Tattoos

AIZZO4 · May 2013

Hey everyone it’s me again. The desperate, no premise, looking for a date guy. Or at least that how some people on here view me….lol

My next topic is tattoos. Years ago, I was that guy who said “I will never get a tattoo.” Fast forward to today, and I want on like crazy. So before I put something permanently on my body, I would like to ask some questions to my brothers and sisters with tattoos.

1. Pain, where was your most/least painful tattoo located?

2. How many places did you visit before you got it done?

3. What would you recommend for a dark skin person? Color, location, etc.

4. Any other recommendations, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

I forgot to add that I am still looking to lose about 120 pounds. Should a wait before I get a tattoo?

As always I love different opinions. If you hate tattoos by all means tell me why.

oX_Vanessa_Xo · May 2013

The butterfly piece I have on my back was the least painful tho it took 6 and a half hours to complete. I went to 2 other tattoo shops before I found a place I wanted to get it done. I've had the tatty drawn up for years before finally getting ot done. Still need to add one more butterfly and more tribal for the new baby.

For you I'd say get a sick looking big bicep tattoo. I don't know what colors would really pop on dark skin but I'm thinking black, dark green and dark blue.

Oh and the most painful spot was my forearm. It needs to be covered but I'm dreading going through that again,

dawningr · May 2013

Most painful was my left wrist.. Least was my ankle.

I have a fab guy in GR that I can refer you to.

I've been to 3 different shops. My last 2 tats are my faves and done by the said fab guy I just mentioned.

Bicep tats are always sexy on guys.

Mexicanbigfoot · May 2013

I have 3 tattoos; one on my right ankle, one on my left wrist and one on the back of my neck. Honestly, none of them hurt more than the others. I get pleasure from the pain of tattoos. I only went to 1 shop and the same guy did all 3 of mine, I got the recommendation from a friend that had been. I love tattoos on guys, anywhere. Very sexy. If you do get one, would love you to post pics

crista_b · May 2013

Do I have to be dark-skinned to answer?

1) I only have 2 right now, but from my experience and what I've heard from others, the areas with less muscle and fat (thinner "padding" between the bone and skin) hurt more. One of mine is on my left shoulder, and the closer the artist got to my shoulder blade, the more it hurt. It was also worse during the shading portion than during the outlines because of the difference in the kind of needles used.

2) I visited 2 places with friends while they got theirs, but only the one place that I got both of mine to actually get them. I did a LOT of research before getting them though.

3) As I mentioned, I'm not dark-skinned, so I don't really have an answer here.

4) Make sure it's something that you're absolutely sure you want. Think about it for a long time before actually getting it. If you wait a couple months and still want it on your body for the rest of your life, then go ahead, but remember that it's a lifelong thing. NEVER get a name (unless it's a parent/grandparent/child/etc. NEVER a SO even if you're married, but that's just my opinion)!!! It should mean something to you.

My mom hates tattoos because she's kind of a "Bible thumper" and thinks that "your body is a temple" and doesn't think God would want anyone to "disgrace" him by scarring their body, blah, blah, blah.... Love my mom with all my heart, but she's a little old school. If my body's a temple, I'm gonna decorate the walls. :laugh:

ETA: If I can get in, I'm getting 2 more on June 1 (one on the inside of my right ankle above my ankle bone, and one on the inside of my left foot going kind of over my arch). I also have at least 3 more after that planned out, and if I ever reach my goal of running a half-marathon or full marathon, I'm getting one to commemorate each of them.

Another edit for reference to average pain ratings:

AIZZO4 · May 2013

Do I have to be dark-skinned to answer?

1) I only have 2 right now, but from my experience and what I've heard from others, the areas with less muscle and fat (thinner "padding" between the bone and skin) hurt more. One of mine is on my left shoulder, and the closer the artist got to my shoulder blade, the more it hurt. It was also worse during the shading portion than during the outlines because of the difference in the kind of needles used.

2) I visited 2 places with friends while they got theirs, but only the one place that I got both of mine to actually get them. I did a LOT of research before getting them though.

3) As I mentioned, I'm not dark-skinned, so I don't really have an answer here.

4) Make sure it's something that you're absolutely sure you want. Think about it for a long time before actually getting it. If you wait a couple months and still want it on your body for the rest of your life, then go ahead, but remember that it's a lifelong thing. NEVER get a name (unless it's a parent/grandparent/child/etc. NEVER a SO even if you're married, but that's just my opinion)!!! It should mean something to you.

