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Nothing dramatic to say here...
Okay...
So I've been a lurker for awhile... and a poster in some current dramatic life stuff...
But today I have a totally non dramatic, boring, nothing post to talk about.
I turn 30 at the end of the month. I'm planning on getting a tattoo. Something I've wanted for ...oh.... ever... and just never had the guts (or spousal/parental approval - save that for a more dramatic post later) to do.
I finally decided on a design. Two little paw prints...with a heart...and some swirly stuff (swirly stuff tbd) on my foot and leading up a bit on my ankle.
I want to go down to the shop next week. Scope out the place, talk to them about design ideas, put down a deposit.
So....two questions...
1. OHMYGOSH IS IT GOING TO HURT?!?!?!? ow ow ow ow ow! This is really the only thing stopping me now. I'm such a wussy.
2. I am in the process of trying to find a job. I have a few good ones in the pipeline. I'm hoping to have something in maybe 3 weeks - no jinxes. Should I go ahead and do it now? I would think before the job would be better than trying to do it after. Since it is on my foot, I want some healing time without shoes. The tattoo will also be in a place that I can hide with pants/socks/shoes when necessary. I'm more concerned about the timeline in healing vs. work having a problem with a tattoo.
So tell me how totally cool and awesome I am. And that it won't hurt. Okay, tell me how much it will hurt.
Re: Nothing dramatic to say here...
I don't have any tattoos but I've heard from a tattoo artist that the less fat an area has, the more the tattoo will hurt. Like rib cages and ankles.
Then again, pain is different for everyone. A girlfriend of mine got a small tat on the top of her foot and barely flinched. Another friend who had like, 12 tats already, got her ankle done and was almost in tears.
You're awesome and you're gonna be a badass mofo in that chair. And think of how good it's going to feel once it's done with.
Awesome badass mofo... I can go with that.
I got a tattoo on my hip bone so my 2c:
1. It was totally fine from the pain perspective. If you can, bring a friend to talk to you or otherwise distract you.
2. You're probably perfectly okay either way about the job. Because of the location of my tattoo, I couldn't just "let it breathe" all day and it healed normally. You should be fine to wear shoes all day until you get home.
Enjoy and happy birthday!!
How do you pay for a tattoo with no job?
ETA: ah, now I am assuming you currently have a job and are just looking for a new/better one.
Ummm...... that's a weird question.
My husband and I have always been frugal, spent many years saving 'emergency funds', and planned our finances out assuming one of us may always be out of work.
I'm splurging a bit for the 30th birthday, yes, but nothing that is going to put us under. We also are able to go out to dinner ever now and again and donate to charities on a fairly regular basis. Just financial planning, I guess.
For what it's worth, I had the same question come up in my head as I read your post. If I didn't have a job I might be thinking of other, less cosmetic things to do with the money I did have. However, given your update it seems like you've got it covered. A word to the wise: any detail like that will most likely be picked apart or questioned on the nest. All you had to say is that you want a tattoo, does it hurt etc.
I have never gotten a tat-- but I have heard it all depends on the pain factor. As others suggested bring a friend to talk you around the pain. I hope you have a good experience & Happy 30th bday!
I got one on my shoulder and it did not hurt much. But I've been told by a couple different doctors that I must have a high pain threshold (unrelated to my tattoo). Also, I think the shoulder is a relatively easy place to get one.
Just go for it! Even if it hurts, the pain only lasts while it's being done.
go to the condom section of your local store. They usually have gels with names like 'Stay Hard', 'Maintain',, etc. These have numbing agents- usually benzocaine. Choose the one with the higher % of the numbing agent.
If you are NOT allergic to benzocaine or any other 'caine you can put a thin layer of this gel over the area you want inked. Put it on about 45 minutes before you will be starting on the tattoo. Wipe it off right before you get started.
It should numb the skin so that the discomfort isn't as noticeable. Ankles are usually a bit more sensitive, anywhere with boney prominences and not much padding are. It's the same principle as using Emla type creams before starting IV's on children.
Two little cat paws... with a tiny little red heart in between them... and then some swirly stuff up and down my foot and ankle. Not sure how dramatic on that yet, still working on it.
I went to the craft store and got some stamps with the general idea. I've been stamping my foot and walking around with it. Just to make super extra sure. Trying out some different placements....stuff like that.
I am going to the tattoo shop on Monday. Have a whole list of questions for them. Hopefully put down a deposit and get some artistic/safety/healing input from them. I've been reading a lot on the internet, but nothing is going to replace asking the tattoo person themselves.