First tatoo advise

[IamAporcupine]

I've decided I want to get a tatoo for my 50th birthday, but that's all I know!

Re. where - I want it somewhere where it shows but can also be covered. Maybe side od the arm or shoulder/back?

However, I am very worried about the pain, so I'd be happy to just go for the 'less painful area' (not sure if that exists!)

Re. what - I want it simple, black line, maybe with a vintage look to it. I thought of clouds, waves, keys? I want it to be meaningful but I can't find the right image!

Could anyone advise please?

I am by no means a tattoo expert, I have one above my left breast and one planned (post Covid) on the inside of my upper arm.

I was terrified about the pain plus I’m scared of needles.
The fatter the body part, the lesser the pain.

In my experience it was more of a burning sensation as it dragged through the skin, rather than the stabbing pain I expected.
Definitely not as painful as I expected.

Check any spelling.

Thanks @RunningFromInsanity

Haha, won't have any words, but thanks @user1493494961

Shoulder - nodded off when having mine!

The most painful one I had was on my chest and it got worse the closer it was to my nipple. The shin and calf is apparently very painful but Ive had both of mine done and they were fine. DW used emla cream to numb it, when she had hers done but its not as bad as you think. The tattoo artist can use the needle without ink to get you used to it if you ask. Its definitely better on a fleshier part rather than a bony part.

Several tattoo artists we have seen between us dont generally like waves or clouds as a stand alone tattoo as they are generally considered background to a bigger picture, but should still do them.

Best thing to do is google images/tattoos you like and take them to the tattoo shop. You can take elements from several pictures and a decent artist should be able to draw something original.

Placement is very individual, I have 1 on each inner forearm that go from my wrist to just below my elbow. They can be hidden with long sleeves but they are not overly noticeable either unless my arms are reaching out. Inner bicep is even less noticeable but certain designs/placements can look like wild armpit hair (if that bothers you) because the area isn't flat so you might get a slight wrap around effect.

I am an absolute shitbag with pain but managed fine with mine although they only took 60 minutes each so not particularly complex. It did sting at times and it definitely wasn't painless but nowhere near as bad as I imagined!

Do you have an artist in mind that you would like to do your tattoo? They generally love doing their own designs so you could always email with a briefing of what you would like and see what they come up with!

Decide what style you like and look for an artist that does this. Share inspiration pictures and they should be able to draw something unique to you. Make sure you've seen there work and that they're reputable.

My tattoos are both my forearms, one just on the inside, one half sleeve, one on my back and one on my foot. I love the one on my foot but it was the least comfortable. To me it felt like a cat scratch on sunburn. Not comfortable but far from agonising.

Make sure you've had something to eat and enjoy! Be warned though they are addictive.

I have quite a few tattoos, in my experience bonier areas really hurt - I have a large one on my ribs and small one on my ankle, both very painful.
Back of the arm above the elbow isn't painful at all (I fell asleep!!) and looks nice but can also be hidden easily with anything more than a short sleeve.

My friend has her shoulder done and it does look nice and she said it wasn't too painful, however be aware bras/tops can really irritate it as it heals depending where you have it, so just make sure you're prepared!

Good luck. What an awesome birthday idea.

The most painful was my wrist, Jesus Fuck it really hurt.
The least painful was my thigh.
Remember to take care of it afterwards. I liked Tattoo Goo aftercare kit Superdrug sells it.

Thanks everyone!

@RedPandaMama

Good luck. What an awesome birthday idea.

Thank you!
I am really looking forward to having it done, but it annoys me that I am totally undecided re. what!

I got mine for my 40th . Absolutely agree with finding an artist and send them your inspiration so they can work with you to design something. I got mine on the inner side of my calf, above my ankle. It felt like scratches while being done but as soon as the needle lifted off my skin the pain stopped. It felt like sunburn for a couple ofndays afterwards then just itchy. Hope you love whatever you get.

I'm getting my first tattoo on Wednes this week & am getting pretty excited. I've decided on an Unalome design to go on my back starting just below my shoulder length hair.

I like the stuff I've read about this design, like (my interpretation of if here 🙂) ... life, then crap & stuff, then finally you get to a point that you choose what makes you happy. I'm almost 63 so it's an early birthday gift to myself.

Hope yours went well OP 🙂

I disagree with previous posts. My most painful tattoos were my inner and outer thigh which are very fleshy! But I guess everybody is different. My mum hated tattoos when I first started getting them at 18 but then on her 60th birthday she decided to get one done and had a cute little stencil black dragon done on her ankle. I love it and she didn't feel any pain but it was only quick. I usually do 4 hour sittings and they floor me every time. Good luck in choosing what you want and happy birthday for whenever it is!

I'd missed the last posts!

@eenymeenyminey - congratulations on your first tattoo!
how did it go?! was it painful? would you show us it?

@indianelephant - have not decided yet . I am going through a very hard time in my life and I think I want it to relate to that, but I can't figure out how yet!

I have lots.

Most painful: spine, wrist, stomach

Least painful: inner forearm, calf, shoulder

I had my first and only on the inside of my wrist, didn't hurt at all and is mainly covered by my watch when I wear it.

I'm absolutely covered so I can comment on a huge amount of areas for pain:
Ribs : earth shatteringly bad. I have a stupidly high pain threshold and I think I passed out!!!
Hip bones& shoulder blades - not painful, I fell asleep!
Stomach - moderate but not pleasant
Thigh - fine
Upper arm - fine
Mid back / below shoulder blades, just round from ribs - surprisingly unpleasant but I'm not sure why!!
Lower back - tickly but not painful.

First thing is have an idea what you want.Google images.
Then talk to an artist,you dont have to go to the first artist.
Look around and find someone you are comfortable with.

Pain is relative.
I found the bingo wing part of your arm a killer.My foot wasnt to bad.
Actually the back of the neck was my least painful and can be easily covered up if needs be.

There are many less painful places for tattoos. For example, the designs you suggest can be done on the arm or back. You can also just relieve the pain during the tattoo. By the way, I came across a wonderful and informative article with tips on reducing pain and choosing less painful places. The article helped me relieve the pain during the first tattoo, I think she will help you: ink-match.com/least-painful-place-to-get-a-tattoo/