My mom hates tattoos because she's kind of a "Bible thumper" and thinks that "your body is a temple" and doesn't think God would want anyone to "disgrace" him by scarring their body, blah, blah, blah.... Love my mom with all my heart, but she's a little old school. If my body's a temple, I'm gonna decorate the walls. :laugh:

No, I want everyone to answer.

Nixipop · May 2013

I have a few tattoos but the least painful were on my wrists and ankle (most painful probably being my ribs!) I searched artists work for a while before deciding where I was gonna go. Also the majority of the time I hear about people searching for the cheapest places to go which I REALLY don't understand as personally I'd rather pay out the *kitten* for something top notch instead of half the price and half the quality as you're stuck with it forever! I think you should either go with your back or bicep personally but really tattoos are always a personal preference

lfergurson1 · May 2013

Well the one on my left foot hurt a bit but its on the top... the one on my writst and right ankle didnt hurt alot. Im glad you did this post because I love the butterflies one I am seeing and am thinking of 4 of them one for me and one for each of my girls.

carakit · May 2013

Im interested to hear what everyone has to say. I have been thinking about rewarding myself with a tatoo when I reach my goal weight!

sally_jeffswife · May 2013

I have one on my lower right calf and one on my lower left arm both of those didn't hurt at all. My husband has 4 tats though and he has one on his back he said that one hurt the worst cuz there's alot less flesh there. I like the lower arm ones cuz if you are paying that much then people can see them and if you wear a t shirt or something it won't cover up your tattoo you can still see it. And if its a colder time of yr you can wear jeans and won't hide your tattoo or nothing.

HappyNinjaStar · May 2013

I have one on my lower back, it barely hurt except across my spine. In general I think it hurts less when you're working on meaty areas versus bony areas. I've seen a lot of tattoos on dark skin, and in general I'd say stick to black, colors don't seem to turn out very well.

As far as picking your tattoo artist, I'd look to the tattoos of people you know. I picked my artist based on his work, and 12 years later I'm still very happy with my piece.

I would wait until you are happy with your body before having it done. Obviously weight change will potentially change your tattoo, so you might even want to wait until you're in maintenance and you're sure you'll be at that body size for the foreseeable future.

Good luck!

badjuju775 · May 2013

I want a small one on my ankle, like a butterfly, but my husband says "NO TRAMP STAMP FOR ME"... He's such a butthead. I should go do it anyway!!! Ugh!!!

jquijas · May 2013

I have a few and my wife has a few, so to answer questions least painful was outside shoulder (upper bicep) most painful for me was calf for my wife it was her stomach (most pain around pelvic bone) I also have a back piece (mid completion) and forearm, wife has outside calf, small wrist, mid back, upper back shoulder. We found an artist we loved and stuck with him, he is in AZ and we are in KY so it is tough getting new work done, but once you find a guy you trust to ink you for life you stick to him. We used his art for reference if you like what they draw on others chances are you will like what they can do for you. My suggestion is to find someone who does other dark skin people and does what you are looking to get done. A good japanese tat guy might be a terrible portrait guy. Also from what I have seen black and white tats work best on darker skin, but as you can see from profile pick I am not the expert in that area.

HappyNinjaStar · May 2013

I got mine before they got termed 'tramp stamp', and I love it. It's beautiful, it didn't hurt, it didn't change with my body, through weight gains/losses or pregnancy. I don't have to look at it every day, so it never gets old, and I can always hide it if I want to... Just my two cents :smokin:

medic2038 · May 2013

Hey everyone it’s me again. The desperate, no premise, looking for a date guy. Or at least that how some people on here view me….lol

My next topic is tattoos. Years ago, I was that guy who said “I will never get a tattoo.” Fast forward to today, and I want on like crazy. So before I put something permanently on my body, I would like to ask some questions to my brothers and sisters with tattoos.

1. Pain, where was your most/least painful tattoo located?

2. How many places did you visit before you got it done?

3. What would you recommend for a dark skin person? Color, location, etc.

4. Any other recommendations, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

I forgot to add that I am still looking to lose about 120 pounds. Should a wait before I get a tattoo?

As always I love different opinions. If you hate tattoos by all means tell me why.

1- Subject to individual pain tolerance. None of my really hurt any worse then the others (I have one of each arm, and one on my leg).

2- I went to places based on artist rep and price. I didn't really "shop around" but some people in your area probably know which places are "better" price wise.

