Tell me about your first tattoo

[MeltedEggMum2]

I'm thinking if getting a tattoo to commemorate a significant life change this year - splitting from my abusive stbxh. I'd like to get a small flock of birds to represent me and the DC, with a short quote from a poem by Maya Angelou, "still I rise".

I have no idea how a person designs a tattoo, or decides where to place it, or what general costs are. I'd appreciate anyone sharing their experiences!

My first one was my late partner's signature on my ribs. I have since had lots more, but that one is still my favourite because it's so meaningful.

That sounds lovely, @Bezalelle. How did the tattoo artist transfer the signature, if you don't mind my asking?

I have one tattoo, a rubbish tribal style one on the back of my shoulder that I got about 20yrs ago. It has no meaning to me and was poorly done, plus has dated badly. I am having a cover up done in 2wks time, which I am very excited about! I'm getting a tree with watercolour behind. The design is more meaningful to me, I've spent time researching it, and finding an artist who specialises in the style I like. I'm traveling 3hrs to go to this person. I hope I love it! Learn from my mistakes op :)

My first tattoo was a bit blah because I didn't do my research. I've had others subsequently and would really encourage you to look at different artists because they all have very different styles. Ask around people you know who have good tattoos and like a PP, don't be afraid to travel to the right person. Good tattoos are expensive! When you get a quote think of it in terms of cost per wear for the rest of your life. It sounds like you know what you're after which is great. I would encourage you to work with the artist so they understand what you want but also take their professional guidance e. g. on the size and placement. Good luck!

I have one on my shoulder, it is bespoke and designed by a woman who was very, very special to me.

Ask around for recommendations for an artist and seriously discuss with her or him (I opted for a female tattooist as I felt she would think like me), get it right and you will have no regrets.

Think carefully about whether you are likely to go for several. In my view an ongoing theme works better than several random ones.

Feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss in more detail.

PS: on positioning. To help the healing, try to avoid under bra strap, belt line and knicker line. And remember tummies and boobs stretch as we age.

I recently had my first tattoo. I looked on Pinterest for ideas and showed them to the tattooist. She was really good! It didn't hurt at all on my shoulder. Go for it!

I took an idea of what I wanted to the artist, he then designed something similar but out his own twist on it. It wasn’t cheap though, but was a full day sitting