything.

About the Author
Karen L. Hudson is the About.com Guide to Tattoos and Body Piercings. Her site is the ninth most accessed site on About.com. She has served a yearlong tattoo apprenticeship at a tattoo studio in Dallas, Texas. Her personal links within the tattoo community continue to keep her updated on body art. She lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Release Date: 12/31/1969

Thinking about getting a tattoo? A step by step gu more...0 points

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I have MS (multiple sclerosis) - will getting a Tattoo affect my MS?

The only way I can answer that question is from a personal one, since I have MS and I now have a tattoo. In my situation, I did ok. I needed to keep two things in mind though during the process:

1) I needed to make sure I was not completely stressing about the process of getting a tattoo. Stress is BAD for MS. Anything that causes large amounts of it should be avoided. If you are completely stressed about getting "inked" -- save it for another day when you feel better or forgo it altogether. Stress can cause flares. Ask yourself how much is having a tattoo worth to you?

2) I had to watch the heat. In the room where I was tattooed I had to make sure that it was not too warm. If it's too warm -- this can cause an increase of symptoms. My recommendation, take a large icy glass of water with you. Stay cool!

Stress and heat were the two factors I came across regarding MS'ers when getting a tattoo. Keep 'em both low and you will do just fine.

Tattoos and Permanent Make-up - Document by the FDA - Get the Facts

http://www.fda.gov/WOMENS/getthefacts/tattoos.html

Before getting a tattoo or permanent make-up, here is what you should know. A tattoo is a mark or design on the skin. A permanent tattoo is meant to last forever. It is made with a needle and colored ink. The needle puts the ink into the skin.

Grab the complete document here

Great Body Art Books

tattoo designs, tattoo history and more!

body art links

Body Mod Headquarters: We humans deliberately do a lot of things to change the appearance of our bodies - branding, corsetry, piercing, tattooing, nail painting, shaving, body painting, hair cutting/growing/dyeing.
The Tattoo Parlour Headquarters: This group is for tattoo enthusiasts on both sides of the needle! If you're researching getting a tattoo, you'll find lots of tattoo info and design ideas. If you're a tattoo artist, please build yourself a lens and join us!
Ink City Headquarters: Welcome to Ink City, Squidoo's Tattoo & Body Art Community! Tattoo artists, enthusiasts, ink freaks, tattooed ladies, piercing fans, corsetiers, body mod devotees and the people who likes to look at them are welcome.
Be Art: Get a Tattoo: Pat Fish's Tattoo Site: Please explore this site for information about Celtic Tattoo Artist Pat Fish, who works to bring the complex interlacing knotworks of the ancient Irish and Scottish illuminated manuscripts to life in the skin. And read about Tattoo Santa Barbara, an institution on Southern California's beautiful Central Coast since 1984, thanking all patrons for two decades of never a dull moment.
About.com - Tattoos/Piercings: From Karen Hudson:
Two of my favorite quotes that are well-known in the body art community are "Safe art doesn't hurt" and "Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good". When you explore the information I have to share on this site, you'll understand exactly what these sayings mean and why they are so important.

I will strive to never forget what it was like to be completely new to the world of body art. Your questions and concerns are not silly to me. I am here to help you have a great body art experience.

Temporary Tattoos on eBay

Ink Slingers and Fan Feedback!

comments, questions and more!

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srioschavez Dec 26, 2011 @ 6:11 pm | delete

have 4 and I love each one used a&d on some and tatoo goo on others all of mine mean something

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TransplantedSoul Nov 26, 2011 @ 3:49 pm | delete

My 17 yr old daughter wanted a tattoo. SHe designed it herself (meaningful), thorugh long and hard about it (she is terrified of needles), and still wanted to do it. So we said OK. SHe did great, got over the fear of needles, and is thrilled with the results.

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Dec 27, 2010 @ 1:57 am | delete

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spritequeen Oct 9, 2010 @ 10:59 am | delete

Great lens! I have one tattoo, and that's enough for me :-). But I really enjoy looking at other tats. Some are really intricate/beautiful!!

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solidmanxyz Sep 30, 2010 @ 12:49 pm | delete

Really great information on tattoos. i am really interested in tattoo designs so this is good ;)
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New My Lenses

by gkygrl

gkygrl

I am a woman who has worn many hats over the years. Currently, I am retired due to complications from multiple sclerosis.
Tattoo My Brain - Discover... more »

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Getting a First Tattoo