3- I have both color and solid black. They're all going to fade over time, I think the black one looks better then the colored ones (and i got the black one one first). My next one I plan on getting done without color. All of the black guys I know only have dark ink, the lighter your complexion I think the easier it is for colors to show through though. Like red or another bright color is going to look way different on me (a pale irish guy) then a dark skinned black guy. Your best bet is probably to talk to the person doing it.

Waiting until you drop could be a good thing. Think of it as a reward for a job well done! I don't think getting smaller is going to change it too much. When women get them on their belly/hip they can look pretty bad if she gets pregnant.

smiley245 · May 2013

1. Pain, where was your most/least painful tattoo located?

Shoulder blade hurt the least, near the spine hurt the most.
I have friends who say head, ribs and kneecaps hurt the most.

2. How many places did you visit before you got it done?
2, picked mine based on reference but checked out another place first.

3. What would you recommend for a dark skin person? Color, location, etc.
Although I'm not dark skinned, they do say that black and white are the colours that pop the most on dark skin.

4. Any other recommendations, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Really think about what you want before you jump in and get it. Its for life, no regrets

I forgot to add that I am still looking to lose about 120 pounds. Should a wait before I get a tattoo?

Depends on the placement, Im not sure for guys, but (some) women, on the breast and or stomach, things tend to not look the same after a large amount of weight loss. Especially if you have been larger for quite a while and skin elasticity isnt great.

AIZZO4 · May 2013

Thanks guys. Great comments and suggestions. I appreciate that.

iLoveMyPitbull1225 · May 2013

1. Pain, where was your most/least painful tattoo located?

2. How many places did you visit before you got it done?

3. What would you recommend for a dark skin person? Color, location, etc.

4. Any other recommendations, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

I forgot to add that I am still looking to lose about 120 pounds. Should a wait before I get a tattoo?

As always I love different opinions. If you hate tattoos by all means tell me why.

The first one I got was on my shoulder blade, one small heart on my foot and one medium sized dream catcher (profile pic) on my ribs last night. The one on my ribs was pretty painful. The ribs and feet are supposed to be the most painful spots. But, as long as you can sit still you will be fine.

Ill tell you what I told my little sister when considering her first tattoo:

I love tattoos, but I personally like to take them very seriously when I make decisions. Not all people are like that, that's just me. I would absolutely not let just ANYONE tattoo me. I got my first at 19 and #2 and #3 at 22.

Consider placement options very carefully. Who will be able to see the tattoo? Is it appropriate for work? etc etc. Like others have said, the more fleshy areas of the body are less painful. The thinner the skin and closer to the bone you go the more its going to hurt. Like I said, the ribs and feet are supposed to be the worst for this reason. But its all about the person and what they can handle.

Talk to people you know with tattoos that you like, look clean and are well done. Look for even and straight lines (if applicable of course), good pigmentation and amount of detail. Then, consider the options in your area and recommendations from others. I went into about 5 different tattoo shops in my area before picking one. All three of mine were done at the same place. Talk to different artists. Look at their web pages and books at the shop. No, not the typical drawings on the walls. Most artists have a book of actual photographs of their work. Then, think about it for a while. If you still want to continue, consult with the artist with a photograph or drawing of what you are thinking about. Give them as much help as possible as far as letting the person know what it is you want. size? color? etc.

I trust and like the artist that does my tattoos very much. I recommend him and his shop to everyone I talk to. He worked with me on mine to get them to the exact state I wanted them to be. We worked TOGETHER on a final product which I really appreciate. It resulted in me being really happy with my pieces. They are the professionals, so try to be open to advice.

OVERALL:

Take your time, as much as you need to make the best decision for you. If you want to wait until you reach goal weight, you might be better off.

No one can tell you what we would recommend as far as color, size, location, etc. Everyone has their own visual taste.

Pick a great artist, you will be much happier.

Penny427 · May 2013

Do I have to be dark-skinned to answer?

1) I only have 2 right now, but from my experience and what I've heard from others, the areas with less muscle and fat (thinner "padding" between the bone and skin) hurt more. One of mine is on my left shoulder, and the closer the artist got to my shoulder blade, the more it hurt. It was also worse during the shading portion than during the outlines because of the difference in the kind of needles used.

2) I visited 2 places with friends while they got theirs, but only the one place that I got both of mine to actually get them. I did a LOT of research before getting them though.

3) As I mentioned, I'm not dark-skinned, so I don't really have an answer here.

4) Make sure it's something that you're absolutely sure you want. Think about it for a long time before actually getting it. If you wait a couple months and still want it on your body for the rest of your life, then go ahead, but remember that it's a lifelong thing. NEVER get a name (unless it's a parent/grandparent/child/etc. NEVER a SO even if you're married, but that's just my opinion)!!! It should mean something to you.

My mom hates tattoos because she's kind of a "Bible thumper" and thinks that "your body is a temple" and doesn't think God would want anyone to "disgrace" him by scarring their body, blah, blah, blah.... Love my mom with all my heart, but she's a little old school. If my body's a temple, I'm gonna decorate the walls. :laugh:

ETA: If I can get in, I'm getting 2 more on June 1 (one on the inside of my right ankle above my ankle bone, and one on the inside of my left foot going kind of over my arch). I also have at least 3 more after that planned out, and if I ever reach my goal of running a half-marathon or full marathon, I'm getting one to commemorate each of them.

Another edit for reference to average pain ratings:

Gotta disagree with these charts....but I guess its different for each person.

cici1028 · May 2013

1. Pain, where was your most/least painful tattoo located?
On my back from my bra strap and down around my hip. Spine, hip... terrible for pain. But still doable.

2. How many places did you visit before you got it done?
Just the one, I knew the artist was amazing.

3. What would you recommend for a dark skin person? Color, location, etc.
Not sure!

4. Any other recommendations, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
If you're looking to lose significant weight, I would wait on the tattoo. Use it as a reward to work towards for your goal weight. Weight loss will impact the way it looks.

jazzy020106 · May 2013

Do I have to be dark-skinned to answer?

1) I only have 2 right now, but from my experience and what I've heard from others, the areas with less muscle and fat (thinner "padding" between the bone and skin) hurt more. One of mine is on my left shoulder, and the closer the artist got to my shoulder blade, the more it hurt. It was also worse during the shading portion than during the outlines because of the difference in the kind of needles used.

2) I visited 2 places with friends while they got theirs, but only the one place that I got both of mine to actually get them. I did a LOT of research before getting them though.

3) As I mentioned, I'm not dark-skinned, so I don't really have an answer here.

4) Make sure it's something that you're absolutely sure you want. Think about it for a long time before actually getting it. If you wait a couple months and still want it on your body for the rest of your life, then go ahead, but remember that it's a lifelong thing. NEVER get a name (unless it's a parent/grandparent/child/etc. NEVER a SO even if you're married, but that's just my opinion)!!! It should mean something to you.

My mom hates tattoos because she's kind of a "Bible thumper" and thinks that "your body is a temple" and doesn't think God would want anyone to "disgrace" him by scarring their body, blah, blah, blah.... Love my mom with all my heart, but she's a little old school. If my body's a temple, I'm gonna decorate the walls. :laugh:

ETA: If I can get in, I'm getting 2 more on June 1 (one on the inside of my right ankle above my ankle bone, and one on the inside of my left foot going kind of over my arch). I also have at least 3 more after that planned out, and if I ever reach my goal of running a half-marathon or full marathon, I'm getting one to commemorate each of them.

Another edit for reference to average pain ratings:

I have one on my wrist and spine..they weren't that painful Lol..

Horsezee · May 2013

For me most painless was my finger. It didn't feel like anything that I can remember. My other tattoos are on my arms. It feels kind of like burning, but honestly, all you have to do is zone out, and it's like nothing is even happening. The worst part of getting tattoos is the healing. (imo)

terrappyn · May 2013

1. Pain, where was your most/least painful tattoo located?

The most painful tat I have is on my foot and the least painful is on the outside of my leg just above my ankle.

2. How many places did you visit before you got it done?
None- I knew who was good around my area. Never shop for a tat based on price.

3. What would you recommend for a dark skin person? Color, location, etc.
I dont have an answer for this. Sorry!

4. Any other recommendations, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

I would wait until you lose more weight depending on where you want to get the tattoo.

jenniferrusso7393 · May 2013

My best advice regarding tattoos is to never get one you would be embarrassed to tell you grandchildren about... Me at age 6 "grampa, why do you have a picture of a naked woman on your arm?" True story... His reply: "I was in the navy and stupid". Hetried very hard to get it removed, but it is still there.
I have one on my tummy and my ankle, no drugs or alcohol, the pain was completely bearable... (and I'm a BIG whimp)

crista_b · May 2013

Do I have to be dark-skinned to answer?

1) I only have 2 right now, but from my experience and what I've heard from others, the areas with less muscle and fat (thinner "padding" between the bone and skin) hurt more. One of mine is on my left shoulder, and the closer the artist got to my shoulder blade, the more it hurt. It was also worse during the shading portion than during the outlines because of the difference in the kind of needles used.

2) I visited 2 places with friends while they got theirs, but only the one place that I got both of mine to actually get them. I did a LOT of research before getting them though.

3) As I mentioned, I'm not dark-skinned, so I don't really have an answer here.

4) Make sure it's something that you're absolutely sure you want. Think about it for a long time before actually getting it. If you wait a couple months and still want it on your body for the rest of your life, then go ahead, but remember that it's a lifelong thing. NEVER get a name (unless it's a parent/grandparent/child/etc. NEVER a SO even if you're married, but that's just my opinion)!!! It should mean something to you.

My mom hates tattoos because she's kind of a "Bible thumper" and thinks that "your body is a temple" and doesn't think God would want anyone to "disgrace" him by scarring their body, blah, blah, blah.... Love my mom with all my heart, but she's a little old school. If my body's a temple, I'm gonna decorate the walls. :laugh:

ETA: If I can get in, I'm getting 2 more on June 1 (one on the inside of my right ankle above my ankle bone, and one on the inside of my left foot going kind of over my arch). I also have at least 3 more after that planned out, and if I ever reach my goal of running a half-marathon or full marathon, I'm getting one to commemorate each of them.

Another edit for reference to average pain ratings:

Gotta disagree with these charts....but I guess its different for each person.

That's why I said average. They do vary, but those are the general ratings. Obviously pain is subjective so it will depend on the person.

IpuffyheartHeelsinthegym · May 2013

1. Pain, where was your most/least painful tattoo located? SUPPOSEDLY on the ribs, BUT my most painful one is in the middle of my back. Mostly because most of it was done on my spine, the lines were super thick and it took the longest.

2. How many places did you visit before you got it done? I took longer in deciding what I wanted than where I was going. looking back, not the smartest decisions I've ever made...

3. What would you recommend for a dark skin person? Color, location, etc. no clue - sorry!

4. Any other recommendations, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated. make sure what you are getting is exactly what and where you want it!

Dr_Flo · May 2013

I have 9 tattoos and plan on getting plenty more.
Pain is relative, there are places that can be more tender than others... I seem to have chosen most of them. (inner arms, chest, ribs)
The biggest thing is what you're putting on you.

Dont worry about what anyone else thinks.. its about what you think.
*** DO NOT GET A FAD TATTOO!!!***
Everyone Ive ever known, to include myself that has done it has regretted it.
I got a tribal scorpion on my left arm and I often wish I hadnt. Its the only tat Id want covered up.

Think about what you're getting. Decide if it defines you. What meaning does it really have to you. Once you have that in order, research shops. Look very carefully through the artists portfolios. Make sure that what you're asking for can be done right by the artist you choose.

A mediocre artist can really jack up a tattoo design. They are not all at the same skill level, not even close.
** Just because he has tattoos, doesnt mean he CAN tattoo **
Remember, in the tattoo world you absolutely get what you pay for.

If they are worth their salt, they have their stuff online. Read reviews from people that have been to them and CHECK THEIR WORK!
They might be a great artist, but maybe they only do one type of tattoo realy well and its not waht you want.
Dont be afraid to move on and find the right artist.

DO NOT RUSH IT! Impulse tattoos are rarely appreciated after they heal.

Best of luck to you .. if it was me.. I'd wait till I was at my goal weight, depending on where you're putting it. The last thing you'd want is for it to deform.

XMan714 · May 2013

1. Pain, where was your most/least painful tattoo located? - I have 3 tattoos. One on each shoulder and one on my left rib cage. The left rib cage was painful, but that was the second tattoo I got. Knowing what it feels like changes your idea of what pain is. I can generally tell you that to me a tattoo is more of an irritating feeling like somebody is scratching you really hard. There are moments that you get shocked from it because it may hit a sensitive area. Imagine somebody that smokes bumps their cigarette into you. Any part of the body where there is little fat or muscle will hurt much more because there's nothing to cushion the needle.

2. How many places did you visit before you got it done? I never window shopped. I've gotten tattoos at places other people have gone or have heard of having a good reputation. Then again, all three were pretty spontaneous tattoos to mark special times in my life.

3. What would you recommend for a dark skin person? Color, location, etc. - I have moderate colored skin and prefer the basic "black" color tattoo. I'm not into colors much, but it's really personal preference. If your skin is very dark, then ask the artist which colors would contrast best on your skin. These days a good artist will have good ink and do a good job of having it show on any color skin.

4. Any other recommendations, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated. - Get a tattoo that has meaning to you. All tattoo artists I've spoken to say the meaning behind it inspires them as much as it does you.

I forgot to add that I am still looking to lose about 120 pounds. Should a wait before I get a tattoo? - Depends on the area of the body. Many areas of the body where skin will stretch or shrink would not be good to get a tattoo if you're going to drop 120 pounds. If this is something you've thought about for a while, you can wait until you've lost the weight then get it. It will have even more meaning. Bring a before and after pic when you get it. I guarantee the artist will be in awe!

sammniamii · May 2013

1. Pain, where was your most/least painful tattoo located?
Most: chest (left breast), top of thighs - least: back, side of thigh, side of upper arm.

2. How many places did you visit before you got it done?
For first one, 3 places - varies down the years till I started putting them on my own skin

3. What would you recommend for a dark skin person? Color, location, etc.
For a newbie, shoulders (outside not back), side of calf, side of thigh - for dark skin, stick w/ brighter colors or black w/ shading. Depending on brand of ink, I've seen some great work on darker skin. For the most part, I've mostly done black or black w/ shading on darker skin. The few colors I've done (pinks, greens, blue) the greens and pinks took well, the blue didn't stay horribly noticeable (not sure due to application or aftercare).

4. Any other recommendations, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
This is permant skin art, yes it can be removed but it's costly & painful, so consider placement & design carefully: Ask yourself, am I willing to let my mom, grandmother or any children you either have or plan on having see it? Will it effect my ability to get or keep a job (visible tattoos on lower arms, hands, neck, face, etc). Is this something that may effect my relationship (current or future)? And finally, as you age, your tastes will change. Your SKIN will also change - think about how well the tattoo may look in 10, 20 or 30+ years? Are you willing to take care of it correctly (stay out of the sun or use block, lotion the skin, FOLLOW CORRECT AFTER CARE, etc).

I forgot to add that I am still looking to lose about 120 pounds. Should a wait before I get a tattoo?

Depends on the location - i got all of mine when I was larger, 77 pounds larger. Most have not been effected, but the 2 large pentagrams on the tops of my thighs have "shifted" to the inside more than on the top. Other than that, mine have not been effected.

If you want it in a location where you have alot of "fat" now and the skin will need to shrink alot, you might want to wait as it may effect the outcome.

Good luck, remember - study shops, artists, and designs. This is a permanent piece of art you will carry with you for awhile. Don't do spur of the moment things, no NAMES or DATES (unless it's children, family or people who have passed on).

Also.... ink is contagious - YOU WILL WANT MORE.

I have 23 & counting :smokin:

*edited cause i no speel*

maiaroman18 · May 2013

1. Pain, where was your most/least painful tattoo located?
I have 7. I've got both shoulders (one more on the shoulder blade), entire forearm, one of my wrists, lower back, and a foot. I've sat through several 2+ hour sessions. I have a high tolerance for pain, but the one where it went over a scar and it broke open, that was a bit rough. Those pain charts aren't very accurate. I did homework during one session and fell asleep during another. But I'd say my shoulders hurt the least.

2. How many places did you visit before you got it done?
Originally went to a highly known/respected shop (knew lots of people who went there), but recently have switched to a friend who now does all of my work.

3. What would you recommend for a dark skin person? Color, location, etc.
I'm about as white as Casper the friendly ghost, so not much help there. Bicep, chest, and shoulder are always safe with men.

4. Any other recommendations, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated. I forgot to add that I am still looking to lose about 120 pounds. Should a wait before I get a tattoo?

If you're planning on losing weight, get it in a place that doesn't have a lot of fat, so it's not going to look deformed, or just wait; I had to have a tattoo touched up because it stretched during my pregnancy, and I was lucky it didn't ruin it. Other than that, shop around and make sure you absolutely LOVE it before getting it (coming from someone who's had one removed and covered up).

ETA: I know a lot of people get tattoos with their BFF or because it's the "in" thing right now. People change, and so do trends.

jsbieniek · May 2013

I just got my first tattoo at 43. It is on my shoulder. The pain was tolerable, certainly not the worst pain I've ever felt. I put a lot of time in deciding what to get because, hey it's forever! Make it count! I went to someone that a friend recommended and I had seen his work.

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